Let’s be honest — most of what you see online about van life and the people living it, is the highlight reel - that's partly why we prefer to mostly share just the rigs themselves, on our Instagram Account.
Gorgeous views, tidy vans, dreamy freedom. But behind the curtain? There’s a lot of planning, improvising, and Googling “where can I shower near me?”
In this part of our van life guide, we’re pulling back the curtain on how van life actually works — from where to park safely to finding WiFi, staying clean, and figuring out how to answer, when nature calls.
💌 This is part of our Ultimate Guide to Van Life – a members-only series for subscribers of Campers & Camping.
In this in-depth series, we share everything you need to know about van life: from choosing your first camper van, to budgeting, working remotely, and handling the realities of life on the road.
✨ Not yet subscribed? Join our community for free to unlock this series →
📚 Ultimate Guide to Van Life – Table of Contents:
- Is this lifestyle really for you?
- Choosing or building your camper van
- How much does van life cost — and can it save you money?
- Full-time vs. part-time van living: How to choose?
- The unglamorous stuff: parking, showers, toilets & more ← You are here
- Finding community and staying connected
Where can you sleep overnight in a camper van?
🏕️ Free public land (aka “boondocking”)
BLM land, national forests, and other public lands are van life gold.
They're free, scenic, and quiet — just be ready for dirt roads and no facilities, which means consider having a 4x4 van with off road tyres, and an off-grid electrical / restroom setup.
→ Apps like iOverlander and Campendium help you find great spots.
⛺ Campgrounds (state, national, and private)
These offer varying levels of comfort. Expect to pay $20–$60/night. You’ll usually get toilets, water, and sometimes showers and laundry.
→ These are great for resets and clean-up days.
🛒 Overnight parking lots
Many Walmarts, Cracker Barrels, Cabela’s, casinos, and truck stops allow overnight stays. It’s not glamorous, and can make you feel a bit vulnerable, but they're generally safe and very convenient.
→ Call ahead — not all locations allow it.
🏡 Private land (with permission)
Platforms like Harvest Hosts, Boondockers Welcome, and Hipcamp offer unique stays at farms, wineries, and private properties. Some are free with a membership; others charge a small nightly fee.
We love Harvest Hosts, because you get to experience the place you stay, whether it's at a Vineyard, or a farm - you generally get to meet the wonderful people who own or run the places you stay.
