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Van Life Guide for Beginners: Traveling Around the United States in a Campervan

Written By Bastian Graf

The best way to see North America is on a road trip. Whether you’re planning a road trip and plan to rent a campervan or RV or you’re considering becoming a full-time van lifer, we have you covered. We’ve put together a full guide covering do’s and don’ts, great tips, and expert recommendations for traveling around the United States by road.

Download the full guide here

The best way to see North America is on a road trip. Whether you’re planning a road trip and plan to rent a campervan or RV or you’re considering becoming a full-time van lifer, we...

Here’s what you can find in this Guide:

1. Best Campervan Rentals

• Campervans or Conversion Vans

2. Tips for Campervan Travel 

Plan Out Your Route

Be prepared on the road, must-have travel apps.

• Campervan/Minivan Maintenance

Campervanning = Minimalism so Pack Smart

3. Budget Travel Tips to Save Money on Your Campervan Trip

4. Campervan Travel Guide – Road Trips To Consider

5. Best Campsites or RV Parks to Visit in the US

6. Van Life Tips – Best Places to…?

Take Selfies

Go Stargazing

• Watch the Sunsets

Best Campervan Rentals

Fridge vs. no fridge – lots of space vs. not so much space – proper campervan vs. minivan … decisions decisions decisions.

Renting a car or campervan for the first time can be pretty daunting, and with so many options out there, it can be hard to decide on what’s the best van is for you. Read on for top tips and expert advice on how to find the right vehicle for you.

Here are a few questions you should ask yourself.

• What am I most comfortable driving?
• How many people are in my group?
• What is my overall budget for this road trip?
• Do I prefer to sleep in a vehicle or a tent?

Answering those simple questions will help you to decide between renting a campervan or minivan.

Minivan Rentals

These dependable vehicles are cheap, reliable, and, most importantly, easy to pick up all over the country. We recommend minivans for:

• Travelers who are happy to fold down the seats and throw a mattress in the back of the van.  Packing a tent is also an option.
• Travelers on a budget – minivans are cheaper vehicles to run than campervans or RVs .
• Groups of people who are traveling together (this is a great way to save on the cost of fuel)
• People who are planning to mix it up between camping and staying in hotels .

Campervan Rentals

The perfect vehicle for groups of two who are planning on living on the road, experiencing the van life, for the length of their road trip.

We recommend campervans for:

• People who have a bigger budget to spend on a vehicle
• Travelers who prefer their home comforts such as the fridge, kitchen sink, and gas stove.
• Travelers who are planning on sleeping in their vehicle every night, and are looking for a little more room.
• Travelers who are considering van living as a lifestyle

*Bonus – Some campervans have solar panels!  Having solar panels means you have less of a need to stay at a powered campsite to recharge the batteries for your fridge & lights!

Still not sure what vehicle to rent? Check out our articles  6 Reasons to Rent a Minivan for your Next Road Trip and  6 Reasons Renting a Campervan is the Best Way to Travel the USA .

Tips for Campervan Travel

Traveling around in a campervan is a brand new experience to many people, so we thought we’d put together some tips to ensure that your trip around the USA with Travelers Autobarn is the ultimate, stress-free road trip!

The United States is vast, and you won’t be the first road tripper to look at Google Maps and underestimate how long it will take you to drive from one place to another. But, while you still want to keep some degree of spontaneity in your trip, it’s ideal to have a rough idea of where you want to travel to, the route you want to take, and how long it will take you to get there. If you are going through larger cities, try to avoid rush hour traffic, or you may get delayed for hours.

Have a rough plan of where you want to go, your must-see sites, and where you plan to stay each night will help you stay on budget, be more relaxed, and have a more enjoyable trip. Bring a map of the United States too!  You never know when you may hit a stretch of highway without services, so be prepared!

*Bonus – when you rent a campervan RV or minivan from Travellers Autobarn USA, all of our vehicles come with FREE UNLIMITED MILES ! So even if you detour from your original plan, we have you covered!

Food & Water

The hotter it is, the more water you need.  You don’t want to get stuck in Death Valley National Park without water!

It’s also crucial that you pack some non-perishable food to keep you going should you break down – think cereal bars, nuts, and dried fruit. Try to avoid snacking on salty snacks – it’s just going to make you even thirstier and could speed up dehydration.

Weather – Know the forecast!

Knowing the weather forecast is extremely important!  Depending on the time of year and what parts of the country you plan to campervan through, Mother Nature may have a different plan for your road trip.  Winter months can bring on harsh temperatures, slippery roads, high winds, and road closures. Knowing ahead of time can save you from having to turn around or from being stuck in a stressful situation.

In some parts of the United States, you will need to be aware of hurricane season and pay attention to tornado warnings.  The Weather Channel app is a great way to check the forecasts before you set off on the open road each day.

Our flexible drop-offs and unlimited miles are extra helpful in these situations. Don’t be in a rush!

*Bonus – For more tips on winter travel, check out our Van Life Guide to Winter Road Trips in a Campervan .

Avoid unsealed roads

Although many of the highways and roads in the United States are in good condition, you may end up on a gravel or dirt road.

If you have rented a campervan or car from one of the big cities like Los Angeles, Las Vegas, or San Francisco (to name a few), then you might find that the insurance policy you took out does not cover you when you are driving on unsealed or unpaved roads. Make sure you read the small print.

When you’re driving, be aware that collisions with these animals are frequent, as well as cows and other animals, particularly at nighttime, dawn, or dusk. If you are pulling a night shift at the wheel, then try to ensure that the passenger next to you stays awake and alert to help you watch out for any animals on the road.

And please don’t try and take a selfie with or pet the wild animals!  Not only is it against the law in certain parts of the country, but it is dangerous and could result in serious injuries or even death.

Boondocking – Dry Camping – Wild Camping

Solar panels come in very handy when you need to dry camp.  If you are running out of steam and need to pull over in the middle of the night, or you can’t find a campground for the night, make sure you are in an area that allows the campervan to be parked.  If you are in or near a larger city, it should be reasonably easy to find a Walmart, gas station, or truck stop that will allow you to use the parking lot for the night. Make sure it is 24-hours in the event you need to use the bathroom facilities.  If you are in the middle of nowhere, make sure you don’t park on private property or where there is a “no trespassing” sign.

GasBuddy – An excellent app for travelers on a budget!  Gasbuddy helps locate the cheapest gas near you so you can compare prices and save.  They have a rewards program that allows you to earn points towards free gas, as well.

Google Maps or Waze – Real-time GPS apps with live traffic alerts. Both apps are popular, so it comes down to preference.

The Weather Channel – The Weather Channel app has a free version and is great for current and extended forecasts across the United States. If you are heading to a new location, make sure and double-check the weather forecast.  You may need to change your route, stop and restock your water supply, or give yourself additional time due to slippery roads.

First Aid: American Red Cross – The First Aid app is a must!  We hope you never need it, but in the event, you have a first aid emergency or need to prepare for a weather emergency, the content is preloaded, so you have access to safety tips, step by step instructions, videos, and access to 911 no matter your location.  And it’s free!

HipCamp – Hipcamp is an awesome app for finding and booking campsites, RV parks, and more.

Campervan or Minivan Maintenance

Remember that you are responsible for the campervan while it is in your possession. You should treat it like it is your vehicle and carry out basic maintenance checks every 300-500 miles. Basic maintenance includes checking things like tire pressure, and oil, washer fluid, and coolant levels.

If you’re driving a campervan, then make sure you know the height of the vehicle and be wary of driving into parking garages, under bridges, or low hanging branches if you aren’t sure.

Forest fires and brushfires are unfortunately very common in parts of the United States.  They can be dangerous – so always make sure you adhere to the guidelines.

We recommend that you visit the check the fire danger rating in the area and make sure campfires are permitted where you are staying (particularly in summer).

If you start a campfire, then you must always make sure it is entirely out at the end of the night and have at least 10 liters of water nearby in case it gets out of hand.

Just because you are camping doesn’t mean you have to stick to cups of noodles, hot dogs, or cans of beans.  Get creative and meal prep before you head out on the open road. Here are a few prep tips for cooking in a campervan.

• Cut up your chicken, beef, or pork and toss them in the seasoning or sauces before you pack up.  Not only does this help with cleanup in the campervan, but it also saves space. If you season the meat ahead of time, then you don’t have to pack spices or bottles of sauce, and the meat will be full of flavor! You can even go one step further and cook the meat ahead of time.
• Wash, cut, and put your fruits and veggies in a gallon bag.   Again, this saves time and space on the road and makes it easier for snacks if you are traveling with kids.
• Pack Reynolds Wrap and grilling bags. These are great for preparing meals over the campfire.  Toss in your preseasoned steak strips, potatoes, veggies and add a little water, seal or wrap it up tight and throw it on the fire. Quick cleanup, easy to throw together and delicious!  Foil is also great for cooking breakfast burritos, shrimp boils, teriyaki chicken with peppers and pineapple, fish, and Banana S’Mores, to name a few.
• Precook a few pounds of ground beef! Ground beef is very versatile.  You can throw together some tacos, taco salads or nachos, add to some pasta sauce for a quick spaghetti, or use it for breakfast burritos or hobo packets in the morning. If you aren’t a red meat eater, then chop up some sausage or ground turkey, or mushrooms if you are vegetarian/vegan.

It’s no secret that traveling in a campervan comes with less storage and smaller space than a motorhome.  Dollar stores are a great place to find travel-size toiletries for your road trip, and it’s easier on the budget.

Another great packing tip is to save condiments from fast-food restaurants.  If you know you are going on a campervan road trip, plan to keep any extra condiments from eating out.  Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper packets take up a lot less space than full-size bottles and don’t require refrigeration.  This not only saves space for additional packing items but doesn’t take up space in the campervan fridge.

Budget Travel Tips to Save Money on your Campervan Trip

One of your biggest outgoings is going to be the cost of your fuel. As we mentioned earlier, one of the best apps we recommend is GasBuddy. It’s convenient for finding the cheapest gas prices in your area. Having an app like GasBuddy or Waze can assist you in not only finding a gas station nearby but also which station has the lowest fuel prices.

*Pro-tip: Having the A/C on all the time will eat into your fuel tank – so if you’re trying to save some money settle for opening the windows instead.

Hit a supermarket with a grocery list in hand!

Once you have rented your campervan, you will likely be departing from one major city, so we recommend that before you hit the road, you stop by a supermarket to stock up on all the essentials (and we don’t just mean beers and sausages for the barbie!).  Have a list! We all know that we spend more money in the grocery store without a list frequently buying food or supplies we don’t need and forgetting items we do.

Buying food and supplies from gas stations and small local stores on the journey can hit your traveling budget hard.

National Parks Pass

If you plan on visiting more than 3 National Parks, then we highly recommend you invest in an annual America the Beautiful pass ! The cost is $80 and gives access to over 2,000 National Parks and National Refuges.  Typically each park has around a $35 entrance fee, so an America the Beautiful pass is an excellent deal for travelers planning National Park Road Trips . If you are 62 and older, they have an annual Senior Pass that is significantly cheaper.  If you are a current, or veteran, member of the US military or if you are a US citizen or permanent resident with permanent disabilities then you are eligible for a free pass.*

*Please confirm prices and terms have not changed for these passes at NPS.gov .

Campervan Travel Guide – Road Trips to Consider

Ultimate National Parks Campervan Road Trip   – One of our top recommendations that you can enjoy in both summer and winter !

West Coast Campervan Road Trips – Los Angeles to Big Sur , LA to San Fran , or Los Angeles to Seattle

The Narrows Hike – Ultimate Zion Campervan Getaway – Zion National Park features some of the most incredible hikes in the United States.

Ultimate Rock Climbing Campervan Road Trip – Not for the novice!  But if you love rock climbing, then this itinerary is a must!

San Francisco to Denver and back – You won’t regret this roundtrip campervan adventure!  Our itinerary takes you through some of the most famous places in the western United States.

Best Campsites or RV Parks to Visit in the USA

The United States has so many amazing places to visit . Traveling around in a campervan lets you see the most popular destinations, plus all of the beauty in between. You’ve decided which campervan is best for your road trip, you know all of the tips and best travel apps, we’ve given you a few road trip itineraries to consider, so now all that is left is where to stay.

The US is full of campgrounds and RV parks with a variety of amenities. However, if you are on a tight budget, you may want to look for free campgrounds along the way.  Just be prepared, many of the free campsites come with no facilities or amenities so you will need to plan accordingly.  Some of these sites are within the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), in parking lots of larger retailers like Costo, Walmart, and Cabelas, and truck stops and rest areas.  Make sure and do your research so that you don’t get ticketed.

Here are 5 of our favorite RV Parks to visit:

• North Pines Campground, Yosemite National Park, California
• Glacier Campground, Glacier National Park, Montana
• Zion River Resort, Zion National Park, Utah
• Mesquite Spring, Death Valley National Park, California
•  Paradise on the River, outside Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Bonus: If you are planning a road trip out of Las Vegas or California, check out our  Best Campervan Campgrounds Near Las Vegas  and  Best Places to Campervan in California.

Van Life Tips – Best Places to…?

Whether it is the Grand Canyon in Arizona, inside of a gigantic tree in Redwood National and State Parks, overlooking the Pacific ocean with the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance, or hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park, we know travel selfies are a must! Here are our top 5 selfie spots.

• Antelope Canyon in Arizona – We already mentioned places like the Grand Canyon & Zion above, but add Antelope Canyon to your list. It is particularly incredible and something everyone should experience.
• Glacier National Park, Montana – Lake McDonald, Grinnel Glacier, Going to the Sun Road – GNP should be on everyone’s bucket list!
• Redwood National & State Parks, California – The enormous redwood trees are not only a site to see but are fantastic backdrops for the avid selfie-taker.
• San Francisco , California – Hawk Hill is a great spot to take a selfie with the Golden Gate Bridge and the city in the distance.
• Las Vegas, Nevada – There are too many spots to list, but the fountain at the Bellagio Hotel is a great place to start.

Pro tip: Any US National Park is a spectacular place for selfies.

Travel outside of the bigger cities, put your phone down, and stargaze into the incredible nighttime sky.

• Arches National Park – Utah Bryce Canyon – Utah
• Death Valley National Park – California (make sure to go during the milder seasons)
• Joshua Tree National Park – California
• Rocky Mountain National Park – Colorado
• Sedona – Arizona (don’t plan to stargaze during the late summer months.  Early July to late August is monsoon season.)

Watch the Sunset

Who doesn’t love a good sunset? Below are some of our favorite spots to take in some of the most magnificent sunsets in North America.

• Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona – The south rim, in particular, provides not only an exceptional sunset experience but a view of most of the canyon itself.
• California – Pick a place! Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Big Sur, Joshua Tree National Park.  California is full of beautiful sunsets locations.
• Montana/Wyoming – Glacier National Park , The Grand Tetons or Yellowstone National Park.  The clean mountain air and the sun setting behind the mountains – you can’t go wrong.
• Santa Fe, New Mexico – Old Fort Marcy Park is an incredible experience for those willing to hike.
• Arches National Park, Utah – When the sun sets, it changes the colors in the sandstone arches making a spectacular visual experience and a prime opportunity for incredible photos.

You are all set for traveling around the USA in a campervan, now book your campervan at one of our three US RV rental locations !

Here are a few other guides you might enjoy.

Guide to the Best Campgrounds for Campervans in the USA

Guide to Free Camping in the USA

Visit all our Guides here

Considering traveling overseas?  Check out our other Beginner’s Guides for New Zealand and Australia Campervan Trips.

About the Author

Bastian Graf

Bastian is the Sales & Marketing Manager here at Travellers Autobarn. He holds a Master of Commerce in Marketing and International Business Management, and 20+ years experience in campervan hire, road trips and travel.

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It’s no secret that vanlife apps make life on the road much easier. But with so many to choose from, how do you know what’s actually the best vanlife app?! Honestly, we haven’t really found an all-encompassing single best vanlife app that does everything you think you need, however, there are quite a few good ones!

The best vanlife apps aren’t just for looking for places to park or stay the night. The apps below range from ways to connect with other people on the road, show you where to find the closest (and cheapest) gas, and even show where bathrooms, wifi, and water can be found!

Most of the best vanlife apps are user input.. making them truly the greatest to use! So, once you download and start using the vanlife apps, be sure to add in your reviews and even add new places to the app database!

