[November 15, 2025] I’m of the belief that all humans crave adventure. I have no way of proving that, but looking at the history of mankind, we can see where this “adventure spirit” to explore and find new pathways into the unknown was driven by those most infected with the call for adventure. Today, I’m writing about Van Camping and the adventure it holds.
In the United States, we saw adventure camping take off along with the Recreational Vehicle (RV) craze after World War II, especially in the 1950s. Returning troops were looking for affordable and practical ways to travel and enjoy outdoor life. This era saw a boom in RV innovation and use. The idea was to experience the outdoors but to also have some of the creature comforts of home. Having a comfortable vehicle to travel in was a plus and did not dampen the spirit of adventure.
A new version of camping developed from the Hippie movement of the 1960s, when in the 2010s, Van Camping became popular. Its advantages over the RV were many; less expensive upfront and lower maintenance costs, better parking options, the ability to stealth camp, flexibility, safety, etc. The “van life” took off, influenced by social media and the rise of remote work. Today, we can find several YouTube channels explaining how to outfit a camper van, and where best to travel to “see America.”
I first stumbled upon the “van camping” craze as I was researching ways to improve the mental health of military Veterans. Veterans’ mental health was being treated in a variety of ways, primarily through outdoor activities, such as horseback riding, hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and river rafting. There are as many outdoor activities that help our Vets as there are ways of being outside. Treating PTSD and TBI, and the prevention of suicide was a major factor helping fuel these adventures.
While there are many versions of van camping, one that I find most interesting is “stealth camping.” Vans are disguised as work vehicles to discourage people from finding out that someone is sleeping inside. I’ve seen various company signs on the side of these vans, for example, “asbestos removal, DANGER.” There are several tactics used to hide the fact that someone is sleeping in the van. I encourage viewing websites and social media for more details. I found their techniques very interesting.
I’ve never tried Van Camping. While I’ve been camping at state parks and along hiking trails, I find the idea of taking more amenities along a good idea. Now that I’m older and more experienced, the camping experience should be more comfortable as long as the adventure of being outside is not tarnished.
Camping in your van – that can be parked anywhere – is a huge advantage and something I may consider one day. Some of us have sleep apnea and require a machine to help us breathe. Van camping provides power to a sleep apnea machine.
If any of my readers have been van camping, let me know in the comments. I’d like to hear what you thought of it. And the advantages and disadvantages.
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I’m sure that this will not be one of my hobbies. I do like outdoors, and I do get that many amenities are taken with you on these van camping trips, but that is too much for me. I love sitting in my easy chair in the morning with my dog and coffee. Thanks anyway.
Sir, yes, we all do crave adventure. Some more than others, of course. What I like about your channel is that you get us to read about “adventures in sports” and I know that I surely enjoyed reading about them. Maybe someday, I will get to ride a camel (a childhood dream after watching Lawrence of Arabia). Oh, maybe someday you can do a movie review of it. The kid in me will enjoy it. There is also adventure in war. And while that might be a driving force in war, although a nasty business, I can see how wars continue even when they don’t make sense. Today’s article “adventures in van camping” is wonderful. I still work but when I retire, in a long time from now, maybe I’ll give it a shot. The amenities being taken along with us makes it easier on the old body.
Wow, Van Camping seems like a pretty cool idea. What I like is that in this kind of camping, to pull out is all you have to do is get into your van and drive away. Other than maybe brining in a lawn chair; that’s all. Then off you go. There is both adventure there and freedom too. And, maybe these two ideas are inextricably connected to one another. 🎯
Yep, big advantage and I think that is one of the two main points. And Billie, above comment, about taking amenities along with us makes a good point. More adventures are in the offing. Please, Gen. S., keep them coming.
In today’s article, “Rule 59: Watch the Devil,” Gen. Satterfield again reminds us that our lives can be made better. And today’s rule (Nov 16th) is warning us that there is evil in the world and that we should be prepared to see that evil and counter it. In this adventure mini-series he has like this one on Van Camping, we are seeing what it is like to be adventurous and yet cautious as we walk a fine line between safety and danger. Watching a number of videos on those who do van camping, RV camping, and tent camping, I see safety as a concern. But I also see all those who post sharing their ideas on how to live more free, i.e., better lives. Thanks all for supporting Gen. Satterfield and I hope to run into him one day as I am van camping.
This van camping out seems to be pretty cool activity.
Giving credit where credit is due. I liked this ascii artwork.
Art by Joan Stark
https://www.asciiart.eu/nature/camping
See this article too: “The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Van Camping”
By AuthorJake Walnut
Posted on September 1, 2020 – Last updated: November 7, 2023
But van camping can be intimidating for complete beginners. With all the stunning social media posts, gorgeous camper van conversions, and the #vanlife hashtag, van camping as a beginner can feel out of reach – not to mention downright expensive.
Luckily, with just a little bit of know-how vanlife is completely accessible and attainable for almost anyone, even those on a tight budget.
https://www.beyondthetent.com/guide-to-van-camping/
… and van camping and van life is not just for men.
If only I was a young man, then I might take up this “van camping” craze (I’m not sure the word ‘craze’ is right) to explore more of the outdoors and enjoy the life of a single man. I’m recently divorced from my wife of 26 years, who decided to find herself. I hope she finds her, because I don’t know where she went — mentally. Let us all enjoy our time on earth, but also be respectful and kind, as much as possible. Thank you all for helping make my day and I wish a safe and enjoyable adventure for all.
Well, it’s about time that Gen. Satterfield found out about “van camping” and the associated amenities that we can take along with us. The RV revolution is over. The Van Camping revolution has begun and there is little to hold us back. I love it. I’ve been van camping now for more than five years and love the freedom and flexibility. True, I’m retired and can afford it monetarily and timewise. I’ve also spent time researching where to go and the best times to avoid tourist areas and people. I take my time. Plus, it’s cheaper than RV life or hotels, by far. Plus, on occasion, I’ll meet some wonderful folks also camping. But warning, be careful because you do spend a lot of time alone. Freedom for me is the adventure.
I didn’t know you were a van camper, Idiot Savant. Wow, very nice! Very definitely an adventure year round. I wish you well. I’m still working at a regular 9 to 5 job, so can’t yet do it. I hope to retire by the time I’m 50 and then go on the road camping and traveling whenever and wherever I want. Like you said, freedom is the adventure.
THE ADVENTURE …………………………… ✅
I had enough of living outside on the ocean. Now, maybe, just maybe I’ll give it a go on land. 😆