posted on July 18, 2016
Summer is well underway and if you haven’t made plans yet to venture into the wild, have no fear. With a camper, you can leave your trip wide open to chance without stressing over sleeping arrangements. Maybe you have your sights set on a coastal sunrise. Maybe you want to stargaze from a deserted mountaintop. Maybe you’d rather sleep in your car than let your sister’s cat bat you awake at 3 am.
Whatever your motivation, these campers provide you with wheels, a crash pad, and the gear to make even the most indoorsy milquetoasts feel at home in the great outdoors. So channel your favorite maverick adventurer, get onto your road of choice, and set up camp wherever you feel like it.
Errin’s Dodge Grand Caravan
This minivan, Minnie, might as well be Ms. Frizzle’s Magic School Bus. With a pop-up tent, memory foam mattress, fridge, stove, and drawers full of supplies, Errin’s camper covers everything and the kitchen sink — which has both fresh and waste water tanks. So if you do discover the magic to travel through the solar system, rest assured that you’ll enjoy the trip in this camper van.
Oakland, CA
Mike’s Volkswagen Vanagon
Just like the Dowager Countess of Grantham, this Westfalia, named Goldie, is as regal and fashionable as she is nimble. She’s perfectly outfitted for a jaunt through the rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula or through the rugged terrain of Eastern Washington, and easily sleeps four people. While it may have been some years since this Westy could be called young, she still runs smoothly and sees all of her plans out to the end.
Seattle, WA
Rob’s Ford Transit Connect
If Han Solo were expeditioning in the the backcountry of Northern California, this camper van, Bodie, would be his Millennium Falcon. With fold-up bedding, lots of extra lighting, and plug-ins for all of your devices, you won’t have to compromise on comfort and power just because you’ve landed in a bank of galactic fog or encountered a moonless night.
San Francisco, CA
Carl’s Honda Element
This camper is the key to the most exclusive spots on Maui. Whether you fancy a Kelly Slater-esque adrenaline-fest or a romantic, tiki-style relaxation station, this camper will take you to just the right spot. Spend the night in the Polipoli redwoods, on the beach, at the top of a volcano and take all of your toys (surfboards, kayaks, bikes, cocktail bar) with you, so all you have to do is wake up and indulge.
Kahului, HI
Dany’s Volkswagen Westfalia
Like Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell, Jeannine is a beloved, folksy Canadian camper from the 70s, who uses her good looks and mellow vibe to noodle her way into the hearts of any sentimental human. Through the tough times and the good, she opens her air-cooled motor into the wind, carrying you comfortably into the bucolic hinterland of Quebec. Complete with two sleeping pads, a fridge, and a sink, Jeannine’s got plenty to sing about.
Shefford, QC
Melanie’s Jeep Wrangler
Even Buffalo Bill would trade in his trusty steed for this Jeep camper. It comes with all of the power and agility of an SUV with the convenience of an attached kitchen and bedroom. Packed to the gills with camping equipment, this beast will have no problem hauling you and your gear to Arches National Park or through the Uinta National Forest, even faster than the Pony Express and without the saddle soreness.
Sandy, UT
Nathan’s Toyota Tacoma
Thanks to Jack London, everyone knows that Alaska is where you go to get immaculate glimpses of wildlife, and witness the grandeur of nature. Whether you’re looking for your own private adventure to a glacier or the fjords, this camper truck with a veritable pop-up palace attached, can power through the elements, and even offers a civilized dinette for your evening literary salons.
Anchorage, AK
Kamala Puligandla
Kamala Puligandla is a writer, editor, and bon vivant in LA. She is the author of two books, Zigzags and You Can Vibe Me On My Femmephone, and is always on the look-out for strange stories, excellent eats, and relaxing locales.
