Have you ever daydreamed about hitting the open road, windows down, amazing nights under the night skies, and waking up somewhere new every morning? The kind of camping where your campsite moves with you.
But of course, I won’t lie to you and tell you that minivan camping is all about the glam or the Instagram-worthy moments. It’s not, and this is a truth that no one else will tell you. So buckle up and let’s get right into the honest truths behind the adventure of camping in a minivan, the good, the messy, and everything in between, all in one.
8 Minivan Camping Truths You Must Know
1. It Gets Cramped
See, here’s the thing no one puts on Instagram: minivan camping is cute in theory, until you’re half asleep, rolling into your friend on an air mattress that is just slightly bigger for the van. You might start out thinking you’ve parked light.
Only to find yourself crammed up with bags, shoes, snacks, and every other thing. Standing room? Nonexistent. At some point, you’ll even give up trying to keep things organized and just toss everything onto the mattress before driving off. Camping in a minivan teaches you that camping essentials are negotiable- and maybe you don’t need six pairs of socks after all.
2. Finding A Parking Spot Can Be Frustrating
You might think parking in a Walmart or Target lot sounds like a solid plan – safe, convenient, and free. Well, spoiler alert: it’s usually not the vibe. Sure, some people do it, but you’re likely to get some unwanted attention, noisy neighbors, and even sometimes stray animals, and 9 out of 10 times, even a visit from security before you can catch a wink.
The truth is that finding an authentic, safe spot to park overnight takes a bit of work and a dose of good luck. Thankfully, there are tons of apps like Thinkspot, iOverlander, or Campendium designed just for this kind of under-the-radar minivan camping life.
3. Bathroom Breaks Are A Journey
When nature calls, having easy access to a clean bathroom suddenly becomes top of your list. Just imagine tiptoeing through the dark, half asleep, trying not to attract any attention to yourself or stumble over your gear, while praying you don’t meet any wildlife on the way to the bathroom.
Some campsites offer portable toilets, and this can be a lifesaver for those midnight emergencies. You may also have to depend on the bathrooms at gas stations that run 24 hours a day. But whichever route you choose, be prepared to get creative and maybe be a little patient because when camping in a minivan, a bathroom run can turn into a small journey of its own.
4. Little To No Privacy
Camping in a minivan means your personal space suddenly feels a lot smaller and way more public. Curtains and window covers are an absolute must if you don’t want your neighbors and every passerby to stare at you.
You’ll need to learn some car camping hacks like parking in spots that are not too exposed and using tinted sun shades. At the end of the day, it’s not just about hiding but about feeling comfortable enough to change, rest, or just have a moment to yourself. So, if you thought privacy was a given before, welcome to minivan camping, where you have to get creative just to get cozy!
5. Meal Prep Requires You To Be Creative
When camping in a minivan, just forget about spreading out on a picnic table or even running water for cooking and cleaning. You’re going to have to learn how to cook food faster with fewer supplies and space. You’re going to be more creative than you think.
You’ll need simple, no-fuss meals that can be prepared in less than 5 minutes, one-pot wonders, pre-chopped vegetables, and snacks that need little to no prep time. So if you’re dreaming of eating 5-star meals, camping in a minivan will not be the place.
6. It’s Messy
Living and traveling in a minivan means your whole world is packed into a tiny space, and surprise, surprise, and mess happen fast. When your little vehicle doubles as your kitchen, bedroom, and even your storage closet, things can quickly turn into chaos before you even know it. Especially if your organizational skills aren’t top-notch.
The secret to surviving a minivan camping trip is having realistic storage hacks and routines that fit into your lifestyle. A mess-free van isn’t just about everywhere being clean, but also having peace of mind while on your camping trip.
7. You’ll Reconsider Your Relationship with Showers
You won’t know that taking showers once or twice a day is a luxury until you go on a minivan camping trip. My dear, just be prepared to change your hygiene routine and look for creative ways to keep clean. Yes, there are campsites with actual showers, but to find one with space for RV parking that is not already filled takes a lot of grace.
Most times, you’ll have to rely on baby wipes, dry shampoo, deodorant, only washing your face, and a DIY shower hack to keep you from smelling bad. When you finally get back home, trust me, you won’t take showers for granted again.
8. You’ll Wake Up Sore, A Lot
If you search for minivan camping on Pinterest before you go on your trip, you’ll be thinking you just need to decorate the back of your minivan with fairy lights and have the best night’s sleep. But honey, try dealing with a half-deflated air mattress, a cramped minivan, and heat, whether you’re going to sleep.
And if you’re tall, it’s even worse for you. You’ll have to sleep in a weird, bent way. And by morning, you’ll wake up tangled with the sleeping bag and the bedhead, neck sore, wondering if you actually slept. That’s what camping in a minivan is all about.
Conclusion
So now that you know the not-so-instagram-worthy side of minivan camping, you should also remember that minivan camping is a truly awesome and wonderful experience. The freedom and flexibility it offers are unmatched.
Sure, it isn’t easy. The cramped space, the mess, and the occasional discomfort will test your patience. But these moments will also become part of your story, the unforgettable highs and honest lows that make the trip worth it. So, plan your minivan camping trip today.