How to Plan a Family-Friendly Overland Van Trip in Colorado | Five Tips for Success
Planning a family-friendly overland van trip in Colorado is one of the most accessible ways to explore the state with kids, especially when traveling in a converted Sprinter van. The Western Slope of Colorado offers diverse terrain and tons of public land, making it ideal for camper van travel, weekend van trips, and extended family road trips. With the right planning approach and a functional van setup, traveling with kids can be comfortable, flexible, and low-stress. Here are some tips we’ve learned along the way!
Tip 1: Keep Your Itinerary Simple
When traveling with kids, simpler is better. Short drive days, fewer campsite changes, and extra buffer time make a huge difference in the success of a family overland trip. Many families find success by choosing one central campsite and exploring nearby trails, rivers, and towns rather than moving camp every night. This slower approach pairs well with modular van layouts and flexible storage solutions, which allow you to adapt your space without constant reorganization. Watch our recent video outlining how we built a Ford Transit to be a modular family hauler and weekend adventure vehicle.
Tip 2: Choose Family-Friendly Routes and Destinations
Route planning is especially important when overlanding in Colorado with kids. Look for destinations that provide easy access to towns/activities, fuel, and cell service, particularly if you are new to van travel. Rivers, lakes, paved bike paths, and short hiking trails tend to be more family-friendly than technical off-road routes. Elevation and weather should always be considered, especially in Colorado’s mountain environments where conditions can change quickly, to make sure everyone stays comfortable. Be sure to check out our essential van packing list to make sure you have everything you and your family need to stay comfortable and prepared.
Tip 3: Balance Campgrounds and Dispersed Camping
A mix of developed campgrounds and dispersed camping often works best for families. Campgrounds with bathrooms, picnic tables, and level parking areas can significantly reduce stress when traveling with kids. Dispersed camping offers privacy and flexibility once you are comfortable, but arriving early and having a backup option is critical especially during peak summer months. A well-organized van interior makes transitions between camps much easier. Learn how we designed custom storage solutions for Zen Den to create a flexible camp setup for a family of five.
Tip 4: Set Up Your Van for Family Travel
A practical van setup is essential for family overland travel. Safe seating, comfortable sleeping arrangements, and maximizing interior storage help keep daily life manageable on the road. Modular Murphy beds, smart cabinetry, and well-planned layouts allow your van to support both travel days and camp days without feeling cramped. Reliable power systems also play a major role, supporting lighting, fans, refrigeration, and device charging for family needs. Explore our custom builds gallery to see how we have helped other families design vans that maximize storage and support their lives on the road.
Tip 5: Start Small and Adjust as You Go
You do not need a perfect van or an ambitious route to enjoy a family-friendly overland trip in Colorado. Starting with shorter trips close to home allows you to learn what works for your family and refine your setup over time. If you are planning future upgrades or exploring a custom layout, working with a builder who understands family travel can make a significant difference.
If you are thinking about upgrading your van or planning your first family overland trip in Colorado, we are always happy to help. At White River Overland, we design and build many vans with family travel in mind, focusing on modular layouts, smart storage, and reliable systems that make time on the road easier and more enjoyable. Whether you are looking for a few functional upgrades, starting to plan a full custom build, or need suggestions for great places to explore as a family, reach out to start a conversation.
