Campervan overnight parking while travelling across the UK can be an excellent way to save money and experience the ultimate freedom of travel.
Campervans allow you to travel at your own pace, with the flexibility to change your plans on a whim and explore new places whenever the mood strikes.
With a comfortable place to sleep and all the necessary amenities on board, you can go where you want, when you want, without the need for hotel or strict schedules.
One of the most important things to consider if you’re planning a campervan trip in the UK is where to park your vehicle overnight.
Campervan Overnight Parking Rules
The general rules of campervan overnight parking in the UK depend on the specific location and circumstances.
However, there are some general guidelines that campervan owners should keep in mind to avoid any potential issues:
- Check for parking restrictions: Make sure to check for any parking restrictions or rules in the area where you plan to park your campervan overnight. Some areas may have specific regulations or time limits on parking, and you could face fines or other penalties for breaking these rules.
- Be considerate of others: No matter where you park your campervan, be mindful of the local community and try to be as discreet as possible. Avoid making excessive noise or disturbing your neighbours, and don’t leave any litter or waste behind.
- Respect private property: Always seek permission from the landowner before parking on private property, and be aware of any specific rules or restrictions they may have in place.
- Choose safe and secure locations: Look for well-lit and safe areas to park overnight, and avoid isolated or potentially dangerous locations. You may also want to consider using a parking lot or designated motorhome parking area for added security.
- Follow the “leave no trace” principle: When camping and especially in the countryside, it’s important to respect the environment and follow the “leave no trace” principle. This means packing out all your rubbish and waste and avoiding any damage to your surroundings.
Where Can you Park a Campervan Overnight in the UK?
Fortunately, there are several good and popular options for parking a campervan overnight in the UK, including:
Campsites
The UK has a wide range of campsites with facilities specifically designed for campervans. These include electrical hook-ups, water supplies, and waste disposal points. You can find campsites by searching online or using apps like Pitchup or Cool Camping.
Public car parks
Some public car parks, such as beach car parks allow overnight parking for campervans, but it’s important to check the signs to make sure there are no restrictions. Many council-run car parks offer overnight parking for a fee.
Wild camping
Wild camping, which involves camping in the countryside or on public land, is possible in some areas of the UK. However, it’s important to follow the “leave no trace” principle and respect the environment. In other areas, wild camping is not allowed and could result in a fine.
Private land
In private car parks and other forms of private land, such as a pub car park, permission must be sought from the owner before setting up camp for the night.
Can I Sleep in my Campervan on the Road?
It is generally not illegal to sleep in a campervan overnight on the road, however there are certain rules and regulations that must be adhered to.
The Road Traffic Act of 1988 states that it is an offence to drive a motor vehicle without lawful authority on land of any description which is not part of a road, a footpath or a bridleway. Additionally, vehicles should not be parked for long periods of time in residential areas as this can cause disruption or distress to local residents.
When parking your campervan overnight on the road, it is important to remain within 15 yards of the public highway and have permission from the landowner if you are parked off-road.
Although sleeping in your campervan may be legal, it is important to remember that you must adhere to all local laws and regulations when parking on public roads.
Parking Campervans in Residential Areas of the UK
Parking campervans in residential areas in the UK can be a contentious issue.
While it is technically legal to park a campervan on a residential street as long as it is not causing an obstruction or breaking any parking restrictions, many residents may find the presence of a campervan type vehicle (especially if it’s a large van) in their neighbourhood to be disruptive or unsightly.
Some local councils have implemented regulations on overnight parking in residential areas, with fines for those who violate the rules. In some cases, campervan owners have also faced complaints or objections from neighbours, which can create tension and conflict.
As such, it’s important for campervan owners to be respectful of any local regulations and considerate of those who live in the area by trying to find very quiet spots that are not immediately outside other people’s houses.
Is Wild Camping in a Campervan Legal?
Wild camping is the practice of camping in an outdoor, undeveloped area without the use of a designated campsite. While wild camping can offer an adventurous and unique experience, it is important to be aware of local laws and regulations before engaging in this activity.
In England and Wales, wild camping is technically only legal if permission has been given by the landowner which can be difficult to obtain and should not be assumed.
In Scotland, wild camping is permitted on most unenclosed land under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003; however, this does not include vehicles such as campervans or motorhomes. Furthermore, many national parks have restrictions on overnight stays unless you are staying at a designated campsite or caravan park.
Ultimately, it’s important to do your research before engaging in any type of wild camping activity. While it can provide a great experience for those who are properly prepared and responsible, it’s key to remember that respect for nature and private property should always come first.
Is Wild Camping Safe?
The most important thing when it comes to wild camping is to choose the right spot.
Look for areas away from populated areas, roads and homes and don’t forget, if you’re on private property, make sure you have permission from the landowner!
