Beginner Tips for Van Life Travel: A Guide to the Essentials

Beginner Tips for Van Life Travel: A Guide to the Essentials
Make the most of traveling in your new-to-you camper van with this guide.

By: Abby Holcombe

Van life travel is all about freedom and adventure, but the learning curve can seem steep if you're new to it. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer journey, these beginner-friendly tips will help you prepare for a smooth, enjoyable trip.

1. Set a Realistic Budget

Your budget will shape many aspects of your van life experience, from where you sleep to where you shower. At only 20 years old, I'm on a tight budget. However, I've made it work by choosing where and how I spend my money wisely so that I can travel when and where I want. 

Here's how to cover some of the most important areas without breaking the bank:

• Fuel: The most significant variable in your budget is often fuel, especially if you plan to cover a lot of ground. Track your vehicle's miles per gallon and estimate your travel distance to get a rough fuel cost. Apps like GasBuddy can help you find cheaper fuel stations along the way. I also have a Sam's Club Membership, and I fill up there when possible. Get more tips for saving on fuel while RVing.

• Food: Cooking in your van can save money and give you more flexibility. While Winnebago vans have all the comforts of home, sometimes it's nice to keep it simple after a long day of travel. Anything can happen on the road, so I always try to keep a few days’ worth of dry goods just in case (pasta, tuna, applesauce, canned goods, etc). Check out my article where I share recipes for what I usually eat in a day here.
• Camping Fees: Depending on where you plan to camp, nightly fees can range from free to $50 or more. Research options beforehand and factor these into your budget (more on camping options below). I rarely stay in campgrounds, in order to save money, and prefer to stay on BLM land, in friends' driveways (also known as moochdocking), and other various boondocking options like Walmart, Cracker Barrel, or rest stops in a pinch. I wrote an article called The Art of Boondocking that dives deeper into finding free places to stay and how to stay safe.
• Unexpected Costs: From tolls to vehicle maintenance, unexpected costs can arise. Don’t forget to set aside a portion of your budget for any surprise expenses along the way.

2. Explore Camping Options that Suit Your Budget and Lifestyle

Knowing where you'll park each night is essential to both your budget and comfort. While dry camping is popular in the van community, it isn’t for everyone, so be sure to plan for what will work best for your travel style.

Here's a breakdown of the main options for van life travelers:

• Free or Low-Cost Sites: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and National Forests offer free dispersed camping spots, especially in the western U.S. Apps like iOverlander or AllStays can help locate these—but be prepared for minimal facilities.
• State and National Parks: These sites are scenic, and offer amenities like bathrooms, but tend to fill up quickly. Make reservations well in advance and be aware of varying fee structures; some spots can be as low as $10 per night, while others may cost up to $40. Learn more about RV camping in National Parks.
• Campgrounds with Full Hookups: If you're looking for a few extra conveniences, like electrical hookups or showers, RV parks and full-service campgrounds might be the way to go. They tend to cost more ($30-$50+), but for first-timers, the amenities can be a comfort. (Learn how to save on campgrounds here.)
• Overnight Parking: If you're just looking for a quick place to park overnight, some big-box stores, rest areas, and truck stops allow overnight stays, though it's best to check in advance. Always follow local rules and be courteous of the area. Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome are other options for RVers that provide a list of unique overnight options for an annual membership fee. (GoLife Perks members can save on both of these memberships. Learn more here.)

3. Learn the Rules of the Road (and the Campground)

Rules for camping vary by location, but a few guidelines can make your van life travel experience smoother:

• Leave No Trace: Whether you're at a campground or dispersed site, be respectful of nature and other travelers by cleaning up after yourself. Bring trash bags and take everything with you when you leave. This article gives a great “code of conduct” for cleaning up after yourself and respecting wild places.
• Check for Fire Restrictions: Many areas have strict campfire rules, especially during dry seasons. Research current fire restrictions and abide by any rules for your camping area.
• Respect Quiet Hours: Some campgrounds have designated quiet hours, typically after 10 p.m. Keep noise levels low and be mindful of fellow campers.
• Avoid Staying too Long in One Place: Even in areas where you can camp for free, it is best practice to stay respectful of local communities by moving on after a few days.

4. Plan for Showers, Laundry, and Restroom Stops

One of the biggest concerns for van life travelers is maintaining hygiene on the road. Here are some convenient options to consider:

• Showering Options: You don't need to have a built-in shower to stay fresh. Whether you bought a minimalistic Winnebago without a shower, like the Winnebago + Adventure Wagon, or chose to use yours for storage, you have plenty of options for showering. Many truck stops (like Pilot and Loves) have clean, private shower facilities for around $10–$15. Some campgrounds and gyms (like Planet Fitness) also offer showers. It just takes a little bit more effort and forethought than at home, but it is normally very easy to find places to shower. Read this guide to RV showers.
• Laundry Facilities: Laundromats are often available in small towns and are usually easy to find on Google Maps. Budget around $10 for a wash and dry cycle, and be sure to bring your own detergent for convenience. Some campgrounds even have laundry facilities on site. Read this article on how RVers do laundry for more insights.
• Restrooms: Whether you have a black tank or a cassette toilet you have plenty of options. If you are intimidated by using and dumping RV toilets, it's actually very straightforward and convenient once you get used to it. (Learn more in this video.) I like using the app AllStays to find places to dump my toilet. Campgrounds, parks, and gas stations often have official RV dumping spots that are good for those with black tanks. If you are in a minimalist van like me and have a cassette toilet, it's even easier since there are more options. 

5. Embrace Flexibility and Enjoy the Journey

Van life is an adventure, and part of the appeal is the flexibility it offers. Here are some final tips to make your trip as enjoyable as possible:

• Plan, But Don't Over-Plan: It's great to have a rough route and a few key stops in mind but leave room for spontaneity. You may discover an interesting town or a beautiful scenic overlook that wasn't on your itinerary. Read these tips for getting started on your RV trip plan.
• Stay Connected for Safety: Many remote areas have limited cell service. Download offline maps from Google Maps or consider investing in a GPS device for navigation. For added safety, share your general travel plans with a friend or family member before heading into remote areas.
• Join the Community: There's a vibrant online community of van life travelers and other Winnebago owners willing to share tips and resources. Consider joining social media groups or forums for advice and recommendations tailored to your specific route. See a list of Winnebago owner groups on the GoLife Community page, here.

Trying out van life travel can be a rewarding and memorable experience. With a little planning and a realistic budget, you can enjoy the freedom of the open road without feeling overwhelmed. Embrace the flexibility, be respectful of the spaces and communities you visit, and, most importantly, enjoy the journey!

Learn more about Abby’s van life journey here.