Updated January 8, 2023
If you’re considering joining the van life movement, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is where to base your van. Some states offer more favorable conditions for van life, such as mild weather, beautiful landscapes, low cost of living, and a supportive community. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best states for van life in the United States based on various criteria.
California
California is arguably the state with the most diverse and scenic landscapes, ranging from the sandy beaches and rugged coastline of the Pacific Coast Highway to the snowy mountains and alpine lakes of the Sierra Nevada. It’s no surprise that California is a top destination for van dwellers, with a vibrant community of van lifers and a wide range of public lands, state parks, and campgrounds to explore.
Some of the best places for van life in California include:
The Bay Area: San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley are known for their mild climate, vibrant culture, and progressive values. The Bay Area has a high cost of living, but there are still some affordable neighborhoods and nearby public lands where you can park your van.
The Central Coast: The stretch of Highway 1 between Los Angeles and San Francisco is dotted with small towns, state parks, and national forests, offering a laid-back and picturesque setting for van life.
The Sierra Nevada: If you enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, and skiing, the Sierra Nevada is a great destination for van life. The region has several national parks and forests, as well as ski resorts and hot springs, providing plenty of opportunities for adventure.
Oregon
Oregon is another popular state for van life, offering a mild climate, diverse landscapes, and a friendly community of van dwellers. Oregon has a wide range of public lands, state parks, and national forests, as well as a number of RV parks and campgrounds, making it easy to find a place to park your van.
Some of the best places for van life in Oregon include:
Portland: Portland is known for its vibrant culture, creative scene, and progressive values. The city has a thriving van life community and several public lands and parks where you can park your van.
The Oregon Coast: The Oregon Coast is a beautiful stretch of coastline dotted with small towns, state parks, and national forests. It’s a great place to enjoy the outdoors, whether you’re surfing, hiking, or just relaxing on the beach.
The Willamette Valley: The Willamette Valley is a scenic region in western Oregon known for its fertile soil, mild climate, and abundance of farm-to-table restaurants. It’s a great place to base your van if you enjoy farming, gardening, or just eating delicious food.
Colorado
Colorado is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of recreational activities such as skiing, hiking, climbing, and mountain biking. The state has a vibrant van life community and a number of public lands and campgrounds where you can park your van.
Some of the best places for van life in Colorado include:
The Front Range: The Front Range is a region along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, home to the cities of Denver and Boulder. The Front Range has a mild climate, a vibrant culture, and easy access to a wide range of outdoor activities.
The Western Slope: The Western Slope is a region west of the Continental Divide, known for its rugged landscape, mild climate, and small towns. It’s a great place for van life if you want to escape the crowds and enjoy the solitude of the mountains.
The San Juan Mountains: The San Juan Mountains are a range of the Rocky Mountains located in southwestern Colorado, known for their rugged beauty and abundance of outdoor activities. The region has several national forests and wilderness areas, making it a great destination for van life.
Florida
Florida may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of van life, but it has a lot to offer for those who are looking for a warm and affordable place to live and travel. Florida has a long coastline, a number of state parks and campgrounds, and a large population of RVers, making it a welcoming place for van dwellers.
Some of the best places for van life in Florida include:
The Florida Keys: The Florida Keys are a chain of islands located off the southern tip of Florida, known for their crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and laid-back vibe. The Keys are a great place to base your van if you enjoy fishing, diving, and relaxation.
The Gulf Coast: The Gulf Coast of Florida is a stretch of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, known for its white sandy beaches and small towns. The Gulf Coast is a great place for van life if you want to enjoy the beach and the laid-back lifestyle.
The Everglades: The Everglades is a vast and unique wetland ecosystem located in southern Florida, home to a wide range of plant and animal species. The Everglades is a great place for van life if you enjoy nature and adventure.
Texas
Texas is a large and diverse state with a wide range of landscapes, from the sandy beaches of the Gulf Coast to the rugged mountains of the Big Bend. The state has a supportive community of van dwellers and a number of public lands and campgrounds, making it a great place for van life.
Some of the best places for van life in Texas include:
Austin: Austin is the capital of Texas and known for its music, food, and culture. The city has a thriving van life community and a number of public lands and campgrounds where you can park your van.
The Hill Country: The Hill Country is a region of central Texas known for its rolling hills, picturesque valleys, and small towns. It’s a great place for van life if you want to enjoy the outdoors and the laid-back lifestyle.
The Big Bend: The Big Bend is a region of western Texas known for its rugged landscape, dark skies, and abundance of outdoor activities. The region has several national parks and state parks, making it a great destination for van life.
New Mexico
New Mexico is a state located in the southwestern United States, known for its diverse landscape, rich cultural history, and mild climate. The state has a number of public lands and campgrounds, as well as a supportive community of van dwellers, making it a great place for van life.
