How to Create the Perfect Campervan Playlist

At Spartan Campers, we know a great campervan journey isn’t just about the destination. It’s about the vibe. And building the ultimate playlist is a surprisingly powerful way to boost your mood, energise long drives, and add joy to the quieter moments in camp. Whether you’re heading out for a solo escape or a family adventure, today’s handy campervan tip is simple: make your playlist part of the prep.

So how do you create a playlist that fits your trip like a glove? We’ve got some sound advice.

1. Think in Vibes, Not Just Songs
A great playlist tells a story. That means it needs variety – music that matches different parts of the day and different kinds of energy. At Spartan, we like to think of our campervan playlists in sections:

• Morning mellow – soft, uplifting tracks to ease you into the day

• On the road – upbeat driving songs to keep spirits high

• Campfire chill – acoustic or ambient tunes for slow, starry nights

• Rainy day feels – something soothing or nostalgic for van days

• Singalong specials – classic crowd-pleasers for family trips

Try to avoid cramming your playlist with just your top favourites. Mix in older tracks, new discoveries, instrumentals, and even a few guilty pleasures. A well-balanced playlist surprises you in the best way.

2. Build Separate Playlists for Different Moments
Instead of one massive mega-mix, consider creating multiple smaller playlists based on mood or activity. This makes it easier to match your music to the moment. For example:

• “Spartan Drive” – feel-good indie and road trip rock

• “Van Mornings” – gentle coffee tunes

• “Campfire Sessions” – acoustic, folk, and storytelling songs

• “Rain on the Roof” – moody instrumentals and soft vocals

• “Kids in the Van” – family-friendly bangers (trust us, they’ll thank you)

You can use Spotify, Apple Music, or even create downloadable playlists with MP3s if you’re heading off-grid with patchy signal. Just make sure you download them offline before you leave!

3. Let the Whole Crew Add Their Picks
If you’re travelling with others – whether it’s your partner, your mates, or the kids – give everyone a voice in the soundtrack. Shared playlists let each person add a few songs. It makes for a fun mix, and you’ll all hear tunes you wouldn’t have picked yourself.

One Spartan Family shared this great tip: “We each choose five songs before every trip. It means the playlist feels fresh and personal, and it gives us talking points when we’re driving.”

4. Keep the Energy Balanced
We’ve all had playlists that start strong and then fizzle out. Keep the energy well-paced. That means alternating high-energy tracks with lower-key ones. You want to stay alert and inspired on long drives, but not exhausted from an all-out musical marathon.

Try grouping songs in “mini waves” – a few driving tunes, followed by something chilled. Then back up again. It keeps things interesting and avoids musical burnout.

5. Don’t Forget the Podcasts and Audiobooks
OK, not technically music – but sometimes you just want a story to sink into. Long stretches of driving or rainy days in the van are perfect for podcasts and audiobooks. Whether it’s a crime thriller, a comedy panel, or a travel series, having a few episodes downloaded can give your brain a break from the playlist loop.

Bonus tip: Create a folder called “Van Audio” and keep everything organised before you go.

6. Create a Local Soundtrack
Want to make your trip even more immersive? Add music that fits the region you’re exploring. Cruising through the Scottish Highlands? Mix in some Celtic folk or Scottish artists. Headed through Cornwall? Find a few sea shanties or west country indie bands. It’s a subtle way to make your trip feel more connected to the places you visit.

7. Embrace the Nostalgia
Music is memory magic. A good playlist becomes part of your campervan history – years later, one song can transport you straight back to a night under the stars or a sunny clifftop breakfast.

So don’t be afraid to throw in those slightly cheesy hits from the 90s, that indie band you saw at a festival once, or the tune that always makes you smile. Your van, your vibe.

8. Refresh Between Trips
If you’re using the same playlist for every outing, it can get a little stale. Before each new journey, spend 15–20 minutes updating your list with some fresh tracks, new releases, or seasonal favourites.

You could even keep an ongoing “Spartan Soundtrack” that you tweak with each new trip, so it evolves with your travels.

Our Spartan Favourite Road Trip Tracks
Looking for a place to start? Here are some of our go-to playlist starters (search them on Spotify or Apple Music):

• “Go Your Own Way” – Fleetwood Mac

• “Home” – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

• “Sweet Disposition” – The Temper Trap

• “Castle on the Hill” – Ed Sheeran

• “Budapest” – George Ezra

• “Ramble On” – Led Zeppelin

• “Fast Car” – Tracy Chapman

• “Riptide” – Vance Joy

• “Take Me Home, Country Roads” – John Denver

• “Weightless” – Natasha Bedingfield