Sleeping and Safety

Chapter 4: Van Sleeping & Safety

Sleeping in a van is generally not an issue for van lifers. There will always be some areas that are not safe, but most of the time, you will have nothing to worry about. If your van has decent door locks, and your van doesn’t scream “this is my house,” you can sleep easy. Although, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so having a lockbox to store passports, money, etc. is always good for peace of mind. Stealth van living is a skill that you will pick up as you continue on your journey, and will become vitally important when traveling to foreign places.

Before embarking on your journey, it’s a good idea to take your van to a shop to have it inspected by a professional. Unless you’re a mechanic, you’re going to be kicking yourself if it breaks down in the middle of nowhere. Also, learning the basics of car/van repair is going to save you a lot of hassle and keep you safe. Udemy has a beginners guide to automotive repair that is really helpful. We also have an article with some great tips for tuning up your van before embarking on your trip, along with how to keep it in check while on the road.

Places to Sleep in your Van


Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas, National Forests, and National Grasslands

Just about all of these areas will allow free dispersed camping, meaning you can camp outside of the designated campground. However, there are certain guidelines you must follow. You can read those here: Dispersed Camping Guidelines

Some City Parks, County Parks, and Wildlife Management Areas (WMA)

These areas will allow free parking. If you are camping in a remote area, you will have a greater chance of getting in free, but this will, of course, vary by location.

Walmart

Most Walmarts are available for free overnight parking, but check this list to make sure the one you’re staying at won’t get you in trouble: Walmarts with no overnight parking.

Hotel and Motel Parking Lots

Don’t stay at a hotel or motel that is too big because they will have security checking license plates. But don’t stay at one that is too small because you will stick out like a sore thumb.

Apartment Complexes

If an apartment complex doesn’t require parking passes, this is a golden opportunity. People are just going to assume that you live there.

Hospitals

As long as you don’t get in the way of anyone in need of immediate medical attention, you will be able to sleep easy.

Businesses Open 24 hours

You will want to be careful with small businesses, especially if you have a van or car that is clearly being slept in.

Rest Areas

If you are staying the night at a rest area, you will want to make sure they have 24-hour security. This is likely not your best option, because they are much more prone to robberies. Rest areas are typically far from towns, and are right off of highways, so it’s an easy escape for criminals.

Bars, Nightclubs, and Casinos

People often leave their cars at bars, casinos, and nightclubs overnight when they have had too much to drink, so it’s a great opportunity for van lifers to blend in with the crowd. They tend to be noisier so it’s not the best option for van or car camping.

Airports

If there are any airports close to where you’re traveling, this is an easy spot to sleep in your van.

Churches

Churches are easy to come by and typically pretty quiet.

Online resources

Use websites/apps like AllStaysfreecampsites.net or iOverlander to find free camping spots in your area. iOverlander is my favorite because it’s all user-generated sleeping spots from people who have experienced sleeping in that area.

Friends or Family

If you know anybody in the general area that you are staying in, we’re sure they will be happy to allow you to park your van in their driveway for a night or two.

Van and Car Sleeping Essentials


 

Sleeping in a van or a car can be tough at times. Falling asleep and staying asleep is challenging if you’re in a noisy area, if there’s too much light coming into your van, or if it’s too hot or too cold. Here are some of the best aids to help you get a good night’s sleep:

 

Ear Plugs on Amazon

Every once in a while you’re inevitably going to end up sleeping in a location that is loud, whether you’re in a busy city or a campground with some occupants having a little too much fun. I prefer the silicone earplugs because they’re more comfortable, good for side sleepers, they mold to your ear, and they’re very effective.

silicone earplugs

Eye Mask on Amazon

If you’re in a city there will often be bright street lights. If you’re in nature there will be a bright moon from time to time.

Eye Mask for sleeping

Window Sunshades on Amazon

These sunshades have a dual purpose: They keep your car cool during the day and block out the light at night. If this sunshade doesn’t fit your van’s windows, you can look at the similar products section to find a product that will.

sun shade for cargo van

Coop Pillow on Amazon

The right pillow can make a big difference in your sleep. I’m a big fan of the coop memory foam pillow. You can remove the amount of fill in the pillow to adjust it to your liking making it work for side sleepers, back sleepers, and stomach sleepers. It’s also breathable, has a machine washable liner, and is manufactured without any harmful chemicals.

coop memory foam pillow

12 Volt Oscillating Fan on Amazon

A fan in your van will come in handy on those hotter nights. Or if you just like the white noise to fall asleep.

12v fan for van

Wool Blanket on Amazon

You’re going to end up with some chilly nights especially if you’re traveling anywhere with elevation. A wool blanket is game-changing for sleeping in a van. Wool is great at retaining heat, and wool fibers are self-cleaning which keeps maintenance to a minimum.

wool blanket

Wool Socks on Amazon

I hate sleeping in socks but there have been a few nights where I’ve had to throw on some wool socks to keep me toasty. They’re also great for everyday use in the colder months and you don’t have to wash them as often as normal cotton socks.

wool socks

Sleep and Safety Tips


 

Sleep in Nature

We asked both of our friends @irietoaurora and @traveltiph for their opinion and they agreed with us that the best places to sleep are in nature. You’ll be the safest, you’ll wake up with a good view, and you’ll feel less like a hobo.

Get Ready for Bed in a Different Location

If you’re stealth van living in an urban area, it is best to get fully ready for bed (ie brush your teeth, make your bed, close your blackout blinds) in a different location to where you are sleeping. Even around the corner is better then nothing! That way when you are fully ready for bed you can move to the spot you want to sleep for the night and jump straight in to bed, making it much less likely anyone will notice that you are in fact living inside your van.

Sleep Away from the Chaos

Avoid sleeping in places that have evidence of partying, such as beer bottles and garbage on the ground. Sleeping in these places will increase the chance of someone attempting to break in. If people are frequently partying in an area, there is a good chance the cops will be monitoring it, and they could give you the boot, assuming it’s illegal to sleep there.

Be Aware of your Position

Be able to locate where you are on a map. It’s best to use your phone to drop a pin with the “mark my location” feature on Apple maps or “set as parking location” on Google maps.

Share your Location

If you or a friend/family member is ever lost, you can use the “share my location” feature on maps as well.

Avoid Big Cities when Possible

Big cities are typically not very van friendly, but if you do decide to sleep in the city, look for places with street lights and security cameras if possible.

Don’t Sleep in the Same Place Multiple Nights

Consider staying at a location no more than 1 night in a row. Thieves will notice your sleeping trend and may take advantage of you the following night.

Consider Getting AAA

Having AAA is very helpful as well. Our friends Irie to Aurora have the premier membership, and once got a tow 180 miles in the snow on a mountain in southern Oregon. Pretty handy!

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Van heating and cooling thermometer

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Hygiene - showering bathing

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