Remember, even when using these campervan apps, you can sometimes get in a pickle! Stay flexible while on the road. Give yourself some grace! Don’t always rely on campsites that other people have found. In fact, check out these other ways to camp for free here . And for sake of your sanity.. there will be times you roll into a campsite after dark — it’s bound to happen, but try to locate and secure a spot before it gets too late at night! Trust us… you’ll enjoy living in a van much more if you do! 

Campsites + The Best Vanlife Apps for Parking

Sēkr | the best of all vanlife apps.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE Sēkr VAN LIFE APP:

• community forum and chat
• monthly meetups with members

Sēkr is a van life app made by two vanlifers wanting to share the values and perspectives of van life with others. There are over 50,000 campsites and overnight parking locations that can be navigated through on a map. With filters and extras like propane, water, and even gym locations — Sēkr has a little bit of it all.

There’s a great social side to Sēkr as well, with monthly meet-ups and community events, along with ways to connect to individual users on the platform as well. It’s a great van life app for those looking for the community!

Sēkr is the van life app that we use most often on the road. It’s easy to use and has so many fantastic locations within it. We’ve also found that it has more options that aren’t as overpopulated as iOverlander locations. I love the ease of the app, the options for seeing cell service coverage, and, the ability to find dump stations is a huge bonus with this app!

Find out more about Sēkr here.

iOverlander | the best vanlife apps

HIGHLIGHTS OF iOVERLANDER VAN LIFE APP:

• free to use
• has nearly 30 different filters
• clean easy to read map, when filters are applied

Honestly, when looking for the best vanlife apps, I downloaded iOverlander, and then immediately deleted it from my phone because it was so crazy and chaotic. However, being on the road, we time and time again ran into people that use and love iOverlander as their go-to van app. So, I decided to download it again and give it a second try.

After filtering to show only free campsites, I quickly understood why people love iOverlander. When you’re looking for something specific, the filtering options on this app are par to none.

With that said, my  biggest beef with iOverlander is how popular it is! I would say among the people we spoke with on the road, iOverlander was the most popular vanlife app. With that popularity comes with super popular camping locations. Each place we found on iOverlander had 5-10 other campers there too, some of which were clearly people living in those locations for weeks or longer. It was always crowded, and oftentimes sites were littered with trash everywhere.

In a pinch, iOverlander is nice to use when you can’t find anywhere to stay! Lots of places on public lands or BLM land with iOverlander, so be sure to read the reviews and make sure your vehicle can access the campsites!

Learn more about iOverlander and download their app here.

FreeRoam | a little bit of everything

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FREEROAM VAN LIFE APP:

• cell service

The motherload of van life apps. FreeRoam has campsites all over the United States, and even up into Canada. With filters for weather, facilities, Rig length, price, and even cell service — this app is great for those looking to know exactly what to expect upon arrival. After creating an account, you can join in the FreeRoam forums, save places you’ve found on the map (hello, perfect for a planned out road trip) — and even create trips.

The FreeRoam App has videos explaining how to use the features throughout the app, and even has an offline mode for when you don’t have cell service!

Get the Free Roam Van Life App Here

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CAMPENDIUM VAN LIFE APP:

• covers US, Mexico, and Canada
• filter by National Park, State Park, RV Park, or National Forest Land
• includes dumpsites

Campendium is a free van life app, offering campsites across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Use filters like National Parks, State Parks, or search by location to find not only campsites but dumpsites as well.

Straight away, I personally didn’t like the navigation of Campendium as much as FreeRoam, however, that’s totally user preference, and it’s a great app to look into.

The Campendium Van Life App offers a paid for feature (currently $20 USD per year) granting access to no ads on the site, and extra filter options like cell service and more.

Explore and Download Campendium Here

HIGHLIGHTS OF HIPCAMP APP:

• unique stays
• can filter by budget
• can host and earn money
• located in Australia, Canada, and US

HipCamp is an app that’s full of well, hip places to camp! Find stays in treehouses, cottages, or just campsites that are unique! You won’t find free campsites on Hipcamp, however, you will find places to stay down around $12 USD up to well over $800. There’s a little something for everyone and a great way to find places to host meet-ups and the like!

Sign Up for Hipcamp Here

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DYRT VAN LIFE APP:

• Pro version has map layers, where users can choose between BLM, USFS, and NPS free campsites
• Pro version has offline mode

The Dyrt is a pretty good free van life app, and the pro version has great upgrades ($36.00 per year). The free version of The Dyrt offers filtering by price, amenities, and access, while the paid for version allows those filters along with more like cell coverage and the like.

In my opinion, while there is a lot of talk of the Dyrt, and loads of downloads of the app, I don’t see what all the hype is about. Maybe I need to play around with it more. For now, I think there are better free van life apps out there.

See if the Dyrt is for you here.

Stay with a Host RV Apps

Boondockers welcome.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BOONDOCKERS WELCOME VAN LIFE APP:

• stay with local host
• cheap way to stay with hook-ups
• meet local people

Boondockers Welcome is a paid for RV service that offers guests free stays with nearly 3,000 hosts. Instead of staying at large campgrounds with others around, Boondockers Welcome offers stays on people’s private property.

The annual subscription cost is $50, or $25 for those signing up as hosts as well. Their website states that 3/4 hosts actually have full hook-ups, so that’s a huge bonus and money saver if you need those amenities! One thing to note, you do need to have a self-contained RV to stay with Boondockers Welcome.

To use Boondockers Welcome, basically create an account, search for a place to stay where you’re headed, contact the host to see if you can stay with them, then leave a review for future guests! Pretty simple!

See if Boondockers Welcome is for you here.

Harvest Hosts

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE HARVEST HOSTS VAN LIFE APP:

• meet locals
• have unique stays

I’m not so sure I would classify this as a “van life app”, but instead a “Luxury RV App”… but hey, I thought I’d include it for those of you wanting a bit of a different stay!

Harvest Hosts is a platform where over 2,000 hosts are registered to have RVers stay on their property. The properties on Harvest Host offer some kind of attraction…think, breweries, wineries, and farms. If touring the states visiting wineries is your jam… Harvest Host is built for you!

A close family friend that’s a retired couple just did a multi-month trip across the United States and back, staying at Harvest Hosts along the way and absolutely loved the experiences they had! They often got invited in for dinner and the like! Sounds like a great way to meet likeminded people on the road!

A couple things to note about Harvest Hosts…

• there is a hefty $99 annual fee to become a Harvest Host member
• they “kindly ask their members” to purchase local products from each of their stays
• no tents are allowed
• you must have a self-contained RV with a toilet, water tank, and indoor cooking

Learn More about Harvest Host Here

Great Free Parking + Free Camping Websites

Park4night | fantastic for europe and the uk.

HIGHLIGHTS OF PARK4NIGHT:

• fantastic for finding free day parking too
• great for in cities

In our humble opinion, Park4Night serves the European vanlifers better than those in the United States. If traveling in Europe or the United Kingdom, Park4Night is a great way to find free places to park overnight – especially in cities! We used Park4Night extensively when visiting larger cities throughout Europe , not just for finding places to park overnight, but also for finding places to park for free during the day!

Park4Night is just as it sounds…. really a place to find free parking. The reviews and photos will give you a good idea of what sort of place you’re heading to, but be warned these are usually simply parking places.. not places to set up camp and stay for multiple nights!

Again, just an absolute fantastic, dare we say the best, vanlife app for Europe and the United Kingdom — website version for those in the states is better than the app.

Learn more about Park4Night here.

FreeCampsites | the OG of finding free places to camp

HIGHLIGHTS OF FREECAMPSITES:

• great campsite reviews
• lots of photos
• can filter for free and cheap stays

We have a soft spot in our hearts for freecampsites.net. When we did our first roadtrip back in 2014 , freecampsites.net was really the only website of its kind. Super helpful to find real campsites that are free scattered all over the United States.

To find a free campsite on their website, you simply enter the general location you’re looking to head to. From there, zoom in or out, filter the pins, and if looking exclusively for free sites, be sure to only look through the green tents. The reviews and pictures left by other traveler’s we find to be super good on FreeCampsites.net!

In our experience, freecampsites.net has been hands down the best way to find detailed reviews with loads of pictures for different places to camp for free. It’s by and far our favorite way to find free campsites — aside from just stumbling upon them!

Find your free campsite here.

Water + Toilets + Wifi Vanlife Apps

Wifi finder + map.

Pretty self explanatory here, however, who knew there was such a thing!! Literally the perfect app for those working from the van and in need of some great internet every now and then. Check the app to see where you can find the best WiFi near you, and even check WiFi speeds from the app itself!

WiFi Finder and Map is a free app, although they do have a paid for version for using the app offline. You can pay for a year of offline access ($7.99 USD) or just three months of offline access ($4.49 USD).

WiFi Finder + Map has WiFi information across the globe, and even offers filtering based on things like hotel wifi, cafe, restaurant, or bar wifi!

Download WiFi Finder + Map for iPhone here , and Google here .

Open Signal

Open Signal is a great idea, however, for us, it doesn’t work as they don’t provide information for our cell phone carrier. Anyways, Open Signal is an app that shows what kind of cell coverage different areas offer along with internet speed information. Again, a great van life app for those working from the road!

Download OpenSignal for Apple users here , and Android here .

Love the name, and love the idea! Flush is an app that has over 200,000 public toilets worldwide! Open the app and search for toilets near you on the map, or even look ahead to where you’re going and see if there are toilets there!

Download Flush for Apple users here , and Android users here .

The Refill App started as an app to locate potable water to reduce the amount of plastic waste in the world. However, it’s since grown. It’s now an app sharing stores and restaurants with zero-waste along with free places to fill up water.

Learn more about the Refill App and even become a Refill Partner here.

Offline Pinnable Map + Gas Apps

Gas buddy | the best vanlife app for saving money.

Gas Buddy is an app that can and will literally save you hundreds of dollars. All the information on Gas Buddy is user input, so sometimes there aren’t prices for every gas station around, however, it’s always helped us find cheap gas. Gas Buddy is a free app and is super easy to use!

When you need gas, you simply pop open the app (not while driving, please) and then search for gas near you. We like to use the map version of the app, as sometimes the closest gas to you is in the opposite direction and you can’t tell in the list version.

Gas Buddy is great for not only finding the closest gas to you in a pinch, but also finding the cheapest gas — as the gas stations are not only pinned, but price marked as well!

Save yourself some money and download the free Gas Buddy app!

Maps.Me | best app for storing location recommendations

Maps.Me has got to be one of the most useful apps for travelers. Not only is the offline map access great (download maps by region), but the pinning of locations is the icing on top! For vanlife, this is super helpful.. especially when people recommend certain campsites, or you find campsites that you’d love to stay at on the van life apps above that you want to remember for an upcoming trip!

To use maps.me, you download the app, then download the region you’re heading. From there, you can pin locations, and even categorize your pins and make notes on each one! You can also just use it as a normal offline map app to get you to and from places when you don’t have cell service! Just be sure the region you’re heading is downloaded to your phone!

Truly can’t recommend this app enough for anyone who’s traveling!

Get hooked on Maps.Me here! You’ll seriously love it!

Heather is the co-founder of Arbours Abroad, and a full time travel writer with over ten years of travel experience across 39 countries. She’s lived in five different countries, and traveled by van in the United Kingdom and Europe for two and a half years.

Heather and her husband currently live in a van with their cat, Georgie, traveling and finding nature escapes all over the western United States while sneaking in trips abroad when they can.

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10 Best Van Life Apps for Camping and Road Trips

Written by  Sierra Eberly

Whether you’re renting a van for a weeklong road trip or heading out full-time, navigating van life can be overwhelming and, quite frankly, scary. Where can you safely park legally? Where do you find water? Is there cell service where you’re going? Is there a storm coming? These are just some of the questions that will come up every time you decide to explore a new area. Explore VanX is here to help! We’ve curated a list of van life apps that we feel are some of the best tools for van life.

Table of Contents

• iOverlander
• WhereSafe GPS
• CoPilot GPS

Honorable Mentions

Top 10 van life apps.

We live in a world with infinite technology at our fingertips. This has dramatically impacted how we travel, plan, and stay safe on a daily basis. Technology has given many people the confidence and insight to try new things, explore new places, and Find Your Outside™ in ways they would never have before.

Here is a list of top van life apps to help you Find Your Outside™!

1. iOverlander (free)

Arguably the most-used and best van life app for finding van life locations and boondocking spots across the nation, iOverlander takes our #1 spot. This boondocking app is free and has a variety of filters to help you find camping on public land, safe places in cities to park, water, dump stations, showers, mechanics, and more.

You can read reviews about locations and submit your own to help out the next person. The iOverlander app is free, works on iOs, Android, and web browsers. One of the best features of the iOverlander app is that it works offline, so when you don’t have cell service, you can still see the options around you.

2. Sékr (free version or $1.99/mo)

Formerly The Vanlife App, Sékr is free and boasts many features, including filters, reviews, and the ability to save locations for planning purposes. Sékr is also highly focused on the social side of van life and allows you to have a profile and “connect” with other nomads.

You can see people near you (you can set your preferences not to show your general location if you choose), join in on forum chat, and see upcoming events . A new feature that is incredibly helpful is the cell signal overlay and the ability to report cell signal strength and reliability in your review.

Sékr is newer on the market, and although growing in popularity quickly, a downside is that many spots are listed on the app without any reviews, so it’s hard to tell if it’s a “good” spot. 

Another challenge when using the app is that it requires a solid cell signal to work, so you can’t search for locations or amenities if you’re somewhere without cell coverage. There is a newer paid version that works offline, so if you’re willing to pay the fee, it is one of the best van life apps due to its versatility. 

3. Campendium (free)

Used more for RVers, Campendium focuses on campgrounds, RV Parks, and “big rig” accommodating spots. The app does have a good listing for dump stations if that’s something you need. The app has a basic free version with an option to upgrade if you want additional filters and functionality.

4. FreeRoam (free)

Much like the previous van life apps, FreeRoam is a free camping app, and can filter by location type. It has a cell coverage layer, reviews, and you can save your locations for future reference. There’s also a “near me” option that can come in handy that shows potable water, dump stations, gas stations, grocery stores, etc. in a list, so you don’t have to back out to search again or scroll around the map.

5. Gaia GPS (free version or $29.99 for your first year)

If you do a lot of hiking, mountain biking, or backpacking Gaia GPS is an excellent addition to your van life app library. A free version shows topographical maps that include trails, public camping sites, National Parks, etc.

The paid version has an endless plethora of layers you can add, including weather conditions, cell coverage, public lands, mountain biking trails, and more. The paid version works offline and is incredibly helpful for backcountry traversing, both on foot or in a vehicle. Gaia GPS also has robust desktop usability, so you can plan routes easier. You can export

6. WhereSafe GPS ($15.95/mo, tracker purchased separately)

One of every nomad’s worst nightmares is having their home stolen. WhereSafe GPS is a GPS tracker for vehicles, trailers, and equipment. This is not only an invaluable investment for your vehicle’s safety, but you can also allow others to track your location for your own safety. It does require the purchase of the unit and a paid subscription to work.

7. Windy.app (free)

A lesser-known van life app is Windy.app . Anyone who’s been in a van, truck camper, tent, motorhome, or any outdoor camping mode knows what a buzzkill high winds can be. Fire danger is higher, dust gets kicked up, chairs tumble away, and awnings get damaged.

Windy.app was created for water and wind sports, but it’s incredibly helpful on dry land as well. 

You can see an accurate forecast of wind speed, gusts, and direction. This can help you decide what direction to park (nose towards the wind instead of getting side-blasted all night) and help you put away all items with flight risk before they’ve tumbled into the lake or cactus.

8. Gas Buddy (free)

GasBuddy is probably one of the most valuable van life apps these days. Nobody likes getting gas, and with prices continuing to surge with no end in sight, we’re all looking for a break every chance we can get. 

Sometimes gas is $.20 cheaper per gallon just a block away, but it’s on a side street you wouldn’t have seen. That small amount adds up when you have a huge RV fuel tank or are driving across a state in one day. GasBuddy will show you every gas price in the area so you can make “nomad rent” a little less expensive with every fillup.

9. Opensignal (free)

Even when there is cell coverage at a location doesn’t mean that it’s good cell service. You’ll learn quickly it’s not about how many bars you have but about the quality of the signal. 

