The best time is now
Some swear by summer, with long, bright nights and swimming in every pond. But for those of us who truly love life on the road, there's something very special about autumn. The air becomes crystal clear, the colors explode, and the hectic summer traffic is replaced by a delightful tranquility. For me, traveling in a compact campervan, this is the absolute peak season.
My old VW California isn't the biggest in its class, but it's perfect for sneaking onto the small forest roads that the Fricamp map is so good at showing us. Where the large motorhomes have to think twice, we in our agile vans can often find the real gems. And it is precisely here, in the transition between September and October, that van life truly shows its best side.
The forest's pantry right outside the sliding door
The autumn holiday is synonymous with hunting for the forest's gold. Whether you are an experienced mushroom picker or a curious beginner, the campervan is the ultimate basecamp. Imagine waking up, making coffee while watching the fog lift from the forest, and then just putting on your boots and walking straight out into the larder.
What you need for a successful foraging trip:
- A good basket: Avoid plastic bags! Mushrooms need air to stay fresh. A woven basket is the classic choice.
- Mushroom knife with a brush: Do the rough cleaning out in the forest. That way you avoid bringing half the forest floor into the van.
- Mushroom book or app: Rule number one, two, and three is: Be 100% sure of what you are picking! If in doubt, leave the mushroom be. Use an updated book or a recognized app (like “Digital soppkontroll”), and feel free to attend a mushroom inspection if you find one.
- Lingonberry picker: If you're hunting for the red gold, a berry picker will save you a lot of time and a sore back.
The best thing about the van is the proximity to the kitchen. I love coming back after a couple of hours in the forest, sitting down at the small table, and cleaning the day's catch. And supper? It practically makes itself. Fresh chanterelle or porcini mushrooms fried in plenty of butter, with a little salt and pepper on a slice of bread. It's a luxury no five-star restaurant can match. And the smell that fills the small vehicle is pure magic.
The art of creating coziness in a few square meters
When the sun says goodbye as early as seven o'clock, the second part of the autumn trip begins: the evening coziness. In a campervan, there isn't room for much, but that's not what it takes either. On the contrary, the compact size makes it incredibly easy to create a warm and intimate den.
My favorites for maximum van coziness:
- Lighting: Forget the harsh ceiling light. A couple of battery-powered string lights, draped over a cabinet or around a window, provide a warm and magical glow. LED cube lights with a flickering «flame» are also completely safe and incredibly atmospheric.
- Heat: A good diesel heater is your very best friend in the autumn. I set mine to a low setting so it maintains a steady, comfortable temperature all evening and night. In addition, a couple of thick wool blankets and a pair of good slippers or wool socks are mandatory.
- Entertainment: Poor reception can be a blessing. Download some podcasts, audiobooks, or a movie before you leave. For my part, nothing beats a game of Yahtzee or a good book under the duvet while the rain drums lightly on the roof.
- Good food and drink: A small pot with a simple stew that can simmer on the gas stove, or a thermos of hot blackcurrant toddy. Autumn evenings are about the simple, warm pleasures.
Practical tips for a dry and trouble-free autumn trip
Autumn is fantastic, but it can also present challenges in the form of moisture and cold. With a little planning, this is no problem in a campervan.
Keep condensation in check
Condensation is van life's number one enemy in the autumn. When we breathe in a cold vehicle, and perhaps cook food, a lot of moisture quickly forms. My best tip is to always have a little ventilation. Keep a window or the roof hatch slightly ajar, even when the heater is running. The small heat loss is worth it to avoid a damp and clammy vehicle. If you have wet clothes or shoes, try to hang them to dry outside under an awning or in a waterproof bag in the driver's cab, separate from the living area.
Power and light in the dark season
Shorter days mean you use more power for lighting. Check the status of the leisure battery regularly. If you have a solar panel, it will still charge a fair amount on clear autumn days, but don't expect as much as in July. A good headlamp is non-negotiable. It is essential for everything from nightly toilet visits to finding the right spice at the back of the cabinet.
Drive carefully
Remember that forest roads can become slippery from wet leaves, and night frost can appear suddenly at higher altitudes. Take it easy, enjoy the trip, and check your tires before you go. There's no shame in turning back if the road looks impassable.
Autumn in a campervan is a time for tranquility, reflection, and a deeper connection with nature. It's less about covering the most kilometers, and more about finding that one perfect spot, firing up the heater, and just being. So find your wool sweater, pack your mushroom basket, and get out there!
Your best tip? Feel free to share your favorite autumn spot or your best coziness tip by checking in and leaving a comment in the Fricamp app. Maybe we'll see you out there among the chanterelles!
Happy autumn travels!