If you’re travelling in a campervan, then you’ll need to find somewhere to park it each night. This might mean pulling up at the side of the road, finding a fully-featured campsite, or simply stopping the vehicle in the middle of a field, somewhere.
Wherever you decide to sleep, you must stay on the right side of the law. But it might not always be clear where the line is.
Understanding National and Local Laws
The bad news is that the rules can vary from one local authority to another. Don’t assume that you can park in a given location; this can result in you receiving a knock on the window in the middle of the night from the police. Councils have the power to set bylaws, and these are often stringent in tourist-focused areas where rogue campervans can be a public menace.
It’s also worth noting that the bylaws in question can change. So, it’s worth checking to be sure, even if you’ve successfully parked in a given area before, without a problem.
Wild Camping and Public Land: What’s Allowed?
‘Wild’ camping is the practice of parking somewhere that isn’t a purpose-built campsite. It’s something that you can do with a motorhome — but the rules are a little more stringent. For example, in Scotland, the Outdoor Access Code means that wild camping is legal — unless you’re camping in a motorhome.
Much of the time, permission is required from local landowners. While in practice, you might get away with parking a campervan in a given location for a single night, you’re bound to get caught and scolded if you do it often enough. Whether you have permission or not, it’s good practice to be discreet, limit your stay, and leave no trace of your presence.
Parking in Urban and Tourist Destinations
Major towns and cities impose stricter rules when it comes to overnight parking. In some places, like Lincoln and Saltburn, overnight parking is banned outright. If you intend to stop on a motorway, then you’ll find that some service stations provide special facilities just for overnight parking. Make sure that you abide by the rules and that you take a look at the signage in the vicinity to make sure you understand them fully. You should also invest in specialised campervan insurance, so that you’re covered against the risks present in urban areas.
Finding Legal Overnight Options and Useful Resources
Of course, it’s a good idea to know well in advance where you are and aren’t permitted to park. You can do this with the help of online services like Park4night, which have the advantage of being regularly updated in line with the evolving rules. Don’t rely on these services, however; confirm that you’re allowed to park in a given location before you pull up.