Opensignal allows you to test your connectivity upload and download speed, as well as latency. If you know you need at least 10Mbps download speeds to attend a video conference, you can test your signal strength prior instead of waiting until it’s too late and your call is dropped. Opensignal is the perfect van life app for the working nomad needing to check connectivity often.

10. CoPilot GPS ($14.99 - $29.99/year)

CoPilot GPS will provide safe driving routes, eliminating low-clearance overpasses, tunnels, or weight-restricted bridges if you have a big rig, long trailer, or exceptionally tall vehicle.

It’s hard to make a “Top 10” list for van life apps since we travel so many different ways. We all have diverse tastes in scenery and various comfort levels of where we camp. We had a few “honorable mention” van life apps that we thought were worthy of mentioning.

Van Life Apps for Mapping

The elephant in the room that goes without saying is Google Maps . We highly recommend this navigation app over Apple Maps or other applications for accuracy, pin saving, sharing, etc. 

Weather OnTheWay is a pretty cool van life app that shows you weather conditions for the route you’re traveling on and what the weather will be like when you arrive at your destination. You get five free trips before having to subscribe, so this is a great tool for a trip over a sketchy pass or a long-distance drive in inclement weather.

Van Life Apps for Paid Camping

Harvest Host is a great way to sightsee while supporting local businesses if you like visiting wineries, breweries, farms, and historical attractions. 

There is an annual membership fee, and you are asked to spend $20 at the host location to support them, but the stays are free.

Harvest Host and Boondockers Welcome recently merged, adding more camping options on various property types. 

HipCamp is another fun app where property owners offer up their space for a fee. It boasts glamping locations like cabins, treehouses, and RV parks. HipCamp spots can be in a metro city backyard or on a 100-acre farm – options are endless.

If you like to hike, AllTrails is a great van life app and tool to find local trailheads, read reviews, and determine the skillset needed to hike the featured trail.

What is Your Favorite Van Life App?

This list, of course, isn’t inclusive, and new van life apps are steadily coming to the market. 

What are some of your favorite van life apps? We’d love to hear your suggestions and experience with any apps you’ve found helpful (or not) as you are Find Your Outside™!

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Your guide to vanlife

Life on the road is not all scenic drives and epic views—here’s what you need to know.

Roadtripping in a van is one of the most convenient and affordable ways to travel. Sure, the fuel costs may be higher than in a regular car, but you’ll easily make up for that by being able to park and sleep almost anywhere. Living on the road—either full-time or part-time—is not for everyone, but with some expectation management and planning, it can be incredibly rewarding. 

The following resources will help you get started on the road to vanlife, from learning about the lifestyle to finding the perfect rig for you.

Life on the road

Here’s what to know about vanlife before getting started.

5 things I wish I knew before starting vanlife

10 tips for family vanlife with kids

6 tips for showering and staying clean while on the road

8 myths of vanlife no one tells you [Togo RV]

The best vanlife camping: Where to camp in a van [Campendium]

How to find a safe place to park your RV or van for the night

RV types explained: Class B motorhomes

Class Bs are vans that have been converted into living spaces. They’re easy to drive and often fit into a regular parking space. Class B travelers rarely tow anything, opting to break camp when they need to relocate. If traveling light and fast is appealing, a Class B might be for you.

Campervans and Class Bs

From renting to modifying a van, here are some of our best tips.

How to rent a campervan for your next road trip

Innovative Class Bs for vanlifers [Togo RV]

Class B+ motorhomes worth considering [Togo RV]

Do you have the right insurance for your Class B or van? [Togo RV]

The best van mod tips, according to experts [Togo RV]

4 lessons learned while restoring my Class B vintage campervan [Togo RV]

7 lessons learned from our ambulance van conversion [Togo RV]

Lessons learned when installing solar panels on my van [Togo RV]

Vanlife culture.

Campervans have become pop culture symbols thanks to their aspirational nature.

The Walmart parking lot: How a symbol of capitalism became an oasis for RVers and van dwellers

How to take a road trip inspired by 'Nomadland'

Vanagon culture in the Pacific Northwest: Where to find the best rentals, routes, and repairs

Voices from the road.

The Great American Road Trip: My 16,000-mile solo vanlife excursion across the U.S.

Making the dream of vanlife a reality, one national park at a time

Leaving the grind behind: Two women, a van, and the beginning of the rest of our lives

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USA Van Life Digital Map

Discover our usa vanlife travel map guide.

Embark on a journey with our detailed Vanlife Travel Map, inspired by our recent adventures across the USA.

Having personally explored various regions of the USA, our Vanlife Travel Guides feature the best spots we've discovered during our travels. From picturesque camping locations to unique roadside attractions, we've included all the must-see places and hidden gems.

Our USA Vanlife guides feature over 100+ travel inspiration map pins to make your travel planning faster and easier with our importable Google Map guides, compatible with both your laptop and phone.

In this digital map, we share:

• Attractions: National parks, scenic routes, and must-visit landmarks.
• Camping Spots: Unique camping sites, RV parks, and glamping sites.
• Food Stops: Local diners, food trucks, and our favourite coffee spots.

Each section is organised and colour-coded for quick and easy navigation. Want to focus on campsites? You can temporarily hide other categories like restaurants and attractions.

Additionally, our guide includes a PDF tutorial on how to import the map into your Google Maps, navigate it efficiently, and plan your trip using our guides. Start your vanlife adventure with confidence and ease using our comprehensive map guides!

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5 Ultimate Camping Apps for a Vanlife Road Trip

As the Vanlife movement continues to boom in the US, robust Apps supporting #vanlife have surfaced. Being avid adventurers, we here at Native Campervans are constantly testing out the best camping Apps, and finding epic spots to camp out for a night. These are the ultimate camping apps we recommend.

Exploring in a Campervan allows you to camp in tent site locations no RV could ever dream of parking in. The beauty of vanlife is you get the camping experience – all the comradery of sitting around a fire pit, cooking in the outdoors, the magical landscape surrounding you, but sleeping comfortably inside your van.

But the big challenges. Where are these epic campsites? And how do you find them with the overwhelming amount of camping Apps to choose from? How do you know which ones to use? We’ve got you covered.

1. The Dyrt

Best For: Free, public and private campgrounds nationwide Price: Free | Pro version – 30-day free with code: NAT30 Download: iOS and Android

The Dyrt is our favorite, go-to all-in-one resource app supporting #vanlife. Helping campers find the best campsites nationwide, with a repository of over 500,000 campgrounds. Book stays, read reviews, and peruse the extensive number of user-submitted photos and videos of most campgrounds. 

The app is slick, easy to use, and has a host of filter options to choose from. Each campground page will provide icons highlighting what type of camper it accommodates, whether pets are allowed, toilets or showers on-site, dump-station locations, and much more. You’ll also get a breakdown of the local area, the top attractions to visit, favorite activities among travelers, and the expected weather for the upcoming week.

The Dyrt also runs monthly contests for campers who write the most useful reviews of campgrounds, shelling out merch from top outdoor brands. And if you want to take your campground search offline, signing up for The Dyrt Pro ($35) gives you access to downloadable offline maps as well as big discounts on campgrounds and gear. We highly recommend adding this to your apps because it is the ultimate camping resrouce.

As a bonus for renting with us, we’re giving you free access to 30 days of The Dyrt PRO. The Dyrt is the #1 camping app and largest campground directory with access to 1 million+ campsites, reviews, and tips. The Dyrt PRO gives you: – Offline access to 44,000 campgrounds and maps (no cell reception needed) – Discounts for campgrounds and gear – Trip Planner for building the ultimate camping trip – Map Layers to help you find free camping

2. Recreation.gov

Best For: Federal Campgrounds (National Parks, Forests, BLM) Price: Free Download: iOS and Android

Recation.gov is a popular camping app that lists only federal camping options. Ranging from National Parks to Forests, and other federal recreation sites, the app also provides a host of activities available around the campgrounds. From white water rafting to the best fishing spots, to required backcountry permits, Recreation.gov offers a host of outdoor adventures at over 3,600 federal sites.

Pay your National Park entry fee as well as book tickets and educational tours through the app, for places like Carlsbad Caverns and Joshua Tree National Park.  The search interface is beautiful and easy to use, and you can book right through the app. Every campsite page has a list of facilities available, natural features, facility rates, Need-to-Knows and instructions on how to get to the campsite. 

The only downside is there are no user-submitted reviews or pictures. However, this App is a great resource to have for vanlife itineraries focused on exploring National Parks and Forests. Best of all it is Free to download and use. What other ultimate camping apps are there?

Read More: Best Campsites throughout Utah’s Mighty 5

3. ioverlander.

Best For: Largest world-wide campsite database, mechanics/hardware stores for a pinch Price: Free Download: iOS and Android

iOverlander is a critical lifeline for vanlifers, providing a crowd-sourced, simple map solution to everything you would need while on the road. From wild campsites to established campgrounds, and everything in between, iOverlander’s repository is robust and constantly updated by travelers contributing information.

Need a quick one-night stopover spot after a long day of driving? Check out the Wild Camping sites in your area. Not sure where in town you can dump your wastewater? Head to the app and find your nearest dump station. Ran out of clean drinking water? No worries, check out all the local potable water spots around you.

One of the unique features of iOverlander is the addition of hardware stores, mechanics, and propane fill-up spots. Knowing where to find your closest mechanic is critical to getting back on the road in a pinch. And, you even see what the cellular coverage is at each campsite for the major telecom providers.

Best For: Glamping and unique paid campsite spots Price: Free Download: iOS and Android

Commonly referred to as the ‘AirBnB of camping’, HipCamp is the go-to app for finding one-of-a-kind paid private campsites. With a repository of over 300,000 listings, HipCamp is as comprehensive a resource as they come.

Every ‘host’ has a small bio and recommendation rating associated with them. There are reviews aplenty, detailed lists of what each site does and does not provide, where the campsites are located, and lists of the top activities on the host’s property. The interface is slick – very Airbnb-esque – with a host of filters, you can use to drill down into such as; pet-friendly, restrooms/showers, and free wifi to name a few. Oh, and the community-sourced pictures are some of the best out there.

Want to live the life of a luxury vanlifer for the night, HipCamp is the app for you.

5. Freecampsites.net

Best For: Finding free one-night stopover spots Price: Free Download: iOS and Android

Freecampsites.net is not technically a part of the apps, but it is an ultimate camping finding for free areas around the US. Looking to explore the outdoors while keeping your wallet full? Freecampsite.net is a community-driven repository where fellow vanlifers share free campsites they uncover all over the country.

Features of each campsite page include GPS coordinates and directions, info on who manages the land, the best activities in the area, and a 5-day weather forecast. Followed up with a list of reviews and photos from previous campers. 

The interface is vintage and clunky but simple to use. Just type in a specific location where you’d like to camp and you’ll see all the campsites in the area. Paid campsites do find their way onto the map, however, all sites are color-coded so you can differentiate easily. The team behind Freecampsites.net are not interested in RV-friendly parking spots, so public lands are their forte.

Honorable Mentions

Campendium price: free download: ios only.

A cross between Freecampsites.net and Hipcamp, with a robust library of paid campgrounds and boondocking sites. If you’re exploring public lands such as BLM sites, National Forests or National Parks, this app is a great resource for finding epic free campsites.

The Vanlife App Price: Free (Community-based version $35.99/year) Download: iOS and Android

More than just a resource for campsites and amenity filtering, The Vanlife App is a community where you can connect with fellow vanlifers, see who else is in your area, and share stories and tips from your vanlife experiences. 

The app is free, however to access the community requires a $35.99/year subscription.

Harvest Host Price: $79.99/year Download: iOS and Android

A unique vanlife subscription app that lets you find local farms, breweries, wineries, and distilleries that offer short-term camping sites for free. You are just expected to purchase goods from your host. Harvest Host is a great resource to find some really unique vanlife experiences. Super helpful up in the North-East where wild camping options are limited.

If you’re looking for a high-quality campervan rental make sure to check out our van options for your next trip. Availability is scarce in our peak months, so don’t wait to reserve your camper. Enjoy your trip and don’t forget to download one of these ultimate camping apps.

Additional Resources for First-Time Vanlifers:

• Travel Hacks 101 – Where to Shower on the Road
• Digital Detox 101 – Hit the Road
• 10 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Next Road Trip

Check Out Some Awesome Vanlife Itinerary Inspiration:

• 3-Day Trip | Las Vegas to Zion
• 6-Day Itinerary – Salt Lake City to Las Vegas
• 7 Days in the Land of Enchantment: The Ultimate New Mexico Road Trip

5 Go-To Camping Spots in Yellowstone National Park

Must-Knows for Dispersed Camping in a Campervan

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Van life in Europe: A bucket list of road trips to go on

Updated On 22nd February, 2024

Van life in  Europe  is  #vanlife  goals and summer 2021 has road trips in Europe written all over it (at least we hope so).

When planning a 2021 road trip in Europe you have 44 countries, containing contrasts of landscape, culture, food and language to choose from. You have the mountains, the ocean, lakes, culture, history and so much squeezed into a relatively small area. When you have a vehicle to road trip through Europe with, you have freedom and you can define adventure. Europe is your oyster and so if you’ve never taken on a European  road trip , I have a feeling that by the end of this post you’ll be adding one to your 2021 road trip bucket list.

See the  best capital cities to visit in Europe  here.

Where do you even begin to start planning a European adventure though? There are so many options, right?  Planning your next adventure  begins with dreaming and identifying the things that make you tick most on a road trip. I have so many Europe travel guides on my blog so if you’re still looking for inspiration after this epic blog post of road trips to go on, be sure to scroll back up and check out the below:

• Europe: The ultimate travel guide
• The best things to do in Europe: a Europe bucket list
• 22 top tips for travelling in Europe
• Hidden gems in Europe that you must visit
• 21 cheap places to visit in Europe
• 10 spring weekend breaks in Europe
• Van life in Europe: a bucket list of Europe road trips

In this blog post, I’m going to share a bucket list of European road trips, some of which I’ve been on and some that are still on mine.

P.s. If you’re completely unaware of the fact that I have just converted a VW T5 high top transporter, well,  where have you been?

Come and join life on the road with me on Instagram – @wheresmolliesvan.

SHOP MY #VANLIFE ESSENTIALS HERE

Van life in Europe: A bucket list of road trips to go on…

1. A month surfing in Portugal

This was top of my bucket list and I’ve finally ticked it off! I’ve just returned from 8 incredibly dreamy weeks road tripping through  Portugal  and I can confirm that it’s every bit as amazing as the rumours tell you it is.

Think surf, surf and more surf, camp spots by the ocean, morning coffees on the beach, beach days with friends and all the spacious nature.

I spent 3 weeks making my way down the west coast from Ericeira to Sagres, followed by nearly two weeks in  Lagos  before heading back up the coast through  Lisbon  and on to  Nazaré  to catch the big surfers ride some record-breaking waves before returning back to  England .

I highly recommend adding Portugal to your road trip bucket list!

See  my guide to driving from England to Portugal here.

EXPLORE ACTIVE TRAVEL ON MY BLOG HERE

See my  21 cheap places to visit in Europe here

2. Belfast to Dublin, the loop of Ireland

It’s so close to home (if you’re based in the UK like I am), I’ve heard it’s insanely beautiful and you can drive up to Liverpool and get your van on the ferry to either Belfast or Dublin.

I’d love to get the ferry over to Dublin and drive south along the coast.

Included on my bucket list are adventures like:

• Giant Hedges,  as featured in the Game of Thrones.
• The  Giant’s Causeway  in Northern Ireland
• views with the  Cliffs of Magho  and the  Kilkeel & Mourne Mountains.
• taste some  Irish whiskey  along the way!
• admire some of the many  castles in Northern Ireland  like Kinbane Castle, Dunluce Castle and Slane Castle.
•   Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge  which connects the mainland to the small island of Carrickarede!  Eeeeek!

EXPLORE IRELAND ON MY BLOG HERE

Check out the  best weekends away in Europe here.

3. The romantic road in Germany

Built just after World War II this self-drive adventure spans 220 miles (350km) between Wurzburg and Fussen. I actually found out about it on the Christmas Markets road trip I did through Europe as I spent a night in Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber (one of the destinations on the Romantic Road itinerary).

