Dispersed Camping 101: Safety, Connectivity, and Confidence on the Road
When many of us first step into vanlife, the idea of dispersed camping—parking your van out in the wild, away from campgrounds and hookups—sounds both magical and intimidating. You picture waking up to mountain views with no one else around, but then the questions come: Will I be safe? What if I lose cell service? How do I even find these spots?
Our community recently gathered to share experiences, tips, and resources around dispersed camping. Here are some of the key takeaways that may help you feel more prepared (and a little less nervous) about trying it yourself.
Safety First: Arrive Early & Have Backups
The number one piece of advice that came up again and again: arrive before dark. Rolling into a new spot at night can be stressful—you can’t see the terrain, it’s harder to gauge safety, and it’s easy to get stuck. Aim to be parked by 5pm, especially when you’re new.
It’s also smart to have backup locations saved. Apps like iOverlander and freecampsites.net are great for finding sites with reviews, but sometimes your first choice won’t work out. Having a second or third option already mapped out will save you stress.
Building Confidence in Remote Areas
Feeling nervous without cell service is normal. One way to ease that anxiety is to start small: try dispersed camping closer to town or near a main road until you get more comfortable.
Breathwork or simple grounding exercises can help if anxiety hits. Remember—you don’t have to head straight into the middle of nowhere. Every trip builds confidence, and soon those quiet, remote camps will feel like your happy place.
Staying Connected: Satellite Options
Connectivity came up a lot in our discussion. Here are a few options women in our group are using:
T-Mobile’s Satellite Service for iPhones – $15/month, lets you text via satellite when there’s no cell coverage. Perfect for emergencies.
Garmin InReach – A small handheld device with SOS features and limited messaging. Reliable for hikers and travelers.
Starlink – Great for those working remotely from their vans. The new Starlink Mini runs on DC power, which saves battery, but it does require open sky.
Pro tip: If you already have a WeBoost in your van, test it before jumping to Starlink. Sometimes a booster is enough if you’re just looking for basic service.
Waste Management on the Road
It’s not glamorous, but waste management is part of vanlife. Our group shared a few solutions:
Smell-proof bags like Scent Crusher or heavy-duty dry bags for storage.
Composting bags with powder additives for human waste.
Walmart chemical bags (though several of us prefer chemical-free options).
Whatever system you choose, odor control and easy disposal are key.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Trip
Bring plenty of water—more than you think you’ll need.
Manage your electricity- monitor and conserve if you are not driving and there is no sun to charge your batteries.
Choose spots that are level or bring leveling blocks. If you are not level, try to park so you are sleeping with your head uphill.
Save offline maps (Google Maps lets you download areas).
App to use: IOverlander. You can only download one state at a time if using the free version.
Test your van’s clearance and capabilities in daylight before heading down rough roads.
Practice in familiar areas before venturing farther.
Adventure Together: Community on the Road
The beauty of vanlife is that even when you’re camping alone, you’re part of a community. Our group is gathering at Ojo Caliente Hot Springs, October 13–15, and there’s still one spot left (14 vans, 18 women!). Meet-ups like these are wonderful ways to learn from each other and feel less isolated as you step into this lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
Dispersed camping doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a little preparation—arriving before dark, having backup plans, and investing in tools for safety and connectivity—you’ll discover the freedom of waking up to those stunning, off-grid views.
Every trip builds your confidence. Start small, stay safe, and before long, you’ll be the one sharing tips with other women just beginning their vanlife journey.
Adventure In,
Amy
PS. Read our blog on finding campsites here:
https://www.onelifevanlife.com/adventure-on-posts/how-to-find-parking-and-campsites-on-the-road
