By Sarah Falter and Eric Leiberman, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com
Ever thought of cruising the Pacific Northwest in a campervan? With a newborn? While friends might raise eyebrows, our family of three (including a two-month-old!) did just that. Spoiler alert: it was an epic adventure, proving that babies and van life can totally mix.
The Moterra Magic
Our chariot? The Moterra Pop-Top Classic campervan, a home on wheels we’d rented before and knew to be awesome. It was spacious (sleeps 4!), comfy, and came fully loaded – kitchen, solar heat (perfect for unpredictable overnight temperatures), and even an outdoor shower! Plus, their one-way rental option was ideal for our San Francisco to Seattle route.
The Moterra campervan drives and parks like an SUV © Eric Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com
Newborn on Board: Tips and Tricks
- Pack Smart: Use packing cubes to organize baby stuff. Bring double the baby clothes you think you’ll need. And handwash laundry soap is also a lifesaver.
- Car Seat Safety: Moterra staff expertly assisted in installing our car seat, and our little one snoozed through hours-long drives.
- Campsite Flexibility: We mixed up wild camping with established campgrounds. Apps like iOverlander helped us find free spots with stunning views.
- Embrace the Stops: Road trips with babies mean extra breaks (budget 50% extra time for drives), but it’s a chance to have impromptu picnics, diaper changes with a view, and plenty of outdoor playtime.
Pacific Northwest Highlights
Hiking to the gorgeous Hedge Creek Falls © Eric Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com
- Shasta: Stunning waterfall hikes, charming mountain town, and a memorable sunset from the John Everitt Memorial Vista Point.
- Bend, Oregon: A haven for outdoor enthusiasts! Hiking, river floats, breweries, and delicious Thai food at Wild Rose restaurant.
- Hood River, Oregon: Breathtaking Wahclella Falls, windsurfing galore, and the convenience of parking our Moterra van in typical parking spots (it fits!) despite crowds
- Portland & Seattle: Culturally-rich cities, delicious meals and urban camping adventures.
Why Van Life with a Baby Works
Walking the Rimrock Trail to the Deschutes River, Bend, OR © Nick Kruge/goingplacesfarandnear.com
Honestly? We think the constant fresh air, new sights, and gentle movement were like a natural lullaby for our baby. Plus, having all our supplies within arm’s reach in the van made life so much easier. Be sure to pack a good baby carrier for hands-free movement, and your pack ‘n play for safe baby sleep (which we opened up nightly at the foot of our bed).
Moterra: Your Van Life Partner
Wild camping in the Moterra campervan outside of Bend, Oregon © Eric Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com
Moterra’s 24-hour helpline was a comforting safety net, though we didn’t need it this time. Their vans handle like SUVs, and the built-in inverter with auxiliary batteries kept our devices charged.
The Final Word
Wild camping on Mt. Shasta © Eric Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com
Van life with a baby? Absolutely do-able and incredibly rewarding. If you’re yearning for adventure but hesitant about traveling with a little one, we encourage you to take the leap! The Moterra Campervan experience, paired with stunning Pacific Northwest scenery, is an unforgettable way to bond and explore as a family.
(Note: Be sure to check with Moterra regarding their 24-hour helpline and specific van features, as these may have changed since our trip.)
The camper van experience is wonderful, and if you factor in not having to pay for flights, hotels, or cabs, plus the convenience, amenities, and the unique and memorable experience, it is a value proposition. All in all the Moterra experience works out to about $350/night, but varies with season. You will also pay for gas, insurance, and a cleaning fee.
Parking the Moterra campervan at the Bailey Cove Trailhead © Eric Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com
We returned the van at Moterra’s conveniently located warehouse near Seattle Airport (they have other locations near airports in Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Jackson Hole, Whitefish, Montana, and have a new hub in Portland, Maine, for adventures in Northern New England and Eastern Canada). We did a one-way trip in order to spend quality (baby) time with family in the Seattle area and flew home via Southwest (thanks to their generous checked-bag policy) the following week (baby’s first airplane flight!).
Moterra CamperVans, 1565 W. Berger Ln., Jackson, Wyoming, 307-200-7220, email info@gomoterra.com, gomoterra.com.
See also:
Baby’s First Wild Camping adVANture!
Ad-VAN-turing, Newest Travel Trend
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