The United States by van
The American West is road trip country. From the canyons of Utah to the sequoias of California, via the Pacific Coast Highway, distances are long and national parks plentiful: you rent a campervan and book park campgrounds months ahead.
Our itineraries
Travelling in the United States by van
Starts in Los Angeles
American Southwest Van Road Trip
21 days through national parks and the desert
21 jours4 500 kmModerate level
From 4,440 to 6,370 €: rental, fuel and nights
Starts in Seattle
West Coast USA Van Road Trip: Seattle to San Diego
Pacific Coast Highway, national parks and American West deserts
21 jours3 500 kmModerate level
From 4,350 to 6,150 €: rental, fuel and nights
On the road
Stops not to miss
Where to sleep
The rules for sleeping in a van
From the itinerary “American Southwest Van Road Trip” →- Campgrounds: national park campgrounds are booked on recreation.gov, often months ahead for summer.
- BLM public land: most of it allows camping away from developed campgrounds, generally for up to 14 days within any 28-day period, unless a "Closed to Camping" sign says otherwise (Bureau of Land Management, read 30/10/2026).
- Walmart car parks: some stores allow an overnight stop, others don't. The store manager and local rules decide: ask the store first (Jalopnik, 19/10/2025).
- Park entry (not in the budget): since 1 January 2026 the America the Beautiful annual pass costs $250 for non-residents ($80 for residents). Non-residents aged 16 and over also pay an extra $100 per person at 11 parks, including Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce Canyon, three stops on this itinerary (National Park Service, read 30/10/2026).
When to go
The United States month by month
March to June, September to November
- Jan : Outside the best time
- Feb : Outside the best time
- Mar : Best time
- Apr : Best time
- May : Best time
- Jun : Best time
- Jul : Outside the best time
- Aug : Outside the best time
- Sep : Best time
- Oct : Best time
- Nov : Best time
- Dec : Outside the best time
Elsewhere
