Welcome to our Vanlife Adventure Blog Series! We’re currently converting our Ford Transit into a home on wheels! In this series, we’ll be sharing our favorite journeys, from scenic road trips and hidden camping spots to the challenges we’ve faced and lessons we’ve learned along the way. If you’re interested in van life, finding free campsites, and exploring the United States – this series is for you!
Our First Van Life Trip & Longest Drive Ever!
Our first big road trip, and longest road we’ve taken to date we from Texas to Oregon. We decided to drive 1,905 miles to have DIY Van install our Composite Floor. Along the way, we stayed at a truck stop, BLM land and a rest stop and took our time driving for 3 days. On our way back home, we decided to drive non-stop all the way home. With one of us driving 7am – 7pm then switching and driving 7pm – 7am. We were able to get home in about a 1 1/2 days! Let’s get into our trip! An early thank you for our reading our very first Vanlife Adventure Blog!
We left on Friday, early afternoon to start our 29 hour drive to Hood River, Oregon. We didn’t want to do a big plan on where we were going to stop each night, we were going to just drive until we got tired and find a place to sleep. It worked out VERY well, to the point where all our fears of finding a place to sleep during van life was squashed. That is one thing that you can’t prepare for until you are actually on the road. You can google all day and night for rest stops, public land, campgrounds, but until you are actually driving, you won’t know when you are ready to stop driving for the day.
We started our drive from Texas on highway 287 and drove all the way to Amarillo. Once we were there, we decided that we didn’t want to drive all the way to Albuquerque due to multiple people telling us that the crime is pretty bad in that area. While we had stopped to enjoy parts of the Historic Route 66 Highway we saw the TA Travel Center and decided that since the sun was going down, and we couldn’t get through Albuquerque before sunsets, let’s just enjoy our night.
We went inside and asked permission to stay in the back lot, behind the truckers parking lot. It was super spacious and had incredible views. I cooked us a chicken pasta outside and then decided it was time to get inside and catch up on Big Brother. That’s when we decided to put up on Arctic Tern Window Shades there was maybe 1 or 2 trucks closer to the back lot but not close to where we were. As I mentioned, we opted for the very back lot where we were out of the way!
Night 1 | Santa Rosa, NM TA Travel Center
On our road trip from DFW to Santa Rosa, we made a detour along the historic Route 66 and stayed overnight at the TA Travel Center located at 2634 U.S. Rt. 66, Santa Rosa, NM 88435. The center offers a variety of food options, including a diner-style restaurant and fast food choices.
We parked in the empty lot behind the truckers with permission—always ask before parking! The lot was spacious and quiet, but safety is key: lock your doors, keep valuables out of sight, and be aware of your surroundings, especially in darker areas.
General Rules:
- Parking: Always confirm with staff before parking overnight.
- Restrooms & Showers: Accessible for all, with paid showers available.
- Trash Disposal: Keep the area clean by using designated trash bins.
Fun Fact:
This TA Center sits along historic Route 66, offering travelers a chance to experience part of American history while enjoying modern amenities.
We slept soundly all night and didn’t hear anything, as we’ve been warned that truck stops can be noisy. Which would probably be the case if we were closer to the trucks. When we woke up we noticed alot more trucks had parked overnight but again, didn’t both us one bit. Now it was time to make it to our next destination. We actually had an exact spot we wanted to stay at for this next leg, which was Moab, UT. I found a pretty cool spot called Yellow Circle on Freecampsites.net
Our drive through New Mexico, parts of western Colorado and into Utah was an easy drive. We
Night 2 | Moab, UT Public Land
For travelers seeking an off-grid experience, the public land off Yellow Circle Road in Moab, UT, offers an ideal spot for free camping. The area is surrounded by stunning desert views, iconic red rock formations, and is just a short drive from Moab’s popular outdoor activities, including mountain biking, hiking, and off-roading. With plenty of open space, it’s a peaceful retreat for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of southern Utah.
This spot is perfect for those traveling in RVs, vans, or tents, offering a great base camp for exploring nearby attractions like Arches National Park and Canyonlands. Despite being remote, the area is accessible by dirt roads and offers a true wilderness experience without being too far from town. Enjoy the solitude and scenic sunsets that the Moab area is known for, making it a great place to unwind after a day of adventures.
General Rules:
- Leave No Trace: Keep the area clean and pack out all trash.
- Fires: Permitted in designated areas, subject to fire restrictions.
Fun Fact: Moab’s landscape, visible from Yellow Circle Road, has been featured in numerous Hollywood films for its otherworldly beauty.
Our night in Moab was just as quiet and peaceful. There were quiet a few other campers that showed up over night, but nothing too crowded. We decided to leave a little bit earlier to get on the road, as we were needing to drive though the rest of Utah, all the way through Idaho and make it into southern Oregon. And it was mission accomplished. We ended up at a rest stop in Weatherby, Oregon late into the evening to get some much needed rest.
Night 3 | Weatherby, OR Rest Stop
For travelers looking for a quiet, no-cost overnight spot, the Weatherby, OR Rest Stop is a convenient and peaceful location. Nestled along the I-84, this rest stop provides easy access for those traveling in RVs, vans, or cars. The surrounding area offers expansive views of the Oregon countryside, making it a scenic and restful place to pause during a long journey.
This stop is great for road trippers needing a break before continuing on through Oregon. While it’s more of a practical overnight option rather than a destination, it still offers a chance to unwind in a quiet setting. There are picnic tables and basic facilities available, adding a bit of convenience for those passing through.
General Rules:
- Leave No Trace: Please keep the area clean by packing out all trash.
- Fires: Not permitted at this rest stop.
Fun Fact: The I-84 corridor, including Weatherby, offers a glimpse into Oregon’s varied landscape, transitioning from lush greenery to more arid environments as you head east.rous Hollywood films for its otherworldly beauty.
We decided to get an VERY early start on the day, it was Labor Day and we wanted to get to Hood River and enjoy a nice relaxing day. DIY Van nicely said we could park in their parking lot at night, so we had a free place to stay that night. The drive was just about 4 hours, so it wasn’t too bad. Once we got to Hood River, we drove down the Historic Columbia River Highway and checked out Horse Tail Falls, ate at Cascade Locks – Riverside Restaurant before making it back to Hood River for drinks at a brewery and watching people wind surf on the Columbia River. After a full night exploring, we went to the DIY Van location and had a nice sleep.
The following day, we had to work – so as we were working Heim put in the Composite Floors. They also let us use their wifi for the rest of the day. Our work day ended at 2pm PST, since we try to keep in the same time zone as Eastern Time and our normal work schedule. Once we had finished work, we stopped at one more restaurant for lunch and drinks before heading to Seattle, WA to visit friends.
After we visited with friends, our drive back home was QUICK. We decided we didn’t want to stop anywhere to sleep and since we are oppisite in our sleep schedules, I’m an early riser and Malcolm is a night owl, we decided to drive straight through! I drove 7am – 7pm then we switched after grabbing dinner. We left on a Friday afternoon and got home in the early hours on Sunday. This shows us that even if it’s a, we will get there when we get there or we have to get there type of road trip, we can do both.
We hope to bring you more Vanlife Adventure Blog Series in the future! Make sure you subscribe to our newsletter and our social media accounts!
Thanks For Reading
Taite Travels
