5.0
Outdoorsy memberHost since April 2017
73% response rateTypically responds in less than 6 hours
About Nikolaus's RV rentals
Thanks for your interest in our campervan Balou! We are Niko & Annette, the owners of Balou. Over the years, we have rented campervans in many countries and continents for wonderful vacations, including a couple times here to explore the natural beauty of California. In early 2022, on a trip to Joshua Tree NP, we were -aside from the incredible landscape and vegetation- so intrigued by the VanCraft conversion of the Sprinter van we had rented, that we pretty much on the spot decided to purchase our own van from the company. By then we had moved to San Francisco and were (and are) eager to get to know the West Coast better. We have made so many great trips and experiences renting vans that it also was clear from the get-go that we wanted other people to enjoy our van and the incredibly diversity of this region! Hope you decide to take your trip in Balou, but it any case, have a great adventure! Niko & Annette
5.0
Outdoorsy memberHost since April 2017
73% response rateTypically responds in less than 6 hours
1 RV available to rent
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Memories made on trips with Nikolaus Pelka's RVs
Lindsay S.
5.0June 2026
Where do we even begin?
The moment we first laid eyes on Balou, we knew we were in for something special. And the second we drove her through the streets of Berkeley, that feeling only grew stronger. It quickly became clear that this wasn't just a van—it was a labor of love.
You can feel the care Niko and Annette poured into every inch of Balou. From the little teddy bear waiting to greet us to the thoughtfully designed cupboards, every detail tells a story. Nothing was overlooked. We didn’t have to worry about purchasing a thing. Everything we needed was already in the van.
Even from hundreds of miles away, we felt completely taken care of. Niko was very thorough when going through the van with us, even having an app of their own so we could get comfortable before the trip. He went over how the van ran and all its operations so we can feel comfortable and confidant on our journey. Niko and Annette were attentive, kind, and endlessly inspiring throughout the entire journey. They trusted two complete strangers with something they'd built with so much love, and that trust made the experience even more meaningful.
We thought two weeks in Balou would have been enough... but honestly, we could have lived in her forever. This trip has inspired us to build a van of our own someday, and that's a gift we'll carry with us long after the miles have faded.
Thank you, Niko and Annette, for being more than hosts. Thank you for creating a space that invited adventure, comfort, and connection—not just with the road, but with ourselves and each other. We'll always be grateful for the care you put into every detail and for sharing Balou with us.
This journey is one we'll never forget, and we can't wait for others to experience the magic of Balou and discover their own journey within her, too.
The moment we first laid eyes on Balou, we knew we were in for something special. And the second we drove her through the streets of Berkeley, that feeling only grew stronger. It quickly became clear that this wasn't just a van—it was a labor of love.
You can feel the care Niko and Annette poured into every inch of Balou. From the little teddy bear waiting to greet us to the thoughtfully designed cupboards, every detail tells a story. Nothing was overlooked. We didn’t have to worry about purchasing a thing. Everything we needed was already in the van.
Even from hundreds of miles away, we felt completely taken care of. Niko was very thorough when going through the van with us, even having an app of their own so we could get comfortable before the trip. He went over how the van ran and all its operations so we can feel comfortable and confidant on our journey. Niko and Annette were attentive, kind, and endlessly inspiring throughout the entire journey. They trusted two complete strangers with something they'd built with so much love, and that trust made the experience even more meaningful.
We thought two weeks in Balou would have been enough... but honestly, we could have lived in her forever. This trip has inspired us to build a van of our own someday, and that's a gift we'll carry with us long after the miles have faded.
Thank you, Niko and Annette, for being more than hosts. Thank you for creating a space that invited adventure, comfort, and connection—not just with the road, but with ourselves and each other. We'll always be grateful for the care you put into every detail and for sharing Balou with us.
This journey is one we'll never forget, and we can't wait for others to experience the magic of Balou and discover their own journey within her, too.
6 Photos submitted by Lindsay S
Jingyue L.
5.0May 2026
We were fortunate to spend a birthday trip in Balou traveling to the national parks. The van is sparkling clean, in great condition, and has all of the necessities and amenities we needed for our for van trip, and we fell in love with it immediately. Niko was super nice and explained everything in detail to us, gave us tips and tricks as well to make our trip really easy and enjoyable. Would recommend to anyone that's interested in renting!
