The allure of vanlife lies in the freedom it offers, the ability to escape the confines of a conventional home, and the opportunity to immerse oneself in the splendors of nature. For vanlifers, the call of the open road and the desire to explore the great outdoors are deeply ingrained in their adventurous spirits.
What better way to indulge this wanderlust than by embarking on a journey to some of the best national parks and public lands? In this exploration, we’ll unveil the top destinations that provide the perfect backdrop for vanlife camping adventures, where nature’s beauty and vanlife’s simplicity converge to create unforgettable experiences.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park is a must-visit destination for any van lifer. With over 2 million acres of wilderness to explore, this national park is a nature lover’s paradise. Visitors can take advantage of the numerous campgrounds located throughout the park, many of which are suitable for vanlife camping. Some of the top activities to enjoy include hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
Joshua Tree National Park is located in Southern California and is known for its unique desert landscape. This national park is a popular destination for vanlifers due to its easy access and excellent camping opportunities. Visitors can explore the park’s many hiking trails, rock climb, or simply relax and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Arches National Park, Utah
Arches National Park is located in Moab, Utah, and is famous for its incredible rock formations. Visitors can camp at the Devils Garden Campground, which is suitable for vanlife camping and offers stunning views of the park’s iconic rock arches. Hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing are some of the top activities to enjoy in this national park.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, and North Carolina
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina and is the most visited national park in the country. Visitors can camp at one of the park’s many campgrounds, most of which offer suitable campsites for vanlife camping. The park offers a variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world, and visiting it is a must for any van lifer. The national park offers several campgrounds, including the Mather Campground, which has sites suitable for vanlife camping. Visitors can explore the park’s many hiking trails, take a scenic drive along the rim, or simply relax and take in the breathtaking views.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park is located in Montana and is known for its stunning alpine scenery. Visitors can camp at one of the park’s many campgrounds, some of which are suitable for vanlife camping. The park offers a variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend National Park is located in West Texas and is known for its rugged and remote landscapes. Visitors can camp at one of the park’s several campgrounds, including the Chisos Basin Campground, which is suitable for vanlife camping. The park offers a variety of activities, including hiking, stargazing, and wildlife watching.
White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
White Mountain National Forest is located in New Hampshire and is a popular destination for vanlife camping. The national forest offers numerous campgrounds, many of which are suitable for vanlife camping. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.
Olympic National Park
Located in the northwest corner of Washington, Olympic National Park is a vast wilderness area that encompasses nearly a million acres of forest, mountains, and coastline. The park offers several campgrounds that accommodate van camping, including the Hoh, Kalaloch, and Sol Duc campgrounds. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, kayaking, and exploring the unique rainforest ecosystem.
North Cascades National Park
The North Cascades are a mountain range that stretches from British Columbia to northern Washington. North Cascades National Park is home to dramatic peaks, alpine meadows, and pristine glacial lakes. While there are no developed campgrounds within the park, visitors can enjoy dispersed camping in designated backcountry areas or find campsites on adjacent public lands.
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest covers over 1.7 million acres of wilderness in western Washington. The forest offers numerous campsites and campgrounds that accommodate van camping, including the popular Denny Creek and Big Creek campgrounds. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing, as well as skiing and snowboarding in the winter.
San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge
The San Juan Islands are a group of islands located in Puget Sound, northwest of Seattle. The San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge was established to protect the diverse wildlife and natural habitats found in the area.
Visitors can camp on several of the islands, including Stuart Island, Sucia Island, and Jones Island. Camping on these islands is primitive and requires a permit, but the experience of sleeping under the stars and waking up to the sound of the ocean is unparalleled.
Whether you’re a seasoned van lifer or just starting out, these national parks and public lands in Washington offer some of the best camping experiences in the country. With breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and endless outdoor activities, a vanlife trip to Washington is an adventure you won’t soon forget.
