Tips and Tricks for Minivan Camping in Bear Country |Vanlife

Don't store food in your car... but what about when you're living in it? Is it safe to camp vanlife style in Bear Country if you're not in a Sprinter van or RV?
Watch to find out what I do!
Smell-proof bags: amzn.to/45rOKlz
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Alarm: amzn.to/3YYeF1X
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Welcome to Minivan Camper Gal! I'm Kelly and I camp and travel in a Chrysler Pacifica Minivan, doing part-time van life. Here you will find van build videos, tips on the digital nomad lifestyle, general travel vlog videos, and more. I'm into minimalism, and I eat a mostly plant-based vegan diet. I'm still learning how to do vegan vanlife well! I have some great vegan camping recipes to share with you, but would love some suggestions, too! Sometimes I stealth camp in the city, but mostly I like to boondock. Join me and my camper van as we embark on all the car camping adventures!
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[@BackyardEngineer334]

I heard somebody say if you wanna know what kind of bear you’re dealing with start screaming & running towards it, if it runs away it’s a black bear, if it kills you it a Grizzly.

[@PedalsNPetals]

😂

[@71suns]

😂😂😂 Hahahahaha

[@turtlegram31656]

Lol

[@ohizkimmie]

💀💀💀

[@minivancampergal1554]

Haha! Well, then you'll know!

[@bbrower26]

Great advice. I worked in Yellowstone and twice came across a bear while camping. First time was at a campground. I had gone down to the nearest town to get my car worked on. I had gotten up early to be the first person at the garage to get my car serviced. I had packed my camp up to leave and went inside my tent to change my shirt and stepped out and there was a cub walking up to my tent we both gasped and luckily it ran away but my thought was s*** where is Mama!!! Needless to say I hopped in my car asap because I had just placed my bear spray in there moments before changing my shirt! I found out later I had camped near the garbage dumpster…….lesson learned. Note where garbage is located in your camp ground if you are in a campground!

[@PedalsNPetals]

Well wouldn't they go for the garage bin first 😉

[@minivancampergal1554]

Woah, crazy story! Yes, I had a bear encounter near a dumpster too!

[@robinwilson8435]

Thanks for so much helpful information! A few years ago a friend was camped at a campground in California with bear boxes and warnings of bears. While she was sleeping in her trailer, a bear broke into her Jeep through the sunroof. She frightened it off several times by using her car alarm on her fob, but it returned and got to food that she foolishly had not put into the bear boxes provided. I'm with you -just say no to camping in parks, campgrounds or areas where bears are known to frequent!

[@minivancampergal1554]

Eek! That's scary!

[@seabliss22]

You covered all the bases except do not be so complacent regarding black bears. If you listen to the channel scary bear attacks, most of the worst attacks come from juvenile bruin black bears. Also.... One additional thing id recommend is to soak an already wet wash cloth with the pinsol and hang them from your side mirrors. The pinsol around the doors dries up and evaporates.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Ooh, good idea with the rag! Thanks!

[@chartmann43]

I was going to say this same thing! I’ve been watching too many KZbin videos on bear attacks lately! Lol

[@penscruffy60]

Excellent information. FYI: If you have to use bear spray, you will be sh**ting in your pants, adrenaline will be pumping so you might drop spray. Hang on & don’t stop spraying. It still might charge you, just keep spraying.

[@B-RollBooks]

I found this video while seeking out advice on car camping in bear country, but I subscribed because of your charming demeanor. Thanks for the sound advice--can't wait to hear your thoughts on other minivan camping topics!

[@glenchilada]

I know that a lot of people who live in bear country and have bears that come in their yards, keep air horns on their patios and say they're the best protection against bears.

[@tennisbum3686]

Best is a bear fence, bear spray, stay out of bear country if you don't want to be dinner 16:52

[@minivancampergal1554]

Yeah, an air horn is a good idea too!

[@debbiehawk-payne8507]

Thank you for sharing! I didn't know about the smell proof bags just the smell proof cans/ conditioner great tips ! Better safe than sorry Right 👍🙂

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Debbie! The smell proof bags are awesome! I hope you enjoy your travels!

[@phillippmorris4109]

Hello from the quiet sunny Ozarks! Another video of value! Hope alls well and your enjoying the weather! I use my portable solar electric fence around my camper van and solar motion lights with siren to keep bears ,Hogs, and other critters away, 2 legged ones too when boondocking. It was fun spending some time with you. Looking forward to your next adventures! tight lines and bent poles!

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hi Phillipp! Ooh, a portable solar electric fence, that's cool! Thanks for the tips!

