So, you’ve purchased a van and transformed it into your new home, and you’re getting ready to hit the road. However, after you’ve left the comfort of your immobile home, you’ll be confronted with the big question: what should you do next? Here is a VanLife Guide regarding free camping and overnight parking!
Where do you sleep? | A VanLife Guide to Free Camping & Overnight Parking
Never fear, there are several parking lots and rest areas around North America where you may park your van and catch some shuteye. You can easily discover decent camping locations or overnight parking spots in any location, whether you’re traveling through, bouncing around in a broad region, or seeking for a longer-term location to remain.
This post discusses my top alternatives for camping in your van. I talk about free camping, paid camping, applications and tools for discovering campsites, as well as my best recommendations for snagging those breathtaking campgrounds you’ve been dreaming about (including the ones with cell service).
Free Camping and Overnight Parking
The ability to travel for less money and save money on housing costs are two of the most significant advantages of vanlife. And the most effective method to accomplish both is to camp for free the majority of the time. In each setting, there is free camping and overnight parking available. This covers extended wilderness stays, quick stopovers off the route, and parking in towns and cities.
I’ve compiled a list of the top free sleeping choices for vanlife. This is ranging from gorgeous wilderness camping locations to the disagreeable but often necessary reality of parking lot camping.
1. Camping on Public Lands (National Forest, BLM, etc.)
National forests and BLM (Bureau of Land Management) lands provide a plethora of opportunities for free camping. This is the location where you’ll find me the most of the time. These locations are free, have few to no neighbors, and provide incredible stargazing opportunities. They also provide exposure to animals and provide the wonder of being out in the middle of nowhere. You can typically camp in a location for up to 14 days at a period with certain exclusions. Sometimes, there are some restrictions (and there are always signs).
To find the finest boondocking places, a certain amount of adventure is needed. Be prepared to take on some risks. There are more accessible locations closer to major roadways, although they are frequently more crowded as a result. On average, the fewer neighbors you like, the longer you have to travel in – which sometimes means trudging along treacherous roads with little guarantee of reaching your desired location. If you’re hesitant about a way, don’t be afraid to get out of your car and go down the road to get a sense of what you’ll be confronting first.
Using Technology | A VanLife Guide to Free Camping and Overnight Parking
Using a multitude of applications, websites, and other services, you can locate boondocking spaces (I go over some of our favorites below). Alternatively, you may just drive into Forest Service roads and begin exploring for a suitable location. If you’re on public property, you’re almost always permitted to camp (unless there’s a sign that says “no camping”).
Another wonderful approach to uncover some really awesome sites is to pay a visit to your local Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management ranger station. I’ve always found the rangers to be quite helpful and enthusiastic about the fact that you’re taking use of the land. They’re typically more than happy to point you in the direction of some fantastic areas
The availability of public land is significantly greater in the western part of the United States. For those living in the East, there may be less alternatives available to them, depending on where they live.
2. Other Store Parking Lots
Walmart isn’t the only shop that provides nomads with a place to camp for nothing. National brands such as Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, and Cracker Barrel are examples of businesses that provide overnight parking. Some Cabela’s stores, according to reports, even offer dump and water refill stations.
The camping situation is quite similar to that of camping at a Walmart — you’re effectively camping in a parking lot, which isn’t ideal, but it’s occasionally required in certain situations. In contrast, you may not have access to 24-hour restrooms (unless there is a petrol station close), which is a significant difference.
For those looking for parking lot camping, the AllStays Camp & RV app is a fantastic resource. Again, I recommend contacting ahead because certain parking lots may not allow overnight parking at certain times of year.
3. Highway Rest Areas
In the event that you’re traveling from one location to another and need to stop for the night, several highway rest sites enable you to park and sleep for a short period of time. The AllStays app is a fantastic resource for discovering these types of accommodations. The majority of rest places only enable you to park for a certain number of hours each day (like 8 hours or 12 hours). The majority of the time there are signs. If at all possible, I recommend asking employees if you can park overnight and if there are any special rules.
4. Casino Parking Lots
That’s correct, I’m talking about casinos! The majority of casinos are quite RV, van, and nomadic friendly, and some may even include utilities such as dump/water stations. Naturally, their thinking is that if they allow you to sleep there, you will go inside and steal some money from the establishment. There are no regulations that require you to do so.
Casinos are frequently located near highways, making them a convenient stop if you’re on your way to or from somewhere. Some of them may even be in interesting tourist spots that you’ll want to visit while you’re there. Most casinos are locations with good mobile service. This makes casinos a fantastic option if you need to set up shop and get some work done for a couple of days. However, like with any parking lot camping, it is not the most pleasant experience. I do not suggest it for extended visits.
Public bathrooms are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week (and probably very nice ones). Just be careful not to sit in for a blackjack hand every time you go to the bathroom.
5. KOA Campgrounds
This is the option referred to as the “comfort zone.” Occasionally, when I’m feeling very drained, needing to wash and do laundry urgently, I’ll book a stay at a campground like the Kentucky Lake KOA. I don’t stay at KOAs very frequently. Every now and then, it’s good to relax and refresh for a night or two.
When it comes to camping, KOAs are clearly not the cheapest option (I refer to them as “hotels of camping”). In most regions, the cost of a basic tent site starts at around $30, and the price rises as you add amenities such as electricity and water. Another reason why driving an off-grid trailer is advantageous is that you may save a lot of money on campsite fees.
Membership in the KOA may save you money on camping costs, which can be quite beneficial. This membership is $30 per year. It provides you with a 10% discount on every stay, and every tenth night is free. I joined the KOA shortly after hitting the road, and it has proven to be well worth it for me.
