A comfortable camper suitable for the highlands | Experienced campers | 2024 model
The VW California 4×4 Automatic hits the sweet spot between compact budget campers and full-size motorhomes. It gives you more comfort, better equipment, and true 4×4 capability than a basic camper, while staying easier to drive, park, and handle on Iceland’s roads than a larger motorhome. With the 2024 model, you get clear expectations and a proven campervan that balances practicality with comfort.
Ideal for couples or small families wanting F-road access without the bulk of a larger vehicle, the California sleeps up to four people and comes fully equipped for life on the road. You’ll have kitchen essentials, bedding, a cooler, heating for cold nights, and a flexible dining setup for both indoor and outdoor meals. The rear seats fold into a bed for two, while the pop-up roof creates extra sleeping space, making it a smart choice for travelers who want freedom, comfort, and capability in one compact package.
F-Road Capability
The VW California 4×4 Automatic is a great fit for travelers who want access to selected Icelandic F-roads and easier highland routes in Iceland without moving up to a larger, bulkier vehicle. It performs well on more accessible interior routes such as Route 35 (Kjölur) and Route 550 (Kaldidalur), where 4×4 traction and compact size are a real advantage. More demanding roads, including F249 and tougher sections of F208, are not suitable for this camper due to rougher terrain, deeper obstacles, and river-crossing risk.
Suitable for easier Iceland F-roads such as Route 35 Kjölur and Route 550 Kaldidalur.
Compact 4×4 setup makes it easier to handle than a larger highland vehicle on selected routes.
Not recommended for F249 or the more challenging parts of F208.
No river crossings permitted, even with insurance coverage.
The VW California 4×4 Automatic is ideal for travelers who want a comfortable, capable camper for both everyday touring and light Highland exploration. It strikes a strong balance between space, drivability, and 4×4 access, making it a great option for trips that combine the Ring Road with select Highland routes.
More interior space and dual sleeping areas than the Dacia Duster camper, making it better suited to families or longer journeys.
Easier to drive, park, and live with than a Toyota Hilux camper, with better fuel economy and a more car-like feel.
A great fit for travelers planning to combine paved roads with selected Highland driving.
What´s Included / Specification
Seats 5
Sleeps 4
2 Double beds (upper bed 120 x 200 cm) (lower bed 145 x 180 cm)
4 Sleeping bags, bed sheets, and pillows
Webasto heating system
EHU heater
12V auxiliary battery, 230V campsite plug-in.
Chairs & a camping table
Pots, pans, dishes, and cutlery
Camping Gas & portable stove
Cooler box
Extra leg room
Radio/CD/MP3/USB
Unlimited miles/kilometers
CDW Insurance
Free shuttle service from the Keflavík Airport
Awning available (Jun-Aug) | Only by request, as it is not suitable or recommended for Icelandic conditions
Why Book Your VW California 4×4 with Rent.is?
Renting the VW California with Rent.is means getting a camper that is ready for real Iceland travel, backed by straightforward pricing, practical extras, and local support when you need it.
24/7 support – Travel with peace of mind knowing our team is available around the clock if anything unexpected comes up on the road.
Unlimited mileage – Drive Iceland at your own pace without keeping an eye on distance limits.
No hidden fees – CDW insurance and local VAT are included, so there are no surprise charges added later.
Camping essentials included – Bedding, cooking equipment, chairs, table, cooler box, stove, and water tank are all part of the rental.
Free Keflavík airport shuttle – Simple pick-up and drop-off make arrival and departure easier.
Local knowledge – Get guidance from people who understand Icelandic roads, weather, and camper travel conditions.
What Travelers Loved About the VW California
“We had a great experience renting a campervan. Staff were very helpful and the process was very smooth. The campervan was just as described and had the bedding and cookware that we needed for our trip. Pick-up and drop-off was straightforward and I would definitely rent with them again!”
Lakan Thomas via Google Reviews
“Easy Transfer via Shuttle Service to/from the airport.
Camper in good condition, everything clean and easy to use. Even in -20° nights with strong winds it was more than warm enough.
All the necessary camping equipment was in the van, so easy to prepare some meals.
No problem to return the camper very early in the morning, took only a few minutes.
Great experience, would recommend checking them out.”
Lukas via Google Reviews
See Where the VW California Can Take You
From scenic coastal roads to unique Highland routes and peaceful campsites, the VW California 4×4 is designed for travelers who want to explore Iceland with more comfort, flexibility, and confidence.
