Living the Van Life – Where to Park Your Van

Many people have asked the question, “Where do I park my van?” There are a variety of ways to park your van, from public lands to fee-charging campgrounds. Here are a few ideas. These options aren’t ideal, but they can be a good start.

Leave No Trace principles

Taking the Leave No Trace Principles when you go camping can make your road trip more environmentally friendly. Not only will you reduce your fuel consumption, but Mother Nature will appreciate your effort. The principles were created to keep people from trampling on vegetation and cryptobiotic soil. Read on to learn how to apply these principles to your van life.

Leave No Trace has its origins in the backcountry but now applies to just about any type of recreation. It is a set of rules and guidelines that encourage responsible outdoor activities and enjoyment of the wilderness. You should also make sure to follow these rules when you use public lands. By following these principles, your road trip can become an epic one.

The van lifestyle requires vanlifers to take good care of the environment, including packing out trash and personal belongings. They should also clean up campsites. They should also avoid disturbing the local wildlife. For example, they should not park their vans near trailheads, as this can cause strict enforcement and harassment. Likewise, they should give way to other travelers.

Public lands

To live the van life, you need a vehicle that is able to support you while you are traveling. If you don’t have a vehicle, you may want to consider renting one. Public lands provide many opportunities for van lifers, but there are some restrictions that you need to follow. For example, you should not drive your van on a state park’s roads. If you do, you will be exposing yourself to the danger of the Zika virus.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is the agency responsible for the management of public lands across the U.S. This agency is tasked with protecting public land for future generations. It oversees the management of over 247 million acres of public lands. Some of these lands are used for hunting, while others are used for energy production. The BLM also protects wild horses and burros living on public lands in 10 states.

Public lands are an amazing resource for van lifers. Not only do they offer cheap accommodations, but many also allow you to camp for free. BLM land is an ideal place to go van camping. It allows you to stay on the land for up to two weeks. After that, you need to move 25 miles away from your original campsite. You’ll be camping for free on BLM land, but you’ll need to make money somehow.

Fee-charging campgrounds

Many van lifers have found that fee-charging campgrounds can be a real headache. But there are ways around the issue. Some sites offer free camping on public lands, while others charge fees. In any case, there are advantages to both types of camping. Some sites offer convenience and clean facilities, which is a key benefit for van lifers.

Free camping is also a great way to meet fellow van lifers. As they say, great minds travel together, and van dwellers are always eager to share their experiences and insights with each other. You can make new friends at a free campground and learn a lot from them.

One reason fee-charging campgrounds are more expensive than free ones is that they have a lot of expenses. Aside from having to replace their equipment, these campgrounds also need money to pay for upkeep and management. Another factor that can push the cost up is the number of campers staying at the campground.

Rest areas

When traveling in a van, it’s important to find rest areas that meet your needs. You’ll need a place to dump your waste, free Wi-Fi, and access to travel information. Many states are now enhancing rest areas with exhibits and entertainment. For example, the Texas Department of Transportation has built new rest areas featuring interactive exhibits. In West Virginia, the Tamarack Tourist Information Center offers live music, local artists, and a farmer’s market.

Rest areas can be convenient, but they also have their own drawbacks. These areas are generally more prone to theft and robberies because they’re far from towns. Criminals can easily get in and out of them, so be cautious when leaving your van. You may also want to keep an eye out for suspicious activity. For safety purposes, always keep your cell phone charged.

Another perk of rest areas for van life is that they’re convenient and often have plenty of parking space. Many are close to highways, and have restrooms and drinking water available. However, you should check your state’s laws before parking at a rest area. Depending on your state, you may not be able to park overnight. Some places limit overnight parking, but this rule is rarely strictly enforced.