Some of the best places for van life in New Mexico include:
Santa Fe: Santa Fe is the capital of New Mexico and known for its art, food, and culture. The city has a number of public lands and campgrounds where you can park your van, as well as a thriving van life community.
The Gila Wilderness: The Gila Wilderness is a vast and rugged wilderness area located in southwestern New Mexico, known for its stunning landscapes and abundance of outdoor activities. The region has a number of public lands and campgrounds, making it a great destination for van life.
The Rio Grande Valley: The Rio Grande Valley is a region in southern New Mexico known for its mild climate, scenic beauty, and rich cultural history. The region has several state parks and campgrounds, as well as a number of RV parks, making it a convenient place for van life.
Arizona
Arizona is a state located in the southwestern United States, known for its desert landscape, mild climate, and rich cultural history. The state has a number of public lands and campgrounds, as well as a supportive community of van dwellers, making it a great place for van life.
Some of the best places for van life in Arizona include:
Phoenix: Phoenix is the capital of Arizona and known for its mild climate, diverse culture, and abundance of outdoor activities. The city has a number of public lands and campgrounds where you can park your van, as well as a thriving van life community.
The Grand Canyon: The Grand Canyon is a vast and majestic canyon located in northern Arizona, known for its stunning landscapes and abundance of outdoor activities. The region has several national parks and campgrounds, making it a great destination for van life.
The Sedona Area: The Sedona area is a region in central Arizona known for its red rock formations, mild climate, and abundance of outdoor activities. The region has several state parks and campgrounds, as well as a number of RV parks, making it a convenient place for van life.
Utah
Utah is a state located in the southwestern United States, known for its diverse landscape, mild climate, and abundance of outdoor activities. The state has a number of public lands and campgrounds, as well as a supportive community of van dwellers, making it a great place for van life.
Some of the best places for van life in Utah include:
Salt Lake City: Salt Lake City is the capital of Utah and known for its mild climate, diverse culture, and abundance of outdoor activities. The city has a number of public lands and campgrounds where you can park your van, as well as a thriving van life community.
The Moab Area: The Moab area is a region in southeastern Utah known for its red rock formations, mild climate, and abundance of outdoor activities. The region has several national parks and campgrounds, making it a great destination for van life.
The Wasatch Mountains: The Wasatch Mountains are a range of mountains located in northern Utah, known for their stunning landscapes and abundance of outdoor activities. The region has several national forests and campgrounds, making it a great place for van life.
Wyoming
Wyoming is a state located in the western United States, known for its rugged landscape, mild climate, and abundance of outdoor activities. The state has a number of public lands and campgrounds, as well as a supportive community of van dwellers, making it a great place for van life.
Some of the best places for van life in Wyoming include:
Jackson: Jackson is a small town located in the western part of the state, known for its stunning landscape and abundance of outdoor activities. The town has a number of public lands and campgrounds where you can park your van, as well as a thriving van life community.
The Teton Range: The Teton Range is a mountain range located in western Wyoming, known for its rugged beauty and abundance of outdoor activities. The region has several national parks and campgrounds, making it a great destination for van life.
The Wind River Range: The Wind River Range is a mountain range located in western Wyoming, known for its stunning landscapes and abundance of outdoor activities. The region has several national forests and campgrounds, making it a great place for van life.
Vermont
Vermont is a small state located in the northeastern United States, known for its beautiful landscapes, mild climate, and supportive community of van dwellers. The state has a number of public lands and campgrounds, making it a great place for van life.
Some of the best places for van life in Vermont include:
Burlington: Burlington is the largest city in Vermont and known for its vibrant culture, beautiful lakefront, and abundance of outdoor activities. The city has a number of public lands and campgrounds where you can park your van, as well as a thriving van life community.
The Green Mountains: The Green Mountains are a range of mountains located in central Vermont, known for their stunning landscapes and abundance of outdoor activities. The region has several national forests and campgrounds, making it a great destination for van life.
The Champlain Valley: The Champlain Valley is a region in northwestern Vermont known for its beautiful landscapes, mild climate, and abundance of outdoor activities. The region has several state parks and campgrounds, making it a convenient place for van life.
Washington
Washington is a state located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, known for its beautiful landscapes, mild climate, and supportive community of van dwellers. The state has a number of public lands and campgrounds, making it a great place for van life.
Some of the best places for van life in Washington include:
Seattle: Seattle is the largest city in Washington and known for its vibrant culture, beautiful waterfront, and abundance of outdoor activities. The city has a number of public lands and campgrounds where you can park your van, as well as a thriving van life community.
The Olympic Peninsula: The Olympic Peninsula is a region located in the western part of the state, known for its stunning landscapes and abundance of outdoor activities. The region has several national parks and campgrounds, making it a great destination for van life.
The North Cascades: The North Cascades are a range of mountains located in northern Washington, known for their rugged beauty and abundance of outdoor activities. The region has several national forests and campgrounds, making it a great place for van life.
