In my experience there are some interesting misconceptions about van life that everyone needs to be aware of before jumping in. If you’ve spent any time scrolling through #vanlife on Instagram, you’ve probably seen the dreamy shots—golden sunsets, cozy van setups, and endless scenic views. It’s easy to imagine yourself hitting the road, living simply, and waking up in a new, beautiful location every day.
But the reality of vanlife isn’t always as effortless as it looks online. While it’s an amazing way to live and travel, there are plenty of challenges that don’t always make it into the picture-perfect posts. If you’re thinking about transitioning to vanlife or just curious about what it’s really like, here are some common myths—and the truth behind them.
1. Vanlife is Always Cheap
One of the biggest misconceptions is that living in a van automatically means saving tons of money. Sure, you’re cutting out rent and utilities, but other costs can add up quickly
• Gas prices fluctuate, and long drives burn through fuel.
• Repairs and maintenance can be expensive, and breakdowns happen.
• Campground fees, park passes, and overnight parking can cost more than expected.
• Food costs stay the same (or even increase if you rely on eating out).
While vanlife can be more affordable than traditional living, it’s not always the dirt-cheap lifestyle people expect. Having a solid budget—and an emergency fund—is key.
2. Every Day is Instagram-Worthy
Yes, there are plenty of picture-perfect moments in vanlife, but what you don’t see on social media are the challenges:
• Days when you’re stuck inside because of bad weather.
• Parking lot stays when there are no scenic campsites available.
• The mess that builds up quickly in a tiny space.
• Struggles with mechanical issues, slow internet, or finding a safe place to sleep
Vanlife is still real life. Some days are magical, but others are just about getting through the challenges.
3. You Can Park and Sleep Anywhere
It would be great if you could just pull over and sleep wherever you want, but that’s not always the case. Many cities have laws against sleeping in vehicles, and finding safe, legal overnight parking takes planning.
Options include:
• Free camping on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land or national forests.
• Paid campgrounds and RV parks.
• Truck stops, Walmarts, or rest areas (where allowed).
• Apps like iOverlander and Campendium to find safe spots.
Amazing Freedom in Stealth Vanlife is an option in some places, but it’s not always stress-free.
4. Vanlife Means Unlimited Freedom
While vanlife offers flexibility, you’re still dealing with real-world limitations:
• Gas and grocery costs can dictate how far you travel.
• Weather conditions can change your plans.
• Mechanical issues can leave you stuck in one place for longer than expected.
• Basic needs like water refills, laundry, and waste disposal require planning
There’s a lot more freedom than in a traditional lifestyle, but it still comes with responsibilities and problem-solving.
5. Staying Clean is Easy is a Common Misconception of Van Life
Unless you have a built-in shower, hygiene can take some effort. Options include:
• Gym memberships (Planet Fitness is popular for vanlifers)
• Public restrooms, truck stops, or campgrounds with showers.
• Solar showers, wet wipes, and dry shampoo
It’s doable, but it requires a bit of creativity—especially when you’re camping off-grid. Also having a shower in a van has it’s own challenges as you will need to fill and dump water more often.
6. Vanlife is Always Peaceful and Relaxing
Yes, there are peaceful moments, but vanlife isn’t always a quiet escape into nature. Depending on where you stay, you might deal with:
• Noisy truck stops and campgrounds.
• Unexpected disturbances (like someone knocking on your van at night).
• The stress of finding a last-minute place to park
The solitude and freedom are real, but so are the occasional frustrations.
7. Internet is Always Available
If you work remotely or rely on the internet, you’ll quickly learn that Wi-Fi isn’t always easy to find. Public Wi-Fi is often slow or unreliable, and some remote campsites have zero service.
Solutions include:
• Mobile hotspots or unlimited data plans.
• Starlink (for those who need a stronger connection in remote areas).
• Coffee shops and libraries for reliable Wi-Fi.
Even with these options, you’ll run into dead zones. If you rely on internet for work, it takes planning. Starlink is widely used however there are costs involved, power is needed to run the equipment and it still does not work everywhere.
8. You Can Just Wing It
While spontaneous travel is part of the adventure, some level of planning is essential. Running out of gas in the middle of nowhere or realizing the nearest grocery store is 50 miles away isn’t fun.
It helps to
• Plan fuel stops, especially in remote areas
• Keep track of water and food supplies.
• Have backup overnight parking spots in case your first choice doesn’t work out.
A balance of spontaneity and preparation makes vanlife much smoother.
9. Vanlife is for Everyone
Vanlife looks fun (and it is), but it’s not for everyone. Some people love the simplicity and adventure, while others find the lack of routine, small space, and constant movement overwhelming.
If you’re considering it, try a short trip first to see if the lifestyle suits you.
Final Thoughts on Misconceptions about Van Life
Vanlife is an incredible way to see the world, live with less, and break free from the typical 9-to-5 lifestyle. But it’s important to go in with realistic expectations. It’s not just about beautiful campsites and easy living—it takes planning, adaptability, and a sense of adventure to make it work.
If you’re thinking about hitting the road, embrace both the highs and the challenges. Vanlife isn’t perfect, but for many of us, the rewards far outweigh the struggles.
Great article and good reality check.