Peter W.
5.0May 2026
This is my second Balou trip, both times have been effortless. The van is very well stocked, well cared for, and easy to drive. Nikolaus has been equally helpful, easy-going, and flexible. Can’t recommend more enthusiastically.
Andrea D.
5.0April 2026
It was almost too easy and pleasant to borrow Balou... a pleasure from start to finish. Niko was extremely easy to communicate with, Balou was a dream—clean, easy to drive, and easy to care for. I hope we won't be strangers to this perfect van. 🤩
Sean C.
5.0April 2026
Nikolaus was great to work with, especially on short notice. The Sprinter was clean, well-maintained, and had everything we needed for a week up the California and Oregon coast. Easy pickup and dropoff process. Would definitely rent from him again!
Pablo O.
5.0September 2025
Balou was a great part of our National Park experience and trip, Niko does a great job preserving the van as if it was new, he has every detailed ticked so everything works perfectly. Just great!
2 Photos submitted by Pablo O
Ethan L.
5.0August 2025
This was an amazing trip in large part due to a great van and amazing hosts. Our trip planning hit a snag when our previous reservation was canceled as the van was in the shop due to damage from the prior booking. With 7 days to go we had to pivot quickly.
4 Photos submitted by Ethan L
Mandi M.
5.0July 2025
We had a fantastic trip with Balou! Super easy to drive, provides a quiet cozy ride with all the necessities. The van is so thoughtfully designed and outfitted, it had everything we needed - we only brought food, toiletries, and clothes and were good to go for four nights at campgrounds. The bed and shower are both fantastic. Nikolaus clearly explained the van operation and features so we felt fully prepared and ready for the road. Would definitely rent again and recommend to friends - thank you Nikolaus!
Waring W.
5.0June 2025
Just finished another trip in the van - it is super clean, organized and comfortable and has everything you need. Nikolaus is a great host - we love him! Looking forward to our next trip in the van in October!
Waring W.
5.0June 2025
This was our third time renting the van and we are renting it again next month. It really has everything you need and the is so well laid out and stocked. We love it & love Nikolaus too :)
Stephanie R.
5.0May 2025
Everything was absolutely INCREDIBLE! This was our first camper van trip and everything was impeccable from start to finish. Communication with Niko was phenomenal and the van was very user friendly. 1,000/10 would recommend to anyone!!!!! We will absolutely be renting again in the future. Thank you!
5 Photos submitted by Stephanie R
Kayla K.
5.0May 2025
We had a great adventure with Balou on our recent trip! This was our second time renting this van, and just as before, Balou made our journey incredibly easy and comfortable. Communication with Niko was seamless; he provided very clear instructions that made everything straightforward. Our family of four rented the van for a quick getaway, and it contained everything we needed, perfectly organized. We were able to pack our clothes, grab the van, and hit the road without a hitch. Highly recommend!
Elizabeth F.
5.0April 2025
Niko is a super kind and helpful host! Balou is the most comfortable van experience I’ve had yet. Special perks include heater, comfy bed, ample storage space, large fridge, electric kettle, induction stove, easy to drive, and the design itself is peaceful to be in! We appreciated all the thoughtfulness with included supplies like towels, camp chairs, charging cables, all the basic cooking supplies you’d need like oil and Tupperware ;) we had a great time in Yosemite!
Dana A.
5.0January 2025
The camper van and host were both excellent! The resources that Nikolaus prepped for the camper van were super clear and helpful. It was a wonderful experience all around. The van was comfortable and in great working order with everything I needed for a great trip. Nikolaus was very responsive and made the whole process smooth and easy. Would definitely rent Balou again!
Crystal P.
5.0December 2024
My husband and I had a wonderful experience renting Baloo, the Sprinter van. Niko was incredibly helpful and responsive in answering questions, both before and after booking. The camper was fully stocked with anything we would possibly need for our four night adventure. the bed was very comfortable and the vehicle drove like a dream. I give this my highest recommendation!
Jeffrey M.
5.0November 2024
Beyond our expectations. Absolutely the best!
1 Photo submitted by Jeffrey M
