
Camper van and RV enthusiasts often wonder how close to the road they can park their vehicles. The answer depends on several factors, including local laws, the type of road, and the availability of parking spaces. While there may be no specific laws prohibiting parking on the street, it is generally not allowed, and local authorities—who typically own the roads—have their own regulations.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Legality of parking on the street | No legal right to do so, but no law to prohibit it either |
Land ownership | Most roads and highways are owned by local authorities |
Traffic Regulation Orders | Rules for public car parks vary across the UK |
Parking restrictions | Cannot park in prohibited areas, blocking entrances or passing places on a road |
Parking duration | No limit to how long you can park on unrestricted roads |
Permission | Required from the landowner |
Parking location | Avoid residential areas, car parks, and busy areas |
Parking behaviour | Do not dump waste or rubbish, and respect the privacy of neighbours |
Insurance | Required for the vehicle |
MOT | Required for the vehicle |
Tax | Required for the vehicle |
What You'll Learn
Camper parking on private property
Campervan living has become an increasingly popular choice in recent years, with remote working and flexible hours facilitating a more nomadic lifestyle. However, parking a campervan or RV for extended periods, especially on private property, requires careful consideration of local laws and regulations.
In the UK, the law defines a motorhome, campervan, or similar vehicle as equivalent to a caravan. This means that many laws for caravans also apply to campervans. When it comes to parking on roadsides, lay-bys, or private property, the situation can be complex and ambiguous. In England and Wales, camping on land is generally prohibited as most land is privately owned. 'Camping' typically refers to parking overnight or for up to 21-28 consecutive days. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, camping is not permitted without the landowner's explicit permission.
While there may be no specific legislation prohibiting sleeping in a vehicle at the roadside, seeking permission from the landowner is crucial. Parking laws often depend on how and where you are parked. It is advisable to avoid busy areas or locations with high traffic volumes. Even if there are no explicit local bylaws or traffic regulations prohibiting overnight parking, caution is still recommended. Sensible and safe parking practices include ensuring your vehicle does not block access to fields or properties, obstruct the passage of other vehicles, or create pollution or waste on someone else's property.
Public car parks, such as those owned by local councils or private companies, often have strict regulations regarding overnight parking and camping. Some may permit overnight parking but disallow overnight camping due to the different interpretation of how the car park is utilised. Local authorities might allow overnight camping in their car parks, but this is usually limited to one night. Additionally, car parks often have restrictions on vehicle weight, height, and class, prohibiting larger vehicles due to limited space.
In the United States, the legality of parking a campervan or RV on private property varies from state to state and city to city. Parking on private property without the owner's express permission is considered trespassing and is illegal. While an emergency may necessitate parking on private property, it is generally advisable to avoid it altogether when seeking overnight parking.
When travelling and seeking overnight parking spots, it is essential to research the specific laws and regulations of your destination. Additionally, consider utilising alternative options such as truck stops, casinos, Walmart parking lots, RV campgrounds, and national or state parks, each with their own unique advantages and limitations.
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Camper parking on public streets
In the UK, there is no legal right to park a motorhome or campervan on the street, but neither is there a law prohibiting it. Local authorities own most roads and highways, and each authority has its own set of regulations. While there may be no law against parking on the street if you are not sleeping in the vehicle, you should be mindful of your neighbours and ensure you are not blocking their access or light.
To avoid any problems, it is advisable to use overnight parking apps and websites, which can help locate overnight parking spots for your camper, often in pub and hotel car parks.
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Camper parking in national parks
Rules and Regulations
Firstly, it's important to note that each national park has its own set of rules and regulations regarding campervan parking. While most national parks allow campervan parking, it is essential to check the specific rules of your desired park before your trip. Some parks may have length restrictions for vehicles, and others may require reservations for RV or motorhome camping. It is also important to respect quiet hours, keep a clean camp, and be mindful of food storage and campfire safety.
Reservation and Availability
National and state parks are popular destinations, especially during the warmer months. It is highly recommended to plan ahead and make reservations for your campervan spot to avoid disappointment. Reservations for campsites in national parks can usually be made up to six months in advance on websites like recreation.gov. However, there may also be first-come, first-served campsites available, but these tend to fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
Parking Spaces and Vehicle Length Restrictions
When booking a campsite for your campervan, ensure that the parking space can accommodate your vehicle. The average campervan length ranges from 14.5 to 20 feet, so review the parking space sizes before reserving. Additionally, some roads and parking areas within national parks may have length restrictions for vehicles. For example, in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, vehicles longer than 22 to 24 feet are not advised on certain roads and stretches due to safety concerns.
Cost and Additional Fees
When planning your trip, keep in mind that the cost of booking a campsite usually does not include park entry fees. You will likely need to pay these fees separately upon arrival. Additionally, some national parks may charge additional fees for various amenities or activities.
