Van camping, also known as van life, has become an increasingly popular lifestyle and travel choice in recent years. It involves converting a van into a mobile home, complete with sleeping quarters, a small kitchen, and sometimes even a bathroom. This allows travelers to have the freedom to explore new destinations while bringing the comforts of home with them. However, it also offers adventurers a unique way to explore the vast and varied landscapes of North America. Whether you’re a seasoned van camper or just getting started, selecting the right campground can make all the difference. North America is a paradise for van enthusiasts, offering diverse landscapes from serene lakeshores to rugged mountains. Here’s a guide to some of the must-visit van campgrounds across North America, each offering its own special charm and amenities.

Top Van Campgrounds in North America

Yosemite National Park, California – This iconic park is a favorite among van campers due to its awe-inspiring cliffs, waterfalls, and sequoia trees. The park offers a variety of van-friendly campgrounds, such as North Pines, which provides direct access to trails and breathtaking views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. Keep in mind that reservations are a must, especially in peak seasons.
Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada – Set in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff is a spectacular destination with crystal-clear lakes, snowy peaks, and lush forests. Tunnel Mountain Village II is a popular campground that accommodates vans and offers electrical hookups, providing a comfortable stay amidst stunning mountain scenery.
Zion National Park, Utah – Known for its red and tan-navy sandstone cliffs, Zion is a magnet for nature lovers. The Watchman Campground is highly recommended for campers, offering facilities close to the park’s South Entrance with electric hookups and easy access to the shuttle service that explores the main canyon.
Acadia National Park, Maine – Located on the Atlantic coast, this park features rocky beaches, rich woodlands, and glacier-scoured granite peaks like Cadillac Mountain. The park’s Blackwoods Campground is ideal for vans and serves as a perfect base to explore the hiking trails and the scenic Park Loop Road.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho – Famous for its geothermal wonders and rich wildlife, Yellowstone offers several van campgrounds. The Fishing Bridge van Park is particularly geared towards vans, providing full hookups and proximity to Yellowstone Lake and the Hayden Valley.
Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada – For a quieter experience than Banff, Jasper offers expansive beauty with fewer crowds. Whistlers Campground is one of the largest, offering ample space for vans and providing excellent facilities and access to trails through the pristine wilderness
The Florida Keys, Florida – For those looking for a tropical getaway, the van-friendly sites along the Florida Keys are unbeatable. Bahia Honda State Park offers spacious sites with spectacular ocean views, great snorkeling, and beautiful sandy beaches.
Each destination offers unique experiences, from hiking and sightseeing to simply relaxing in nature. Planning ahead is essential, especially for securing spots in these popular locations.
Having explored some of North America’s most popular RV camping destinations, let’s now shift our focus to those campgrounds that are particularly well-suited for families, offering amenities and activities that cater to both young adventurers and their guardians.

Family-Friendly Van Campgrounds

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, Florida – This enchanting campground is set in a pine and cypress forest with easy access to Disney World parks. Families can enjoy spacious van sites, swimming pools, horseback riding, and nightly campfire sing-alongs with Disney characters. It’s a magical experience that combines outdoor fun with the excitement of Disney attractions.
Hersheypark Camping Resort, Pennsylvania – Just minutes away from Hersheypark, this resort offers families a sweet retreat with van sites that include full hookups. Beyond the amusement park, the resort itself provides movie nights, themed weekends, and access to Hershey’s Chocolate World.
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts – With locations across North America, Jellystone Parks are specifically designed for families. These parks offer daily activities like crafts, games, and water sports, along with amenities such as pools, mini-golf, and playgrounds. They are perfect for families looking for a campground that keeps the kids entertained.
Ocean Lakes Family Campground, South Carolina – Located in Myrtle Beach, this campground features nearly a mile of sandy beach and offers countless activities, including mini-golf, bike rentals, and an indoor and outdoor pool. It’s a great spot for families who enjoy both beach activities and van camping.
Lake Rudolph Campground & van Resort, Indiana – Next to Holiday World Theme Park & Splashin’ Safari Water Park, this campground offers van sites and a free shuttle to the parks. Kids will love the playgrounds, basketball courts, and fishing lake, making it a perfect family summer getaway.
Letchworth State Park, New York – Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” this park offers stunning vistas, 66 miles of hiking trails, and the Genesee River, which is perfect for kayaking and rafting. The park’s campground provides full facilities for vans, making it ideal for families who love nature and adventure.
Pacific Dunes Ranch van Resort, California – Located in Oceano, this van resort is nestled among beautiful dunes and offers direct access to the beach. It’s a fantastic spot for horseback riding, biking, and exploring the coastal scenery. The resort also offers various kids’ activities, making it a hit for family vacations.

These destinations not only provide full facilities for van camping but also ensure that there’s never a dull moment for the kids, making them perfect for a family getaway.

