I used to do a lot of traveling and slept in rest stops and 24 hour Walmart parking lots (they allow it, or at least used to). Here’s a little pro-tip for security. Run your front seatbelts down through the doors built in handles, across the seats and into the buckle. Pull it as tight as you can. If anyone picks the lock while you’re asleep they won’t be able to open the door. I never had it needed but I slept more soundly knowing that extra bit of security was in place. Outside of that, be sure you have more water than you need. Keep an unopened, sealed gallon that you never open, or rotate and replace as needed. Keep your batteries charged. I don’t play baseball but I’d travel with an old mitt and bat. Put a long sock over the end of your bat. It’ll give you an extra swing if needed. No shame in carrying mace/bear spray and a whistle, either. Keep a decent first aid kit, too, with a large bottle of rubbing alcohol. And rolls of toilet paper! Rest stops and port-o-potties aren’t always that clean. Rubbing alcohol on the toilet seats is a simple way to keep sanitary. Baby wipes are the best when you haven’t been able to shower for a minute. Enjoy your travels!

but its generally 2 weeks before you have to move a couple miles.

I'm guessing that you're probably talking about BLM land.

https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/camping

BLM-managed lands offer numerous opportunities for camping under the stars ranging from staying in an RV at a highly developed campground to simply throwing a sleeping bag on the ground in the backcountry. No matter what type of experience you are looking for, you can find it on BLM-managed public lands.

Dispersed Camping

Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources.

Dispersed camping is generally allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. Camping limitation rules vary per office, please check with your local office for details on camping limitations. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska).

EDIT: Oh, no, the Forest Service does it too. A little over two weeks for them.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/fishlake/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5121831

You may camp in a dispersed area for up to 16 days. After 16 days, you must move at least 5 road miles for camping in another dispersed area. Campers may not spend more than 16 days of any 30 day period at the same dispersed area.

Huh. Well, that's interesting. First I'd heard of that.

The first couple of nights are the most unsettling but it becomes normal pretty quick. In 3 years of living on the road there was only one time someone spooked us at night and it was just kids rocking the van for a laugh.

Hey I hope you enjoy it! This feeling of freedom balanced with a bit of adrenaline & uncertainty is exhilarating. I've been living like this for 5 years uninterrupted, and the mere thought of ever going back to living in a house or apartment makes me feel claustrophobic. I love living in a van. Pure freedom. The only requirements are staying afloat in life enough to keep maintaining the van and keeping everything legal and clean and we are free to roam! Free to live anywhere we want.

I'm excited for you! I hope you enjoy the camping trip :)

Nice read.
Wouldn't it feel even more dispersed away from civilization if you left the car behind?
Unless you trail up and down rocky mountains, I recommend hiking shoes that don't go high on the ankle, they are much more comfortable than boots.

Congratulations for going on this adventure! IMO, living for a few days now and then away from human development is almost like a spiritual experience. Occasionally reminding ourselves that there is existence outside of the systems we are familiar with really changes the way we see things. I've only been dispersion camping for four days at a time before -- this week+ trip you're on sounds like it will be great.

Alright, I never mention this in real life because it sounds absolutely ridiculous, but... the first time I dug a hole to shit in it, I felt like a different person. I was like, damn, I can do that. I just did that. Anyway, have a good shit. I mean trip.

If you choose to camp anywhere near mountains, please remember to stow your food and always carry bear spray.

have fun, dispersed camping is great.

i used to use ioverlander a lot, there's a cool map overlay showing BLM and other public lands.

makes it a little easier to find out how close you are to public lands and where you can drive to get to them.

Does dispersed camping mean you all go to different campsites?

Just have fun.

Hope you enjoy it. Don't worry too much about what you're forgetting. Over time you'll have a list of steps for getting ready, and for setting up once you get where you're going. It's a process, takes time to pare things down to what you really need, and will get easier with each trip out.

Did you die?

You'll be fine! If you forget anything, you can just get it. There's no need to be over-prepared for everything. Relax and enjoy!

If you're just getting started with long term travel/camping, you'll soon realize that you probably have way more stuff you don't need than not having things that you do.

Have fun! :)