12 Creative Camper Van Business Ideas For 2024

Updated: July 12th, 2024

Would you like to start your own camper van business or earn money on the side, but still need to find the right business idea?

There will be countless exciting business ideas again in 2021. While it sounds exciting to start your own business, it's important that you run with the right idea.

Your goal should be to build a business in a niche that is not only profitable but can also ensure your long-term success.

Hopefully, all of the camper van business ideas listed here will give you inspiration and a head start for the 2021 year.

Here they are:



1. Start a food delivery business

In today’s busy lifestyles and schedules, cooking is no longer a priority to many. People like to order-in food from their nearest restaurants or food joints and enjoy a meal in the comfort of their homes.

The food delivery business is like a courier service through which restaurants deliver food to their customers.

You can offer retail food delivery services to restaurants within your locality if you have a truck. Customers order through a restaurant or grocer’s website, and the owners contact you to deliver.

How much you can make: $14,000 — $1,800,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Took Food Trucks Corporate And Built A $18M Business

Food Fleet grew over 160% in just one year and managed over 20 million in sales for its clients, securing multiple contracts with the likes of Sodexo, Levy Restaurants and more, due to its understanding of catering client needs and its advanced turnkey and design services.

Read by 15,654 founders

2. Start a campervan transformation service

Turn your passion for adventure into a business with campervan transformation services. This venture focuses on converting standard vans into cozy, customized campervans, making road trips and nomadic lifestyles more accessible.

Starting this business involves more than just a love for DIY projects. You'll need skills in carpentry, electrical work, and a keen eye for design. Sourcing quality materials and understanding customers' unique needs will be crucial for creating functional, durable, and stylish mobile homes.

The demand for campervan transformations has grown as more people seek freedom and flexibility in their travel plans. With a well-executed van conversion, you offer an appealing alternative to conventional travel, making a mark in an ever-expanding market.

Investing in this business means not only delivering a service but also helping others realize their dream of exploring the world on their terms. If you’re ready for hands-on work and creative problem-solving, this could be your next adventure.

How much you can make: $220,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How We Started A $8K/Month Business Transforming Campervans While Traveling

Bryan+Jen Danger broke away from the 9-5 to create ZENVANZ, where they create campervan conversions, and their bootstrapped business now makes $8k a month with no marketing costs.

Read by 11,135 founders

3. Start a camper van magazine business

4. Start an antique camper van boutique business

5. Start a camper van rental business

Dream of turning wanderlust into a business? Consider a camper van rental venture. This idea is straightforward: you buy camper vans, refurbish them for comfort and functionality, and rent them out to adventure enthusiasts.

With the growing interest in road trips and off-the-grid experiences, a camper van rental business taps into a market that values flexibility and nature. Picture this: offering a fully-equipped, cozy home on wheels for travelers keen on exploring scenic routes without hotel hassles.

Initial investments will cover purchasing and outfitting the vans, plus setting up an online booking system. The crucial work involves maintaining the fleet, crafting compelling travel itineraries, and marketing your unique offerings on platforms like Instagram and Airbnb.

By providing an alternative to traditional travel, a camper van rental business allows you to meet the surge in outdoor vacations and capture the spirit of freedom in travel.

How much you can make: $10,000/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How We Started A Camper Van Rental Business and Quit Our Full Time Jobs

ROAMERICA, a campervan rental company founded by Taylor Hood and Gretchen Bayless who quit their full-time jobs to focus on their business and have expanded their fleet quickly to meet the demand of adventure-seeking customers, with most of their web traffic coming from organic Google searches and a focus on social media and brand awareness.

Read by 37,457 founders

6. Start a camper van pop-up cafe business

Imagine enjoying a fresh cup of coffee while gazing at stunning landscapes. A camper van pop-up café makes this experience possible. This business involves converting a camper van into a mobile café, offering coffee, snacks, and a touch of coziness wherever you go.

Picture setting up shop in scenic locations like parks and beaches, attracting both locals and tourists. Your customers aren’t just buying coffee; they’re getting an experience, a unique moment amid their daily routines or travels.

Running a camper van café requires a blend of mobility, adaptability, and passion for both hospitality and travel. Location scouting, permits, and regular restocking are daily tasks. The charm lies in its flexibility and the ability to create a loyal customer base simply by being where people naturally gather.

If you’re looking to brew your own path and have the drive to manage a rolling café, this might be your perfect venture.

How much you can make: $15,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

We Built A Coffee Shop In A Van That Makes $180K/Year

This case study follows the co-founder of Camper Cafe, a mobile coffee van business which started as a hobby and now has 6 units that supply the UK's biggest sporting events, commercial and film shoots, generating around £150k from working only 70 days of the year.

Read by 6,747 founders

7. Start a camper van bar business

Turn a vintage camper van into a unique and mobile bar to create memorable experiences for your customers. The concept is simple: retrofit a camper van with all the necessities of a bar and bring the party to various locations.

Imagine pulling up to private events, festivals, or busy city corners, offering curated beverages and a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere. The flexibility of this business model is appealing; you’re not tied to one location and can adapt to different themes and customer preferences.

Getting started requires thoughtful planning—securing a suitable van, getting the necessary permits, and setting up a supply chain for drinks and bar essentials. But the effort can be rewarding. You’ll have the chance to create a one-of-a-kind service that stands out in the traditional bar scene, all while fostering a growing community of loyal patrons who eagerly anticipate your next stop.

How much you can make: $15,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

We Built A Coffee Shop In A Van That Makes $180K/Year

This case study follows the co-founder of Camper Cafe, a mobile coffee van business which started as a hobby and now has 6 units that supply the UK's biggest sporting events, commercial and film shoots, generating around £150k from working only 70 days of the year.

Read by 6,747 founders

8. Sell camper van conversion kits

Ready to tap into the rising trend of van life? Consider selling camper van conversion kits. This business involves providing DIY kits that customers can use to transform ordinary vans into cozy, mobile homes.

The concept is simple: design, assemble, and sell kits that include all the necessary components to convert a van, such as insulation, shelving, and kitchen elements. You’ll need an understanding of both van models and interior design to create kits that cater to different needs and preferences.

Interest in the van life movement is booming, offering a substantial market. People seek freedom and the ability to travel without sacrificing the comforts of home. With the right planning, you can provide aspiring adventurers with the tools they need to hit the road.

Starting a business in camper van conversion kits requires hands-on work, including sourcing materials and ensuring each kit is easy to assemble. However, the growing demand makes it a compelling opportunity.

How much you can make: $220,000 — $1,200,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How We Started A $8K/Month Business Transforming Campervans While Traveling

Bryan+Jen Danger broke away from the 9-5 to create ZENVANZ, where they create campervan conversions, and their bootstrapped business now makes $8k a month with no marketing costs.

Read by 11,135 founders

9. Start a camper van conversion business

10. Start a camper glamping business

11. Start a camper van rental insurance business

12. Start a camper van dealership business

meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.