It is possible to find numerous types of KOAs, ranging from the standard no frills campsite to camping resorts with pools, hot tubs, mini golf, and a variety of other amenities. All of them, though, are easily accessible off major highways, and all of them provide showers, WiFi, and laundry services at a minimum. Because they’re frequently located near interesting sites or cities, these may actually be a more reasonable alternative to a hotel. This is especially true if you’re planning to check out a city but don’t want to stealth camp for the duration of your stay.
6. Independent Campgrounds and RV Parks
Along with public areas, state parks, and KOAs, there are privately owned campsites and RV parks located across North America. Some are hardly more than gravel parking lots with a smattering of sites. There are some true jewels to be found as well as the usual suspects. During my vacation outside of Zion National Park, I slept in a magnificent free campsite that was on par with the greatest state parks I’d visited in the past.
Private campsites, like KOAs, are typically more expensive, but they will typically have important services such as wifi, laundry, and showers. Unlike KOAs, you won’t know what you’re getting in advance. I recommend staying at a pricier hotel.
7. Stealth Camping in Urban Areas
In cities, I don’t stealth park very often. I genuinely make an effort to avoid urban areas as much as I possibly can. My concerns are that they are overcrowded, that there are too many laws, and that driving may be a nightmare. I’d prefer a peaceful location in the middle of nowhere to a bustling city any day.
As a side note, I have spent a few nights sleeping on the streets of urban places on a few occasions (in Salt Lake City, UT; Portland, OR; and Milwaukee, WI). I spent the most of my time camping near a friend’s home. This which was entirely lawful for me to do. The fact that I had access to restrooms if I wanted them meant that I had no difficulties.
In the event that you intend to spend time in metropolitan areas, make sure you are aware of the applicable regulations regarding sleeping in your vehicle. We do not recommend sleeping in places which you need a permit. This is especially true in residential districts where the community might not welcome you. However, we acknowledge that this may occur from time to time. Make every effort to blend in, be kind, and please refrain from peeing on the sidewalk.
The Infamous Knock | A VanLife Guide to Free Camping & Overnight Parking
Do not be surprised if you receive “the knock” if you are camping in an area where you are not permitted to do so. That is the risk you face when you go stealth camping, and most of the time you will just be advised to find another location. Always keep in mind that you are representing the nomad community in the best possible way. Otherwise, you’ll end up making things more difficult for the person who comes after you.
No matter what kind of toilet you have in your RV – whether it’s a basic pee bottle or a full-fledged composting toilet – you’ll be OK. If you feel safe leaving your rig while stealth camping, you may be able to use the restroom at any local 24-hour business if you feel secure doing so (if there are any).
8. Campgrounds at state, county, and city parks are available
State parks are one of my go-to destinations when I want to enjoy a natural setting while still need certain conveniences such as showers, laundry, cell service, etc. Private campsites are often more expensive than state parks, although the cost of a state park campsite varies based on where you are in the country, when you visit, and the sort of site you choose (hookups or no hookups). State park campsites are available for as low as $8 per night or as much as $45.
Although breathtaking landscapes are where many state parks are located in, the campgrounds may be hit or miss in terms of quality. I’ve been in some fantastic state parks with large and private campsites. I’ve also stayed in places where the campsites were practically on top of each other, which was a little uncomfortable. However, the terrain is always fairly drivable. Also, the campgrounds are normally large enough to accommodate any type of visitor.
Additional amenities such as washing facilities and group camping spaces are available at certain state parks. This is in addition to a variety of exploring opportunities. Some of these opportunities are hiking routes, bicycling trails, fishing places, ATV tracks, and other activities.
The following are some of the tips and tactics I’ve discovered for locating awesome quiet camp sites, including wilderness boondocking areas with cell coverage.
Make your search at the most appropriate time of day | A VanLife Guide to Free Camping and Overnight Parking
This is a significant issue in densely populated places (like near National Parks or other attractions). Late morning is the optimum time of day to find a suitable camping area. This is after the campers from the night before have departed, but before the new wave of campers arrives to take their place. This is especially advantageous if you’re looking for a location throughout the week. Finding a fantastic spot around 5 PM on a Saturday will be impossible if you don’t have a lot of luck.
Take the road that leads down from the campsite. Is there a lack of listings on Freecampsites.net? There’s nothing to worry about. Simply make your way to an approved public campsite and drive right by it without stopping. If you just keep exploring, you’ll nearly always come across dispersed camping spaces nearby.
Continue to drive! Driving a little further down the road than everyone else has led me to some of my favorite isolated locales. The further you walk into the cave, the fewer people there are, and the greater the likelihood that you will discover a location all to yourself. If you’re a runner, exploring a region on foot is another excellent approach to locate hidden gems without having to drive up a gnarly-looking woodland road.
Do you require cell phone service? You can use Open Signal to double-check suitable camping locations. I rely on internet access to complete my work. So if I’m camping somewhere without mobile coverage, I won’t be able to remain for more than a few days. So, where can I go to discover fantastic camping that also offers service?
It’s time to get outside and find the next spot! A VanLife Guide to Free Camping and Overnight Parking
It’s part of what makes vanlife such an adventure on a daily basis that you have to figure out where you’re going to sleep at night. We’ve learned to like the sense of being on edge- it keeps me on my toes and makes life a whole lot more enjoyable in the process.
Nevertheless, with a little forward planning, it is possible to discover suitable accommodations for the night. This including remote locales in breathtaking wilderness settings. Places where you could wind up staying for a week or more.
Possibly after a few beers, we’ll tell you about some of my favorite places to visit. But, in the meantime, enjoy the experience of discovering your own hidden treasures!
For more VanLife blogs and resources, explore more on The Art of VanLife.
