The Ultimate Guide to Travel Nursing with a Campervan: Freedom, Flexibility, and Affordability
Travel nursing gives healthcare professionals a rare opportunity: work in different cities across the country while earning competitive pay and benefits. Yet, finding housing that’s both affordable and feels like home can be a challenge. For many travel nurses, investing in a campervan is the perfect solution, offering freedom, comfort, and financial advantages.
1. Affordability and Value of a Campervan
The upfront cost of a well-equipped campervan (around $150,000) may seem significant, but it can actually be a savvy investment over time. Instead of paying for short-term rentals or extended hotel stays, owning a campervan allows travel nurses to save on housing and move freely between assignments. If we break down a campervan’s monthly payment (typically around $1,500 depending on financing terms) against the monthly housing stipend many travel nurses receive (often $2,000 or more), the math speaks for itself: nurses can cover the cost of their van and even pocket some savings.
2. Freedom to Work from Anywhere
Travel nurses enjoy flexibility in where they work and how often they change locations. Owning a campervan adds to this flexibility, allowing them to settle into assignments without worrying about finding housing in expensive or highly sought-after areas. Nurses with campervans can follow assignments across the country with all the comforts of home on the road.
3. Legal and Free Camping Options
The U.S. offers countless free and legal camping opportunities that make van life feasible and enjoyable. Organizations like Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome connect van owners with private property owners who offer free overnight stays at farms, wineries, and other scenic locations, adding variety and safety to travel. Additionally, public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and national forests allow free dispersed camping in many areas, making it easy to find scenic and cost-effective places to stay.
4. Building a Travel Nurse Community
At our company, we’ve worked with many solo travel nurses, helping them design and build campervans tailored to their specific needs. In turn, these nurses have built a community of solo travelers who share insights, safety tips, and location ideas for living on the road. This community is invaluable for those who are new to both travel nursing and campervan life, offering a support network of peers who understand the lifestyle.
5. Travel, Save, and Experience Adventure
With a campervan, travel nurses can maximize their stipend, save on housing, and gain the ability to explore new places on days off without hotel bookings or travel logistics. And the beauty of having a fully customized van is that it can feel like home—complete with a cozy bed, kitchenette, and even space for pets—giving nurses a private and familiar space to unwind.
For travel nurses ready to start their campervan journey, we’re here to help make it seamless. Our team has designed campervans specifically for solo travel nurses, and our nurse community is happy to share their experiences with new adventurers!