Pet Policies
If you plan to bring your pet along, be sure to check the pet policies of the national park you intend to visit. While most national park campgrounds allow pets in campsites, they may have specific requirements, such as keeping your pet on a leash no longer than six feet. Additionally, most national parks do not allow pets on trails, so you may need to make alternative arrangements if you plan to hike or explore the park's trails.
In conclusion, camper parking in national parks offers a unique opportunity to explore and enjoy nature. By following the tips outlined above, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience during your trip. Remember to always respect the natural environment and follow the rules and regulations set by the national parks to preserve these beautiful spaces for future generations.
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Camper parking at rest stops
Rest stops are parking lots located along major roads or highways, designed to give travellers a place to get out of their vehicles, stretch, and use the bathroom. Some have visitor centres, mowed lawns, public WiFi, and heated facilities, while others have outhouses and a little patch of roadside brush for vegetation.
Many states allow travellers to park overnight at rest stops. However, no states allow camping at rest stops. This means that you can crawl into your camper for a good night's sleep, but you're not welcome to set up camp or linger.
Rest areas are often spacious enough to accommodate any size of RV, including big rigs. Many are well-maintained and offer amenities such as bathrooms, WiFi, and dog runs, while some even have luxuries like restaurants and fresh water to fill your tanks.
With few exceptions, rest areas that allow overnight parking are also free to use, open 24 hours a day, and well-marked along highways and interstates.
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Texas
- Utah
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Some states don't have statewide laws or regulations about overnight parking at rest stops. In these cases, pay attention to any posted signs, as rules can vary. These states include:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Connecticut
- Indiana
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Maine
- Michigan
- Montana
- New Jersey
- New Hampshire
- Oklahoma
- Rhode Island
- Wisconsin
Some states allow parking with time limits (between 2 and 4 hours) at rest areas. Check each state's regulations so you don't overstay your welcome. These states include:
- Florida
- Illinois
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- New York
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
Some states explicitly don't allow overnight parking (or camping) at rest areas. In these states, rest areas are designated for rest, so if truly needed, you could do so at your discretion for a short period of time without drawing attention to yourself. These states include:
- Colorado
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Virginia
If you're looking for a comfortable and free place to recharge overnight, rest stops are a great option. However, it's important to be courteous and follow any posted rules and regulations. Remember, these spaces are intended for brief stops, so don't set up camp or linger for too long.
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Camper parking at truck stops
- Respect trucker priorities: Truckers are working and are required by law to take breaks and rest. Therefore, it is important to respect their priorities and not interfere with their livelihood.
- Don't leave your camper unattended while fuelling: Avoid fuelling up and then leaving your camper to go into the store or restroom. This can be frustrating for truckers who are on a tight schedule.
- Avoid parking in truck spots: Unless there is a designated RV spot, it is best to avoid parking in spaces designated for trucks. Truckers may come and go at all hours and will appreciate having those spots available.
- Give trucks extra space: Even if your camper is in a designated RV spot, try to give trucks as much space as possible when parking. This is especially important if you need to extend your slides or put out chairs, as you don't want to accidentally block a neighbouring parking space.
- Be considerate when using truck stop facilities: Showers and other amenities at truck stops are often available for RV users, but it is important to be considerate and not hog resources that truckers may need.
- Support the truck stop by making a purchase: While camper parking at truck stops is often free, it is good etiquette to make a purchase, such as fuel, snacks, or a shower, to support the business and encourage them to continue accommodating RV users.
- Be friendly and respectful to truckers: Remember that truck stops are like a home away from home for truckers. Treating them with respect and kindness will go a long way, and they may even be grateful if you give them priority when it comes to showers or fuel.
Overall, camper parking at truck stops can be a convenient option when travelling, but it is important to follow these guidelines to ensure a positive experience for both RV users and truckers.
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Frequently asked questions
This depends on the state and local laws. In some states, like Alabama, you must maintain a 10-foot distance from the road. In Arkansas, the camper must be 15 feet away from all surrounding buildings.
In most places, it is illegal to park a camper on public streets overnight or for extended periods. However, this varies by location, so be sure to check the local laws and regulations.
This depends on the size of your camper and local regulations. In most cities, campers longer than 25 feet are not allowed in driveways. Some states, like California, rarely permit permanent parking in driveways, but temporary parking is usually allowed.
Yes, it is best to avoid parking near schools or playgrounds as this may cause concern for parents and other residents. It is also important to respect private property and only park on someone's private property if you have their express permission.
Truck stops, casinos, and stores like Walmart and Cracker Barrel are known to accommodate overnight camper parking. National and state parks, as well as RV campgrounds, are also good options, but advance booking is often required.