Sleeping in a van is much more than just finding a place to spend the night. It is to live a unique experience of freedom, where the landscape becomes your bedroom and the roof of your van becomes your temporary home.
I remember the first time I slept in the van. The illusion and inexperience of my 25 years made that, the day after buying the van, I threw an inflatable mattress inside, some clothes and my surfboard, to end up sleeping in the parking lot of a Portuguese beach. At dawn, a strange noise of workers assembling something woke me up: I had parked right in the assembly area of the judges' tower of a surfing championship 😅.
In this post I will try to give you the keys, based on my experience, to avoid common mistakes and enjoy your first camper trips to the fullest.
Basic preparations for sleeping comfortably in your van or camper
To ensure a good night's sleep in your camper, the key is to equip yourself properly. Here are the things you should never be without:
- A good mattress or adapted bed: Many campers have seats that convert into a bed, but the ideal is to add a high density foam mattress to make it more comfortable. Believe me, your back will thank you, especially if you usually go on multi-day trips.
- Camping blanket or suitable sleeping bags: Depending on the time of year, a good camper comforter or thermal sleeping bag is essential. In winter routes, it is very important to have a good quality technical material to spend the night.
- Functional bedding: Opt for microfiber sheets, they are warm and take up little space.
- Good ventilation and insulation: A proper ventilation system, such as louvers or screened windows, is essential, especially in summer. In addition, thermal insulation in doors and windows will help to keep the temperature stable, whether in summer or winter.
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Camping blanket Army129,95 € -
Camping blanket Nordic129,95 €
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Camping blanket Fiji129,95 €
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Camping blanket Enjoy129,95 €
Where to sleep in a motorhome or camper: Permitted and safe locations
One of the biggest challenges when traveling by van is finding the perfect place to spend the night. The experience of sleeping in a camper van can be magical, but it can also become a headache if you don't know the legal regulations. In Spain, the key is to understand the difference between overnight and camping:
- Overnight: Means sleeping inside the vehicle without deploying external elements (tables, chairs, awnings). This, according to Instruction 08/V-74 of the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), is considered parking and is legal as long as the vehicle is properly parked and does not occupy more space than that which is delimited.
- Camping: Involves extending beyond the vehicle, deploying objects outside or generating waste. This is considered free camping and is prohibited outside designated areas. Restrictions and penalties depend on the specific regulations of each autonomous community or municipality.
⚠️ Potential problems and sanctions:
In popular destinations such as the coast of Portugal or northern Spain, control over illegal camping has become stricter in recent years due to the overcrowding of tourism. Fines can range from €200 to €1,500, depending on local regulations. The Guardia Civil or local police can ask you to leave the site if you are in breach of the regulations.
Although the idea of stopping anywhere is tempting, it is not always possible or legal and it is better to be safe than sorry. Here are the best options:
- Motorhome service areas: In Spain, there are many areas designed specifically for campers and motorhomes. They are safe, comfortable and usually have services such as water filling and emptying, electricity and even bathrooms.
- Campsites: Although not the cheapest option, campsites are the most traditional option offering tranquility and facilities such as showers, drinking water, electricity and leisure areas. Ideal for those looking to rest without worrying about anything.
- Authorized parking lots or overnight stays in nature: Using apps like Park4Night is a great resource for finding places to sleep in your van or camper. Through these communities of travelers, you can discover amazing places (from beaches to mountainous areas), always respecting local rules. Remember to always leave the environment clean, even cleaner than when you arrived.
💡 Practical recommendations:
- Use applications such as Park4Night o Campernight to find permitted places and learn about the experience of other travelers.
- Consult the municipal ordinances of the place where you want to spend the night, as some cities have specific prohibitions even for parking campers.
- Always respect the environment and avoid leaving any waste. This way you contribute to maintain the good environment between travelers and local communities.
🚩 Personal tip: Always check the legality of staying overnight in a place, as in many areas it is forbidden to camp outside designated areas. A fine or having to leave the site in the middle of the night after a police warning, can ruin your night. I say this from my own experience in Portugal, where on more than one occasion the GNR has arrived in the wee hours of the morning and kindly invited me to leave the site.
Tips for a better sleep in your camper or van
The quality of your sleep can depend on small details. Throughout my travels, I've learned a few tricks that make a big difference:
- Darken the interior: Use blackout curtains or thermal reflectors to block outside light and maintain privacy.
- Reduce noise: If you are in a noisy area, such as a city parking lot, good earplugs are a must.
- Space organization: Keep the van as organized as possible. An uncluttered bed gives a sense of order and comfort.
- Create a relaxing routine: Before going to bed, spend a few minutes relaxing, such as reading a book or listening to quiet music. This helps you disconnect from the day and prepares your mind for a better night's sleep.
✨ Extra Tip: A warm light bulb or LED garlands can transform the ambiance of your camper and make it cozier.
Common mistakes when sleeping in a camper or motorhome (and how to avoid them)
Sleeping in a van is not always perfect, especially if you are a beginner. Here are some mistakes I made at the beginning and how to fix them:
- Underestimating the cold: Nights in the mountains or near water can be chilly, even in summer. Always carry extra warm clothing and a Camping blanket just in case.
- Choosing the wrong place to sleep: On one occasion, I stayed overnight in the center of Granada in summer. The heat was suffocating and I had to open the side window of the van. The noise of the cars and the murmur of the people meant that I could hardly rest for fear that someone would throw something inside the van. Since then, I always look for quiet places away from city centers.
- Forgetting to ventilate the van: Condensation can be a problem if you don't have enough ventilation. Always keep a small opening in a window or door with a mosquito net. Skylights play a key role here.
Advantages and challenges of sleeping in a camper or van
Sleeping in a camper has clear advantages: the freedom to choose where to wake up, the connection with nature and the comfort of having your "home" with you. However, it also has its challenges, such as dealing with the weather, finding suitable places or adapting to the confined space.
I remember once, during a route through northern Spain, I woke up surrounded by fog and frost on the windows of the van. Although it was cold and the insulation of my van was not perfect, the feeling of being in the heart of nature compensated for any discomfort. In the end, overcoming these challenges makes you appreciate this lifestyle even more.
Conclusion: The freedom of sleeping in a camper van
Sleeping in a camper, van or motorhome is not only a way of traveling, but a way of living. Each night brings with it the excitement of a new place and the chance to connect with the environment in a unique way. While not everything is perfect and there can be challenges, the advantages of this mobile freedom far outweigh any drawbacks.
So, if you are thinking of taking the plunge, my advice is to do it. And remember: with a good team, some planning and a lot of enthusiasm, every night will be an unforgettable experience.
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