How To Find The Best Campsites For Your Campervan
Whether you’re new to van life and renting a campervan, or a seasoned pro, sometimes it’s tough to know where to begin when looking for where to park & explore for your next vacation. From traditional campgrounds and private glamping sites to dispersed sites for off-grid travel, when it comes to selecting that perfect campsite for your van, you’ve got options. But which type of site works best for you? And how do you find it? We share our tips below.
TL;DR:
Use Hipcamp to stay on private land managed by hosts
Use iOverlander to find free public land where camping is allowed
Use Google or The Dyrt to search traditional campgrounds
Sign up for Harvest Hosts to stay at farms/breweries/vineyards
How To Camp on Private Land
Hipcamp site on the Delaware River, a few hours from NYC
If you’re looking to get away from the crowds, there are now some excellent alternatives to traditional campgrounds. Among the best is Hipcamp, which lets you find unique campsites on private properties. Each property is managed by a host, just like an Airbnb for camping. Pro tip: If you’re traveling by campervan, make sure to choose a site that’s RV friendly for your road trip rental (there are plenty).
Find FREE Campsites For Your Camper
Many public areas throughout the country permit free overnight camping in spots ideally suited for van life. The best way to find these gems is through iOverlander, a crowdsourced database with campsite recommendations contributed by users. Once you get a couple hours away from New York City, there are plenty of dispersed camping options. Check out the Adirondacks for some especially good ones. They’re first-come, first-served, so you can improve your odds by getting there early or going on a weekday.
Book on Traditional Campgrounds
Traditional campgrounds usually come with perks like full bathroom facilities and WiFi, and staying in a campervan automatically makes you one of the cool kids. To find the best campgrounds, we recommend using either Google or The Dyrt, a database of campgrounds with reviews and booking info. Adventure travel is easier when you’ve planned out your sites beforehand, so make sure to book in advance so your fave spots don’t fill up.
Try Harvest Hosts For Your Campervan Trip
Another great option is Harvest Hosts, a membership that lets self-contained campers connect with breweries, vineyards & farms. You have to buy a membership, but it’s worth it since it covers the cost of your (unlimited) stays. If your campervan trip is a week or longer, Harvest Hosts is a fantastic option. The membership quickly pays for itself.
Remember: There’s No Place Like Here.
Wherever you decide to park it, take in the moments with your campervan of getting to roam with ease. If you’re looking for a van for your next road trip, or have more questions about finding the perfect spot, drop us a line at hello@vanishtravel.com.
Be sure to check out our campervan campsite checklist once you’ve decided to book a site.