It’s finally 2021, and with so many people hitting the road in their quarantine-built vans this winter, I thought it was about time I gave you all my ultimate tips for beginner vanlifers from someone who’s been on the road for almost 2 years. I started my vanlife journey in June of 2019 and have since been to 48 states and over 40 National Parks. I’ve camped in official campgrounds, Walmart parking lots, rest stops, and on BLM land. And I’ve showered at State Parks, with baby wipes, and outside. These are my favorite tips for beginner vanlifers so that you can hit the road easily this year.
Buy a National Parks Annual Pass
My best investment when I hit the road in 2019 was my America the Beautiful Pass. I’m now on my third annual pass, and I could not be more grateful for it and the money it’s saved me. When you’re traveling, especially if you’re in the US, you’re likely going to be hitting a lot of public lands, which includes National Parks. In the US, the average National Park costs $30 USD to enter. If you add up how much it would’ve costed me to pay the entrance fee at each of the 42 parks I’ve visited in my life, that would be over $1,200 USD. Purchasing three America the Beautiful Passes over the past few years at $80 each adds up to only $240 USD. While some parks, especially on the east coast are free to enter, there are over 400 National Park Service sites in the country, and having an annual pass is going to save you a ton of money. If you’re going to be traveling in Canada, check out their annual pass system as well.
My dog, Lassen, at my 42nd National Park, White Sands in New Mexico
Know That You Can Camp For Free
While I’ve done my fair share of paid camping, specifically while I was solo, there is a secret that many people don’t know about, and that’s free camping or boondocking. Of course, there are places you can park overnight for free such as rest stops (in some states) and Walmart parking lots, but if you want to experience the photogenic vanlife you’ve probably been dreaming of, you’ll want to look for National Forest and BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Land. Both of these types of public land allow dispersed camping on their dirt roads, which means your backyard for the night can be the woods, the desert, or the mountains!
A National Forest Spot I lived on for 2 weeks in 2020
Invest in a Solar Shower
So many people ask how you shower on the road, especially now that gyms are closed. When I used to pay for camping, I would often find myself at campgrounds that had showers or the option to pay for one. Now that the majority of my camping is done for free, showers are more few and far between. Solar Showers are a super basic concept that involves a black bag to hold water, and a hose that works with gravity. If it’s warm out, you can simply fill the bag with water and sit it in the sun for a few hours and it heats the water for you. If it’s cold, we’ll often boil half our water first. We got ours for about $15 at Walmart. Showering outside is incredibly liberating, and if you need a little more privacy, Wolfwise makes portable shower tents as well.
Download Your Google Maps
If you think you might be losing cell service while you drive anywhere, make sure you download your Google Maps to work offline. This means you’ll be able to get around safely, even without a signal. This has come in handy so many times, especially in Montana near Glacier National Park, and Washington, near Mount Adams.
There’s No Right Way to Vanlife
There’s this weird stigma I’ve realized is present in a lot of vanlife Facebook groups, and that is that there is a right way to do vanlife. The thing is, we’re all individuals on very individual journeys and what might work for one person might not for another. Don’t let anyone you meet influence your adventure. This is your journey, make it yours.
Products I’ve Loved During My Life on the Road (not sponsored)
Doctor Bronner’s Castille Soap
Outdoor “Mexican” blanket like the one in the above picture. You can find these at souvenir shops, and sometimes gas stations.
A wide brimmed hat like the one I’m wearing above
Tevas or some other type of trekking sandal