The West Coast of the United States, spanning California, Oregon, and Washington, is widely considered the ultimate destination for van life beginners. It offers a perfect blend of iconic scenery (from beaches to mountains), a well-developed infrastructure, and expansive public lands for free camping.
This guide covers the essentials for a successful first van trip, focusing on routing, legal parking, and resource management along the Pacific.
The Iconic Route and Key Destinations
The classic West Coast itinerary is centered on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH, or Highway 1) in California and its continuation, Highway 101, through Oregon and Washington. This route provides spectacular views and easy access to towns for resupply.
A comprehensive West Coast road trip can take three weeks to a month, but even a two-week trip can cover major highlights along the Golden Route from San Diego to Seattle.
The Golden Route Breakdown:
- California (Highway 1 / 101): The starting point for most coastal adventures.
- Big Sur: A mandatory scenic coastal drive, though plan to book campgrounds early, as roadside parking is restricted.
- National Parks: Access points for Yosemite and Sequoia, but be aware that famous parks like Yosemite require booking permits and camping months ahead.
- Redwood National and State Parks: Look for the “Avenue of the Giants” drive for massive tree viewing.
- Oregon (Highway 101): Features a vast, rugged, and publicly accessible coastline.
- Cannon Beach: Famous for Haystack Rock.
- Florence: Known for expansive sand dunes.
- Oregon State Parks are plentiful and often offer great facilities.
- Washington (Highway 101): Offers a shift to the dramatic Pacific Northwest landscape.
- Olympic National Park: Explore dense rainforests and rocky coastal beaches.
- Seattle: The urban anchor, home to Pike Place Market.
Tip for Beginners: Don’t try to drive the entire route quickly. Plan short driving days so you have time to explore, hike, and manage your daily van chores, like cooking and finding water.
Overnight Parking and Safety
Finding a legal and safe place to sleep is the biggest daily challenge for van lifers. The West Coast has varying regulations, especially in major cities.
Legal Camping Options
- Public Lands (Boondocking): The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and National Forests offer vast areas for free, dispersed camping, often for up to 14 days. These spots are usually remote and require self-sufficiency (no amenities). Use apps like iOverlander or Campendium to find verified locations.
- Campgrounds: National Parks and State Parks require advance reservations (often months ahead for popular spots). Private RV parks offer full hookups (water, electricity, sewage) for a fee.
- Urban/Commercial Parking: Some retail chains, most famously Walmart, often allow quiet, one-night overnight parking, but always check the specific store or local signs first. Truck stops and rest stops are also options, but state regulations on length of stay vary.
Stealth Parking and Safety
- Be Discrete: Avoid parking in the same spot in a city or neighborhood for more than one night.
- Arrive Late, Leave Early: This is the golden rule for urban overnight parking to minimize attention.
- Avoid Drawing Attention: Do not set up tables, deploy awnings, or leave trash. Your van should look like a parked vehicle, not a campsite.
- Trust Your Instincts: If a location feels unsafe or sketchy, move immediately. There is always another place to park.
Essential Resources: Water, Waste, and Maintenance
Managing water and waste is the “housekeeping” of van life. Proper resource management is vital for respecting the environment and local communities.
- Fresh Water Management:
- Strategy: Conserve water by taking “military showers” and scraping dishes before washing. Carry multiple large capacity jugs (2-3 L per person per day).
- Refill Locations: RV Parks and Campgrounds (often for a small fee, even if not staying overnight); Gas Stations/Truck Stops (ask politely); Grocery Stores (refill stations).
- Grey Water (Sink/Shower) Disposal:
- Strategy: Use biodegradable soaps (like Dr. Bronner’s). If you don’t have a grey tank, catch the water in a portable basin.
- Disposal Location: Dispose of grey water only at proper RV Dump Stations (found at most RV parks and some truck stops). Do not dump grey water directly on the ground.
- Trash and Recycling:
- Strategy: Practice “Pack It In, Pack It Out.” Minimize waste by buying in bulk. Store trash securely inside the van to deter wildlife, especially in National Forests.
- Disposal Locations: Gas Stations/Large Retailers (use their public bins); Municipal Recycling Centers (rules vary by state).
- Fuel Management:
- Strategy: Gas prices in California, especially rural parts, are often higher. Monitor prices using gas comparison apps and fill up in larger towns.
Van Life Apps to Download
Digital tools are crucial for navigating and planning your daily stops:
- iOverlander: User-generated database for finding wild camping, water, propane, and dump stations.
- Campendium: Excellent for finding free and paid campsites with user reviews.
- The Dyrt: Another popular app for finding campgrounds, including some dispersed spots.
- GasBuddy: Helps locate the cheapest fuel near your route.
