How to determine the ideal duration for your campervan trip

Plan for a minimum of 10 days to account for the slow pace of driving, setting up camp, and mechanical checks. If you are covering more than 1,500 miles, budget at least 14 days to ensure you aren't spending your entire vacation behind the wheel.

1. Calculate your 'Moving Average'. Campervans move slower than cars. Account for an average speed of 45-50 mph on backroads. Never plan more than 4 hours of pure driving time per day to keep the experience enjoyable.
2. Add a 'Reset Day'. For every 3 days of travel, include 1 day where the van stays parked. Use this for grocery shopping, laundry, dumping grey/black water tanks, and recharging your house batteries.
3. Evaluate your route type. If you are doing a loop (starting and ending at the same rental depot), add 2 extra days to the total trip duration to account for return logistics and the mandatory vehicle cleaning/inspection process.

Is 7 days enough for a cross-country van trip?

No. You would spend nearly 10 hours a day driving, which defeats the purpose of the campervan lifestyle.

Do I need to book campsites in advance?

Yes, if traveling in summer. Most popular US National Parks require reservations 6 months out.