[@StevefromOhio1972]

Hi Kelly, You know when I was watching your solar cooking videos I was thinking about unwanted predators, such as bears. I figured you carried some sort of bear repellent but I didn't realize just how many precautions you take. It looks like you have prepared well and are staying as safe as possible. Good job, Kelly and keep enjoying nature, your right, we are all a part of the ecosystem. Steve.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Steve! When I use my solar cooker it's usually in places that have no bears. Thanks for watching!

[@Richard-lj2lx]

I carry bear spray and an air horn. I've never had to use the bear spray and have used the air horn 5 times. Once to shoo a bear away from my tent, and 4 times to demonstrate how loud it is. Outside of Grizzly country, bear spray is more useful against predators of the two legged variety, which I have yet to encounter.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Richard! Thanks for the tips!

[@omavicmcmurray2893]

I just love that you take us along your journey, sharing as you learn and go…I hope you focus on cats (bob cats, cougars…) sometimes, they REALLY scare me! Thanks Kelly

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks for watching! I was tracked by a cougar once... super scary! I don't know if I have much advice, other than don't hike alone, and make noise. Stay safe!

[@priscillaeddy3117]

In Maine, I heard of carrying "bear bells" - a couple of old Christmas jungle bells in your pocket, on your walking stick or even on your shoes laces, when walking in the woods. Jingling them lets the bear know you are coming, and they will most likely move away, except if a mama bear thinking to protect her cubs.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hi Priscilla! Yes, bear bells are definitely a thing, thanks for mentioning them! You can get them at REI, or other sports stores.

[@douglashoward5738]

Kelly, love your earrings 😊

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks!

[@kathleenhornbecker1055]

Wonderful information. Thank you for sharing.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thank you!

[@PedalsNPetals]

SCARY BEAR ATTACKS is going to have an episode coming up about how bear spray didn't help gonna watch to see what went wrong

[@minivancampergal1554]

Eek! I don't think I'll watch that one! That's one of my strategies... I don't watch anything scary.

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thanks, Kelly for the helpful video!

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks for watching Pioneer Grandma!

[@shellchenonceau6987]

A 48 yr old woman walking solo in yellowstone (Buttermilk Trail) was recently attacked, and she had no bear spray. She is no longer with us.

[@PedalsNPetals]

I doubt bear spray would have helped

[@71suns]

It's horrible to even imagine 😢

[@tennisbum3686]

What a shocker

[@minivancampergal1554]

Eek, yeah, I heard about that. I try to not listen to the news, and just do what I can.

[@janicealley5033]

I think she was jogging with headphones on.

[@manie54321]

Thank You 🙏🏼 love your advice and your hair.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thank you!

[@douglashoward5738]

It never hurts to be prepared in case. Those are very good tips to keep Yogie and Bobo come calling, LOL! Seriously I’d rather try the tips you gave and be safe. Don❤want to be Mr Ranger and we never seen the untold story of Mr Ranger and Yogie the Bear LOL another jelly stone park joke😝

[@PedalsNPetals]

😂

[@terrifiorelli9819]

Boo Boo

[@minivancampergal1554]

Haha, haven't thought of Yogi and booboo for ever!

[@abebacarra1161]

In the boys scouts, bear bags are a regular option. They are bags that are suspended by a rope in the air from a tree branch out of reach of the bear and a good distance from camp. One thing that I think people over estimate are guns. While they can be effective, bear spray is statistically better. The power/caliber makes a huge difference. Yes, there are stories of 22lr having the needed effect but those few and far between. There is also the legality of firearms. FYI - for context, I'm a boy scout scoutmaster, hunter and an NRA certified instructor.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Ooh, thanks for your expertise! Good to know about spray vs guns. Thanks!

[@flockoturtles]

Those are great tips. I didn't know that bears hate pine sol/pine smell and will definitely remember that the next time I camp in an area with bears. I have come face to face with a mama black bear and cub before and that was a real hair-raiser for me but fortunately, the bear took her baby away from me and mine. I didn't have to pull out the pepper spray, only yelled (at my kids to stop on the trail behind me) and that was enough. Keeping your food and scented goods in a bear can or bag up a tree is essential, especially if you are tent camping. I have seen people throw cookies toward a bear at a state campground before so that they could get a picture! This is dangerous for people and the bears. Bears that persistently invade campsites because people feed them end up dead or have to be relocated. Hopefully, we can avoid this kind of tragedy by taking the precautions that you outlined.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Ooh... yeah, a mama bear would be scary! Glad it turned out alright for you!