I’ve heard that the title ‘Romantic Road’ is a bit of a marketing ploy, none the less that the route takes you through some incredibly beautiful towns and it’s deserved of a place on your van life bucket list.

Top tip:  Start in Wurzburg and travel South to Fussenso.

EXPLORE GERMANY ON MY BLOG HERE

See my  ultimate Christmas Market road trip itinerary through Europe here.

4. Drive through the National Parks in the South of France…

I’ve never been to the south of France but ever since I saw a photo of people floating down Verdon Gorge on inflatable everything’s… it’s been top of my list.

I also love a good glass of wine and rumour has this is the country to find it. National parks, campfires, wine under the stars (reasons I’ve got a roof rack on my van) and floating down gorges. Count me in.

EXPLORE FRANCE ON MY BLOG HERE

5. Scotland’s North Coast 500

There are so many  amazing places to visit in Scotland  but this one is always right up there at the top of people’s bucket lists, particularly when it comes to road trips. The North Coast 500 is Scotland’s answer to America’s Route 66 and has become pretty iconic in the last couple of years. I hear more and more about it in the travel community. This may mean picking a time out of the season to do it as I think it’s getting pretty busy, but, for a good reason.

I spent 5 weeks in Scotland in @wheresmolliesvan and it was absolutely insane for van life and road-tripping! I have dropped all of my top tips, pull-ups, favourite hikes and best things to do in the  Scotland Google Map Legend here.

• See my  guide to planning a road trip in Scotland here.
• The best things to do on your NC500 road trip, Scotland
• Top tips for your road trip in Scotland
• A 2-week road trip itinerary for Scotland

EXPLORE SCOTLAND ON MY BLOG HERE

6. John O’Groats to Lands End

I feel like as soon as you get a van in Europe, you escape to the likes of the Alps and the Algarve. I get it and I’ll also be doing the same,   but I’m also so excited to uncover more of the UK and expose the incredible landscape we have right here.

How awesome would it be to drive 874 miles – the whole length of Great Britain from the northeast to the south-west and see what we come across on the way!?

See my  top places to visit in the UK here  and make sure you don’t miss  these incredible spots in Cornwall  when you get to the end!

EXPLORE THE UK ON MY BLOG HERE

Check out my  hidden gems you must visit when planning European adventure here.

7. A girly trip in the champagne and wine regions of France

Does it need an explanation? Last year, at the very end of Lydia and I’s epic road trip through France and Switzerland, we stopped in  Epernay , the champagne capital and toasted our epic adventure. How fun would it be to get a group of girls together and stay in a cute cottage and do some vineyard bike tours in France!

EXPLORE ROAD TRIPS ON MY BLOG HERE

8. A climbing and hiking week in Switzerland

This is hands down the location that blew my mind the most in 2018 and to be honest on my travels so far. It was also where I did my first  Via Feratta . I’d love to go back and alternate days climbing and hiking with days by the lakes here.

EXPLORE SWITZERLAND ON MY BLOG HERE

See my  22 top tips for travelling in Europe here.

9. Fjords of Norway

I recently took a week holiday with my Mum and cruised (literally) through the fjords of Norway. Whilst there’s not much room for going off the beaten path when on a cruise ship, I took every opportunity to read magazines in local coffee shops and was so inspired by the imagery featured and displayed.

I’m definitely coming back.

Winding roads, freedom to roam, all the waterfalls and… have you seen the Atlantic Road?  Say no more.

EXPLORE NORWAY ON MY BLOG HERE

Top tip: Get more  sustainability tips for travelling in Europe in this blog post !

10. A snowy Alps road trip

My van is 4WD and I’ve invested in having heating installed so… I am ready for the mountains. The Alps are my favourite place in Europe by summer and winter and, just like with surfing, I’ve never had the chance to fully immerse myself in snow sports. I really want to nail it.

The resorts are so close to each other and you can cross over multiple borders and get a really varied adventure through different terrain. Done deal. Now I just need an instructor friend to come with me?

EXPLORE WINTER SPORTS ON MY BLOG HERE

11. Weekends in the countryside

As you’ve seen, I have a million van life dreams that will have me out of the country for weeks at a time but do you know what I’m also  reallllly  looking forward to? Hopping into my van on a Friday after a full week of work, chucking in the essentials and heading out of the city into the countryside, with my pup of course. Tea straight from the stove and long walks through the fields.

EXPLORE VAN LIFE ON MY BLOG HERE

See my  10 dreamy spring weekends in Europe here.

12. Albania coastline and mountain villages

Albania is one of the places in Europe that has blown my mind the most. Think the beauty of Croatia but before word caught on about it. Untouched beauty. Raw travel experiences and the feeling of discovering coastline where the mountains meet the ocean, all to yourself.

Think mountain villages tucked away and magic surprising you around every corner. Albania is insane and one of the  hidden gems in Europe . If you’re looking for a lesser-known, off the beaten track location for your road trip in 2021, this is it! See my  4-day Albania road trip here.

See my  Albania travel guide here.

EXPLORE ALBANIA ON MY BLOG HERE

SEE ALL MY YOUTUBE TRAVEL VIDEOS HERE

My list honestly grows by the day so as it grows, I’ll keep updating here for you!

Any suggestions, send them my way!!!

EXPLORE EUROPE ON MY BLOG HERE

Have you got a van?

What road trips in Europe have you been on? I’d love to know!

Love as always + happy adventuring,

Did you find this post helpful? I’d love you to share it for me.

I can’t do this without you.

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IT’S LOVELY TO MEET YOU

I’M MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. 

I’D LOVE TO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH YOU, WE’VE GROWN A LOT SINCE THEN!

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Matador Original Series

9 epic places in the us to visit on your first #vanlife trip.

V anlife is no longer for the nomadic one percent, creative 20-somethings handy enough to skirt outrageous rental prices and Airbnb costs. 2020 has taken this niche market into the mainstream: Van rental companies — the decked-out, traveling kind — are popping up all over, appealing to both locals and tourists alike as a second epidemic strikes: cabin fever.

“We’ve seen customers flip from 50/50 locals vs. tourists to 95 percent locals trying to get out of town,” notes Scott Kubly, CEO and founder of the Seattle-based Cabana . “Not only are people in the area using Cabana as a unique weekend getaway, but people are using our vans as remote offices so they can work from anywhere.”

But is it truly that much different than RVing?

Well, yes. “RVs are much larger and built for people to own and travel or live in. [Our] vans are smaller, easier to drive, and they provide all the space and comfort you need for a weekend getaway. They blend into the background so you feel more closely connected to the landscape,” Kubly explains. (Not to mention built-in WiFi.)

Cabana’s just one of the nation’s many vanlife start-ups. Find the one nearest you, and with a minimal learning curve, you could nab your first taste of this enviable lifestyle this weekend. Here’s where you could go.

1. Mesa County, Colorado

Photo: Zack Frank /Shutterstock

Home to the quirky communities of Fruita and Palisade , the city of Grand Junction, Colorado National Monument, McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area, the Colorado River, and Grand Mesa National Forest, let’s just say there are a few things you can do outdoors — and a few views you can take in — in Colorado’s Mesa County.

Red rock mesas light up this place — hence the name — but you’ll also find hoodoos, canyons, aspen groves, arches, turquoise lakes, and even one delightful dinosaur museum. It’s even home to the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-topped mountain. Much of the county is BLM land (meaning your wild camping options are many), but there are plenty of designated campgrounds and RV resorts like Basecamp in Palisade for when you need an amenity-filled day — and a shower.

2. Mt. Washington Valley, New Hampshire

Photo: Andy Shih /Shutterstock

The tallest peak in the Northeast, Mount Washington (6,288 feet) is the centerpiece of the White Mountain National Forest. Grab a spot at one of 10 campgrounds or primitive camp and spend your days hiking, biking, rock-climbing, or waiting for moose to cross your path. The 3,000-acre Moore Reservoir is good for a paddle, too.

The nearby town of North Conway, NH, is a total adventure town, with the kind of booming apres-ski scene you’d expect up here in the mountains. Get there on the 100-mile White Mountains Trail, one of the few designated scenic byway loops in the country.

3. Tybee Island, Georgia

Photo: SFP Aerial Stock Footage /Shutterstock

Tybee Island, a barrier island near Savannah known for its surprisingly wide beaches, has been a Georgian go-to spot for centuries. There are four main stretches of sand, but Back River Beach is where to go to avoid the crowds; you can also go backcountry at Little Tybee Island, an uninhabited nature preserve only accessible by watercraft. Several local outfitters rent out canoes, kayaks, and boats, and you can camp out here and make a weekend of it, too.

If you’re looking to stick with your van, though, grand live oaks surround River’s End Campground & RV Park , and here you’ll be just minutes from the 1800s lighthouse, several beaches (be sure to shell in the morning), and the island’s best shops and restaurants.

4. Stanley and Snake River Valley, Idaho

Photo: Wollertz /Shutterstock

Gnomad Home ’s John Serbell, a dedicated vanlifer, considers Idaho one of the best states in the US for free or cheap camping. “They make life very easy for vanlifers by having dump stations and drinking-water fills in almost every town.” And Stanley, a funky mountain town smack dab in Idaho’s mountainous center, sits high on the state’s proverbial top shelf.

Put yourself here, and you’ll be neck-craning the whole way as you take an impossibly scenic drive along the gorgeous Snake River. You’ll be right between the picturesque Sawtooths and the Salmon-Challis National Forest, both with endless options for wild camping or designated camping, whichever’s your style. The Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness — one of the most remote stretches of land in the Lower 48 — is minutes away, too. The beauty here is on par with the country’s most scenic national parks (without the crowds).

Note: If renting a van makes you want to convert one yourself, definitely check out Gnomad Home’s epic how-to on building your own van .

5. Bishop, California

Photo: SNEHIT PHOTO /Shutterstock

One of the larger towns in the famed “Range of Light,” Bishop is known for a strange trio: its scenery, its bakeries, and its mules. Sitting at the northern end of the Sierras in Owens Valley, it has one of the highest concentrations of rock-climbing routes in the country and endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and biking.

The Sierra National Forest and the Inyo National Forest sit just to Bishop’s east (where you could wild camp), Yosemite and Kings Canyon national parks are just a hop away, and the brilliant Mono Lake and Mammoth Lakes should make your list, too. With such a stellar location, it’s clear why both the folks at The Discovery Nut and Gnomad Home rank Bishop top-tier on their destination lists.

6. Huntington Beach State Park, South Carolina

Photo: MarynaG /Shutterstock

A castle on a beach? Yes, you can have that experience — even in the States. South Carolina’s Huntington Beach State Park is home to the Atalaya Castle (or simply Atalaya), a National Historic Landmark done in Moorish Revival style. The state park also has a three-mile beach on the Atlantic, a freshwater lake, hiking trails, and plenty of opportunities to spot loggerhead turtles and watch for migrating birds. If you tire of your own cooking, the nearby Marshwalk has plenty of wonderful seafood restaurants and local options right on the water for fresh, al fresco dining.

7. Sauk County, Wisconsin

Photo: Suzanne Tucker /Shutterstock

Wisconsin’s outdoor spaces are seriously underrated — the state has 16 million acres of forested land. And though the Chequamegon National Forest and the Apostle Islands are proof how stunning the northern portion of the state is, don’t write off Sauk County, about an hour away from Madison.

Its pièce de résistance is Devil’s Lake State Park — which has plenty of camping opportunities alongside its towering bluffs and cliffside hikes — but the Wisconsin Dells, Parfrey’s Glen, Pewit’s Nest, Gibraltar Rock, Fern Dell Gorge, and several outstanding sections of the Ice Age Trail are also in the area, each home to some fabulous rock formations, trails, and glacially-carved views. Lake Wisconsin, just a few miles away, also remains from the area’s icy past.

Beyond the state park, there are numerous places to “pull over,” but Crystal Lake Campground and RV Park in Lodi covers all your necessary amenities away from Devil’s Lake’s weekend crowds.

8. Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon

Photo: Josemaria Toscano /Shutterstock

Mt. Hood National Forest is one of the country’s most popular. The area sees some four million visitors every year — but since you can easily wild camp in your van, you don’t have to see any of them. As long as you’re 200 feet from any water source, road, or trail, the forest is all yours. Spend your time floating or paddling the Clackamas River — a tributary of the Willamette — hike the final section of the Oregon Trail, snow-tube down Mt. Hood, or mountain bike through the groves of Douglas fir and red cedar.

Of course, you could always stay at the Mt. Hood RV Resort as well (depending on your set-up, you may be looking for a dump station). The views from here, with your van doors open, are hard to believe.

9. Seward, Alaska

Photo: ThinkingAhead /Shutterstock

There is no wrong way to live your best #vanlife in Alaska. But since we have to narrow it down, let’s go with Seward: It’s the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park , where great views are had just filling up at the gas station. Get yourself anywhere on the Kenai Peninsula, and you’ll see just how many options you have — and how many places you might yell out, “Pull over!”

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How To Plan A Vanlife Road Trip | 7 Easy Steps

Planning a road trip can be extremely overwhelming and exciting all at one-time. I get it, there are so many places to see, explore, and adventure. It is a world filled with endless hidden gems, natural wonders, and pure epicness. In my opinion, road tripping is the best way to experience the great outdoors. We’ve driven thousands of miles and our Google Maps is full of road trip ideas.

The beauty of road tripping in a van is the flexibility and not having to worry about expensive hotel reservations. You’ll be able to travel anywhere on the road and camp comfortably in your own van. Here are tips and guidance to help you how to plan your next van life road trip!

1. Choose Your Route

Do you have a bucket list? A destination in mind that you’ve always wanted to visit? It’s obvious that the first step in planning your road trip is figuring out where you want to go. Once you’ve decided on the destinations, it’s time to plug those into a map. We like to use Google Maps to give us a rough idea of the drive time and mileage. If possible, choose the scenic route! America’s Scenic Byways and Authentik Canada offer epic scenic routes, in case you are looking for some inspiration.

Pro Tip : Google Maps will most likely use the most direct route but you can modify it to take the scenic route by simply dragging the blue line elsewhere on the map, just keep track of the mileage and drive-time.

2. Make Your Route Adaptable

Additionally, keep your route adaptable as you may want to make spontaneous stops along the way because let’s be honest…that’s what makes a road trip fun and how you find those hidden gems!

Questions to ask yourself: How much time do you have for your road trip? How many miles can you comfortably drive? These are important to help you plan your drive times accordingly.

3. Plan For The Weather

Depending on where you plan to go, researching the average temperatures is a must. Doing so will prepare you to plan ahead your clothing items, camping essentials, and must-do adventures. So check the weather of areas you plan to visit before you finalize your route!

4. Find Places to Stay

As I mentioned earlier, the beauty of road tripping in a van is flexibility. We love choosing a route that takes us through a scenic way and off the grid packed with explorations and free campsites. Whether it’s on Forest Service Roads or the Bureau of Land Management, there’s nothing like going to sleep and waking up in some epic places! However, if you are planning a road trip to a populated destination during peak season, reserving campsites in advance is a must. If you plan off-season, reservations along the way are plausible as well.

Top apps we use to find campsites: Recreation.gov , iOverlander , Campendium , FreeRoam , Gaia GPS , and Harvest Host

5. Pack Like a Minimalist

The secret to a successful road trip is to pack like a minimalist. It involves light packing and is the foundational element of stress-free travel. Here are a few things to consider – make a packing list before your trip, choose a neutral base color for your outfits (this will make packing easy and versatile), and use packing cubes to keep you tidy. Check out this list of the best travel gear and essentials to help you with your packing!

6. Prep Your Van For The Road

Before embarking on your road trip, you probably want to make sure that your van is in tip-top shape.

The most important thing you can do to ensure that? Make sure your van is up-to-date on its maintenance. So if you haven’t had your van serviced in a while—or if it’s been a while since you’ve had an oil change, or maybe even just since the last time you checked your tires—make sure to take care of that before hitting the road!

7. Organize & Finalize Your Road Trip

Regardless if you’re taking a week-long road trip or a month-long road trip, it’s always best to organize all of your collected information (in my honest opinion). We like to use Google Docs to note down places we want to see along the way, potential campgrounds, mountain biking & hiking trails, and any other information relating to the trip. Soon after, a flexible planned route with trip dates is implemented in Google Calendar & Google Docs with day-by-day detail of planned destinations, drive times, and campsite reservations.

