Resources

A list of the best external tools, communities, and guides for van-lifers—whether you’re dreaming of life on wheels or already living it. Bookmark these for planning routes, finding free park-ups, mastering DIY conversions, and connecting with fellow nomads.

1. Park & Camp Apps

• Park4Night (https://park4night.com)
  Find and share free/paid overnight parking spots, wild-camping locations, service areas and user reviews across Europe.

• iOverlander (https://ioverlander.com)
  A crowdsourced map of campsites, wild-camp spots, potable water points, and mechanic shops worldwide.

• Campercontact (https://www.campercontact.com)
  Europe-focused directory of motorhome pitches, service stations, and user ratings—great for paid site bookings.

2. Route Planning & Navigation

• ACSI Campsites (https://www.campsites.acsi.eu)
  Guide to 6,000+ European campsites, searchable by amenities (solar hookups, EV charging, eco-ratings).

• Google My Maps (https://www.google.com/mymaps)
  Create your own custom maps: plot scenic routes, mark gas stations, track mileage, and share itineraries.

• ViaMichelin (https://www.viamichelin.co.uk)
  Offers detailed route planning with fuel-cost estimates, elevation profiles, and alternative scenic routes.

3. Community & Forums

• r/VanLifeUK (https://www.reddit.com/r/VanLifeUK)
  UK-specific subreddit for park-up tips, legal advice, and gear swaps—active and supportive.

• VanLife UK (Facebook Group) (https://www.facebook.com/groups/vanlifeuk)
  450K+ members sharing real-time park-up spots, conversion questions, and regional meet-ups.

• UK Vanlife Discord
  Invite-only chat for van-lifers to swap routes, troubleshoot build issues, and post last-minute park-up alerts.

4. Legal & Wild Camping Info

• Countryside Rights of Way Act (CROW) – Gov.uk (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/right-of-way-countryside-and-freedom-of-access)
  Official guidance on where you can legally walk and, in parts (like Dartmoor), wild-camp in England & Wales.

• Scottish Outdoor Access Code (https://www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot)
  Scotland’s access rights allow wild camping almost anywhere, provided you follow “Leave No Trace” principles.

• Brit Stops (https://britstops.com)
  Paid membership (€55/year) grants access to 1,500+ pubs, vineyards, and farms that welcome overnight campervan stays.

5. DIY Conversion & Technical Guides

• Van Clan (https://vanclan.co.uk)
  UK-based resource hub with step-by-step build guides, tool lists, and video tutorials for every stage of a camper conversion.

• Go Campervan (https://gocampervan.co.uk)
  Blogs, downloadable floor plans, and product reviews focused on UK-legal build requirements (MOT, insurance).

• Life in a Campervan (https://lifeinacampervan.com)
  Wide range of articles on insulation, electrics, plumbing, and upcycling hacks—ideal for beginners.

6. Sustainability & Eco-Tools

• Greener Camping Club (https://greenercamping.org)
  Membership site listing 200+ eco-certified campsites across the UK, plus discounts and tree-planting initiatives.

• Leave No Trace UK (https://www.lnt.org.uk)
  Practical guidance on minimizing environmental impact when camping, from waste disposal to respecting wildlife.

• Solar Survey UK (https://solarsurvey.co.uk)
  Free online tool to estimate solar panel size and battery capacity for your specific van’s power needs.

7. Gear Reviews & Marketplaces

• Gumtree – Campervans & Motorhomes (https://www.gumtree.com/campers)
  UK’s largest classifieds for second-hand vans, conversion kits, and DIY parts—perfect for budget builds.

• VanLife Trader (https://vanlifetrader.co.uk)
  Marketplace dedicated to van-life gear: solar panels, heating systems, water tanks, and preloved accessories.

• Outdoor Gear Lab (https://www.outdoorgearlab.com)
  Indepth, lab-tested camping gear reviews (stoves, tents, lighting) with editor ratings—good for vetting budget buys.

Tip: Save this list in your browser or download it as a PDF to your phone—many of these sites offer offline map features and printable checklists to keep you prepared on the road.

These resources will round out your van-life toolkit, helping you plan trips, build your home-on-wheels safely, connect with community, and protect the planet as you roam. Enjoy the ride!