Surf Trip in Camper Van Guide

Plan the route and read the ocean

A surf trip in a camper van rewards curiosity and timing. Start by tracing coastlines that offer variety within a short drive so you can pivot when the wind turns or the tide shifts. Study seasonal patterns for your target region, noting when groundswells arrive, which directions are blocked by headlands, and how local winds groom or ruin surface conditions. Point breaks offer consistency when lined up with swell direction, while beach breaks can be fickle but often deliver windows after tide changes. Keep a backup cluster of spots that work on opposite wind.

Forecast tools that actually matter

• Buoy data confirms swell height, period, and direction rather than just a star rating
• Tide tables reveal when sandbars breathe and when reefs are safest
• Wind maps show morning glass versus afternoon texture and how cliffs can create wind shadows
• Local surf cams help you check crowd patterns and see true interval between sets
• Notes from your own sessions become the best forecast you own

When you map your route, anchor your days around tide swings at a couple of reliable reefs or sandbars, then fill gaps with protected corners for wind insurance. The van frees you to wait out lulls and hit pulse moments without rushing back to town.

Pack smart for life between tides

A trim kit list makes life simple on the beach. Choose a compact board quiver that covers your likely range. A fish or grovel board for soft days, an all round shortboard for punchier pockets, and a step up if your route includes heavier reefs. In colder zones, bring two wetsuits to rotate so one is always drying. Add booties and gloves when water temps demand them. Store a rinse jug and a small catch pan so salt drips do not invade your living space.

A simple camp kitchen turns wait time into recovery. A two burner stove, one cast iron pan, a small cutting board, and a pour over setup keep you fueled. Pack a soft cooler or a fridge powered by a reliable battery, then freeze meal packs before departure. Keep repair gear close: a fin key, spare leash, ding putty that cures fast, and a roll of tape for temporary fixes.

Boards and suits for mixed conditions

• Two board minimum for range, three if space allows
• Double up on neoprene so every dawn patrol starts dry
• Travel fins with medium flex suit most days
• A hooded suit can stretch shoulder seasons in cold water
• Helmet and reef booties increase margin at shallow breaks

Camp with respect and stay comfortable

Beach camping laws vary by region, so check county rules and access hours well before you arrive. If overnight parking is restricted near the water, plan to sleep a few blocks inland or at an established campground, then roll to the break before first light. Follow quiet hours, dim exterior lights, and avoid staging a yard sale in public pullouts. Pack out every scrap, scatter rinse water well above the tide line, and carry a small trash bag for spot cleanups.

Comfort inside the van starts with airflow and dryness. Salt air and neoprene are relentless, so design a clear path for wet gear from doors to hanging space. A fan, screened windows, and a dehumidifier puck can keep condensation in check. Keep sand at the door with a brush, a foot rinse, and a mat that actually traps grit. For longer stops, a compact shower bag or rinse system restores warmth and morale after cold sessions.

Storage, ventilation, and power inside the van

• Interior board mounts reduce theft risk and road grime
• Roof racks free floor space but need padded tie downs
• Dedicated wetsuit hooks with a drip tray protect bedding
• Ventilation fans move moist air while you sleep
• A house battery keeps fridge, pumps, and lights steady

When a surf ready van makes the difference

Small choices add up on swell days. Secure board storage means faster spot changes with less stress. A real power system keeps cameras charged, fridges cold, and devices ready for weather checks. Smart lighting and blackout shades protect sleep before dawn patrol. And a hard wearing galley lets you eat well without wasting time.

If you want a van purpose built for surf travel with integrated board mounts, dedicated drying zones, and a dependable power plan, explore our Recreational vans. For fully personalized layouts, materials, and systems, see our Custom build van options. If you are shopping for a finance friendly platform to upfit for surf, review our Mainstream vans.

Your waves deserve a van that works as hard as you do. Tell us your coast, water temps, favorite breaks, and how you like to travel. We will translate that into a surf focused layout that solves storage, drying, power, and comfort so you can chase the next pulse with confidence.