Thanksgiving in a camper van; host #vansgiving

Host This Thanksgiving in Your Camper Van

Thanksgiving + camper vans = Vansgiving, or #Vansgiving if you feel compelled to share your experience on social media. We’re guessing you will, because Thanksgiving in a camper van is dreamy.

In anticipation of the big meal, I’m always anxious to go on a hike or otherwise get some exercise to justify that second piece of pumpkin pie. This year why not host Thanksgiving in a camper van at your favorite campsite? If you did, that sure would make hiking after the meal pretty darn easy.

We celebrated Vansgiving on a friend’s farm. That’s always a great option if you have friends with land. Thanks Sam and Sue! But there are plenty of lovely campgrounds open in November. Check out our list of favorite fall options here and here.

Below we share ten steps for creating the perfect Thanksgiving in a camper van. It is so so so so easy.

STEP 1: RENT GOCAMP CAMPER VANS

It’s not Vansgiving unless there are camper vans involved. If you don’t already have your own, browse through the many camper vans available to rent on GoCamp. From old-school Volkswagen Vanagons and Eurovans to newer Mercedes-Benz Sprinters, Ford Transits, Dodge Ram ProMasters, Storyteller Overland MODE 4×4 adventure vans, specialty conversion vans, and many more makes, models, and styles, you have lots of great choices for your Vansgiving.

STEP 2: SET UP A BAR

Put out wine, beer and other beverages in one of your rented camper vans. In one of the Eurovans we used the cover of the sink and stove to create a horizontal surface. Worked like a charm. Don’t forget the non-alcoholic options as well.

STEP 3: ENCOURAGE SELF-SERVE

All GoCamp vans have plenty of cups and wine glasses, so you don’t need to worry about having enough. We swiveled the two front seats to create a fun party space inside the Eurovan. As is the case at home with people congregating in the kitchen, people will want to congregate inside the vans so cozy them up.

STEP 4: PUT OUT APPETIZERS

GoCamp vans all have camp tables, camp chairs and table cloths so you can set up tables of food outside the vans. Bring a few special appetizer items from your own pantry, stop for fancy cheeses on the way out of town, and voila, appetizers.

STEP 5: INVITE FRIENDS

Reserve several vans or tag along with your friends that own vans. They’ve been doing #Vansgiving without you for years. Also, many GoCamp vans allow four-legged friends so you can bring the whole family.

 

STEP 6: MAKE IT BEAUTIFUL

You won’t need to go the florist or buy special table decor because nature provides the beauty. Just gather up whatever the season and your location provides and turn the glasses and cups that came with the van into vases.

STEP 7: CREATE A COOKING STATION

Some vans have kitchenettes inside, while with others we send you off with a Coleman stove for cooking. Either way you are set for preparing hot dishes.

STEP 8: DISH IT UP

GoCamp vans are outfitted so that you can just hop in and go. Therefore, you’ll find all the plates, bowls and even serving platters you need inside your van.

STEP 9: SERVE DINNER BUFFET STYLE

Use your GoCamp camp tables to create a buffet. We did a combination of cooking on site and bringing dishes from home.

STEP 10: LIGHT A CAMP FIRE

Make sure you light a fire. You’ll be enjoying it long into the night. Nice job. You just hosted Thanksgiving in a camper van. Happy #Vansgiving!

 

Friends gather for Thanksgiving dinner buffet in front of camper vans