The Ultimate Guide to Bikepacking with a Campervan: Adventure on Two Wheels

Introduction: Why Bikepacking and Van Life Are the Perfect Match

"Imagine waking up to the sound of birds chirping, stepping out of your campervan, and gearing up for a sunrise ride through the mountains. Your van is your home base, your bike is your ticket to adventure. No limits, no rush—just open roads and endless trails."

If you love campervan life and cycling, combining the two is a game-changer. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking for scenic road rides or a hardcore bikepacker seeking off-grid trails, bringing your bike along opens up a world of possibilities.

What You’ll Learn in This Guide:

✅ Best bikes for van life adventures
✅ Bike storage solutions for campervans
✅ Essential gear for bikepacking
✅ How to plan an epic ride from your van
✅ Bike security tips while traveling

🚲 1. Choosing the Right Bike for Van Life Adventures

Not all bikes are campervan-friendly. The key is balancing storage, versatility, and durability.

Best Bikes for Bikepacking + Van Life:

• Gravel Bikes – Perfect for mixed terrain (paved roads + dirt trails).

• Hardtail Mountain Bikes – Great for off-road but bulkier to store.

• Folding Bikes – Space-saving but limited on rough terrain.

• E-Bikes – Ideal for long rides, but require charging solutions.

💡 Pro Tip: If storage space is limited, a folding bike or lightweight gravel bike might be the best option.

🚐 2. Storing Your Bike While Traveling

Proper storage is crucial to avoid clutter and keep your campervan organized.

Interior Storage: Keeping Your Bike Inside the Van

✅ Wall-mounted bike hooks – Saves floor space inside your van.
✅ Under-bed slide-out storage – Ideal for vans with raised beds.
✅ Bike fork mounts – Securely holds the bike frame to prevent movement.

💡 Use a bungee cord system to keep bikes stable while driving.

Exterior Storage: Rear & Roof Bike Racks

✅ Hitch-mounted racks – Easy access but adds length to your van.
✅ Roof-mounted racks – Saves rear space but requires lifting your bike overhead.
✅ Swing-away racks – Best for campervans with rear doors.

🛠 Related Read: Best Bike Hooks & Racks for Campervans

🎒 3. Must-Have Gear for Bikepacking from a Campervan

Packing efficiently is essential for a smooth bikepacking adventure.

Essential Bikepacking Equipment:

🔹 Bikepacking bags – Frame bags, handlebar bags, and saddle packs.
🔹 Multi-tool & repair kit – Flat tires happen. Be ready.
🔹 Water filtration system – A must-have for off-grid trips.
🔹 Compact camping gear – Lightweight tent, sleeping bag, and cooking gear.

💡 Think minimalist—every ounce counts when riding long distances!

🗺 4. Planning the Perfect Bikepacking Trip from Your Van

So, you’ve got your bike, van, and gear—now it’s time to plan your trip.

How to Plan Your Route:

✅ Choose a campervan-friendly basecamp near bike trails.
✅ Check elevation & terrain before heading out.
✅ Plan water & resupply stops for multi-day trips.

Top Bikepacking Destinations for Van Lifers:

🌲 Oregon Coast – Epic scenic road rides.
⛰ Colorado Rockies – High-altitude gravel and singletrack.
🚵 Moab, Utah – A paradise for mountain bikers.

🌍 Looking for international destinations? Check out our guide to Bikepacking in Europe.

🔒 5. How to Keep Your Bike Safe on the Road

Bike theft is a serious issue for van lifers, but these security tips will help protect your ride.

Best Bike Security Tips:

✅ Use a heavy-duty U-lock + cable – Cheap locks won’t cut it.
✅ Bring your bike inside overnight whenever possible.
✅ Invest in a GPS tracker (like an Apple AirTag).
✅ Park in well-lit, visible areas to deter thieves.

💡 A good rule of thumb: If your bike is outside, lock both the frame and wheels to a solid structure.

🌎 6. The Best Bikepacking Destinations for Van Lifers

Looking for epic rides that pair well with van life? Here are some top spots:

North America:

• 🚴 Bentonville, Arkansas – A hidden gem for MTB riders.

• 🏔 British Columbia, Canada – World-class singletrack.

Europe:

• 🇫🇷 French Alps – Breathtaking climbs and descents.

• 🇪🇸 Camino de Santiago, Spain – A historic cycling route.

Australia/New Zealand:

• 🇦🇺 Tasmania’s East Coast – Remote cycling with ocean views.

• 🇳🇿 South Island, NZ – The ultimate bikepacking paradise.

🏁 Conclusion: Start Your Bikepacking + Van Life Adventure Today

Bikepacking and van life are the ultimate combination of freedom and adventure. With the right bike, smart storage solutions, and some solid trip planning, you can explore further than ever before.

🔗 Looking for the best bike storage solutions?

Check out our top-rated bike hooks and racks at www.Bike-Hook.com!

🚲🚐🔥 The road is calling, and the trails are waiting—where will your next adventure take you?