Sometimes the four walls of a van are not quite enough. Whether you have friends joining you for a weekend under the stars or you simply need a dedicated space for your gear, knowing how to pitch a tent alongside your van is a valuable skill. It is about extending your home into the nature around you while keeping everything organized and safe.

Here is a guide on how to pitch a tent and set a perfect camp when your van is your home base.

Choose the right ground for your van and your tent

The first step is finding a spot that works for both a heavy vehicle and a soft tent. You want to park your van on the firmest part of the site to ensure you do not sink if it rains. Once the van is level, look for a flat area nearby that is free of sharp rocks, sticks, or low spots where water might collect.

A good camp setup has the tent close enough to the van to feel like one unit but far enough away that you can still open your sliding door and back doors completely. If you are using your van as a windbreak, position the van so it blocks the prevailing breeze from hitting the tent directly. This makes your outdoor living area much more peaceful and quiet.

Prepare the site and protecting the tent floor

Before you unroll your tent, take a few minutes to clear the area. Even a small pinecone can feel like a mountain through a sleeping pad. Once the ground is clear, lay down a durable ground cloth.

This extra layer is vital because it protects the bottom of your tent from moisture and sharp objects. It also keeps the tent cleaner which makes it much easier to pack up when it is time to move to your next destination. Make sure the edges of the ground cloth are tucked underneath the tent so that rain does not get trapped between the two layers.

Set up your tent for morning sun and privacy

Think about where the sun will rise before you stake down your tent. If you want a gentle wake up call, face the door toward the east. If you prefer to sleep in, use the van or a nearby tree to provide shade during the early morning hours.

You should also consider the "flow" of your camp. Many vanlifers like to have the tent door facing the van sliding door. This creates a private courtyard feeling where you can move between your kitchen and your sleeping area without feeling exposed to the rest of the campground. It turns your campsite into a multi-room home.

Secure the structure for wind and weather

Even on a calm day, it is important to stake your tent down properly. Weather in the mountains or the desert can change in a heartbeat. Use heavy duty stakes and a small mallet to secure every corner.

If your tent has guy lines, use them. These are the extra strings that pull the rainfly tight. Attaching these lines to the ground or even to the sturdy wheels of your van provides extra stability. A tight tent is a quiet tent. It will not flap in the wind, which helps everyone get a better night of rest.

Create a gear storage system

If you are using the tent as a gear garage, keep it organized with plastic bins or a small folding shelf. This keeps your van interior clutter free while protecting your hiking boots, climbing ropes, or chairs from the elements.

If the tent is for guests, make it feel wholesome and welcoming. Place a small battery powered lantern inside and ensure there is a clear, lit path between the tent and the van. Since the van often serves as the kitchen and bathroom, having a clear walkway ensures that your guests feel comfortable moving around after dark.

Practice responsible camping and leave no trace

We believe in leaving every campsite better than we found it and so do many Vanlifers. It is our responsibility to be extra careful and ensure we maintain a standard for cleanliness and care for the environment.

Avoid digging trenches around your tent and never cut branches to make room for your setup. When it is time to leave, do a final sweep of the area to ensure everything you brought is picked up. We’re working with organizations that protect the places vanlifers love so much to bring more awareness.

Nonetheless, there is something special about sitting around a campfire with your van on one side and a tent on the other. It feels like a true homestead. By taking the time to set your camp correctly, you create a space where you can relax, recharge, and connect with the world around you. After all, van life is about making the most of every square inch of the great outdoors.