Before finalizing your van life road trip route, I recommend reviewing your plans. Ask yourself: Does it feel well-balanced? Are there any activities or attractions you might have missed? Once you feel confident with your road trip plans, make sure you download the Google Offline Map and your docs to always have access to your itinerary.

Pro Tip: Service can be spotty depending on where you go and Google Maps may not always work properly, this National Geographic Road Atlas: Adventure Edition is the perfect map to have on hand and in your van. Plus it’s got great recommendations for the adventurous soul!

In conclusion, road trips are great ways to relax and enjoy nature but also require careful planning and preparation. We hope this article helps you plan your next adventure on the road!

Thank you for reading! We’re excited to continue sharing our journey with our Pleasure-Way REKON adventure van, feel free to follow us on Instagram or check out the blog at www.emwanderment.com

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We built our van, sold our house, quit our jobs, and hit the road full time. It feels UNREAL!

Tales From the Road

As we progress in our travels, we learn to live a normal life in our van….

All The Van Life Tales From The Road:

• August/September
• Winter 2019
• Two Years of Van Life: A Retrospective

Mexico Van Life Guide

• March/April
• May/June/July
• August/Sept/October
• Winter 2020/2021

2022 – 2023

We’re currently taking a pause and building a new van. Check out our Van Build page to follow along!

Van life Guides and How-To’s

Below are some guides and how-to’s, learnt the hard way, to help make the most of the van life. hope that helps.

Van Life Actual Cost

When planning for our Van Life back in 2016, we couldn’t find any information on the actual cost of living on the road. It was unfortunate, because how fast we spend money highly influences how long we can stay on the road… To help others following our path, we decided to keep track of all our Van Life monthly expenses (organized by category). Hope this helps!

How To Find Free Campsites

We’ve been living full time in our van since 2017, and the only times we pay for campsites are when we join friends that are visiting us. It’s totally possible to live in a van and not spend a dime on overnight parking spots. In this guide, we share the resources, tips & tricks we use to find free campsites.

How To Find Water For Free

Van Life really makes you realize how precious water is, because it’s no longer an unlimited supply . Indeed, the idea of running out of water can be nerve racking, especially when travelling to remote places! In this guide, we share the resources, tips & tricks we use to find water for free. Hope this helps!

How To Stay Connected On The Road – A Van Life Guide

Finding driving directions, camping spots, cool swimming holes nearby, grocery stores, cheap gas, etc… we’ll go ahead and say it: van life wouldn’t be the same without mobile Internet these days! In this guide, we share what’s the most reliable way to get Internet on the road, as well as some hacks to make the most out of your Internet plan.

Winter Van Life Guide

Winter van life is not easy, but it is extremely rewarding if, like us, chasing epic skiing/snowboarding conditions is what you’re after! With the proper resources & planning, it can be a magical thing… In this guide: traction and driving in snow, staying warm, condensation control, water & showers, drying our gear, tales from the road, and more!

How To Register And Insure Your DIY Van Conversion In British-Columbia (Canada)

Need help figuring how to register and insure your DIY camper van conversion in British Columbia? Moving to British Columbia? We’ve been there! Here is what we learned in the process.

Travel Medical Insurance For Canadians Traveling Abroad

Accidents happen when we least expect them, and a dream vacation planned for years ahead can quickly turn into a nightmare. The goal of this article is to share the knowledge we gained about travel medical insurance; we’re no experts, but it should help you get started.

Camera Gear

Here is our favorite photography & video gear for travelling in our van. Aerial/Underwater/Long Exposure/POV/Gimbal… check it out!

Manual Espresso Maker

The ROK Presso Manual Espresso Maker is a favorite in the van: it’s functional, well made, it does not require electrical power, it’s nicely designed and it works GREAT! Being away from home is not an excuse to skip our coffee ritual anymore, sweeeet!

Try Van Life – How To Rent A Camper Van (And Why)

Dreaming about Van Life? We were too! After making the transition from home owners to living full time in a van  (2 years and still loving it) , we highly recommend camper van  rental  before taking the leap. Here are 5 reasons why!

How To Start Your Website (And Work Remotely)

Creating your own website is a great way to keep your brain busy on the road, connect with other people, and even make money remotely! We’re no Internet gurus or experts, but if we made it happen with FarOutRide.com, so can you! Here is everything to get you started.

Your guide to VAN LIFE in Mexico: Paperwork, border crossing, safety tips, insurance, camping, water, cost, tales from the road. Hope that helps!

Yukon (Mini) Van Life & Travel Guide

We spent a month traveling in Yukon, it’s certainly not enough to make us experts on the topic 🙂 Our goal is simply to share our experience and our recommendations, and the content below is highly biased towards the things we love: van life, mountain biking and hiking!

Van life FAQ

What is van life.

It’s up to each of us to make the Van Life community an inclusive community! As such, we don’t like having a specific set of rules to define Van Life… But as a general guideline, Van Life is a lifestyle of living (or travelling) full-time (or part-time) in a van. Typically, it involves converting a van to a camper van (or adventure van) by adding basic amenities ( roof fan , bed , 12V refrigerator , cooktop ) or full amenities ( toilet , sink , shower , etc). The van conversion can be performed by a van conversion company or it can be self-built (aka “DIY”). The budget for a camper van can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars up to a few hundred thousand dollars! But whatever the cost, we’re all part of the same awesome Van Life family 🙂

What is Van Life for FarOutRIde?

For us, Van Life is about doing more of what we love while we’re still young and healthy: mountain biking, skiing, travelling. We sold our house in 2017 to move full time in our self-built Ford Transit camper van, and we don’t look back! We’ve been documenting our adventures in our TALES FROM THE ROAD , which you will find at the top of this page (scroll up). See you on the road!

Why Van Life?

We all have different backgrounds and different reasons for doing the Van life, and that’s OK! Amongst the fellow van lifers we met on the road, here are the most common reasons why people are doing the Van Life:

• To avoid rent and save money.
• To live a minimalist lifestyle (simple living).
• To live a nomad lifestyle and be location independent (e.g. digital nomad).
• To travel and see the world (short or long term).
• To do more of their favorite activity (mountain biking, skiing, moto, photography, etc.).

Why Van Life for FarOutRIde?

For us, the motivation for full time Van Life came a few years after we became fully rooted in our mid-thirties: engineering careers, home owners, etc. The idea of working full time and taking short (and expensive) vacations each year until our old days was not really fulfilling… So we asked ourselves: how can we create a lifestyle where we can enjoy these activities to the fullest while we’re still young and healthy? Van Life seemed like the perfect solution! We originally planned to travel one year, but one year turned into two… into three… into four… and we’re still counting! Well, that’s the short story. For the long story, head over to Our Story :

What’s the best van for Van Life?

It’s impossible to answer that question without FIRST defining your needs! Indeed, the “best” van is different for each one of us. Here are some questions you should ask yourself in order to define what’s the best van for you :

• What’s your budget to purchase the van?
• What’s your budget for the van conversion?
• What’s your budget for van maintenance?
• What are your mechanical aptitudes?
• Is a mechanical breakdown a big deal for you, or it’s part of the adventure?
• How important is it for you to be able to stand up in the van?
• Do you prioritize function over look?

What’s our Best Van?

When we first tried to decide what van to get, we went through the process of asking the same questions as above:

• We’d rather build a van once and keep it for a long time. We’d rather pay a high upfront cost for the van and the conversion, so that we don’t have to worry about the van in the future and so that we can focus on our adventures.
• The lowest the better, of course…
• None, and learning how to fix a van is not really our thing.
• For us, the adventures are on the bikes or our skis. So we’d rather avoid breakdowns, especially knowing we plan on traveling in remote places.
• VERY important.
• Function. Owning a vintage or a cute van is not important for us.

We were steered towards either a Ford Transit, a Mercedes Sprinter, or a Ram ProMaster. We ended choosing the Ford Transit and we don’t look back! Here is more info about choosing between one of these vans:

How much does it cost to buy or build a van?

The cost of your ticket to Van Life is influenced by several variables: pro-build VS self-build, vintage van VS modern van, amenities added, the quality of the components used for the van conversion, etc. Some people invest only a couple grands and are ready to live in their van; others invest over two hundred grands to buy their dream rig. The cost varies so much, there is no general rule of thumb. But if you plan on building your own van (like us), we can definitely help: check out our “ Van Build Cost and Labor ” page where we fully detailed and documented the cost and labor of our own van conversion (it’s all organized by category).

How Much Did We Spend On our Van And Conversion?

Back in 2016, we could buy brand new Ford Transit van for around $35,000 USD. And then we spent about $20,000 USD on the conversion. To help you plan your own van build, we fully documented the cost and labor we invested in our own conversion; all detailed and organized by category. Hope this helps!

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How to Find Free Campsites for Car Camping & Van Life

Learn where and how to find FREE campsites on your next road trip with this list of our favorite websites, apps & maps for finding free dispersed camping.

If you are planning a road trip or are a new van-lifer, you might be surprised by how much camping fees add up over time, especially if you end up staying at National Parks or privately owned campgrounds. I realized this when I got my first Sprinter Van in 2016, and I quickly learned that paying $15-50 every night for established campgrounds was not going to be an option if I wanted to be on the road long-term.

Since then, I’ve been using a variety of tools to find free campsites, also referred to as dispersed camping or boondocking. Whether you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path place to set up your tent away from crowds or are trying to stick to a budget, this blog post on how to find free camping will help you find great campsites during your road trip.

Get outside and enjoy a quiet night of camping under the stars on a budget with this guide to finding free campsites across the U.S.

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What Is “Free Camping”?

While most established campgrounds require a fee, free camping means you can camp for free in your car, tent, camper van, or RV. Free camping doesn’t allow for advanced reservations, and it means you’ll most likely be without amenities such as potable water, picnic tables, trash cans, showers, and toilets. You’ll need to come fully prepared with everything you need, pack everything out, and abide by Leave No Trace principles . So why would anyone want to give the comforts of an established campground? Here are some of the positive trade-offs of free camping:

• Easy way to save money
• Offers more solitude and remoteness than a traditional campground
• Sometimes you’ll have better views!
• Greater flexibility with travel plans
• Ability to make or change last-minute plans

We think the benefits of free camping well outweigh the negatives, but we know that planning a free camping trip can be a little overwhelming at first. We’re going to break down everything you need to know, starting with a few common names that are used for free camping:

Dispersed camping

This is the official free camping term used by the National Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the two agencies that oversee the majority of free camping lands in the US. If you stop by a National Forest office, ranger station, or call one of these agencies, you’ll want to ask about dispersed camping options in the area.

Read next: New to camping? Read our tips on how to be a good campsite neighbor .

Boondocking

Boondocking is a blanket term for all free camping used by RVers, roadtrippers, and long-term travelers. It can be used interchangeably with any other term for free camping.

Stealth camping

Stealth camping is the act of camping in an urban area that is not primarily used for overnight camping. Residential neighborhoods, industrial areas, and big box stores like Walmart and Cracker Barrel are common places to get some shut-eye for free.

Dry camping

Dry camping refers to camping without potable water access or electrical hookups. It is interchangeable with boondocking, free camping, and dispersed camping.

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Where Can You Camp For Free in the US?

Understanding different public land designations will help you find free campsites. Not all public land agencies manage dispersed camping in the same way. Some, like the National Parks, offer mostly paid campgrounds, while other agencies – like the BLM – typically have a 14-day free camping limit.

BLM, or the Bureau of Land Management, and US Forest Service land are the two types of public land where free camping is most easily found. Regulations vary by location and you’ll typically find signs at the start of the dirt road telling you how long you can stay, any fire restrictions in place, and any other important information that you’ll want to know. Any areas that are off-limits are generally marked by signs. Be sure to follow all rules and regulations and apply for a camping permit if one is required.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land is mostly found out west, and dispersed camping is allowed on most BLM land for up to 14 days, although in popular areas that limit can be shorter – always follow posted signs.

Unfortunately, the BLM doesn’t have a comprehensive map on their website showing where all of the free BLM campsites are, but you can get a feel for what’s available in your region by browsing their regional maps found here . Some states have pretty handy guides, like Idaho, and you also contact the local BLM office to get more info on where you can camp for free. The tools and apps we talk about in the next section will also help you identify where free BLM camping is.

Forest Service Land (USFS)

Similar to BLM lands, dispersed camping is allowed in over 175 national forests and grasslands in the United States. For information on camping at USFS locations across the country, you have to check with each ranger district directly. On the USFS website , you can search by state and select a specific forest or grassland to learn more about.

While BLM and USFS land are the most common places to find dispersed camping, you may also find free campsites on state forest land, certain state parks, national recreation areas, and city parks.

Best Apps for Finding Free Campsites

There are more tools available than we list here, but after 5+ years of road tripping in my van, these are my favorite online resources and apps for finding free campsites:

The Dyrt & The Dyrt PRO

The Dyrt is currently the top-rated camping app for Apple and Android and one of our favorite tools for finding campsites. It has listings of all kinds of different campgrounds including public and private ones as well as some free dispersed camping options. Their listings include reviews, photos, information on amenities, and more.

You can also search by required amenities. Let’s say you need Wifi to get some work done or need a location with showers or even a pet-friendly location, you can narrow your search down using all types of parameters.

There is a free version, as well as a Dyrt PRO membership upgrade for $35.99/year. In my detailed review of the Dyrt PRO , I discuss the many membership benefits including:

• The ability to search for campsites and read reviews offline – no cell service or wifi needed (this is huge as not having service can be stressful if you don’t have a plan for the night).
• Map layers that tell you where BLM, Forest Service, and National Park land are located (amazing feature for finding dispersed camping!)
• A trip planning tool that allows you to build your trip before heading out and then exports it all to google maps
• You can save campgrounds you’re interested into lists so you have them handy for when you’re on the road.
• Up to 40% off camping reservations at 1,000s of campgrounds. Many of these campgrounds are in areas where free camping on public land isn’t available, and the discount alone can pay for your annual membership.
• As a PRO member, you’ll also get discounts on outdoor gear from their brand partners.

* The Dyrt is currently offering a FREE 30-day membership to The Dyrt PRO to Bearfoot Theory readers (use the code “Bearfoot” if signing up on mobile!). Try it out and see how you like it!*

iOverlander

iOverlander is a FREE app that you download to your phone and it’s a favorite among van lifers. Users submit information about places they’ve camped, and it’s one of the most comprehensive crowdsourced databases of free camping that I’ve found that covers all of North America (including Canada and Mexico).

Users can upload photos, a description, and other information, like internet availability, along with GPS coordinates. There are also some paid campsites on iOverlander as well that you can toggle on as a layer.

Because iOverlander is crowd-sourced, the app is constantly updated with new info. Maybe a dispersed area was recently closed or perhaps someone had a sketchy encounter at a campsite. Users in iOverlander are very good at sharing important information like that in the comments section for each site – one of the unique benefits of using the iOverlander app .

More recently, they’ve added amenities like water refill and propane stations, dumps, and more. While iOverlander doesn’t officially work offline, you’ll still be able to see your location and nearby dispersed camping areas when zoomed out. You just won’t be able to see any user photos or the map background when you zoom in or be able to get directions – a feature that hopefully will improve in the future.

All Stays Camp & RV

All Stays Camp & Rv  is a paid app that you download to your phone. All Stays includes paid and dispersed campsites, but for dispersed it’s not as comprehensive as the previous two apps I mentioned. What I like about All Stays is that it also has other types of places you can park for free, including Walmarts, rest-stops, and casinos, as well as other amenities. In addition, you can find places to fill up water, RV dumps, and other services that you often need on the road.

Once you find a campsite, there is a button that links to Google Images, and you can automatically open up directions in Apple or Google maps. The basic functions of the app even sort-of work when you are off-the-grid and have no cell service.

Sēkr  (formerly known as The Van Life App) is a women-owned app built by fellow van lifers. Similar to iOverlander, Sēkr uses crowd-sourced data to provide campsite information, including reviews and photos.

Sēkr also has a “Community Calendar” where you can find upcoming van life meetups and gatherings, caravan invitations, and other opportunities to connect with other van lifers. With your Sēkr profile, you can also opt-in to see other Sēkr members in your general area and send friend requests based on shared interests.

