Many motorhome travellers look for overnight options outside of a campsite, either for flexibility, budgeting or more freedom. This leaves two options; wild camping and overnight parking. We’ll outline both to you and help you find overnight parking options across the UK and Europe. Discover how you can enjoy the ultimate freedom of motorhome travel without being constricted to a campsite.
What are the rules on campervan overnight parking?
The most important thing to remember about parking overnight is that it is not allowed everywhere. Never assume you can stay somewhere, as that can result in you being woken up at 4 am by an angry official. Secondly, just because you can park somewhere doesn’t mean that you can stay the whole night! Campervan overnight parking is difficult, but luckily there are loads of websites and apps to help make it easier!
How does overnight parking differ from wild camping?
Wild camping refers to camping somewhere that is not a campsite. This can be done with or without a motorhome and is usually focused on being more in nature. Wild camping is also often prohibited, but generally, if you follow the wild camping etiquette you’ll be fine. If you’re not noticeable, then you’re not in trouble. You can usually wild camp in most national parks, provided you stay away from the paths and from touristic spots. If you’re ever in doubt about whether you can wild camp, simply ask the nearest landowner to be sure. Often landowners won’t mind if you stay on their land, as long as you ask!
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Where can I park overnight in England?
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Where can I park overnight in Scotland?
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Where can I park overnight in Wales?
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Where can I park overnight in Northern Ireland?
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Where can I park overnight in Ireland?
Brit Stops
If you're looking for overnight parking spots in the UK, your best bet is to buy the latest edition of the Brit Stops books. Brit Stops features a wide variety of locations offering free overnight parking for you and your van, from breweries to vineyards to farm shops - you'll find everything! It will ensure you visit new locations and meet new people, all from the comfort of your van. You can find out more about Brit Stops, and buy their current book for your permanent membership card.
Do the rules differ in Europe?
Europe holds a similar stance towards overnight parking, yet aims to be more accommodating to motorhome owners. Wild camping is permitted in many national parks, or upon request on private land. Many countries have designated overnight parking for motorhomes, known as camper spots. These range from car parks to beaches to town centres. Often they include free drinking water, facilities for chemical toilets and grey water disposal, and even electricity to hook up to. Some limit how long you can park there (usually about 48 hours) and others will have no restrictions. Here are some of the different names for them, keep an eye out for signs.
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Spain & Portugal: Area de servicio para autocaravans
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Italy: Area di Sosta
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France & Belgium: Aires de Service
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Germany, Austria & Switzerland: Stellplatz
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Norway: Bobils
What is overnight parking etiquette?
The biggest thing to remember is that camper stops are not for camping. Do not pitch a tent, wind out your awning, hang out laundry or put out a camping table. Whilst there are tempting, if you want to camp then you should head to a campsite and pay for it. Leave the area as you found it, and keep noise and any disturbances to a minimum. Also, make sure to keep your doors locked, don’t mistake overnight stops as having the safety of a campsite.
Online resources for overnight parking and wild camping spots:
Now that you know where you’ll be staying, it is time to consider what you’ll be staying in! Once you’ve got wheels, you can head out into the great wide open. The choices are endless, so find your dream motorhome and let your adventure begin.
On Goboony you can hire the perfect campervan for you from a private owner.
