Owner Banner

About Basecamper Vans

At Basecamper Vans, we enjoy travel as much as you do. The vehicles we build and rent incorporate the design features we've refined over the years visiting National Parks and exploring the wide open spaces of the American West ourselves. The service we provide makes it convenient for you, your family, or group of friends to arrive in town and hit the road. Need advice on what to see or do? Ski or ride? Hike or climb? We can help. Our comfortable depot is located on a major street 15 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport, within a stones throw of a light rail stop that leaves Terminal 1 every 15 minutes -- or a $15.00 Lyft ride. Our orientation process ensures you start your trip off right. We take pride in the vehicles we build and rent, right here at our shop in Salt Lake City, and look forward to being part of your vacation. --

4.7
Outdoorsy memberDealer since February 2016

Communication
5

72% response rateTypically responds in less than 12 hours

Memories made on trips with Basecamper Vans's RVs


Lorna V.

3July 2020

There is not a good way to communicate with Basecamper other than through Outdoorsy, and they don't seem to respond to messages here either. Still trying...

Carol W.

5September 2019

This van was fantastic. Our 7-year-old loved the "penthouse" sleeper and it was easy to set up. The van had everything and the stove was easy to use, the cold drinks were wonderful after a hot hike. The van easy handled the roads through the national parks and was easy to park. Matt was a great communicator and flexible with our arrival time.

Mark S.

2August 2019

The van was great and met our needs for our 10 day tour of national parks. Unfortunately, our experience with Basecamper owner/operators Matt and Mark were not great.
One of the determining factors in renting from Basecampers was the 8' awning that was listed as included equipment with the van we rented. Upon delivery of the van, the awning was missing. When brought to the attention of Mark, the owner from whom we took delivery, he said that not all their vans have awnings and there was nothing he could do to get us a vehicle with an awning. We explained to him that this was not an acceptable answer and that it was major factor in picking this van. He apologized and insisted there was no way to get an awning that day, so we asked about a refund for this portion of our rental, he said he's not the one able to make that decision, that he would have to talk to Matt, the other owner who was in Alaska at the time. Prior to our departure, we agreed that we'd take it up with Matt upon our return and were told this wouldn't be an issue. Off we went on our 10 day adventure.
Upon arrival back to Basecampers, we checked in with Matt. He did a walk around and recorded the mileage and found everything in good standing. We then brought up the missing awning. He aggressively stated, “You are not getting any money back. Period.” We were obviously confused by this as the awning was listed as included equipment and Mark gave us the impression this would not be an issue, so we asked “Why not?” He then became visibly agitated. His hands were trembling and he was turning red. He replied with “I’m so tired of people coming in here trying to nickel and dime me.” Trust me, if we were trying to nickel and dime this company, we would have brought up all of the missing items listed below. We attempted to have a civilized conversation suggesting that we work out a compromise with our mileage overage (we owed about $305) or maybe he could us a refund of $10/day, nothing excessive. He flat out told us that there was no way we were receiving a refund for anything, that we signed a contract when we took delivery of the van, and any missing equipment should have been brought up at that time. We expressed that we did bring it up to Mark at delivery, and he said, "I guess Mark and I are playing Good Cop, Bad Cop but you would have found something wrong with any van I gave you." He then suggested that we should have refused delivery and should have just left at that time. We flew in from the east coast and his solution to the missing awning was to refuse delivery and simply leave?!?!? At this point, the conversation became less civilized and he told us the “get the f**k out of his shop.” We left and were never given the opportunity to sign any return agreement.
Just to be clear: We have a lot of experience with overlanding. We have a built-out van and truck. We are not novices to this type of travel and know what is needed and what to expect out of this type of vehicle. But since we had limited vacation time, we decided to fly out and rent a vehicle. We chose to work with Basecamper because of what was listed on their website as included equipment. I have screenshots of what’s was included at the time of our reservation because I sent them to my wife. They have since modified the description of what’s included with their vans so hopefully future renters will have a better experience as they know what it is lacking upfront.
Our exchange with Matt left a foul taste in our mouths and I can only warn others on here, if you choose to use these guys, make sure you review everything from the list on their description prior to accepting delivery of the van. And have a backup plan. You might want to print out this review as well so you know what isn’t included and you can stop by REI and pick them up before leaving for your trip.