Recently, Sēkr launched a premium version (called Sekr+) which allows users to download maps and campsite info for offline use, adds overlay map layers for US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management land, and includes overlays of coverage maps for major US carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.

FreeCampsites.net

If you don’t want to download a paid app or prefer to search on a computer or browser,  Freecampsites.net is a desktop tool that allows you to zoom in on a map to locate campsites or search by zip code. Additionally, it also has a trip planning option that will allow you to create a route using free dispersed camping options. You can even search by the type of access road to the sites. When you select a site, you’ll be given the GPS coordinates, elevation, and the local weather so you can pack accordingly. I’ve found that freecampsites.net sometimes has free dispersed sites that aren’t found on iOverlander or other apps.

Campendium is a free iPhone-only app or desktop tool that has thousands of campsites pinned from free dispersed sites to swanky RV parks. This app is tailored toward RVers who may need dispersed campsites that are larger and can be accessed with low clearance.

Once you’ve found a spot you want to camp using one of these apps, open up Google Maps to get directions. I like to use satellite view to zoom in to see if I can tell anything else about the campsite. For example, if there’s more than one site in the area, I’ll see if I can scope out which one is going to be the best.

If you don’t have service, you can use your paper atlas or a GPS if you have one to navigate to the campsite.

Other Tools for Finding Free Campsites

A paper road atlas can be super handy when road tripping or doing van life and looking for free camping. In rural areas, google maps can be unreliable, and if your service cuts out, you’ll be happy you have an old-school paper map to navigate with.

Benchmark Road Atlases are my go-to paper maps. If I’m going to be spending any extended amount of time in one state, I will invest in a Benchmark Road Atlas. Each state has its own atlas and they generally run about $20. All maps show recreation activities, have categorized listings, and also show public land ownership lines.

These maps also have all the little backroads that you’ll want to know about for finding the perfect dispersed campsites, and what’s especially great is that they differentiate between 2wd and 4wd roads. In my experience, these indicators have been pretty accurate and when it says 4×4, the road really is rough. Just having a sense of the terrain and accessibility is a good place to start.

My method for finding free, dispersed campsites in a new area is to find a Forest Service road that appears to be well-maintained on the map and then take a drive. This is good not just for finding campsites, but for finding cool back roads to explore.

National Geographic Maps

These topographic maps are great for backpacking as they are waterproof and tear-resistant. They come location specific; for example Big Sur & the Ventana Wilderness. The maps provide detailed information about specific lands and ranger districts while also showing all National Forest boundaries. They also often point out roads for dispersed camping, hiking trails, potential water sources, dump stations, and campgrounds that offer showers. You can generally find a great selection of National Geographic Maps at REI .

Don’t want to fork over the money for paper maps? Stop by the ranger station when you arrive at your destination. Many of them provide free public maps that you can take with you. If not, almost all of them have a big map on the wall of their jurisdiction. Use your phone to take a picture of the area you are interested in.

Google Maps

If you know an area that allows free camping, I like to switch Google Maps to satellite view and zoom in on the area. Sometimes you’ll find some “hidden” campsites or at least get a better idea of what the camping areas look like before you drive out.

Other Options for Free Overnight Parking

Before we move on, I want to quickly talk about other types of free places to park overnight.

Parking Lots

Not necessarily what you had in mind for your next great adventure, but if you find yourself caught in town refueling on supplies and need a place to sleep for the night, it’s important to note that you can find free, legal places to camp in cities that aren’t just truck or rest stops (although these are a great option in a pinch!)

When crashing in these types of parking lots, you have to stay (meaning sleeping, cooking, and hanging out) inside your vehicle for the evening, but if you’re in a bind, it can be a good option. Some truck stops even offer laundry services and coin-operated showers. Make sure to check with management if you are unsure or have any questions–not all locations in all states allow overnight parking.

Certain big box stores allow overnight parking – but not all. Below we’ve listed out the most common businesses that allow sleeping in your RV/van/car overnight (no tent camping), but we always recommend calling ahead or going in to speak to the manager. As always, follow any posted signs.

• Cabela’s
• Cracker Barrel (most have dedicated overnight parking spots in the back)
• Camping World (sometimes have free water, dump stations, and electrical hook-ups)
• Planet Fitness/Anytime Fitness/24-Hour Fitness
• Lowe’s/Home Depot/Menards
• Costco/Sam’s Club

Casinos, Truck Stops, & Rest Stops

Casinos, truck stops, and rest stops also offer overnight parking. Usually, their parking lots are well lit (which is nice for safety), and some will have a dedicated area for big rigs and even shower facilities. These can be noisy depending on their proximity to the road and the coming and going of big rigs, but if you’re in a pinch or just need a convenient place to overnight, these are good options. For casinos with overnight parking, use the map locator on casinocamper.com to see which casinos allow overnight parking.

Harvest Hosts & Boondockers Welcome

Another great option is Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome. An annual Harvest Hosts membership allows you to park overnight for free at a variety of wineries, breweries, farms, museums, golf courses, and other attractions. They do require you to be self-contained with a toilet, so keep that in mind. Use this link to get 30% off your first year with the code FRIENDS30 . Purchasing something and supporting the small businesses you camp at is encouraged but not required.

Boondocker’s Welcome  connects you with private property owners who welcome overnight campers. These are often in driveways, fields, or backyards and some allow multiple-night stays. You can add Boondockers Welcome to your Harvest Hosts plan for 30% off the first year as well. (Note: You also must be self-contained to use Boondocker’s Welcome).

Important Things to Consider Before Free Camping

While free campgrounds certainly have their perks like solitude and saving money, there are some disadvantages as well. If you’re planning your first dispersed camping trip, it’s best to go in with the mindset that it is not going to be the same experience as a paid campground . Here are a few key things to keep in mind about dispersed camping:

• Fire Regulations: Dispersed free campsites may or may not have a fire ring so it is important you do your research to find out whether any fire restrictions are in place and to come prepared with basic backcountry fire safety skills. If you find a spot without a fire ring, it’s best practice to not create a new one. For more on backcountry fires, check out our guide to having a safe campfire .
• Road Conditions: Before heading out, you’ll want to find out what the road conditions are like, whether you need 4-wheel drive, and whether there are any road closures. Sometimes an app or map on your phone might not distinguish a paved road from a dirt one, and a graded maintained dirt road from a road that needs higher clearance and 4-wheel drive. Be sure to check the weather in advance too which can change road conditions.
• Water Availability: Will there be any water sources nearby and are they potable? You’ll want to know this so you can bring enough water if there’s none available or a water filter if needed, and also so you can make sure to camp 200 feet away from any stream or water source. 
• Dump facilities: Unlike established campgrounds, dispersed campgrounds typically won’t have a dump station on-site or nearby. If you have a grey or black water tank, plan accordingly and make sure to look up the closest dump station for your trip.
• Campsite Amenities: Generally there are no amenities such as picnic tables, trash receptacles, sinks, electrical hookups, camp hosts, or restrooms at free dispersed campsites. Bring a trash bag and be prepared to pack out your trash, and if there aren’t restrooms, know how to go to the bathroom outdoors while abiding by Leave No Trace principles .
• Cell Service: A lot of dispersed free campsites are in remote areas where you may not have cell service to access maps on your phone. Be sure to let your loved ones know where you’ll be and we highly recommend carrying paper maps with you in your car which are also helpful for identifying nearby hiking trails and other recreation opportunities.

Tips for Finding Free Campsites

When you’re first starting out, finding free campsites might feel intimidating (I know it was for me). Here are some ways to ease into your first free camping trip:

• Finding a campsite is much easier when you are still in service . So, if you know the general region you want to stay in, do your research before you get out of cell range. Again, my preferred apps have some functionality offline, but you can plan with more certainty when you have a signal.
• Searching for campsites is easier and less stressful during daylight . If at all possible, try to be settled before it gets dark.
• Adopting a mindset that you don’t have to have a perfect camping setup every night will make finding campsites while on the road a lot easier . Some nights you might be in the forest with no view or you might be parked in a big open area near a lot of other campers. If you are camping only one weekend a year, a view and solitude might be super important to you, but if you’re road tripping or doing van life for an extended period of time, you’re going to be camping all the time. Some nights, you’ll hit the jackpot. Other nights, your campsites might be mediocre, and that’s ok. You can pack up in the morning and move on to somewhere better. All you really need is a flat spot with enough space, and the biggest thing is that you feel safe and you aren’t blatantly breaking the law.
• Ranger stations can be a great resource for information . If you are unsure about where you are allowed to camp, swing into the local ranger station for maps and advice.

What To Pack For Free Camping

When dispersed camping, you’ll need to take into account the lack of amenities such as potable water, a picnic table, and showers. We recommend checking out our complete car camping checklist for the basics, and we’ve highlighted some of our essentials for free camping below:

• Portable water jug : depending on the length of your trip, you’ll want to pack a few of these (filled with water) so you can wash dishes, rinse off, and have drinking water.
• Folding table: you’ll want something to set your camp stove on to cook & a spot where you can play games, journal, etc. I love the GCI Slim-Fold Cook Station because it folds down flat and has tons of hooks for organizing your camp kitchen.
• Portable shower: if you plan to boondock for an extended period of time or want a way to rinse off, we recommend the NEMO Helio Pressure Shower or the Geyser Portable Shower w/ Heater .
• Safety items : including a portable car jumper, first aid kit , and tire patch kit
• Poop kit: a small shovel , toilet paper (pack it out!), hand sanitizer, and a small Ziploc for your used toilet paper
• Garbage bags: so you can easily pack out everything you bring in – there are no dumpsters on public lands!

Is Dispersed Camping Safe?

Taking extra safety precautions when you’re camping is an important consideration, especially when free camping when you may be far away from other people and without cell signal. Here are a few ways to keep safety top of mind:

• Trust your gut: If you have a bad feeling about a campsite, leave. Never second guess your instincts – you can always find another campsite.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to who and what are around you. If you’re camping alone, consider finding a spot with other campers nearby.
• Download offline maps: Don’t put yourself in a position to get lost or stranded. Download maps ahead of time or grab a paper map as backup.
• Tell someone your plans: Let someone know where you plan to camp and when you expect to return. Check in often, especially if your plans change.
• Have an exit plan: Always keep the driver’s seat clear and have a designated spot for your keys. If possible, park where you can’t be blocked in and don’t need to reverse to get out of a spot.
• Keep your doors locked: Especially when you’re sleeping!
• Consider carrying a self-defense tool: Some people may feel safer if they carry pepper spray, a taser, etc.

Leave No Trace & Dispersed Free Camping

One of the reasons you’ll enjoy dispersed camping so much is because of its lack of human presence. In reality, dispersed camping is camping at its finest -stunning backdrops and the brilliant night sky without the common distractions of our bustling world. Please follow Leave No Trace principles to ensure your favorite rugged locations stay wild for years to come. There are many public lands that are at risk of being shut down due to overuse and because campers are leaving behind trash, taking surface dumps and not packing out their toilet paper, and driving off-road to create new campsites. Here are a few ways we can ensure free camping stays free:

• Pack it in, pack it out: You need to take EVERYTHING with you when you leave a dispersed campsite, including your camping gear, trash, and personal items. Bonus if you pick up any trash that was left behind from previous campers.
• Know how to properly poop outdoors . This also extends to picking up your pet’s poop on public lands.
• Do not drive off-road or create new campsites in free camping areas. Stay on durable surfaces.
• Use already existing fire rings, do not make your own.

What questions do you have about how to find free campsites? Share your experiences and tips with boondocking, dispersed camping, and free camping in the comments below!

With two decades of hiking and seven years of van life under her belt, Kristen has dedicated her life to helping people experience the positive effects of nature. As a pioneer in the outdoor blogging space, she founded Bearfoot Theory in 2014 and has since authored more than 350 blog posts about outdoor travel, hiking, camping, and van life. Her work has been featured in National Geographic, Outside Magazine, and Backpacker, and when she’s not on the road, she lives in Park City, Utah with her partner Ryan, their son, and two adventure pups.

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15 Comments

Great article! One additional resource that\\\’s awesome is the app Avenza PDF Maps. It\\\’s free, and you can get the USFS maps through this app in a much more convenient format than through the website. The PDF maps show forest roads and dispersed camping areas, and are georeferenced so you\\\’ll see exactly where you are on them. I highly recommend it for dispersed camping in National Forests and Grasslands.

Sweet. Thanks Steve! I’ll check that out.

I really enjoyed this read… Shared among some friends. In six years I’m retiring and living in Class A RV full time, much of this I did not even know was available but will now have this in the front of my mind so that we travel smart. Thanks So Much for all the information. xoxo from Indiana

Nice read. Thank you.

Thanks, this is a GREAT article, really appreciated it. Heading out in May, very timely

ioverlander helped me free camp across the US and Canada, it’s a pretty great free app. Canadian wild camping along the shore of the great lakes was incredible, you have to get up there! I’m so glad to have stumbled upon your site as I’m making a shift from car camping to backpacking. Such empowering content! Way to make adventure feel accessible 🙂 Thanks!

I enjoyed reading your article I got a lot of information I am learning about camping and about campsites and I found your information very helpful and useful thank you

Outstanding work.

Thank you so much for writing this comprehensive article! my husband and I have done most of our dispersed camping in AZ, we know the areas and back roads there. we recently moved to Nevada, I know most of the state is BLM land and probably fine to camp most places. But, we area 100% and having an app that doesnt need service to use the maps is amazingly helpful. 🙂

The free trial of TheDyrt Pro was such a brilliant and helpful find as I start planning my first big adventure. Thank you!

Hi Annie, we’re so glad you found The Dyrt Pro helpful! Hope you have a great time on your trip!

Please don’t try to fool people into believing wasp spray is good for defense. It is useless. It is mostly water with a few chemicals that that don’t sting or burn, even in the eyes. The perp may get cancer in 30 years. But that isn’t going to help them when they need it.

Thanks for letting us know! We’ve removed it from the post.

It is a good idea to travel with a satellite-based SOS device and subscription, such as Garmin InReach or Zoleo’s satellite communicator. When you do not have cell service, which many dispersed sites are lacking, you need to be able to contact someone for help in case of an emergency. The newer iPhones now have an SOS feature that might be all you need, but review the options and determine what would work best for you. Also recommend a portable power bank to recharge your phone or satellite communicator; a portable air compressor to fill up low tires; bear spray; and a portable car battery charger.

Hi Pat – yes I totally agree. I have a Garmin Inreach Mini that comes with me everywhere. In came in handy a couple years ago when we woke up to a dead van battery in sub 0 temps. I used it to text my dad who was able to arrange for someone to come help us. My partner Ryan is also type 1 diabetic, so it gives me peace of mind when we are hiking in case something were to ever go wrong. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! – Kristen

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Home » Budget Travel » How to Live in a Van and Travel: Freedom, Vanlife, and the 21st Century Nomad

How to Live in a Van and Travel: Freedom, Vanlife, and the 21st Century Nomad

Excuse me, sir, ma’am, do you have a second to talk about freedom?

That’s why we travel, right? Sure, maybe it starts as an escape. Maybe your ex trashed you so you ran away from all those delicious problems (don’t feel bad; it’s a common story).

Maybe the looming threat of your tertiary education commitments was rearing its ugly head so you decided to delay.

Maybe you wanted to  ‘find yourself’ .

Whatever your reasons, the outcome was the same. You left… And then you caught the bug.

Now that I know how to be free, how can I choose to put myself back in the cage?

Excuse me, sir, ma’am do you have a second to talk about van life?

There’s something pure about van travel. You’ll have to peel back the layers first: the trashy Instagram hashtags. The ‘polyamorous’ douchebags competing for level-10 gipsy status to sleep with cute hippy chicks at psytrance festivals.

Peel that shit back first and what do you find? Freedom: a sincere desire to simply live freely. Travelling in a van, or any form of motorhome for that matter, is not a lifestyle: it’s an answer.

Less is more.

So let’s talk about that. Let’s talk about why you should live AND how to travel in a van.

Let’s talks about the ins and outs of travelling in a motorhome: a beginner’s tips and hacks guide for campervan travel. And let’s talk about travelling the world in a campervan: the best countries to go and how to acquire your new roots-less home.

I’m talking my favourite topic how to travel in a van.

