How to Camp in a VW ID. Buzz?
Camping in an electric van? It sounds unconventional, but Taylor and Zervan are proving that the VW ID. Buzz is the perfect platform for off-grid adventures—even as you’re working toward visiting all 48 states. Their Peace Vans conversion, affectionately nicknamed “Sunbuzz,” has become a mobile home on wheels, and they’re sharing their complete daily camping workflow to help other adventurers do the same.
Why the VW ID. Buzz Is a Game-Changer for EV Campers
The VW ID. Buzz stands apart from traditional gas-powered vans. Its spacious interior, modern amenities, and compact footprint make it ideal for dispersed camping on public lands.
The Morning Starts with Supplies: Grocery Shopping & Water Strategy
Before any camping adventure begins, you need essentials. Taylor and Zervan make strategic stops at local markets to grab everything from quick-breakfast items (yogurt with granola) to energy drinks and snacks. But here’s the real sustainability challenge: water.
Their goal? Minimize single-use plastics by refilling water jugs at public libraries or supermarket stations. When their local Vermont library was closed, they made the practical choice to purchase a refillable 1-gallon jug—balancing environmental values with the reality of off-grid living. This same jug serves double duty for both drinking water and dishwashing throughout the camping trip.
Finding Your Campsite: The iOverlander Method
Dispersed camping isn’t random. Taylor uses the iOverlander app to locate free campsites on public lands like the White Mountain National Forest. The strategy is methodical:
- Read user reviews to verify clearance safety (crucial for the ID. Buzz’s lower ground)
- Check parking surface conditions to ensure a level spot
- Assess accessibility to confirm the van can safely navigate the terrain
Once you arrive at your dispersed campsite, precision becomes essential.
Arrival & Setup: Leveling Like a Pro
Zervan’s setup routine begins with leveling—critical for sleeping comfort. Using the iPhone Measure app’s level feature placed on the dashboard, he adjusts the vehicle position until reaching as close to 0° as possible. This seemingly small detail makes the difference between a restful night and waking up sliding downhill.
Exterior Setup: Protection & Comfort
Magnetic Mesh Screens
Before settling in, they deploy Amazon-purchased magnetic mesh screens on the sliding doors. This simple addition keeps mosquitoes at bay without sacrificing ventilation—essential for off-grid living in bug-prone areas.
The Fiamma F43 Awning
Their roof-mounted Fiamma F43 awning extends living space outdoors. Pro tip from Zervan: position one support leg lower than the other so rainwater drains properly to the side. This detail transforms your awning into a functional rain shelter, not just a sun canopy.
Interior Layout Optimization
Front seats swivel around, and central storage (baskets and a trash bin) transforms the space into a functional living area. Every inch counts in van life.
Inside the Buzz: The Pop-Top Advantage
One of the VW ID. Buzz’s standout features is the Peace Vans pop-top roof. Raising it provides full standing height—a game-changer for comfort. With the pop-top up, the van transitions from a cramped space to a livable interior.
Running Water & Kitchen Setup
The Dometic fridge keeps food fresh, and the integrated sink system uses two 3-gallon Dometic jugs stored in the side door compartment (one for fresh water, one for gray water). This dual-jug setup ensures you have clean water for cooking and drinking while managing waste responsibly.
The genius? The double-sided side door opens fully, allowing them to stand completely outside the vehicle while washing dishes. This transforms dishwashing from awkward to genuinely pleasant—something many van campers appreciate.
Cooking & Eating: One-Burner Meals
With their single-burner portable stove, Taylor prepares full meals. That evening’s Southwest sweet potato, shallot, rice, and taco-seasoned skillet proved that van cooking doesn’t mean sacrificing real food. For lunch, their toasted jalapeño cheddar bagels topped with hummus, avocado, cheese, mustard, and pepperoni showed how simple ingredients create satisfying meals in tight spaces.
Off-Grid Living: Embracing Disconnection
Once you lose cellular coverage (as they did in the national forest), off-grid life begins. Zervan finished reading The Martian on his iPad while Taylor enjoyed audiobooks and pre-downloaded movies. This enforced digital detox is one of van camping’s unexpected benefits.
The Morning After: Calm & Ready for the Next State
They woke to mild rain and a quiet forest—the kind of morning that makes off-grid camping worth the setup. With only 10 remaining states left in their tour, every campsite brings them closer to completing their ambitious journey across America in an electric van.