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States, known for its diverse landscape, mild climate, and supportive community of van dwellers. The state has a number of public lands and campgrounds, making it a great place for van life.
Some of the best places for van life in North Carolina include:
Asheville: Asheville is a small city located in the western part of the state, known for its vibrant culture, beautiful mountain scenery, and abundance of outdoor activities. The city has a number of public lands and campgrounds where you can park your van, as well as a thriving van life community.
The Blue Ridge Mountains: The Blue Ridge Mountains are a range of mountains located in western North Carolina, known for their stunning landscapes and abundance of outdoor activities. The region has several national forests and campgrounds, making it a great destination for van life.
The Outer Banks: The Outer Banks are a string of barrier islands located off the coast of North Carolina, known for their beautiful beaches, mild climate, and abundance of outdoor activities. The region has several state parks and campgrounds, making it a convenient place for van life.
Virginia
Virginia is a state located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, known for its diverse landscape, mild climate, and supportive community of van dwellers. The state has a number of public lands and campgrounds, making it a great place for van life.
Some of the best places for van life in Virginia include:
Richmond: Richmond is the capital of Virginia and known for its rich history, beautiful riverfront, and abundance of outdoor activities. The city has a number of public lands and campgrounds where you can park your van, as well as a thriving van life community.
The Shenandoah Valley: The Shenandoah Valley is a region located in the western part of the state, known for its beautiful mountain scenery and abundance of outdoor activities. The region has several national parks and campgrounds, making it a great destination for van life.
The Eastern Shore: The Eastern Shore is a region located on the Delmarva Peninsula, known for its beautiful beaches, mild climate, and abundance of outdoor activities. The region has several state parks and campgrounds, making it a convenient place for van life.
Maine
Maine is a state located in the northeastern United States, known for its beautiful coastline, mild climate, and supportive community of van dwellers. The state has a number of public lands and campgrounds, making it a great place for van life.
Some of the best places for van life in Maine include:
Portland: Portland is the largest city in Maine and known for its vibrant culture, beautiful waterfront, and abundance of outdoor activities. The city has a number of public lands and campgrounds where you can park your van, as well as a thriving van life community.
The Acadia National Park Area: The Acadia National Park area is a region located on the coast of Maine, known for its stunning landscapes and abundance of outdoor activities. The region has several national parks and campgrounds, making it a great destination for van life.
The North Woods: The North Woods is a region located in the northern part of the state, known for its rugged beauty and abundance of outdoor activities. The region has several national forests and campgrounds, making it a great place for van life.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a state located in the northeastern United States, known for its beautiful landscapes, mild climate, and supportive community of van dwellers. The state has a number of public lands and campgrounds, making it a great place for van life.
Some of the best places for van life in New Hampshire include:
Portsmouth: Portsmouth is a small city located on the coast of New Hampshire, known for its vibrant culture, beautiful waterfront, and abundance of outdoor activities. The city has a number of public lands and campgrounds where you can park your van, as well as a thriving van life community.
The White Mountains: The White Mountains are a range of mountains located in the northern part of the state, known for their stunning landscapes and abundance of outdoor activities. The region has several national forests and campgrounds, making it a great destination for van life.
The Lakes Region: The Lakes Region is a region located in the central part of the state, known for its beautiful lakes, mild climate, and abundance of outdoor activities. The region has several state parks and campgrounds, making it a convenient place for van life.
FAQ
What are the best states for van life in terms of cost of living?
Some states in the United States have a lower cost of living than others, which can be beneficial for van dwellers who are looking to stretch their budget. Some of the states with the lowest cost of living include:
Mississippi
Arkansas
Oklahoma
Missouri
Kansas
These states generally have lower costs for housing, groceries, and other necessities, which can make van life more affordable. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the cost of living can vary widely within each state, and you should research specific cities and regions to get a better idea of the costs you can expect.
What are the best states for van life in terms of weather?
The weather can be a major factor to consider when choosing a state for van life, as it can affect your comfort and the types of activities you can enjoy. Some states have a more mild climate than others, which can be beneficial for van dwellers. Some of the states with the mildest climate include:
California
Arizona
Texas
Georgia
Florida
These states generally have warmer temperatures and less extreme weather, which can make van life more comfortable. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the weather can vary widely within each state, and you should research specific cities and regions to get a better idea of the climate you can expect.
What are the best states for van life in terms of access to public lands and campgrounds?
One of the benefits of van life is the ability to travel and explore different areas, and having access to public lands and campgrounds can make this easier. Some states in the United States have a larger number of public lands and campgrounds than others, which can be beneficial for van dwellers. Some of the states with the most public lands and campgrounds include:
California
Oregon
Colorado
Utah
Arizona
These states generally have a large number of national parks, forests, and other public lands, as well as a number of campgrounds and RV parks where you can park your van. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the availability of public lands and campgrounds can vary widely within each state, and you should research specific cities and regions to get a better idea of the options you have.