Cozy Night Camping in a Van

About this drawing

A van under the stars makes a cozy spot for a night outdoors. Far from cities, the sky seems packed with twinkling lights. That is not a trick: out there, fewer streetlights and glowing signs wash out the sky, so the stars shine through.

Extra light that spills up from towns is called light pollution. Some parks in the United States are known as dark sky places because they work to keep their nights truly dark. If you sit still without a flashlight for a while, your eyes adjust and you will spot more and more stars.

Campfires are a favorite part of camping, but they need care. During dry summers, many forests ban fires because a single spark can start a wildfire. Where fires are allowed, use a fire ring, keep water close and always have a grown-up in charge. Before bedtime, drown the fire with water and stir it until it is cold.

To sleep well in a van, crack a window open a little, because breathing fogs up the glass overnight. A warm sleeping bag and a battery lantern, much safer than a candle, finish off a perfect night under the sky.

• camping
• camper van
• stars
• night
• kitten