One of the joys of owning and traveling in a VW camper, for me anyhow,
is my ability to 'camp' informally on BLM, forest service or other public
areas...no State Parks needed or even sought, for the most part...I rather
enjoy finding a side road in the mountains or desert and then finding a
trace that leaves the side road, preferably to a beautiful spot known only
to a few who may live nearby or maybe some fishermen, climbers, hang glider
launchers, etc...
   I find formal campsites to be a bit too populous to enjoy them as a
steady diet...thought there are some really spectacular ones and sometimes
they're the only available option in an area I want to spend time...
   The size, shape and ground clearance of a Vanagon make it appropriate
for those of us who prefer exploring smaller less formal camping...In a
pinch they'll also 'camp' ok in a regular parking spot in civilization, if
one finds oneself trapped in an urban setting for an overnight...
    Yes, it may be scary to be on your own...but being camped in a formal
campground and having a bunch of drunks or tweeking bikers pull in and
party till dawn next to you...that can be scary too.....
   Love the Vanagons....