It’s time to explore destinations tailored for the thrill-seekers and adventurers among us. These next spots offer more rugged and challenging environments, perfect for those who crave outdoor excitement and unique experiences.

Adventure Van Campgrounds for Thrill-Seekers

Moab, Utah – Known as a hub for adventurers, Moab provides easy access to both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. The area is famed for its stunning red rock landscapes, and it’s a top destination for mountain biking, hiking, and off-roading. Numerous van parks and campgrounds, like the Portal van Resort, offer full amenities close to all the action.
Glacier National Park, Montana – For breathtaking mountain views and hiking trails that lead you through remote wilderness, Glacier National Park is ideal. Many visitors enjoy exploring the park’s vast network of trails or driving the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road. The Apgar Campground is one of several in the park that accommodate vans, providing a rustic but beautiful basecamp.
The Alaska Highway, Alaska and Canada – Starting in British Columbia and stretching all the way to Alaska, driving the Alaska Highway is an epic adventure itself. The route is dotted with van-friendly campsites, such as Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park, where you can soak in natural hot springs after a long day of driving and sightseeing.
Big Sur, California – This rugged stretch of California’s central coast offers dramatic scenery and a host of outdoor activities. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park has van sites in a forested setting, giving adventurers a perfect spot to hike in the redwoods or explore the nearby coastline.
The Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina – As America’s most visited national park, the Great Smokies offer lush forests, diverse wildlife, and a wealth of hiking trails, including part of the Appalachian Trail. The park itself has several campgrounds with van sites, providing ample opportunities for adventure and exploration.
Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada – With its stunning alpine scenery and turquoise lakes, Banff is a playground for adventurers. It’s particularly popular for hiking, mountain biking, and winter sports. The Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court campground offers full hook-ups in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
Death Valley National Park, California/Nevada – Known for its extreme landscapes and temperatures, Death Valley offers a unique adventure. It’s ideal for those interested in exploring otherworldly terrain and remote valleys. Furnace Creek Campground offers van sites and is a good starting point for adventures in the park.

Each of these destinations offers a unique set of challenges and experiences, making them perfect for those who seek to immerse themselves in nature and adventure while enjoying the comforts of their van.

Choosing the right van campground and preparing for your trip can significantly enhance your camping experience. Here are some essential tips and considerations for planning and preparing for a van camping trip.

Essential Tips for Choosing the Van Campground

1. Choosing the Right Campground

Research in Advance: Use online resources like campground reviews, official national or state park websites, and van forums to find detailed information about campgrounds. Consider the type of amenities you need, such as hookups (electric, water, sewer), Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities.
Location and Accessibility: Consider the proximity to attractions or activities you plan to enjoy, such as hiking trails, lakes, or cultural sites. Make sure the campground is accessible by your van, especially in terms of road conditions and bridge clearances.
Book Early: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. Early reservations ensure you get the best spots and avoid disappointment.

2. Preparation and Packing

Refer to the accessories mentioned in the previous article.

3. Safety Tips

Weather Awareness: Check weather conditions and forecasts for your destination. Be prepared for sudden weather changes by packing suitable gear.
Wildlife Precautions: Understand the wildlife in the area and how to store food properly to avoid attracting animals.
Fire Safety: Know the fire regulations of the campground. Use fire rings for campfires, keep a bucket of water nearby, and never leave fires unattended.

4. Campground Etiquette

Respect Quiet Hours: Observe and respect the campground’s quiet hours, typically in the evening and early morning.
Leave No Trace: Keep your site clean, dispose of waste properly, and leave the site as you found it.
Be Considerate of Neighbors: Keep your area tidy and avoid intruding on others’ space. Manage your pets properly, ensuring they are quiet and controlled at all times.

5. Planning Activities

Plan Ahead: Research activities available in and around the campground. Whether it’s hiking, fishing, biking, or sightseeing, planning helps maximize your time and enjoyment.
Local Insights: Once you arrive, talk to campground staff or locals for up-to-date information and recommendations on things to do.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smoother, safer, and more enjoyable van camping experience. Preparation is key to making the most out of your adventures in the great outdoors!

Conclusion

Van camping in North America not only brings you closer to the beauty of the natural world but also requires careful planning and preparation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Before you embark on your journey, make sure to pack all the essentials, including adequate food and water supplies, camping gear, and a first-aid kit. Safety is paramount, so familiarize yourself with the local wildlife, weather conditions, and geographical features of your destinations to avoid any potential hazards. Additionally, adhering to campground etiquette is crucial. Respect the environment by following Leave No Trace principles, observe quiet hours, and maintain a clean and orderly campsite. By taking these steps, you’ll enhance your adventure and ensure that these pristine locations can be enjoyed by others in the future.

Must-Visit Van Campgrounds in North America