Welcome to the exciting world of vanlife and road trips, where the freedom of the open road is combined with the daily challenge of finding the perfect spot to sleep in your van. Whether camping in the wild, on a farm or in a rest area, in this article we reveal the best tips for finding the perfect spot and spending the night in your van in complete serenity.
Discover how to turn your quest into an adventure where every night in a van becomes an unforgettable experience.
1. The most complete and practical applications for finding a spot to sleep in a van
- Park4Night
One of the most popular mobile applications for vanlife and road trip enthusiasts: It offers a community platform where users can share and discover parking, camping, wilderness camping or other suitable places to spend the night in a van or motorhome.
- iOverlander
Very similar to Park4night in function, you can also use this app to find places such as free campsites, rest areas, paying campgrounds, gas stations, drinking water points, sewage emptying areas and much more.
The benefits of these apps: Each location listed on the app is accompanied by useful details such as available services (water, electricity, sewage emptying, etc.), access conditions, any restrictions, and photos. Users can also leave ratings and comments to share their good or bad experiences.
Disadvantages: These apps are widely used by vanlifers and camping carists, so it will be rare to be alone on even the wildest spots, especially at the height of the season.
As the information is supplied by users, quality can vary, and it’s important to check the relevance of the data, as site conditions can change. For example, due to overflow caused by the ever-increasing number of vanlifers, certain sites may find themselves off-limits.
2. Maps and mapping applications such as Google earth or MAPS.ME
These detailed maps are ideal for locating remote areas or country lanes where you can find quieter spots close to lakes or rivers. And we all love waking up next to a river when we’re on a road trip, don’t we?
Be prepared to get off the beaten track and explore lesser-known places. That’s where the hidden gems often lie.
Beware, however, that some applications such as Google earth cannot be used offline.
3. Sleep on a farm or with a local thanks to networks like “France passion”
Don’t feel like wasting time looking for the perfect spot on a map?
Opt for a solution that’s becoming increasingly popular with vanlife and motorhome enthusiasts…sleep in a van at a local’s home or on a farm.
For this, you can use the France passion network, where you’ll find farms, vineyards, orchards and many other types of property.
You’ll be able to enjoy a unique experience close to the local population and in touch with nature. Some hosts even offer local produce (fruit, vegetables, wine, cheese, etc.) and free accommodation. A godsend when you don’t want to spend too much on a road trip.
The “Bienvenue à la ferme” (Welcome to the Farm) network also offers van and camper van owners the chance to camp with farmers. Participating farmers often offer educational and entertaining activities, allowing visitors to discover the realities of farm life. These can include guided tours, workshops and demonstrations. Ideal for getting to know the local population and culture.
4. Advice from the locals
What could be better than getting advice from those who really know the area? Be open and talk to the shopkeepers and locals where you’re going – they usually know where the nuggets are. In this way, you’ll be able to find places that are less frequented, that you won’t find on apps like Park4night. And if you come across other travellers on the road, ask them for advice – they’re sure to know what to look for.
5. Rest and service areas
Not necessarily the dream spot, but they’re always good for a night’s sleep. They are generally equipped with amenities such as toilets, showers, drinking water points, and sometimes even electric hook-ups.
6. Rules of good conduct
Sleeping in a van in the wilderness is a unique experience, but it’s essential to follow certain rules of good conduct to minimize your impact on the environment and respect local communities
- Respect local legislation: Make sure you respect local rules and regulations concerning wilderness camping. In some places, camping outside designated areas may be prohibited.
- Be discreet: Avoid disrupting the daily life of local communities and leave the area as clean as you found it. Take all your garbage with you.
- Campfires: If you wish to build a campfire, make sure it is authorized and respect local safety rules. Very important: Extinguish it completely before going to bed or leaving.
7. A few more tips for a peaceful night’s sleep
Make sure you arrive at the spots in daylight, as it’s more reassuring to see the environment you’re in (experience speaks for itself).
If you don’t feel it and you have the slightest sense of insecurity, it’s best to leave and find another spot.
Don’t look for your spot at the last minute. Try to anticipate as much as possible.
Now you know all the tips you need to leave with peace of mind and find your ideal spot. But if you prefer total comfort, there’s always the option of camping. A good solution when you need to take a real hot shower (if you know what I mean) and recharge your batteries!