Let’s go

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Vanlife: Let’s Paint a Picture of the Van Travel Lifestyle

How to live in a van and travel, the best countries for rv and campervan travel, vanlife tips 101: your beginner’s rv and campervan travel guide, freedom, vanlife and the 21st century nomad.

• Buy Us a Coffee!

Right, so that was soppy – sorry, folks! Here’s the deal: it’s a house on wheels. Let me reiterate that for you.

It’s a house on wheels.

Yeah sure, it may not be a very big house. But, look, if your biggest concern is not being able to take much stuff, then, mate… the traveller lifestyle might not be for you.

Let’s call it nomadic van living (just to separate it from actual nomadic living in which if you didn’t move, then winter came and you died). Living out of a van means living out of a home with wheels. Think about that for a sec.

If you run out of milk, you don’t have to leave the house to buy milk. You take the house WITH YOU to buy milk.

That’s fucking sick.

There’s a new level of freedom that comes from travelling the country in an RV , campervan, or even one of the cars with the fold-out tents on the roof (they’re awesome; I’ve seen JUCY rentals in New Zealand and Australia do them). Do you know what a common thought for me is while staring out the window on a bus ride? “That’s a nice mountain; I wish I could go climb it.” 

Ta-dah! Traveller vans to the rescue.

And, to be a little bit real for a second, I do think it’s an answer. We’re in a time where we are – possibly, hopefully, maybe – starting to look at the traditional model of ‘How to Adult – 101’ and saying…

Maybe, there’s another way. Maybe we don’t need all the things we thought we did.

I’d say it’s an experiment. You travel in a van, living in a motorhome, and you have an adventure. One way or another, you come away with a new perspective. And, if you’re built for it, maybe you come away with a whole new model for life.

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Why Travel and Live in a Van or RV

Let’s talk specifics, not quasi-philosophical ramblings. What are the benefits of travelling in a van or RV?

I mean, there’s the ease of buying groceries, obviously, but there’s more to motorhome travel than just that:

• There’s the obvious financial benefit. Your mileage (hah) will vary depending on your style. A family of four living and travelling in a full-power RV and staying at powered holiday parks are going to have a very different cost-footprint than two dirtbags travelling in a van and staying in the driveway of someone called Possum Joe. But, you can’t say rolling your transport and accommodation costs into one while cooking for yourself doesn’t help!
• You can go anywhere! Unless the road ends in which case you get out and walk. Campervan travel changes the landscape of your adventure, but I’ll save that for when I talk about the best countries to campervan in further down.
• You can pick up hitchhikers! Ahh, thank you, much appreciated! My people thank you in advance.
• There is, of course, the art of minimalism. How low you go is up to you: packing for living in an RV vs. a van vs. a hatchback Prius all offer different lifestyles. But it’s a middle-point between having what fits in your house and having what fits on your back.
• It offers freedom of movement. That’s why I call it nomadic van living. It’s like the next evolution up from nomadic horse living on the tech-tree-of-life. Stay, go, settle, cross the country; it’s all your choice. The only difference is that motorhomes break down. But, then, horses die…
• And, of course, it allows you to shift to a more nomadic lifestyle . At a certain point, travelling in a van becomes synonymous with living in a van…

Living in a Van: From Part-Time to Full-Time

This is what I’m talking about: what starts as toes dipped in the water of motorhome travel turns into the full immersion of motorhome living. You start off travelling in an RV or campervan around Australia or New Zealand and suddenly you’re reexamining your whole model of life. Suddenly, living out of a van doesn’t seem like such an alien concept.

You start looking at your life. Maybe I don’t need so many possessions. Maybe I don’t need the weekly depression of rent day.

Suddenly, yes, van life is worth it.

Your career aspirations change; you’ve realised just how many jobs can be done while travelling and living in a campervan. How much freedom is open to you when your cost of living has drastically reduced and your office can be any old breathtaking view.

And, suddenly, you’ve become a digital nomad .

Now, a deep-dive into the digital nomad lifestyle is a whole other can of worms and it’s not really my point either. My point is simply that these things tend to go way further and way deeper than we can often imagine. And that many people have created a sustainable (and fulfilling) life model around living in a van or RV full-time and earning money as they travel.

But that’s long term! Don’t get ahead of yourself, buddy. The digital nomad path changes your travel game , so take your time! Patience is good!

First, you need to get out there and experiment with motorhome travel! You need to see if it’s your holy grail. You need to dip your toes in and that means choosing and acquiring your traveller van.

Want to save money on accommodation?

We got you. For reals.

Ok, so I’ve convinced you, yeah? On the awesomeness of van life? Not pressured, mind you; you’re still in control here. I don’t want to talk you into doing anything you don’t want to do…

But, you’re ready: ready for the adventure of travelling the world in a campervan – the full-time RV lifestyle! You’re ready to start thinking about buying your first campervan.

Whoa, Nelly! Slow down there, sexy-legs! I know you’re excited but even buying the cheapest of campervans is a big and expensive commitment for a lifestyle you don’t know if you’re ready for yet. Jumping in feet-first is commendable but jumping in head-first into an unknown body of water is just bloody stupid!

Let’s start small with finding the right van to travel in so you can decide if van life is worth it for you. Then, if it’s everything you’ve dreamed of (psst, it will be) , you can make the shift to living in a campervan permanently.

So, step 1: finding the right type of motorhome for you. I stress the word motorhome because, as you may have noticed, you have a wide range of options and the different terms get thrown around somewhat interchangeably.

Types of Motorhomes

Think of choosing your motorhome like choosing a travel buddy . If you choose well, the vibe is good and you’ll have a long grand adventure together with lifelong cherished memories. But choose poorly and you’ll end up ditching them on the side of the road and hitchhiking in the opposite direction.

Choosing a Van for Travel: How to Find the Best Motorhome for You

Well, what are your needs? What are your likes and dislikes? How good are you at reversing?

These are the important questions you must ask yourself! (Especially that last one.) The number one tip for van living is that it’s gotta feel like home.

• Travel camper trailers, for a start, have no appeal to me. Lugging a trailer around everywhere in my journeys is unwieldy. But for someone who doesn’t want to make a full-time lifestyle commitment to RV or campervan travel, a camper trailer means you get to still have a car and a home and you can just park the thing in your yard when you’re not off adventuring.
• A converted travel van is the DIY option for the DIY mindset. Seriously, I’ve watched friends go to town on their DIY van conversion and it’s a marvel to behold – a power tool in one hand and WikiHow in the other. If full-time van life is something you ultimately commit to, I feel this the best option because you’re in control; who needs a loving committed relationship and a beautiful family to raise when you have a van! Backpackers in Australia and New Zealand often invest in buying a cheap van at the beginning of a year-long work visa, but for shorter trips, budget campervan hire tends to be a much smarter route.
• Class C Motorhomes (RVs) provide more luxury; let’s call it the family meal deal. RV travel offers more creature comforts at the cost of higher living expenses making it the top choice with families and grey nomads. But, if your travelling with a big group or just have a soft spot for the luxury road trip experience, an RV rental might just be right up your alley.
• Class B Motorhomes (campervans) are the bang-on choice for travellers fresh to the van travel game. Not too big; not too small: just right (just like a certain narcissistic little blonde girl’s porridge). For someone looking to dip their toes into van camping and see if this whole vanlife thing stacks up to the hype, this is the sweet spot!
• Class A Motorhome (monstrosities) are reserved for when you’re 70-years-old, greying, and have nothing but time, disposable income, and a loving life partner you want to bang all over the continent.

But, that leaves one last question: how do you acquire your new transient home?

Rent or Buy – Travel Van Rental: The Advantages of Campervan Hire

Ok, so let’s level with each other: buying a motorhome is expensive! The outright cost is enough to make any broke backpacker curl into the foetal position on the floor and that’s before you add in the insurance and registration costs plus the rising fuel prices in an ever-increasingly unstable global community. 

You’d be better of buying a station wagon and crashing at your mum’s house on laundry/shower day, though, I feel that sorta defeats the purpose of the fully independent, ‘fuck the man’ nomadic van-living lifestyle.

Here’s van living tip number two: don’t buy a motorhome until you know that it’s right for you. I’m talking about using campervan hire as your jumping-off point.

There are a lot of ways to travel a country, but I’d imagine we all have a soft spot for having our own vehicle. And, truthfully, a campervan is simply a better way to travel some countries (looking at you, New Zealand) .

Sometimes, public transport sucks; sometimes we want to go far out. And, sometimes, we don’t want to pay 50 bucks for what amounts to 12-hour bag storage and mattress rental (with complimentary white bread for breakfast).

The Great Australian Road Trip is a dream journey of many travellers I meet (I’m not sure why; I don’t think you realise how boring our roads are – long, straight, and filled with dead things). Plus, road trips are SICK! Talking shit with your mates, good tunes, smoking – ahem – “ciggies” at isolated lookouts (wink-wink): road trips are the best!

It doesn’t mean that one day you won’t have the holy grail converted traveller van, but the best way to start that big journey is with a little step. Hire a motorhome, have an adventure in any of the best countries to campervan in, and once you know how to actually live in a van and travel, you’ll know if the vanlife is right for you.

If you’re after my recommendation, for New Zealand and Australia road trips, JUCY rentals are the best. These iconic whips are the perfect home on the road to explore the roads of down under.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

You’re going to notice a common theme with most of the countries on this van travel bucket list: they’re costly to travel with plenty of ground to cover.  

That’s why by choosing to travel in a cheap van or RV rental, you’re going to please the tight-fisted pantheon deities of Backpakistan. Now, don’t misunderstand – you’re not going to cut your travel expenses in Europe down to the level of Southeast Asia. But taking all our usual tricks-of-the-trade backpacker secrets and applying them while living out of a van certainly helps.

The other recurring theme? They have wicked roads to drive on! Picturesque and long and fast (and sometimes windy too).

You’re still on an adventure. Spend some money, live a little! You know that 2000-year-old tree in the middle of buttfuck-nowhere… you have a house with wheels now! Go see it!

Again, you’re driving a campervan. You’re in control.

We are freedom.

Australia RV and Campervan Travel: Whole Lotta Nothin’

Ok, so there is actually a lot to see in Australia. From travelling Australia’s east coast – tropics, beaches, and seagulls – to the rugged solitude of the west, it’s fair to say that you’ll find something you vibe with amongst Australia’s massive scope.

And if you get down to Tassie, that shit will blow your mind right open. Seriously – backpacking in Tasmania is an experience simply built for van travel.

Only, Australia is big. And the roads are really long and really straight (and really empty). Notice how you never meet anyone who says they circumnavigated Australia twice?

Australia is so big, and there’s such a campervan culture Down Under with backpackers and locals, that vans are being bought, sold, and traded for weed all the time; buying a van outright is perfectly a viable option. Of course, the thing about buying a backpacker van is that one minute everything is hunky-dory, and then the next your broken down in the middle of the Nullarbor Plain with black smoke spewing from both ends (of the van… not you… if you are too, see a doctor).

Travelling around Australia in a motorhome is THE way to go. Travelling and living in a campervan is a good antidote to the high prices of… everything… and, given the country’s lacklustre public transport services, is also the best way to see everything . 

Of course, you can – and should for trips on a shorter itinerary – go for a budget campervan hire in Australia. Skip the bureaucracy, skip the queue, and, best of all, skip stamp duty <groans internally>. (Our insurance and rego costs are daylight robbery too – fair warning.) All this leaves a rental as the smoothest option for entry into Oz’s untold vastness.

So… what’s the best campervan hire in Australia? Easy, JUCY Campers .

JUCY Campers Australia have been around serving backpackers for a long-long time, so they know their clientele and they know them well . Even while growing up in Byron Bay almost twenty years ago, I remember seeing scores of JUCY campervans parked at the beach. Usually, with some happy-go-lucky, not-a-care-in-the-world bangin’ their lack-of-woes away in the backseat.

They do cheap campervan hire in Australia, and they’ve been around for more than two decades. They gotta be doing something right!

New Zealand RV and Campervan Travel: The Real Aotearoa

It’s fairly comparable to campervan travel in Australia but with less roadside drug testing. And you can cross the country in about eight fewer days. Oh, and petrol is more expensive!

Everything aside, road tripping in New Zealand – and road tripping on South Island in particular – is FUCKING MINDBLOWING. Like, ‘I’m having a transcendental moment just from watching a sunset’ mindblowing. There’s so much to explore in every tucked-away corner, and then you cross the ferry to South Island and New Zealand is all like:  Welcome to New Game Plus, Bi-yatch. 😉

Public transport is meh and hitchhiking is traditionally the gold standard for getting around, but to truly get lost in Aotearoa (The Land of the Long White Cloud), driving a campervan is the way to go. It’s kind of hard to put into words the true majesty of traversing New Zealand’s natural landscape. Can we just say that it did things to my soul and leave it at that?

So, what about cheap campervan hire in New Zealand? Well, you’ve got JUCY Campers New Zealand (yes, same guys obviously) who are also probably the best campervan hire in New Zealand. Seriously, I can’t stress JUCY Campers enough for budget campervans in New Zealand and Australia. RVs, mini-campers, minibuses too – they know they’re way around!

Be careful, though: if you start living in a campervan in New Zealand, you may just decide that it’s finally time to hang up your boots. New Zealand is where people stop travelling.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Japan RV and Campervan Travel: Ore No Daibouken!

Once upon a time, this may have been considered a weird entry on this list. Maybe, it still surprises you.

It’s not that your transport options for travelling around Japan aren’t excellent (because they are, albeit expensive), but a road trip in Japan by campervan is still an amazing way to see the country, and there’s loads to see! Once you’ve broken off the main roads into the mountains, forests, and villages, you’ll see why.

The downside to campervan travel in Japan is that petrol is pricey and the tolls on expressways (the country’s primary road infrastructure) are a nightmare. The upshot is living off home-cooked tofu stirfry is ridiculously cheap and the Japanese are some of the most patient and courteous drivers you will ever encounter.

So what about campervan hire in Japan? I mean, you could buy one outright but somehow I imagine that could get confusing…

Well, guess what? For campervan rental in Japan, you’ve got Japan Campers . Easy name, easy game!

If you’re thinking you’d like to partake in a road trip somewhere other than the standard destinations, I would highly suggest going for a Japanese campervan journey. Japan is still fairly unused to nomadic van living so you can get away with a few more sneaky overnight parks than you would elsewhere and if you want to travel off the beaten track – Shikoku or most definitely Hokkaido is the place to go for vanning – then you’ll be a fan of a van in Japan… man.

USA RV and Campervan Travel: The Good, the Bad, and the Not-So-Ugly

I mean, there are fifty states all up so road tripping the USA by campervan is a pretty damn good way of seeing them all! (Although Alaska and Hawaii may take some tricky planning to reach.)

Look, here’s a picture of the American wilderness:

Now does a campervan road trip in the USA make sense? The American landscape is so majestic that even just seeing an old Spaghetti Western gives me them wanderlust vibes – and that is a term that I loathe and do not use lightly!

So, let’s talk campervan hire in the USA! I mean… you could buy one off of Craigslist, but you might get shot.

For cheap campervan and RV rental in the USA, check out Outdoorsy . It’s another takeoff in the sharing economy; you’re renting motorhomes of actual humans with actual thoughts and feelings and lives.

I gotta be honest: that’s seriously dope. Think Airbnb for the vanlife.

For budget campervan rental in the USA, Outdoorsy is the go. Then you can go and have your own 21st-century Spaghetti Western!

Oh, plus there’s all that legendary rock climbing in the States. You want a van for that shit.

• Driving the West Coast (Road Trip Planner)
• RV Renter’s Guide: Las Vegas
• Driving the East Coast (Road Trip Planner)
• RV Renter’s Guide: California

Canada RV and Campervan Travel: A Little Drive Aboot

To the north of the States is another big-ass country filled with gorgeous nature and lovely people who get weirdly offended whenever I drop the C-bomb. Cultural differences aside, Canada makes the list of the essential ‘Great Roadtrip’ countries.

The RV and campervan game in Canada is strong . It might have something to do with the expansive wilderness simply built for vanlife. Well, it would be fairer to say that vanlife was built for the expansive Canadian wilderness.

Anyway, forget the split hairs! A backpacking adventure in Canadian is supreme and by way of campervan is the best way to truly get lost there. But you’re getting quite far north. By which I mean, it’s getting cold. You’ll want to get the best travel van you can (with some damn proper insulation).

