Outdoorsy memberHost since April 2017

Communication

5.0

67% 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

Communication

5.0

67% response rateTypically responds in less than 6 hours

1 RV available to rent

Balou - 2021 Mercedes-Benz SprinterCamper vanSeats 2, Sleeps 220 ft
Berkeley, CA
5 (21)

Memories made on trips with Nikolaus Pelka's RVs

See all reviews

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.The van is very thoughtfully laid out and stocked. It is truly meant to be able to pick up and go. We had all equipment needed for cooking. We used the portable 2 burner stove and kitchen equipment every night for some outdoor cooking. Beyond that they had very thoughtful items throughout the van, such as, reading lights in the bed area, laundry money, bug spray, portable lights, sails for shade, and much more.

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

Katherine V.

5.0October 2024

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Unforgettable Camper Van Experience with Incredible Hosts!

3 Photos submitted by Katherine V

Peter R.

5.0September 2024

We had a great weekend trip in Balou. Comfortable bed, space for our puppy, all the items you really need, and easy pick up and drop off. We will definitely be renting again.

Kristian C.

5.0September 2024

Nikolaus was a fantastic host, very thorough in our initial walkthrough and accommodating (he met us at the BART station!). The van itself was amazing, Lots of little details that clearly had been thought through. Would highly recommend!

Lisa M.

5.0September 2024

A great van for a coastal California adventure.

Sahar A.

5.0September 2024

Balou was perfect. So comfortable. Niko has thought of most everything in terms of convenience and logistics. I slept so well. It was never too cold or too hot. The battery was efficient. And it was easy to drive. Niko was great to work with. Thank you again!

Communication

About Nikolaus's RV rentals

Communication

1 RV available to rent

Memories made on trips with Nikolaus Pelka's RVs

Download Outdoorsy app

Outdoorsy

Guest travel

Hosting

Support