Van life isn’t always moving.
The catalog version of van life is a new town every two days. Ours is the opposite. We pick one town and base there for a long stretch, and we still change campsites so we’re not parked in one pad too long.
Right now that’s a Colorado mountain town. I keep the exact town to myself, but the way we do it works anywhere.
Why we base instead of hopping towns
- It’s cheaper. Staying in one area costs less than hopping towns every two days.
- A real routine. The rec center gives us swim and bike days, so the body gets a routine too.
- Time to know people. When you stay, you actually get to know locals instead of just passing through.
How we do it: same town, new campsite
- Pick one town or area as a base. For us, a rec center for swimming and biking is a big reason to stay.
- Rotate campsites. We break camp and move to a different site in the same area at least every 14 days: same kind of mountains, not a new state. That way we’re not camping in one pad too long.
- Build the routine. Swim, bike, run errands in town, and say hi to the same people.
- Stay a while. We can base in one town for several weeks or months. The savings and the routine only kick in when you stop hopping.
Is basing right for you?
If constant driving is wearing you out, try picking one town and just changing campsites. When the weather turns, we still move. That’s my cold weather plan. If you’re curious how I keep my 2017 Travato livable for long stays, here’s how I organize it for full-time van life.
Would you pick one town for a month and still change campsites? Tell me in the comments.