Paul H.

5September 2018

Matt and Jenn were solid and reliable folks in making my quick getaway happen. Communication was on spot and not over-bearing, the vehicle was ready to go when promised and appropriately outfitted, and the location is a breeze for those going to Salt Lake. The Dodge Promaster I rented was well laid out, in tip-top condition, and sipped gas. It made my run up to Jackson Hole a real pleasure. I'd be quick to do business with Matt again should I find myself in Salt Lake,

1 Photo submitted by Paul H.

Chris H.

5September 2018

A great option for seeing the national parks! We had a group of 3 friends traveling for 8 days and the van was definitely a good value. Basecamper provided water, a yeti cooler, and a full camp kitchen, as well as sleeping bags, cushions, etc. The van is spacious and easy to drive, and we even got decent gas mileage for the trip (around 25-26 miles per gallon with the a/c going strong). A much better option than carrying our camping gear cross-country.

Kathleen M.

5July 2018

Owner was responsive, friendly and clear about his vehicle. Vehicle was in excellent condition and perfect for our camping trip. All items included were useful and convenient, making it easier for us to pack for our trip.

1 Photo submitted by Kathleen M.

Salih J.

5June 2018

This trip was awesome! We rented a Mark 2 and it was perfect for my wife and I. We took this thing everywhere in Yellowtone. We were able to get camp sites at every park without reserving before or getting up early because of the size of the vehicle. The vehicle had everything we needed to cook full meals at the campsite! We ate one meal at a restaurant everything else was cooked, so the gear you receive is more than enough to camp for months! Once concern was that it was bit cold so they could use a larger blanket since it was kind of hard to cover both of us, even though we are small people!

1 Photo submitted by Salih J.

Jean-michel G.

5August 2017

Amazing service, everything you need is in there. I recommend it to friends and family.

Mike E.

5July 2017

The van was in good shape, just as described. Matt was very easy to work with and a great communicator. We had a great time and hope we the chance to do it again.

Stepan Z.

5July 2017

J’ai surtout beaucoup apprécié la capacité de Matt de répondre très rapidement à mes différentes demandes de précisions concernant le van et son équipement.
De même sa disponibilité pour venir me chercher à l’aéroport de Salt Lake City, d’autant plus que l’adresse de son entreprise n’est plus à jour sur les documents électroniques relatifs à la réservation du véhicule.
Quant au TAN VAN proprement dit, il s’est montré facile à conduire et assez confortable pour 2 personnes durant toute la visite de Yellowstone.

Katrina K.

4July 2017

Rented Baby Blue Van.
Heater didn't work, but all else did. Recommend checking all parts before leaving.
Also, staff will abide by contract, but was promised ride to hotel after drop-off, both in an email and orally, but was not provided. Reimbursed for half of Uber cost.
Very difficult to find a car wash that will accommodate van, for cleaning before drop-off. Take this into consideration when timing drop-off.

Benoit C.

4June 2017

It starts with Matt who has beens very kind, clear and always helpful, from the beginning to the end. Then everything went as expected, no surprise. The van itself rides well and is well equipped. Just a few very small things could be added (vegetables peeler, lighter...). Thé bed is a bit small but the fact that there was a heater and the stove in the van is just great. That was one of the best rental experience we have ever had. Thanks

Peter A.

5May 2017

Clean, convenient, and comfortable. I thought renting a van would be a good idea, but when the weather turned stormy and the wind was howling, I *knew* it was a good idea.

Sheena M.

5January 2017

Fantastic! We had such a great trip and the van was perfect.

Robert H.

5November 2016

Awesome experience!

Matthew K.

5November 2016

Baby Blue was home as we toured National Parks. It had everything we needed and more. Great people at Bascamper Vans and it shows in their service. Thanks!