Planning your first camper van trip? You are probably intimidated like I was! Don’t worry! A van life trip is worth all the hassle that comes with planning it. Here are 12 tips that will help make sure you complete an epic, adventurous and safe van trip!
1. Download Offline Maps
Depending on where you are going, cell service may be low. Go to google maps and download any maps you may think you need? Unsure how to do this? Check out this easy tutorial!
2. Download Useful Apps
Several apps may help you during your journey.
- DYRT: Sign up for the free trial and you can use the offline version as well. I pretty much exclusively used DYRT and loved the app. You can find campgrounds with reviews, photos, and GPS coordinates (to enter into Maps)
- iOverlander: A Good app to find specific things such as campsites, showers, dump stations. Many Van Lifers that we talked to were using this app.
- Campendium: Another good app to find campgrounds
- Flush: Useful if you need to find a toilet!
- Travel Spend: A great app that I use to keep track of my travel expenses!
3.Look into an America the Beautiful Pass
If you are going to hit several national parks, The America the Beautiful Pass may save you some money. The pass is valid for a year and gives you unlimited to many national parks across the country (check their list).
4. Familiarize Yourself with a Propane Tank/Stove
You don’t have to go out and buy one, but watching a few videos on how to use a propane stove is useful. Using a propane tank will most likely be the way you cook all your meals, so knowing what to do with one will help make cooking a more stress-free experience.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Boondock!
Boondocking is dispersed camping (as opposed to a campground). Boondocking can seem foreign and scary, especially if you have never done it before, but boondocking is so worth it! There is something special about finding isolated land and making it your home for the night. The first time you do it, you may feel nervous, but after that, you’ll absolutely love it!
6. Look up BLM Boondocking Rules and Guidelines
If you do plan on boondocking, familiarize yourself with BLM boondocking rules and guidelines.
7. Open Windows if Cooking Inside
It can be easy to forget that using a propane tank inside can result in Carbon Monoxide accumulation. Don’t worry. It is safe to cook inside your van-Just remember to always keep a window/fan open to let the air out. Do this, and you will be ok!
8. Conserve Water
You don’t want to waste too much time on your trip having to refill your water tank. Don’t let the water run when washing the dishes. If you have a shower in your van, I recommend taking short showers (only when needed).
9. Look Up at Night!
I can not say enough about how incredible the stargazing was at many of the boondocking sites we visited. Most camping/boondocking spots will be away from cities, which means light pollution will be minimal. Take some time to look out into the stars wherever camp
10. Have an Idea of Where to Stay
Whether it’s campgrounds or boondocking, you’ll want to have a rough idea of potential areas you can stay at for each location/destination. This will save you a ton of time and stress during your trip. I highly recommend making a list (or saving a list on the DYRT app) with your options for each day in your itinerary. Make a little cheat sheet for your potential campgrounds and some info about them. Don’t worry if your plans deviate or change (it most likely will). Use your list when needed and improvise if you have to.
11. Wake Up Early!
Sunlight is precious during a van life trip! Chances are most, if not all, of your activities will be outdoors. Don’t waste sunlight! Wake up early, and enjoy a full day in nature.
12. Don't Stress Too Much About the Itinerary-Enjoy the Journey!
As important as your itinerary is, it is even more important to go on your trip with the mindset. Van life is all about the journey! No matter where you go or what you do, a van-life trip will almost certainly be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Enjoy the ups and downs of your journey and make the most of it!
