What to Know Before You Hit the Road in a Camper

In the U.S., campers used to belong almost exclusively to retirees. But the pandemic changed everything, and now they've become wildly popular with just about everyone.

My first camper trip was from Toronto to San Diego — one of the most incredible and challenging journeys of my life. The first time you take a camper on the road, there's so much you don't expect: how to plan your route, where to camp, and what to do when you break down in the middle of nowhere (and yes, it really happens).

Whether you're renting a camper for a weekend getaway or living full-time on the road, here's what you need to know before you go:

Plan Your Route — But Be Ready to Scrap It

Once, we were heading to a park in New Mexico but didn't make it before closing. We were discouraged and about to turn back when we looked around and spotted the flat-topped mesas nearby — the view was just as stunning. That night, we camped under the open sky, and it felt absolutely magical.

You can't plan for everything. Map out your route before you leave, but stay open to the twists and turns along the way.

"It's great to have a general idea of what you want to do so you can prepare ahead of time, and you don't want to miss anything special," says my camper mentor and travel partner Stephanie Foden. "But at the same time, leave room in your plan for the unexpected beauty you might stumble upon." That's the magic of camper travel: the unpredictability and spontaneity.

Find Free Campsites

When traveling in the U.S. or Europe, you can stay at campgrounds and enjoy their amenities. But if you're on a budget, you can also park overnight at Walmart lots. Free camping maps mark spots recommended by fellow travelers.

In the U.S., you have plenty of options too. Beyond paid campgrounds, you can find free or low-cost spots on BLM land, in national forests, or at designated overnight parking areas. Apps like Campendium and iOverlander are popular among camper travelers for locating these stops.

Be Ready for the Inevitable Breakdown

The upside of renting a camper is that when something goes wrong, you just call the rental company and they take care of it. If you're a member of a roadside assistance program like AAA, you can call for a tow.

If you're driving without coverage, you're on your own.

Müller couldn't afford to tow her camper to a mechanic, so she learned to fix things herself. She recommends keeping a basic toolkit — screwdrivers, pliers, and a multimeter for testing circuits. With a solid toolbox and growing DIY skills, she's now able to handle many repairs on her own.

"I learned how to fix my own camper," says Müller, a seasoned camper traveler. "What you really need is curiosity, a willingness to learn, some tools, and a whole lot of patience!"

Let's Talk About Sanitation

Having a toilet on wheels means you get to experience the "joy" of dumping your gray water (shower runoff) and black water (toilet waste) into a sewer connection. Your camper should come with the necessary tools, but before you hit the road, always check your hoses for holes (I learned that the hard way). Under no circumstances should you dump directly into a drain.

For bathing, I recommend packing baby wipes or taking a quick water-saving sponge bath on the road. If you want a real shower, truck stops have coin-operated ones. For laundry, a regular old laundromat works great — you can easily wash clothes in a bucket and take advantage of their Wi-Fi.

Buying a camper is a fantastic choice if you have the time and the budget. Set up home wherever the scenery calls, and do your best to minimize the hassles of the road. Like any personal vehicle, a camper is an upgraded ride that covers both transportation and lodging — buy it once, and it's yours for the long haul. If you love camper culture and want the freedom to travel on your own terms with unique experiences, owning a camper is a perfect fit. For long-distance trips, having your own camper means you can stay out longer and control every aspect of your journey. I drive a TP07 hard-shell pop-up camper.

A camper costs more than a regular car, but it does far more too. It opens the door to travel experiences and life lessons you simply can't get any other way.