Parking Laws For Campers: Understanding Legal Spaces

Australia has no shortage of natural beauty, from its coastal beaches to its lush parks and trails, and it's a great place to explore by campervan. However, you can't just park your camper anywhere. Local governments have implemented various parking laws and regulations, and these vary depending on the state and town. So, it's important to do your research and familiarise yourself with the local rules to avoid fines.

Parking on residential streets

California, US

In California, it is illegal to park a camper van or RV on residential streets, roadways, alleys, highways, parks, or beaches between midnight and 5 am. Therefore, it is important to research local ordinances and regulations in each city to ensure you find legal parking for your camper van.

Australia

In Australia, camper van travellers can park their vehicles alongside residential streets like other vehicles. However, most places won't allow a camper van or motorhome to park on the side of the road overnight. Instead, you are required to move to a designated area, or you may face fines. Local councils or tourist centres will provide information on where you can park overnight.

UK

In the UK, there is no law that prevents you from making a motorhome your primary residence. The only legal stipulation is that it must be roadworthy, hold a current MOT certificate, be taxed and insured, and only pitch up in permitted places. Local authorities across the UK and Europe have the freedom to determine what restrictions apply to where you can or can't safely park.

US and Canada

In the US and Canada, it is generally not permitted to park a camper van on a city street overnight. Some cities and towns have even banned camper van owners from parking on city streets for an extended period of time.

Parking in holiday parks

Holiday parks and motorhome sites are among the most reliable and convenient places to park your campervan or RV. Holiday parks are especially useful when travelling long distances, as they are usually scattered throughout a country. In Australia, for example, there are many holiday parks and caravan parks that offer safe places to park your motorhome at night. These parks also offer access to campsite facilities such as a camp kitchen, toilet facilities, hot showers and a dump station, for prices ranging from AU$25-55 depending on location and facilities.

In the US, Kampgrounds of America (KOA) is a popular option for those looking to park their RVs or campers. KOA offers three types of RV parks to choose from – Holiday, Journey and Resort – with simple and resort-style amenities. KOA caters to extended-stay guests, providing resources to help seasonal RVers locate campgrounds that offer monthly rates and allow seasonal camping.

National parks are another option for parking your campervan or RV. In Australia, national parks offer a mix of free camping and low-cost camping options, depending on the location. In the US, national and state parks are also a good choice, with camping sites that tend to be more spread out and feel more natural than private campsites. However, these sites can fill up early, especially during the warmer months, so it's best to book in advance.

Parking in national parks

In the United States, national parks like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Zion offer overnight camping options for RVs and campervans. These parks provide designated areas for RV parking in their main parking lots and typically allow RVs on their roads. However, some parks, such as Zion National Park, have restrictions on RV length, and larger vehicles may need permits to drive through certain areas.

When planning your trip, be sure to reserve your campsite well in advance, as spots can fill up quickly, especially during popular weekends and holidays. Additionally, keep in mind that not all national parks have full hookups for RVs, and only a handful offer partial or full utility connections. For example, Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona offers 29 full-hookup sites for RVs up to 28 feet long and 50 full-hookup sites for RVs up to 50 feet long. In contrast, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado offers electric-only hookups with a maximum RV size of 40 feet.

In Australia, national parks are also a popular option for campervan parking. There are over 600 national parks across the country, offering a mix of free camping and low-cost camping options. Similar to the United States, some Australian national parks have restrictions on where campervans can park and may require bookings for overnight parking. It is important to check the local regulations and guidelines for each state and national park before planning your trip.

Overall, national parks offer a great opportunity to explore nature while having a comfortable base in your campervan. With a bit of research and planning, you can find the perfect spot to park your camper and enjoy the beauty of the park.

Free camping

Where to Find Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land

Camping on BLM land is a great way to get out into nature for free. In the US, dispersed camping is allowed on most BLM land for up to 14 days. You can use the BLM online map to locate BLM land near you, but be aware that not all BLM land is suitable for camping. Paid and serviced campgrounds are available on some BLM lands, but these only comprise a small percentage of the total land reserved under BLM. The rest of the area is designated for dispersed camping, which means sleeping on public land away from established recreation facilities. There are usually no resources available at dispersed camping sites, so you'll need to bring everything you need and pack everything out when you leave.

