The first time you tell someone you’re interested in living the van life, the reaction is almost always the same. Their eyes light up at the thought of adventure, then their eyebrows furrow as they ask:

• “Wait… where are you gonna shower?”

• “What would you eat or do you just live on gas station snacks?”

• “And where do you sleep? Is it even safe?”
  
  

These are smart questions, because they cut right to the core of what Vanlife really means: how do you handle the everyday basics when your “home” is a vehicle on wheels?

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how Vanlifers manage the essentials: showering, cooking, eating, and sleeping. By the end, you’ll see that far from being a limitation, these routines often become part of the adventure itself.

Staying Clean While Traveling

One of the biggest misconceptions about Vanlife is that you have to “rough it” when it comes to hygiene. While you might not always have a full bathroom like at home, there are more ways to stay clean than most people realize.

Gym Memberships

One of the most popular solutions among full-time Vanlifers is a nationwide gym membership. Chains like Planet Fitness, Anytime Fitness, and 24 Hour Fitness offer thousands of locations across the U.S., and the cost is usually less than $25/month. That membership gives you showers, clean toilets, Wi-Fi, and even a safe parking lot in some cases.

• Pros: Affordable, reliable, includes workout facilities.

• Cons: Only works near towns/cities.
  

Campgrounds and RV Parks

Campgrounds often include access to showers and laundry, especially at national or state parks. Some Vanlifers plan their routes around these stops, combining camping fees with a chance to reset.

• Cost: $15–$50 per night (depending on hookups).

• Best for: Long travel days when you want both a campsite and a hot shower.
  

Portable Showers

Portable showers are a favorite for people who spend time off-grid. These range from solar-heated bags you hang outside your van to full pressurized systems you can set up outdoors.

• Solar Showers: Heat up in the sun, cost under $50.

• Portable Pressurized Showers: Provide steady water pressure, great for rinsing off dirt after hikes.
  

Recreation Centers & Truck Stops

Don’t overlook community rec centers, which often sell day passes with shower access for just a few dollars. Similarly, many truck stops like Pilot and Love’s have private, clean showers available for about $12–$15.

Vanlifers who done it

• Jenna, a Vanlifer traveling solo in her Ford Transit, swears by Planet Fitness. She says the Black Card membership is worth every penny: “It’s my shower, my workout, and sometimes even my office.”
  
  

• A couple named Mark and Alicia use a DIY portable shower in their van’s rear garage. They installed a small water tank and pump system, which allows for quick showers in the desert without needing to find a gym.

How Vanlifers Cook and Dine on the Road

Food is one of the biggest joys of Vanlife. Imagine cooking pasta with fresh herbs while parked by a lake or making pancakes as the sun rises over a mountain ridge. But again, the practical side matters. How do you actually prepare meals in a van?

Cooking Setups in Vans

Most Vanlife kitchens (often called galleys) are compact but surprisingly efficient. A typical setup might include:

• Stovetop: Propane burners, induction cooktops (powered by solar), or small camping stoves.

• Sink: A small sink with a water pump connected to a freshwater tank.

• Fridge/Cooler: Either a 12V fridge or an ice cooler for perishables.

• Counter Space: Fold-out counters maximize prep areas.
  

Common Vanlife Meals

Because space is limited, Vanlifers gravitate toward simple, one-pot meals or foods that don’t require lots of ingredients. Favorites include:

• Tacos and burritos (easy to customize).

• Pasta with canned or fresh sauce.

• Stir-fries with veggies and rice.

• Breakfast scrambles or overnight oats.

While most Vanlifers cook in their rigs, eating out is still part of the experience. Especially to sample local food. The key is balance: cooking saves money, eating out adds flavor to the journey.

Food Storage Challenges

Storage is one of the biggest differences between Vanlife and traditional living. With smaller fridges, Vanlifers shop more frequently, often every 2–3 days. This creates opportunities to visit farmers’ markets or local grocery stores, supporting small communities along the way.

Food doesn’t take a back seat in Vanlife, it becomes part of the adventure. Whether it’s a camp-cooked stew or tacos by the beach, meals become experiences in themselves.

Sleeping on the Road

When it comes to Vanlife, you might often wonder about places that you'd be comfortable having a good night’s rest at because when your home is mobile, finding a place to rest becomes a daily decision. For many new Vanlifers, the idea of not knowing where you’ll end up at night feels intimidating. But here’s the truth: once you hit the road, you discover that sleeping in a van can be one of the most freeing, satisfying, and even luxurious parts of the lifestyle.

