Cars

Forbidden fruit: Take a look at the Volkswagen California camper van

We were lucky enough to go camping in our dream van. Bummer it won't be coming to the United States.

Emme Hall

I love two-seater, RWD convertibles and own a 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata for pavement fun and a lifted 2001 Miata for pre-running. I race air-cooled Volkswagens in desert races like the Mint 400 and the Baja 1000. I have won the Rebelle Rally, seven-day navigational challenge, twice and I am the only driver to compete in an EV, the Rivian R1T.

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Emme Hall

May 22, 2018 5:00 a.m. PT

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The 2018 Volkswagen California T6 camper van is only available overseas, but we got to spend a few days with it on the West Coast as part of its 30th birthday celebration.

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The California is the pop-top camper you've been missing in your life.

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Parked next to a 1982 VW Westfalia, you can see how much more sleek it's become over the years.

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Both front seats can be turned around to face the dining table, although the driver's side is a bit tougher to manipulate.

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The table can fold down and slide away when not in use.

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The bench seat folds out into a bed that's big enough for two.

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The ultimate road-trip comfort: a refrigerator.

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The kitchen is completed by a two-burner gas stove and a small sink.

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Cupboards and a cutlery drawer can keep it all organized.

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There is no toilet in the California van, but there is a (cold) shower.

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If the California van were imported into the States, it would be very pricey. A base model would start around $51,000 while a fully-kitted out van would be about $108,000. Keep scrolling for more photos of this road-trip warrior.