National Forest Lands

With over 150 National Forests in the US, there's sure to be one near you. All National Forest lands are open to free dispersed camping unless otherwise indicated, and you can use the locator feature on the US Forest Service website to find one near you. Similar to BLM land, dispersed camping in National Forests means there won't be any amenities like toilets, showers, running water, or electricity. There are also rules you'll need to follow to prevent damage to natural resources and wildlife, such as campfire restrictions, human waste disposal requirements, and proper food storage procedures.

Big Box Store Parking Lots

Many large stores, such as Walmart, Cabela's, Cracker Barrel, and Planet Fitness, allow free overnight parking for campervans in their parking lots. These spots usually have good security and plenty of space, but be sure to check with the store management and read reviews from past campers to make sure your chosen location allows overnight parking. It's also courteous to park away from the store and keep your spot clean.

Casinos

Many casinos offer free camping facilities for campervans, usually in the form of a parking spot without any additional amenities. While they hope you'll try your luck at the casino, you can always just use the parking spot for a good night's sleep. You can use the CasinoCamper website to find casinos that offer free overnight opportunities.

Truck Stops

Truck stops are designed for large semi-trucks and other vehicles to stop and park overnight. They often have amenities like food and showers (usually for a small fee). Flying J and Pilot service centers are two brands that offer free overnight parking and RV services like water dump stations and propane refills. However, truck stops can be noisy, so bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper.

Rest Areas

Rest areas along major highways are a convenient free overnight solution, as they usually have plenty of parking spaces and bathroom facilities. However, not all rest areas allow overnight parking, and those that do usually restrict parking to no more than 8-12 hours.

Stealth Camping in Urban Areas

Stealth camping involves discreetly camping for free in urban areas like residential neighbourhoods, roadsides, and business parking lots. This method requires a vehicle that doesn't look like a typical campervan, such as a basic white commercial work van. Stealth camping is generally not recommended, as it is the least safe option and has the highest chance of getting you in trouble with the authorities or local residents.

Tips for Free Camping

• Always get permission before free camping, if possible.
• Respect the free camping area to ensure its continued use.
• Be respectful and courteous to other campers and local residents.
• Keep your spot clean and pack all your belongings out when you leave.
• Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe, move to a different location.
• Plan ahead and take advantage of good reception to find free camping spots before you lose cell signal.
• Follow "Leave No Trace" principles: pack out all trash and waste, don't make excessive noise, and respect the environment.

Long-term parking solutions

There are several options for long-term parking solutions for your camper or RV. Here are some places to consider:

RV parks and campgrounds

RV parks and campgrounds are perhaps the most common and convenient options for long-term parking. They offer various amenities, such as water, electric, and even wifi hookups, and typically have no limits on how long you can stay as long as you pay for your spot. Many RV parks also offer monthly or annual rates, and some luxury RV resorts only offer long-term parking. However, these resorts may have waitlists, so it's essential to book in advance.

Private property

In some locations, you may be able to park your camper or RV on your own property, but be sure to check local ordinances and regulations. You can also rent or purchase land specifically for RV parking, which can be found through classified sections of local papers or specialised services like RV Property.

Mobile home parks

Mobile home parks can be another option for long-term RV parking. Some mobile home communities may offer RV spaces, and you can contact them to inquire about availability and rates.

Membership clubs

Joining an RV membership club, such as Escapees RV Club or Good Sam's Club, can provide access to exclusive long-term parking options. These clubs often have networks of RV parks and campgrounds that offer discounted rates for members.

National and state parks

National and state parks can be excellent options for long-term RV parking, especially if you want to explore the outdoors. However, reservations may be required, and there might be limits on how long you can stay. It's important to research the specific rules and regulations of the park before planning your trip.

Truck stops

Truck stops are designed for large semi-trucks and other vehicles to stop and park overnight. They usually have basic amenities like food and showers, and they are generally legal and convenient locations to park your RV for a short period.

Casinos

Many casinos allow overnight parking, and some even have larger parking structures. However, it's important to check with the casino beforehand, as some may charge fees for special events.

Retail stores

Some retail stores, like Walmart and Costco, are known for allowing overnight parking. However, it's always a good idea to ask the manager for permission and be courteous by parking away from the main entrances to leave space for customers.

When choosing a long-term parking solution, it's essential to consider your specific needs, budget, and preferred amenities. Additionally, be sure to research the rules and regulations of your desired location, as they can vary from state to state and city to city.

Frequently asked questions