You’re the boss and where you decide to rest is totally up to you. Instead of the same four walls, you can try changing your view every morning. Some nights can be a quiet desert under the stars, other nights it’s a lakeside campground with campfires flickering nearby, and sometimes it’s a simple safe spot in a city when you’re just passing through.

Building Your Bed in a Van

Before choosing a parking spot, most Vanlifers first invest in making the inside of their van feel like home. 

Here’s what most people consider when creating their van “bedroom”:

• A solid base frame: Many Vanlifers build a wooden platform for their bed. This allows for storage underneath (bikes, gear, clothes) while raising the mattress off the floor. Some even build convertible setups like beds that fold into benches or dining areas during the day.

• A real mattress: Air mattresses and camping pads don’t cut it long-term. Memory foam mattresses often cut to custom van sizes are the go-to for comfort. Some use tri-fold foam cushions so the bed can convert into a couch.

• Bedding essentials: Just like at home, good pillows, cozy blankets, and breathable sheets make all the difference. Many Vanlifers swap bedding seasonally. Light blankets in summer, down comforters in winter.

• Privacy and blackout curtains: Essential for stealth camping. Blackout curtains or window covers block light, add insulation, and keep things discreet in cities.

• Ventilation: A roof vent fan or cracked windows with bug screens prevent stuffiness and help regulate temperature at night.

• Lighting: Soft LED string lights or dimmable fixtures create a cozy atmosphere, making the van feel less like a vehicle and more like a bedroom.

Free camping (Boondocking)

Many Vanlifers take advantage of free public land, especially in the western U.S. Areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or national forests often allow dispersed camping for free, sometimes up to 14 days at a time.

• Pros: Quiet, scenic, and free.

• Cons: Requires self-sufficiency—no bathrooms or hookups.

Campgrounds

Traditional campgrounds provide peace of mind, with designated spots, bathrooms, and sometimes hookups for electricity and water. While they cost more than free camping, they’re convenient and family-friendly.

Urban sleeping spots

When passing through cities, Vanlifers get creative:

• Walmart Parking Lots (many allow overnight stays).

• Cracker Barrel & Cabela’s often welcome RVers.

• Residential Streets (if done discreetly and legally).

Safety considerations

• Stealth Parking: Keeping a low profile in cities by avoiding loud noises, flashy lights, or camping setups outside the van.

• Apps: Tools like iOverlander or Park4Night help travelers find safe and legal places.

• Trust Your Gut: If a spot feels unsafe, move on.

Stories from the road

• Nate, who’s been on the road for 3 years, says his favorite sleep spots are BLM lands in Utah: “Waking up with red rocks outside your window beats any hotel.”

• Emily, traveling solo, prefers campgrounds for peace of mind: “I’ll pay $20 for the safety, showers, and community.”

The Takeaway: Whether you want solitude in nature or convenience in a city, there are countless ways to sleep safely and comfortably on the road. 

At the end of the day, Vanlife is about creating comfort wherever the road takes you. Some nights it’s a quiet forest clearing, other nights it’s a safe spot in town, and sometimes it’s a campground full of fellow travelers. Each option comes with its own rhythm, its own kind of peace.

What begins as a practical concern—“where will I sleep?”—turns into one of the greatest freedoms of the lifestyle. Your bed isn’t tied to one place. It’s wherever you choose to be that night. And in those quiet hours, when the world outside fades and you’re wrapped up in the stillness of your van, you realize Vanlife isn’t about giving things up. It’s about gaining the ability to rest anywhere, and to wake up to a brand-new view each morning.

That’s the real beauty of sleeping on the road. It turns rest into part of the adventure.

FAQs about the van life basics

Q: How often do Vanlifers shower?
A: It depends on the person, but most manage every 2–4 days. Baby wipes and dry shampoo help in between.

Q: What about bathrooms?
A: Some vans include composting toilets, but many Vanlifers rely on public restrooms, campground facilities, or portable setups.

Q: Do you save money by cooking in the van?
A: Absolutely. Cooking saves hundreds per month compared to eating out. Many Vanlifers cook 80–90% of their meals.

Q: Is it safe to sleep in a van?
A: Yes, when done legally and with awareness. Most Vanlifers report feeling safe once they learn how to pick spots wisely.