Can You Live Full-Time in a Camper Van? Pros & Cons.

The 77 — altCamp’s Signature Collection van built in partnership with Yama Vans.

Full-time van life (meaning living in your camper van or other adventure rig as your primary home for a long-term basis) is a big decision. To answer the title’s question of “can you live full-time in a camper van?” Let me first say, “Hell yes!” With one caveat: it’s not for everyone.

As someone who’s lived in a converted camper van for the better part of two and a half years and has loved the experience deeply, I can confidently say that it’s absolutely possible to not just live, but thrive, while in a van full time. That being said, it’s significantly different from doing, say, a month-long road trip in a camper. While every “full-timer” has a different style, I’d say it’s a lot more everyday realities than just beautiful views and the open road.

Pros of full-time camper van living

Let’s start with the good. This may be obvious, since I did choose full-time van life and continue to seek out that lifestyle, but I tend to think the good outweighs the bad.

The freedom and flexibility for a travel lifestyle

Okay, this is a huge benefit. I always joke that buying a camper van was my way of committing to not being committed. If you can’t choose between ocean or mountains, city or country, desert or snowscape, then you’re in luck because with a camper van, you don’t have to—you can drive to all of them! Living in a van offers endless adventure to move around and explore different places.

Fewer expenses (no rent, utilities, etc.)

In many cases, the cost of living in a van is significantly lower than it is to buy or rent a traditional home. No rent, no mortgage, and no gas or water bill. Especially if you have an off-grid build that you can park anywhere, you can really reduce your monthly costs. That being said, there are still expenses and it’s pretty easy to rack up some pricey bills.

Closer connection to nature

The joy that comes with waking up to a beautiful view or the ability to work outside sitting by a river on a random Wednesday is priceless. Living in such a small space, you’re practically forced to get outside more, which can do wonders for your health, both body and mind.

The chance to meet different people

When you’re on the road all the time, you open yourself up to new experiences and new people. You can meet people from all walks of life in different towns and cities that you visit, plus other van lifers. Some of the best people I’ve met have been other folks traveling and living in camper vans.

The comforts of home wherever you go

Picture this: you’re stuck in traffic on a mountain road at the end of a holiday weekend. It’s gridlocked, everyone’s trying to get home, and you’re getting tired. But wait! You’re already home! You pull into a rest stop and do your regular evening routine for a restful night’s sleep. And in the morning? No traffic.

No need to pack an overnight bag, no hotels or AirBnbs, just home sweet home.

Sharing stories

When you’re living in a van, it’s only a matter of time before you start to collect some pretty wild stories. Reversing up a muddy one-lane road for a half mile? It could happen. Watching the Perseids meteor shower from your rooftop deck in Joshua Tree National Park? Sure! Whether good or bad, it’s still fun to share the stories with new and old friends down the road.

Cons of full-time camper van living

Now for the downsides. Just like any living situation, there’s always going to be some problems.

Limited space and comfort

A camper van is almost always going to be a smaller space than even the smallest conventional studio apartment. That means less storage space, less space to move around, and virtually no privacy (if you’re living with someone else). You’re likely not going to have the luxuries of a full-size sofa or bathtub in your van. Yes, there are some pretty creative ways to make the most of small spaces, but that only goes so far.

Fewer amenities (depending on your build)

If you’ve decided to shell out the cash for a bougie, all-amenity type of van (like one of altCamp’s Signature Collection vans), this may not be quite as big of a challenge, but even with a luxury build, there’s always going to be a bit of a compromise. For example, you probably won’t have a dishwasher or a washing machine.

Instability and insecurity

Living in a traditional home, there’s a default for where you’re sleeping each night, and that provides security and stability. Living in a camper van, it takes a bit more to feel stable and secure. Where you park for the night can change and may not be guaranteed. Plus, if anything goes wrong with the van (car accident, break-in, theft, fire, etc.), you’re left scrambling for a motel or couch surfing with friends.

Bathroom limitations

No city-connected plumbing for a camper van, which means showering and toilets get a tad more complicated. With some set-ups, you can get a full wet bath with a shower and a composting toilet. Others just have a portable toilet, and some don’t even have that. No matter how you rig it, you’re probably going to end up dealing with pee jugs of some sort, public bathrooms, and emptying gray water.

Related article: Do Camper Vans Have Bathrooms?

More logistics

Traveling full-time in a van takes more planning. Once you get the hang of it, I think it can be less of a logistical hassle than traditional travel, but if you’re constantly moving around, setting yourself up in each new place can be a lot more work than if you’re staying put in an apartment.

Loneliness

When you’re in a van full-time, it can be really easy to become a hermit. Traveling constantly or being out on public land for weeks on end doesn’t lend itself to a thriving social life. There are definitely ways to build community, but it can take a bit more work to keep lasting connections.

Is Full-Time Van Life Right for You?

At the end of the day, living full-time in a van is a personal decision based on what matters most to you. If you’re looking for a stable place to build community and have tons of storage for all your outdoor toys, living in a camper van may not be right for you. But if your dream is more nomadic, then maybe full-time van life would be a good fit.

Try it before you commit

If you’re not sure whether you’d even like being in a van, I always recommend testing it out with a rental first. While a few days in a van is a lot different than full-time, it’ll at least give you an idea of what it might be like.