VanLife Border Crossing Tips: A Journey from Emerald Lake to Alaska
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August 17, 2024Van Life Road Trip Alaska Free Camping Top Places To Stay
Van Life Road Trip, planning your epic van life road trip to Alaska and looking for the best free camping spots? Here’s a rundown of some of the coolest places we stayed during our journey. From breathtaking state parks to reliable spots for a quick recharge, you’ll find all the information you need to make your adventure unforgettable.
Free Camping in Buffalo State Park
Buffalo State Park is a gem along the shores of Lake Erie. While overnight parking isn’t allowed in the park itself, you can park on the side of the street. It can be noisy, but if you’re comfortable with the sounds of the night, it’s a decent spot. Amenities include washrooms, a play area, and a barbecue zone, making it a great pit stop on your road trip.
A Cozy Experience in Ohio
Our trip to Ohio brought us to a charming tiny home that felt surprisingly spacious and comfortable. This tiny home had everything: a bed, shower, coffee maker, and a small kitchen. It’s a perfect home-like stay that reminded us a lot of our van setup. If you’re passing through Ohio, this could be a great option to consider.
Met Some Deer…
Overnight at Walmart
When you need a quick, no-frills stopover, Walmart is a reliable choice. During our visit to Chicago, we parked at a Walmart on the outskirts of the city. It’s convenient for stocking up on supplies and catching a night’s rest before hitting the road again. Using the iOverlander app, we also found places to refill our water and get free electricity, which was a huge plus.
Drive-through Wildlife at Whitehorse Natural Game Preserve
While we didn’t stay overnight here, the Whitehorse Natural Game Preserve offers a fantastic drive-through experience. You’ll get a chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat, making it a worthwhile detour on your way to Grand Island State Park.
Recharging at Grand Island State Park
Grand Island State Park is an excellent choice when you need a bit of luxury on your van life road trip. For $30 a night, you get access to Wi-Fi, water, and electricity. It also offers plenty of room to stretch out and unwind. We took advantage of the park’s amenities to participate in virtual orientations and other online activities, making it a productive and restful stop.
Discovering Friendly Faces in Montana
Montana greeted us with open arms and some of the friendliest people we’ve ever met on our travels. Though there aren’t many free camping spots, the ones we found were safe and picturesque. We stayed in a spot without internet but enjoyed the natural beauty and even met some deer!
Stunning Views at White Swan on Fraser Lake, British Columbia
Before reaching the Alaska border, we stayed at White Swan on Fraser Lake in British Columbia. This free camping spot offers 10 RV spaces, clean restrooms, and beautiful surroundings. It’s perfect for a short stay, allowing you to meet fellow travelers and enjoy the spectacular views.
Final Stop Before Alaska: A Provincial Park
Our last stop before crossing into Alaska was a provincial park in Canada. It didn’t offer electricity, but there were pit toilets for convenience. This spot served as our final recharge point before our grand Alaskan adventure, and it did not disappoint.
Van Life Road Trip: Conclusion
If you’re considering a van life road trip to Alaska, free camping spots like Buffalo State Park, various Walmart locations, Grand Island State Park, and more can make your journey both economical and enjoyable. Utilize apps like iOverlander to discover hidden gems and ensure a smooth trip. Remember to maintain cleanliness at all stops. Happy travels!