10 Basic Parking, Safety, and Security Tips for Campervan Travellers
Compared to typical packaged tours, driving around in a campervan can be a more rewarding way to travel. When you travel in a campervan, you’re not locked into hotel check-in times, overpriced tours, or crowded rest stops. You get to wake up when you want, eat when you’re hungry, and change plans if you feel like it. Once you’ve had a taste, the usual pre-planned trips can feel like a bit of a let-down.
Of course, the van life does come with a few snags. Figuring out where to park overnight and making sure your gear isn’t nicked while you’re off chasing waterfalls are some of the biggest worries. These certainly aren’t deal-breakers, but it’s worth being prepared for them. Here’s a solid starter guide to help you stay prepped and protected on the road:
1) Pick Your Overnight Spots with Care
Some towns are strict about freedom camping, especially near the coast or in high-traffic areas. Before you set out, check council websites along your route to see where you can legally park. Look for designated freedom camping zones or paid campgrounds where campervans are explicitly welcome. If you’re new to the van life, choose a local campervan hire in NZ that can advise you on the best spots along your planned route.
2) Park Flat When You Can
Sleeping on a tilt doesn’t sound like such a big deal if you haven’t actually tried it for yourself. Even a minor slope can leave you rolling off your bed if you’re not used to it. For that reason, you should always aim for the flattest ground possible when parking for the night.
3) Be Mindful of Your Surroundings
Nice campervans will always draw some attention, so you’ll want to be aware of where you park and what you do. Simple things like not blasting music late and closing your curtains to reduce your van’s visibility when you’re in for the night will help you keep a lower, safer profile when you’re parked.
4) Keep Your Essentials in Reach
You don’t want to be fumbling in the dark if you need to step out of the van for a couple of minutes at night. Things like your phone, keys, torch, and a warm layer should always be within arm’s reach, preferably in a small bag that you keep on you at all times.
5) Don’t Leave Valuables in Plain Sight
Even in low-crime spots, you don’t want to give anyone a reason to go inside your van. Stash valuable items like your camera, wallet, and laptop out of sight, ideally in a lockable cupboard or under one of the seats.
6) Lock Up, Even When You’re Just Popping Out
Always lock your van before you walk off, even if you’re sure you’ll only be gone for a minute. While it might seem a bit paranoid, it’s just good sense to keep the van and your belongings safe.
7) Be Smart with Your Power Setup
Flat batteries aren’t just annoying; they can leave you stranded, eating up hours of your time. If your van runs a dual battery system, make sure you understand what powers what. Keep lights and charging devices on the house battery, not the starter. If you’re using solar, make it a point to top up during sunny stretches so you’ve got a reserve for cloudy days.
8) Know the Local Emergency Numbers
The vast majority of campervan trips don’t run into trouble. Still, it pays to know who to call if you do. Save the numbers for roadside assistance, health services, and local councils before you head off-grid. If you're not sure where to look, you can ask your rental service for this info ahead of time.
9) Make Use of Public Facilities
While more spots accommodate utility hookups for campervans these days, you’ll still often need to rely on public loos, dump stations, or coin showers. You’ll probably want to use them when you see them, even if you don’t feel like you need to at the moment. A bit of planning can give you a clue where free or low-cost facilities are located, avoiding those last-minute scrambles when nature calls or the water tank runs dry.
10) When In Doubt—Ask Around
If you’re unsure about where to park or whether a track is worth it, don’t hesitate to ask your fellow travellers. Most campervan people are more than happy to offer advice, especially if they’ve just come from where you’re headed. Mustering up the energy for a friendly two-minute chat can potentially save you hours of trouble.
Prep Work Keeps the Fun Parts Fun
While some might feel otherwise, getting the practical stuff right doesn’t take away from the spontaneity of campervan travel. If anything, being prepared helps make room for more of the things you do enjoy. When you’re not worrying about where to park or whether you’ve locked up properly, you’re going to be that much freer to focus on the good bits that come with the van life.
It all starts with the right rentals. The best campervan services won’t just give you a set of wheels but they’ll also give you good advice, smart setups, and unique insights you won’t find on any travel blog. When you're ready to pick a van, make sure you get one from a local business that understands both the van life and the places you’ll be exploring.