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5 Van Life Road Trips You Have to Try
There is something special about hitting the open road with everything you need packed into your camper van. Van life gives you the freedom to wake up to mountain views one day, lakeshores the next, and charming small towns in between. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, choosing the right route can make all the difference. If you're looking for your next unforgettable road trip, here are five incredible van life routes across Canada and the United States.
1. Calgary to Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
- Distance: Approximately 300 km
Best for: Mountain scenery, wildlife, hiking
Southern Alberta is one of Canada's most underrated road trip destinations. Begin your journey in Calgary before heading south through rolling foothills toward Waterton Lakes National Park. The drive offers breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, open prairies, and plenty of opportunities to stop in small communities along the way.
Once you arrive, spend your days hiking scenic trails, kayaking on Upper Waterton Lake, or simply relaxing while taking in the dramatic mountain landscape. Wildlife sightings are common, with bighorn sheep, deer, and even bears frequently spotted throughout the park.
Mini Mall locations in the area: Calgary, Airdrie, Okotoks, Strathmore, Lethbridge
2. Vancouver Island Coastal Loop, British Columbia
- Distance: 500-700 km depending on your route
Best for: Coastal views, forests, beaches
Van life and Vancouver Island are a perfect match. Start near Nanaimo before exploring the island's stunning coastline. Make your way through charming seaside communities, old-growth forests, hidden beaches, and scenic viewpoints.
Spend time exploring the Cowichan Valley, stop around Cobble Hill, and continue toward the Sunshine Coast if you choose to include a ferry connection. Every stretch of road offers opportunities to park, unwind, and enjoy British Columbia's incredible natural beauty.
Mini Mall locations in the area: Nanaimo, Cobble Hill, Maple Ridge, Sechelt, and North Vancouver
3. Great Smoky Mountains to Asheville
- Distance: Approximately 250 km
Best for: Mountain roads, waterfalls, scenic drives
The Appalachian Mountains offer some of the best van life experiences in the eastern United States. Start your trip near Knoxville or the Tri-Cities region of Tennessee before driving through Great Smoky Mountains National Park toward Asheville, North Carolina.
Drive sections of the famous Blue Ridge Parkway, hike to waterfalls, enjoy mountain overlooks, and discover vibrant local towns filled with breweries, artisan shops, and live music.
Mini Mall locations in the area: Knoxville, Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, Greeneville
4. Charleston to Savannah Coastal Escape
- Distance: Approximately 180 km
Best for: Historic towns, beaches, coastal camping
If you're looking for a slower-paced van life experience, the South Carolina and Georgia coastline delivers.
Begin in the Charleston area and make your way south through Bluffton before arriving in historic Savannah. Along the route, you'll find beautiful marshes, coastal wildlife, beaches, seafood restaurants, and countless places to enjoy the Lowcountry lifestyle.
Spend time walking Savannah's famous squares, relaxing along nearby beaches, or exploring coastal state parks that welcome campers and road trippers.
Mini Mall locations in the area: Summerville, Bluffton, Savannah, Little River, and Columbia
5. Minneapolis Lakes Adventure
- Distance: 300-500 km depending on your itinerary
Best for: Lakes, fishing, camping
Minnesota's nickname, the Land of 10,000 Lakes, speaks for itself. Start your road trip in Minneapolis before heading west toward Lake Minnetonka or exploring the many lakes surrounding the Twin Cities.
This route is perfect for travelers who enjoy kayaking, fishing, paddleboarding, cycling, and peaceful lakeside campsites. The relatively short driving distances also make it ideal for first-time van lifers looking for a relaxed adventure.
Keep Your Camper Van Safe Between Adventures
One challenge every van owner eventually faces is deciding where to park when the trip is over. Many neighborhoods have limited space for larger vehicles, and leaving your camper van parked on the street or in your driveway for extended periods may not always be practical.
Mini Mall Storage offers simple, secure storage solutions for camper vans, RVs, and other recreational vehicles at many of our locations across Canada and the United States. With convenient access, spacious parking options, and facilities designed to help protect your investment, you can spend less time worrying about storage and more time planning your next adventure.
Whether you're returning from the mountains of Alberta, the coast of British Columbia, the Smoky Mountains, or the lakes of Minnesota, you can count on Mini Mall Storage to help keep your camper van ready for the road ahead.
Ready for your next adventure? Find a Mini Mall Storage location near you and discover convenient camper van and RV storage options that make every road trip just a little easier.
FAQs
Can I store a camper van at a self storage facility?
Yes. Many storage facilities offer outdoor or designated vehicle storage for camper vans, RVs, trailers, and other recreational vehicles.
What should I do before storing my camper van?
Clean the interior and exterior, remove food and valuables, check tire pressure, disconnect electronics where appropriate, and make sure all windows and doors are securely closed.
Is RV storage useful between road trips?
Yes. Vehicle storage can free up space at home and give you a dedicated place to keep your RV or camper van when it is not in use.