Make sure you’re prepared with enough food, water and supplies for your adventure. It’s also wise to let someone know where you are in case of an emergency.
Additionally, make sure your campsite isn’t prone to flooding; check for signs of previous flooding before settling down for the night. Finally, pay attention to weather conditions and be aware of any potential hazards such as wildlife or rough terrain that may affect your safety.
When it comes to respecting nature, follow “leave no trace” principles by disposing of your rubbish properly and avoiding disturbing wildlife or damage to plants.
How to Find the Best Campervan Overnight Parking Spots
Finding the best overnight parking spots to camp in the UK is possible with a bit of research and planning.
There are various apps and websites available that provide mapping and navigation services to help you with your search.
These resources provide information on where you can park your campervan overnight, as well as details on parking laws. Additionally, they can help you stay away from residential areas.
You don’t necessarily have to pay for an app to find the perfect camping spot either – there are many free resources out there which offer up-to-date information on great places to stay.
Be sure to check out reviews and ratings before committing to a spot, so that you know exactly what you’re getting into.
Park4night
Park4night is an excellent resource for anyone looking to explore the UK by campervan. It offers a free version of its motorhome parking app, which includes multiple nearby places to stay such as campsites, supermarket car parks, fields and lay-bys.
The app enables users to add locations, which can be reviewed and viewed in detail. It is searchable by locality or specific areas. Free access to the app is available, however a £10 annual subscription fee provides additional offline access and is ideal for those who frequently camp outdoors or stay off-grid.
Campy
Campy is a revolutionary app that allows you to search for and find the perfect place to park your campervan overnight. With over 30,000 campsites and motorhome stops at your fingertips, Campy makes it easy to explore the UK without breaking the bank. From wild camping spots and lay-bys to supermarkets car parks and fields, Campy helps you find the best spot for your next adventure.
The app also includes detailed information about each site, such as photos, reviews, directions and pricing if applicable. With its user-friendly design and free version available, Campy is a must-have tool for anyone looking to explore the UK by campervan!
StayFree – Vanlife App
StayFree is an innovative app that allows campervan and motorhome owners to find the perfect spot for their next overnight stay. With over 30,000 campsites, motorhome stops and wild camping spots at your fingertips, StayFree makes it easy to explore the UK without breaking the bank.
The app includes detailed information about each site, such as photos, reviews, directions and pricing if applicable. Plus, with its user-friendly design and free version available, StayFree is a must-have tool for anyone looking to explore the UK by campervan! Whether you’re searching for a nature reserve or a quiet layby spot in the countryside, StayFree will help you find the best place to park up overnight.
Camperstop
If you’re looking for the ultimate campervan overnight experience, Camperstop is the perfect solution. This comprehensive guidebook and app offers over 10,000 campsites, motorhome stops and wild camping spots across the UK – ideal for anyone wanting to explore the country from behind the wheel of a campervan.
The hard copy guidebook is available for purchase for €26.50, or you can get an annual subscription to the app for just €5.49. With its easy-to-use interface, Camperstop makes it simple to search for nearby spots according to your needs. Plus, each listing includes detailed information such as photos, reviews, directions and pricing – so you can be sure that you’ve found the perfect area in which to park up your campervan overnight.
Searchforsites
Searchforsites is the ultimate resource for finding the perfect campervan overnight spot in the UK. With over 100,000 members providing and updating information daily, it is a one-stop shop for all your camping needs. Whether you’re looking for a free motorhome camping spot or just wanting to explore what’s out there, Searchforsites has you covered.
You can use their website or app to search by location or simply move the map around to find spots that fit your requirements. Plus, if you upgrade your account to a paid subscription, it’s possible to download their data onto your Garmin or TomTom sat-nav for added convenience.
Facebook Campervan Overnight Parking
The Facebook Campervan Overnight Parking group is a great resource for anyone looking for advice on where to park their campervan for the night. With over 114,000 members, not only is it the largest campervan overnight parking group on Facebook, but it also provides a wealth of knowledge from like-minded individuals.
Whether you’re looking for free camping spots or want to stay somewhere with more luxuries, this group will have something for you. Plus, with posts updated daily and members adding new information all the time, you can be sure that you’ll always find the latest and best overnight parking spots around.
Final Thoughts on Campervan Overnight Parking
In conclusion, there is no shortage of great places for campervan overnight parking in the UK.
From private campsites that offer secure parking and facilities, to public spaces like car parks and motorway service areas, there’s something for everyone.
The most important thing is to make sure you follow any local rules and regulations wherever you decide to stay – this is especially important if you’re wild camping. Additionally, there are some great apps and websites that can help you find the perfect spot for your next overnight stay.
From peaceful camping spots by the coast to bustling cities and everywhere in between, there’s surely something for everyone. With a little bit of research and preparation, you can be sure of a safe and comfortable rest every time you settle down for the night away from home. Happy travels!