Outdoorsy , once again, is the top pick for cheap campervan and RV rental in Canada. It’s all about that sharing economy! Cheap, good services, and you’re dealing with REAL people rather than a dealership with a salesperson with a 5-syllable last name that has way too many ‘K’s in it.

Find yourself a budget campervan to hire in Canada (ideally with good insulation) and go find a moose! Why a moose? I dunno, I’ve just always wanted to see a wild moose!

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan RV and Campervan Travel: Meet Stan

See, told you I’d give you some interesting choices! Have you heard of the Pamir Highway? Probably not… I hadn’t either until one of my fellow Broke Backpacker Adventure Experts told me it was the perfect place for a non-standard campervan road trip.

And he’s right! The Pamir Highway is gorgeous! Officially it’s called the M41 Highway (but nobody calls it that) and it runs from the city of Osh in Kyrgyzstan down into and through Tajikistan . Hell, if you’re feeling super adventurous, you can keep driving it into Uzbekistan and Afghanistan !

In all honesty, the scope of Central Asia is breathtaking. Exploring Kyrgyzstan alone is something out of a dream, and that’s just one of the Stans! It’s huge, there is so much space, and it is still vastly untouched by the hand of western tourism. If you’re looking for a van life adventure that really is ‘off the beaten track’, it’s the way to go.

How do you acquire a campervan over that way? Well, you’re outside the scope of most of the standard budget campervan hire services but you still have options. One of the highly recommended options is Iron Horse Nomads in Kyrgyzstan. Owned and run by a couple of ex-pats, these guys can get you sorted for transport around the Stans.

Or you could just charge it: catch a flight over and hope for the best. Worst case scenario, you just buy a horse!

Europe RV and Campervan Travel: Home of the Autobahn

“Europe isn’t a country!”   Shut-up, dude; nobody cares. It still counts.

An RV or campervan in Europe goes a long way towards getting you around; there is a lot to see there. Backpacking around Europe is also expensive as all hell (on the west side), so travelling in a motorhome is also going to go a long way towards keeping your budget in check.

The cool thing about a campervan road trip in Europe is all the countries you’ll visit! By the time you’re done, you’re reasonably looking at 5 to 10 different countries (at least).

That’s a lot of unique cultures, languages, landscapes, and… food! All those accommodation cost savings? Yeah, just put them towards eating your way across Europe!

So, what are your options for cheap campervan and RV hire in Europe? Well, there’s CamperTravel Bookings . They have great coverage right across Europe (in case you forgot, there are a lot of different places in Europe) and they’re cheap with lots of different rental options.

Europe is a bit of a funny one for van travel. When it comes to the idealised road trip, it often gets left behind. But with such great options for budget campervan and RV rental in Europe, it’s becoming a more sought-after destination.

Plus, the roads, man! So big, so fast, so furious, and so damn pretty! Arrgghh, vanlife, YES!

Sort out your rental before you’re living the vanlife DREAM. To get the best price, rentalcars.com simplifies the process at a lower cost and can match you with the right vehicle for your adventure.

So, it’s as simple as finding the best van for your new van life and you’re away, right? With that sort of simplicity, you could be living and sleeping in a campervan within a week. Nay, good sir! Campervan life requires more finesse than that.

Do you remember how the first time you left on a backpacking adventure you packed like a dickhead? But then, you repeated the process and, every time, you got better. The question of what to take on a road trip and even how to live and travel in a van is the same.

It’s all about practice.

You’re starting out – be it your first budget RV rental or your first converted traveller van purchase – and that makes you a beginner. That’s fine though, that means you’re only going to get better: it’s all practice!

And besides, you’ve nabbed yourself a campervan and RV travel guide 101 filled with tips for beginners. Let’s talk finesse!

The RV Travel Lifestyle: What to Expect from Travelling in a Motorhome

Before I give you the bullet point list of deliciously digestible tips, let’s talk about the actual ins and outs of the campervan and RV lifestyle. Whether you’re going on your first great campervan road trip or experimenting with living in an RV full-time, it’s not all just about freedom and good shots for your socials.

First up, there’s adulting. There’s always adulting. Just because you’re living out of a van doesn’t mean you’re not an adult!

Chores are a big part of van life. You know how when you live in a really small flat even not washing the dishes kills those rocking feng-shui vibes? Well, it’s the same deal in a van only multiplied by fifty: it’s a small space.

Kitchen cleanup, sweeping out the dirt, changing the greywater, making your bed… don’t forget to brush your teeth too! Living in a campervan permanently still means being a good homemaker. And if it’s travelling and living in an RV, you’ve just doubled up on your chores and maintenance schedule.

That’s another important point to touch on – maintenance and breakdowns. If you’re not a gear-headed person, prepare to learn. Rolling into the mechanic’s every time you hear an odd noise is going to severely hurt your budget. I’ve watched mates brand new to the van living game teach themselves welding, change windows, and play with their vehicle’s electronics all with the assistance of our benevolent overseer Google: that shows a good mind for it.

It’s also worth mentioning cops. Mileage varies depending on how many laws you’re breaking (aim for less than five) but you will always be in closer proximity to the coppers. And – I think it goes without saying – losing your licence is a death sentence to the lifestyle of a vanner.

The idea of pulling over anywhere anytime is super appealing, but it’s also far from always being that easy, especially in urban environments. Overnight parking and sleeping in a campervan is something cracked-down on, especially in our good ol’ friend, the affluent West, though the ferocity of revenue-raising tactics varies by area. It’s sorta case by case and depends on where you are in the world, your type of van, and how smartly you’ve chosen your park-up.

Stealth van living is an acquired art form and something you will gradually get better at over time. Again, it’s about finesse: a bountiful boondock takes a deft approach.

RV and Campervan Hacks for Travelling

Everyone likes a good hack! Here are some practical tips for beginner RV and campervan travel. A few bits to keep you travelling smooth until you’re a vanlife pro!

• Bring tools – Have a solid supply of tools to work with stored somewhere inside your campervan – everything that’s good for an emergency. A well-stocked toolbox , duct tape (definitely), spare fuses – put some effort into your motorhome inventory checklist!
• Van and RV camping apps – There are actually tonnes of these and many that are region-specific. They’ll help you suss out good camping spots to set up your van at from the free park-ups to the ‘ Why am I paying $35 for cold shower and shit-pit usage?’ variety. There are also some wicked RV trip planner apps out there and even apps for budgeting on gas. App up! It helps.
• Utilise 24-hour stores and petrol stations – They can be a really good place for staying overnight in a campervan. Buy some supplies and then ask the attendant if they mind if you hang around until the sun is up. Or don’t ask and just look scary and unapproachable and they’ll probably leave you alone. Face tats help with that.
• And boondock beautifully – Like I said, sneaky parking takes a bit of practice. However, generally, if you’re rocking up somewhere after dark and not planning a lengthy loiter the following morning, she’ll be right. Worst case scenario, just play the “I was falling asleep at the wheel and really needed to pull over for the night,” card: it’s bulletproof
• For the ladies – Get yourself a GoGirl – it makes girls pee like boys! I won’t give you a how-to, but I reckon you can figure it out. Jokes aside, it’s honestly a really important safety tip. The reason animals are so cautious when and where they do their thang is because they’re vulnerable while they do, and it’s the same for people… unless you have face tats.
• Clear storage bins – And for any other containers you use for storage, clear plastic is the way to go. Not having to unpack everything to find what you’re looking for goes a long way when you’re van living.
• Anti-moisture packs – The desiccant ones (of the ‘DO NOT EAT’ variety) that come in just about any sorta packaging and fresh packets of burrito wraps. Use them for keeping away the damp in your campervan’s storage. But, yeah, don’t eat them.
• Grippy rubber mats – Yeah, look, I have no idea what these are called. These ones! Stick them under your plates, cups, condiments, and whatever else so they don’t slide around on the road.
• Always have a headtorch on hand – Hell, have two. Why stop there? Have six! Every traveller needs a headtorch.

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We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

RV and Campervan Travel Tips for Staying Sane and Not Killing Each Other

Practical tips are good but what about mindset tips for van life? If you’re travelling with someone, there’s always the off-chance that you’ll get sick of them off and drive off the next time they’re using a petrol station toilet.

If you’re travelling alone, well, sometimes the hermit’s path can send us a bit loopy:

• Keep structure – The most important part about freedom is not having too much of it; constraints are good. Set an alarm, have a morning routine, write a to-do list; these things go a long way for keeping you focused.
• And don’t sweat the mistakes – You’ll make them, and you’ll make a lot of them. Getting lost, puncturing a tyre, nearly bogging yourself in an ancient forest deep in the primordial wilderness of Tasmania: these things happen.
• Exercise – Similarly, keeping a routine of steady exercise is equally important. Many people like to join a 24-hour gym chain which has the added bonus of shower usage (that’s a van life hack!). That said, if you’ve ever watched a Youtube video on callisthenics, you know that any old park or tree can be a gym!
• Keep a tight ship – A more-or-less no-brainer but take control of your space, keep it clean, and keep the feng shui on-point. I cannot stress JUST HOW MUCH keeping your space organised is necessary. And when you lose things in a van, just assume it’ll show up by itself in six hours times.
• Meet ‘n’ greet – Use the nights you stay at campsites, backpackers, or wherever else to make friends. Socialising is good! It can’t all be a stoic monk-living in a van.
• Take space – For travel buddies and partners, take some damn space from each other sometimes. It’s basic relationshipping 101. It’s totally ok to have days where everything they say and do makes you want to kick them in the shins, but the healthy response is to go for a long walk (up a mountain).
• Bang it out – For every great fight, there must be a great catharsis. For couples on the road , I’m not the best person to give advice. But if we’re talking a platonic travel buddy, maybe just roll a joint on it instead.
• Take the traveller mindset – Always remember to don your traveller hat. “What’s a ‘problem’ ? I only know of  ‘fun challenges’ . That person looks friendly, I’ll ask for help .”

Get Insured Before Embarking on Your Van Travelling Adventure

Oh, so you got some legally mandated vehicular insurance? Well, that’s a good start, but what about some optional insurance for your anatomical features? Your face, your spine, your favourite bits…

You’re going travelling in a van and that means getting travel insurance before you do because, like it or not, things go wrong. And when they do, someone has to pick up the tab. Personally, I’d prefer that someone be a faceless insurance corporation with the cash to spare rather than my mum.

Make sure to get your backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure! I highly recommend World Nomads, as they’re one of the best travel insurance providers out there.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

History is a funny thing: it works in cycles. Once upon a time, our ancestors walked great distances shepherding their livestock and foraging for food. They followed the sun.

And then, we discovered how nice it is to have a home. You mean I can have a mattress, a flushing toilet, and a kitty-cat? Sign me up!

And now, reality is settling in. Faced with the reality of crushing debt, overwhelming mortgage payments, and storage spaces full of stuff we never use, we once again yearn for the romance of the nomadic life. But things are different now.

Our horses have been replaced with vans, our cooking fires with gas stoves, and our deep-seated fear of the night’s terrors with deep-cycle solar-powered batteries. It’s a new kind of romance, but it’s still an adventure.

To live the minimalist lifestyle and see the world with no roots save the one you’re driving. To do something kick-ass! That’s an adventure.

You know that feeling you get when you’re doing something awesome and ballsy and you’re going your own way? That’s van travel.

Give it a shot. Hire a campervan, or an RV, or a converted ice-cream truck… Hell, build one from scratch! But just give it a damn shot.

Take that first little dip in the water of van life. Then, see if you can go back in the cage.

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A couple of you lovely people suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!

You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee . If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂

Ziggy Samuels

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I had been traveling around America with my husband for over 10 years, but now it seems impossible, not just because of the pandemic but because we bought a horse farm in Irvine, CA, and have been spending most of our time here ever since. I literally can’t wait to start traveling again!

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

Van Life: A New Alternative to RVing

• Types of Travel

RVing isn’t a hard sell.

Want to live life on the road, free from a monotonous day-to-day? Get an RV. Looking to meet other adventurous and like-minded travelers? Head to an RV park and start up a conversation. Dreaming of exploring the farthest reaches of the American frontier? Just load her up and press the gas.

The best part? RVers can do all of the above without saying goodbye to their home or their favorite amenities, from hot showers to comfortable beds.

While RVing comes with a few lessons learned , the merits aren’t hard to see.

Every year, newcomers leave their traditional homes behind to start a new life in their RV. In fact, one report from RV Nerd found that 2024’s RV sales numbers are up 11.1% from 2023. From travel trailers to fifth-wheel options, sales are increasing.

It seems that Americans are highly intrigued by the idea of a life lived fully on the road.

But not all roadies are interested in the standard RV fare.

Thanks to trending ‘van life’ social media accounts and a desire to get out of cities, there’s a new horizon in the realm of living on-the-go. Rather than opt for larger RVs, some Americans are gearing up camper vans.

Compared to the standard RV, camper vans are smaller and less amenity-packed—or more agile and off-road ready, depending on how you want to look at things.

Ever wondered about the merits of buying and customizing up a camper van versus an RV? Here’s what you need to know.

Rugged-ready adventures

Life on the road is inevitably more compact than life lived in an apartment or home.

And when it comes to comparing van life versus RV-living, that distinction is even greater. The average camper van is smaller than the average RV, which often poses challenges in terms of storage, electrical capabilities, and just about every other feature.

Except when it comes to getting into nature.

Vans are more agile, which makes it easier to explore national parks, reserves, and other remote destinations. Because vehicles are lighter, they’re better prepared to maneuver to off-road positions, especially those that offer jaw-dropping views.

To put it simply, vans are more ready for rugged adventures far from civilization.

Vans also outmaneuver RVs when it comes to customization.

That isn’t to say that RVs aren’t customizable. However, most companies pack as many features into their RVs as possible in order to minimize the amount of work buyers have to do before hitting the road.

In other words, RVers are usually looking for the features they need when shopping around for their latest vehicle.

By comparison, vans are cheaper and easier to customize. That’s especially true for those who know a thing or two about carpentry, electric work, and plumbing—or those who know professionals that do.

That being said, there’s limited space in a van, which means they aren’t infinitely customizable. That’s doubly true when you factor in considerations like weight.

So this isn’t a no-holds-barred focus on DIY tinkering. It’s instead about minimalism and functionality.

All those cherished amenities

Broadly speaking, RV life comes with more comfort.

Van life, on the other hand, requires sacrifices related to space and amenities. That being said, adventurers who live out of their vans don’t need to sacrifice all the things they love the most.

If you want to see what’s really possible living inside a van, I suggest checking out this blog from Court & Nate . They’re a van-life couple with a bespoke vehicle that takes them to the US’s most stunning parks. They live with their Doberman and cat inside the van—and it looks comfortable to me.

Not only do they live with pets, but they also have modern amenities like Wi-Fi, hot water capabilities, a lovely shower, and even a compost toilet.

In other words, van life doesn’t mean ascetic living. In fact, the rules are constantly being rewritten when it comes to van life.

Who is van life best geared towards?

Van life requires a minimalist approach, no matter which way you paint it.

While that doesn’t mean saying goodbye to modern amenities, it usually involves a simpler lifestyle. In exchange, there’s the freedom of the open road—which doesn’t require hitching at RV parks.

So if you’re a do-it-yourself adventurist with a more limited budget, van life is for you. If you’re interested in customizing your van to meet your specific needs, even better.

The easiest way to start living in a van (down by the river), is to explore van blogs that introduce the basics. These resources can help you learn about the most important features of a starter van, along with things like electrical setups, compost toilets, water storage and heating, and more.

Here are the blogs I suggest exploring:

• Court & Nate (mentioned above)
• Gnomad Home
• Parked in Paradise

Tay Belgeri is a content writer with global experience. She writes for brands like Santander Bank, PokerStars, DraftKings, and OddsChecker. Her affiliate posts have appeared on AP News, Ranker, Notion, OK! Magazine, and other major sites. She writes about a variety of cultural topics (from sports to high fashion) but specializes in travel. Originally from Missouri, she now lives in Spain. In a few years, she will have spent more time outside the US than inside it. Career highlights: • Selected to present research by the National Council of Undergraduate Research (2014) • Acquired grants for New York City’s first Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration (2015) • Joined OddsChecker’s US Launch team (2020) • Shortlisted for the Foreword INDIES (2021, 2023)