Life in a Campervan with Kids - How to Make it Work

There’s something timeless about packing up the van, strapping in the kids, and setting off into the great outdoors. But van life with kids isn’t as simple as throwing sleeping bags in the back of the van and hoping for the best. From choosing the right campervan to planning road trips with kids, here’s how to make life on the road not only work – but thrive.

Van Life with Kids – What Do You Need to Know?

Van life with kids is a test of planning, patience, and flexibility. You’ll need to think about:

Sleeping space – will your campervan have bunk beds, a fold-down second bed, or a queen size bed that fits everyone?
Storage space – kids come with gear, from toddler clothes and car seats to activity books and sleeping pads.
Hours of driving – plan your extended road trip around nap times or break it into smaller chunks to avoid tired kids meltdowns.
Meals – cooking inside the van with little ones underfoot can be tricky. Prepping meals in advance or choosing campgrounds with family friendly picnic areas helps.

Can You Do Van Life with a Baby?

Yes, you can absolutely do van life with a baby, but it requires a shift in mindset and careful preparation. Traveling with a toddler or baby in a campervan is both safe and healthy when done thoughtfully. Safety is paramount, so make sure your forward-facing car seats are properly installed, ideally on a bench seat or in the second row with certified anchor points. Always double-check installation before setting off, as secure seating significantly reduces injury risk in case of sudden braking or collision (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2020).

Keeping your baby’s routines familiar is just as important as safety. Bringing the same sleep sack, white noise machine, and following the same bedtime routine each night, even on long road trips, helps babies settle quickly. Familiarity reduces cortisol (stress hormone) levels, supporting their immune system and emotional wellbeing (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2014).

Organisation makes a huge difference in such a small space. Having a dedicated organiser for baby gear – diapers, wipes, bottles, and toddler clothes – ensures everything is within reach, preventing frustration for both you and your baby when needs arise urgently in the middle of the night.

How to Plan Campervan Space for Kids?

Space inside a campervan is at a premium. Here are strategies van lifers swear by:

Install swivel front seats to create an instant living room when parked.
Opt for a custom build with bunk beds or a second bed that folds down over the dining area.
Use a pop up tent outside for extra storage space or as a playroom.
Keep an organiser near the driver and passenger seats with snacks, audiobooks, and activity books for quick entertainment.

Remember, the back of the van will likely become your kids’ playroom, changing room, nap spot, and reading nook all in one.

Campervan Life: Keeping Your Kids Healthy and Happy

Traveling in a campervan with kids is about far more than just getting from A to B. It’s an opportunity to nurture their physical health, emotional wellbeing, and confidence. Long road trips can be tiring, so it’s important to stop every two to three hours to let them stretch their legs, grab a snack, and breathe fresh air. This isn’t just about preventing meltdowns – movement breaks support healthy bone development and gross motor skills (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2013).

Sticking to your kids’ regular eating and sleeping routines as much as possible is key. Consistent sleep supports cognitive development, mood regulation, and immune health (National Sleep Foundation, 2020). Familiar meal routines also help children feel secure in new environments, especially toddlers who thrive on predictability during life on the road.

Choosing family friendly campsites with play areas, nature trails, or swimming spots offers kids daily opportunities for unstructured outdoor play. Research shows that time spent in nature enhances creativity, reduces stress, and improves concentration in children (Kuo, 2015; Children & Nature Network, 2018). Even simple activities like building a stick fort or collecting rocks build problem-solving skills and confidence.

Perhaps one of the most powerful ways to keep kids healthy and happy on a campervan adventure is to involve them in daily tasks. Let them help organise the van, prep vegetables for dinner, refill water tanks, or set up camp chairs. According to child development experts, contributing to family responsibilities fosters a sense of belonging, competence, and responsibility from a young age (Duke University, 2014). Kids love feeling involved and capable, and a campervan trip offers endless small ways to build these life skills naturally.

Best Campers for Kids: What to Choose?

Families traveling with little ones or toddlers need more than just a place to sleep — they need smart layouts, secure passenger seats, and enough storage to keep essentials handy but out of the way.

When considering campers for a family of four, certain models stand out for their family-friendly features:

Mercedes Sprinter Campervans are a top pick for many van families. Their tall roofs provide generous space inside, making it easier to install bunk beds or a fold-down second bed. The Sprinter’s reliability and strong build make it a favorite for long road trips, while its advanced safety features help keep little ones secure.
Ram ProMaster Campervans offer a wider interior than the Sprinter, allowing for more flexible layouts. ProMaster models often feature two rows of seats, with easy anchor points for forward-facing car seats, making them ideal for families traveling with toddlers or babies. Their flat floors also simplify installing bench seats or custom storage units.
For those looking for something smaller or more budget-friendly, Mini Vans converted for camping can work well for shorter trips or families with one child. While space inside is limited, models like the Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna provide comfortable passenger seats with built-in safety features.
Families who prioritize extended road trips often invest in custom campervans built around family needs. Custom-builds can include bunk beds, queen size beds, and full kitchen setups optimized for quick meal prep and storage. Companies like Rovervans specialize in tailoring each build to match your family’s style of adventure and comfort requirements.

Custom Campervan – Rover Vans Offer

At Rover Vans, we understand the needs of families who want to live in a campervan. We can create a custom campervan specifically for your family. Have any questions? Feel free to ask!

A second bed for two adults plus kids
Full kitchen build with extra storage space
Fold-down bunks for a family of four
Shower room or outdoor shower setups
Custom van organisers to keep your gear tidy

We build your van with your kids’ comfort, safety, and happiness in mind. If you’re ready to turn van life dreams into real, practical road adventures, contact Rover Vans for a quote on your custom build today!

Campervan Essentials with Kids

Here’s what seasoned van families never leave home without:

Sleeping pad or fold-down bunk for extra sleeping space
Audiobooks and activity books for hours of driving
Pop up tent for quick shade at campsites
Portable toilet for night-time bathroom runs
First aid kit, always within reach
Compact stroller that fits in storage space
Easy-to-clean floor mats for muddy days at the campground

Best Campervan Trips with Kids

Some of the best extended road trips in the US with kids include:

Pacific Coast Highway (California to Washington) – perfect for beach stops, tide pool explorations, and quiet campgrounds.
Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina) – scenic, educational, and ideal for short hikes with little ones.
Yellowstone to Glacier National Park – if you have a full-time van setup, this route offers endless wildlife viewing and open spaces to let kids run free.

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Sources:

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2013). Physical Activity Guidelines for Children.
National Sleep Foundation. (2020). Sleep in Children: Why It Matters.
Kuo, M. (2015). How might contact with nature promote human health? Promising mechanisms and a possible central pathway. Frontiers in Psychology.
Children & Nature Network. (2018). Benefits of Nature for Children.
Duke University. (2014). The Science of Parenting: Helping Children Become Responsible Adults.