Winter vs. Summer Rentals
The VW California 4×4 Automatic is best understood as two campers in one: a spacious summer campervan rental for four, and a more compact winter camper Iceland option for two. Seasonal conditions make a big difference to comfort, especially in the pop-up sleeping area, so this camper is at its most versatile in the warmer months.
Summer (May–Sep): Best for up to 4 people, with the pop-up tent fully usable and access to selected highland routes.
Winter (Oct–Apr): Best for 2 people, with more focus on the Ring Road and accessible routes rather than highland travel.
Heating: Webasto heating keeps the lower cabin warm, while the upper pop-up tent remains canvas only and less insulated.
Technical Specifications
Vehicle type: VW California 4×4
Model year: 2024
Fuel type: Diesel
Fuel consumption: 7-8L/100km
Transmission: Automatic
Seating capacity: 5
Sleeping capacity: 4
Bed sizes: 2 double beds (upper bed 120 x 200 cm) (lower bed 145 x 180 cm)
F-road access: Yes, on permitted roads and in suitable conditions
Audio and connectivity: Radio / CD / MP3 / USB
Heating system: Webasto heating system
Explainer video
Check out how this all-time favorite camper works — inside and out.
Video instructions
See it in action
Floor plan
Included
1. Chairs
2. Kitchenware
3. Stove
4. Cooler
5. Heating control
6. Foldable table
See Inside the VW California
Get a feel for the inside of the VW California 4×4 Automatic, from the sleeping areas and seating layout to the practical features that make everyday camper travel easier. These photos highlight the comfort, space, and smart design that make it well-suited to touring Iceland.
Real-World Trip Planning
The VW California 4×4 Automatic is well-suited to an Iceland road trip campervan itinerary because it stays simple to live with day to day. For camper van travel in Iceland, the key is planning around its compact setup: solid driving range, basic water storage, and regular campsite stops for facilities.
The 70L fuel tank gives you an estimated range of around 900 km, depending on road conditions, load, and driving style.
With a 10L water tank and a small cooler box, it makes sense to shop for groceries every 2–3 days.
The pop-up roof can be set up quickly, making roadside camp setup simple after a long day of driving.
After the roof and ceiling have been extended, most people will be able to stand upright; the interior height is roughly 2 meters at the tallest point.
The tent is usable in most weather conditions. However, the tent is only water-resistant, and in a rainstorm, water can seep through. The wind limit for the tent is 20m/sec.
This model does not have a built-in kitchen. The van does come with cooking supplies and a table.
With normal usage, a full battery can last around 8 hours. More usage will drain the battery faster. If needed the van can be plugged into campsite electricity and power the campervan.
Not on all Icelandic F-roads. The VW California is best suited to easier Highland routes such as Route 35 (Kjölur) and Route 550 (Kaldidalur). More challenging roads like F249 and parts of F208 should be avoided, and river crossings are never permitted, even with insurance. For route ideas, see our guide to safe highland routes in Iceland.
The VW California sits in the middle of our 4×4 camper range. Compared with the Hilux, it is less rugged but more comfortable and easier to drive. Compared with the Dacia Duster, it offers more space and a better living setup, but at a higher price point. It is the ideal choice for travelers who want a balance of comfort, practicality, and 4×4 capability.
Yes, the VW California is suitable for winter camping for 2 people. The heating system keeps the lower cabin warm, but the pop-up roof tent is not recommended in winter because it is canvas-only and much colder. For winter trips, we recommend using the lower sleeping area and focusing on the Ring Road and other accessible routes.
The VW California comes with a portable stove and camping gas, cooler box, 10L water tank, and basic cookware, dishes, and cutlery — enough for simple campsite cooking rather than full indoor meal prep. The included gas is typically enough for light everyday cooking on a short trip, but this will depend on how often you cook and what you make. If you need more, extra gas canisters can be picked up at petrol stations, camping stores, and some supermarkets in Iceland. Because this model has no built-in kitchen, it is best suited to straightforward meals like breakfast, pasta, soups, and one-pan dishes rather than elaborate cooking.
If 4 people are traveling in the VW California, it is best to pack light and compact. Choose soft duffel bags or backpacks instead of large suitcases, and focus on essentials such as warm layers, waterproof outerwear, sturdy footwear, toiletries, swimwear, towels, chargers, and a small day pack. With all 4 berths in use, interior storage is more limited, so packing efficiently will make the camper much more comfortable to live in.
