Among the vanlifers, there are those who set off on the hats of the wheel, who live from day to day regardless of where they will spend the night. And there are people who are more far-sighted or simply more worried, who wonder how they will find the best spots to sleep in a van, motorhome or any other fitted vehicle. From the use of mobile applications to alternative solutions for residents, through tips for finding wilderness camping spots ... discover how to get to the best places in your new vanlifer life!
Download the right mobile apps
To find the best spots to sleep in a van, mobile applications will definitely be your best allies whether in France or anywhere else in the world. Here are some useful and easy to use applications to draw according to your desires and needs:
- Park4night: listing of free and paid places, as well as emptying areas. Comments updated by users. More than 168 places listed worldwide, including more than 000 in France.
- Le Camping Sauvage: wild camping spots and private gardens accepting to welcome campers. 482 wilderness campsites and 218 homestay campsites across 21 countries.
- iOverlander: referencing by users. Free and paid pitches, showers, laundromats, emptying, water points, Wi-Fi spots, etc. More than 113 locations around the world including 000 in France. Site in English only.
- You can also look for spots near Boondockers Welcome, Campermate (only in New Zealand and Australia), Mapstr or even Harvest hosts (North American continent).
Unearth the spots to sleep in a van surrounded by nature
The desire to embark on vanlife comes from the idea of wake up every morning in front of new landscapes, inevitably more beautiful than the others. Corn this dreamlike image does not always correspond to reality. It will sometimes be necessary to be patient to find THE spot to sleep in a van in the heart of nature, far from public lights and neighbors lined up in parking spaces, while being within a legal framework. To find the most beautiful spots, here are some tips:
- use them applications mobiles which refer to free parking lots;
- discuss with other nomads on your way;
- join Facebook groupes nomads and vanlifers who share their tips from time to time;
- follow blogs, social media accounts, vanlifers YouTube channels to spot interesting spots;
- use Google Maps en mode satellite to locate roads, paths, paths, isolated places, quiet places and close to forests or lakes for example.
Camping in nature
Sleep directly with the locals, in town or on the farm
If you don't don't want to waste time digging through maps to find your spots to sleep in a van or whatever you want privilege meetings, then the solution of homestay parking will amply satisfy you! Here are some sites to remember to sleep in a van in a friendly and inexpensive way:
- France passion network: sleep from producers and farmers, in exchange for the purchase of their good local products. Pitches reserved for autonomous vehicles (water, electricity, toilets in the vehicle).
- Welcome to the farm : network of farmer producers and tourist reception. Some farms accept vehicles fitted out for the night.
- Home camper: on the same concept as the giant AirBnB, it is about to camp in the inhabitant's garden against payment of a sum according to the equipment offered.
Good to know : Every year, the Leisure Vehicle Show is held. Taking a tour can allow you to meet the exhibitors, other nomads and find good deals.
Find a spot with locals
Remember a few tips to find the best spots to sleep in a van
You now have several keys in hand to find spots to sleep in a van. But once you get there, how do you know it's a good place? You have to find the balance according to your desires and needs. Haven't you taken a shower for five days? Maybe now is the time to find a more comfortable paid campsite or an accessible beach shower. Here are also some other useful tips to better experience vanlife:
- always plan ahead where you are going to sleep;
- arrive on the site before nightfall ;
- find a flat terrain, take the time to block the vehicle;
- pay attention to the regulation in each municipality;
- move away from cities;
- favor small roads;
- stay discreet ;
- to respect the environment ;
- do not leave the site too late in the morning;
- If in doubt about the place or feeling of insecurity, better go your way.
Enjoy a good night's sleep in the place of your dreams!
You live in a van but do not want to give up your comfort ? From municipal camping to family camping, traditional camping is a practical and relaxing solution to consider during your travels. You have other good plans to find the best spots to sleep in a van ? Share them in the comments!