[@Gwen3344]

I've been waiting for this video for a while. I thought you'd forgotten that you "promised" us one on this topic. Seems clear you were accumulating information and experience before giving us the benefit of that experience and research. Thanks for this information, beautifully and well-shared! Now, if you'll permit me to be greedy of your experience, how do you deal with mice? Same measures, for the most part, I presume? BTW, much respect for your resolve to not allow fear to deter you from what your heart desires. Stay safe!

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Gwen! Thanks for not forgetting me! I’m glad you liked the video. As for the fear… ha! I had a terrifying experience yesterday that totally left me shaking. I had a tarantula in my van!!! It was horrible. So, my courage totally went out the window. 😩

[@amyfawkes6153]

I've been sleeping in my car in bear country but I don't think our bears are habituated as much in Canada. Keeping food in my car has not been an issue. I purposely keep my keys in the tiny compartment on the door where I sleep. My keys have a panic button. I figure I would press that if anything were at my door wanting to get in. The car horn is extremely loud

[@amyfawkes6153]

I'm now at the part of your video where you mention your horn:)

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hi Amy! Oh, good to know you haven't had problems. Yes, I do the same thing with my keys! Thanks for watching!

[@nerdinium]

I had black bears getting into my garbage can at home. I sprayed it with bleach, and they didn't come back. I taped some mothballs to the side of the can, and that helped too.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Good ideas! I didn't know bleach would work. Thanks!

[@sue9252]

I think this was very informative. Ive read stories of bear attacks and they weren’t pretty. Google it. I’ve watched van-lifers that hike alone , soak in remote hot tubs, cooking delicious meals over campfires with not a single deterrent in site. If they happen to have bear spray it’s in a backpack on their back. Very foolish to take this lightly. You want to live to tell the story not have others read about it the internet. Thanks for putting this out there and so we’ll articulated . Perhaps this will make others become a little more receptive to what you could be sharing your space with.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hi Sue! Eek, yeah, it's important to take it seriously!

[@sue9252]

@@minivancampergal1554 I watched a news reel of a huge (not black bears ) grizzly bear and her rather large bear cub follow a group of hikers in Banff National Park to up to 20 minutes along a path. The youngster apparently leaped forward a few times at the people and I can only imagine how different that outcome could of been had momma bear not been so calm. It’s a feeding frenzy right now I’m sure getting ready for hibernation . All them wildfires has got to have them coming down from the north . That was on the news yesterday.

[@hoists1829]

Awesome video👍👍👍👍How could we contact you,Kelly. Thank you.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks! You can email me at [e-mail]

[@okiejammer2736]

💚💜💙

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks!

[@agr8h2o]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks!

[@Dr.Pepper_not]

Don’t you think the Pine-Sol will eat your car paint or wax? (Obviously it hasn’t or you wouldn’t be using it but it seems like it will)

[@minivancampergal1554]

I was worried at first, but I haven't seen any bad reactions.

[@bingauxmaxwell5116]

I heard from women in Arkansas that bears can stalk women who are menstruating. Have you heard of this in your research?

[@minivancampergal1554]

I did look this up too, and no, they’re not attracted to menstrual smells.

[@tennisbum3686]

It's true according to the rangers at yosemite and yellowstone park

[@PedalsNPetals]

I think the ones that can open cars are humans in BEAR SUIT 😅

[@tennisbum3686]

It's no laughing matter

[@minivancampergal1554]

Haha, I know, right? It's crazy the things they can do

[@terrifiorelli9819]

I rather camp where no grizzlies live. So many other beautiful places. Black or brown bears don’t want to mess with you unless use to humans. My 44 mag works good too.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Yeah, I hear you! But, at least there's less crowds where there are bears! :)

[@naturelover1284]

I worry about a car break in while your in there sleeping?

[@PedalsNPetals]

I would be afraid bear or human 😫

[@minivancampergal1554]

Yes, it is a concern, but I figure I would hear something before it was too late to do something. I usually wake up when a chipmunk scurries across the ground 10 ft away, lol.

[@naturelover1284]

some people who tapped on the window when a bear was at their bird feeder had the bear bust through the window and attack the lady, while the man got his gun and shot it, black bear in northern WI@@minivancampergal1554

[@PedalsNPetals]

I think bear spray was just a Money making sceme

[@sue9252]

Really! So have you ever encountered a bear?

[@matthewh3528]

It's cheap insurance for staying alive with 4 or 2 legged predators out there.

[@PedalsNPetals]

@@sue9252 there are not very many bear encounters anywhere

[@fightinginflipflops7731]

Was at Yellowstone 3 weeks ago. In the gift shop, they had bear spray for RENT! So you may be right... assuming the renters are lucky enough to return with an unused can.

[@PedalsNPetals]

@@fightinginflipflops7731 WOW 😳