Derek Montoya
Campervan and motorhome travel is a popular way to explore a country, combining transport and accommodation costs into one. However, parking a large vehicle like a campervan can be challenging, especially when it comes to overnight parking. While some countries and regions are more restrictive than others, it is generally not allowed to park a campervan just anywhere. So, where can you park a campervan overnight?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Campervan overnight parking | Not allowed everywhere |
| Wild camping | Somewhere that is not a campsite |
| Campervan parking in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland | Requires further research |
| Campervan parking in Europe | More accommodating to motorhome owners |
| Campervan parking etiquette | No pitching a tent, winding out your awning, hanging out laundry or putting out a camping table |
| Campervan parking apps | Park4Night, Camperstop.com, Searchforsites, Campercontact, Brit Stops |
| Campervan parking books | Brit Stops |
| Campervan parking social media groups | Campervan Overnight Parking, Motorhome Sleepyspots |
| Campervan parking Instagram accounts | Park4night |
What You'll Learn
Truck stops
- Some truck stops have spots dedicated to RV parking. If they have them, use them instead of the truck parking spots.
- If there are no dedicated RV spots, create your own RV spot at a travel centre such as Flying J, Love's, or Pilot. Truck stops are spacious enough for semi-trucks to manoeuvre, so if you can find an area off to the side where you will not be blocking any traffic flow, take it!
- If you can, park in the auto park area of the truck stop, not in a giant truck spot.
- Be considerate and respectful to truck drivers. They have strict hours to abide by when it comes to driving and rest time, and there are limited places they can park.
- If you're unsure if overnight parking is allowed, call ahead or ask inside the store.
- Take advantage of the amenities offered by truck stops, such as showers, laundromats, restaurants, and RV washes.
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Casinos
There are several benefits to parking your camper van overnight at a casino. Casinos are often located along major travel routes, making them convenient stops when you need to rest. Their parking lots tend to be spacious, well-maintained, and patrolled by security. They are also usually located close to amenities like restaurants, convenience stores, and gas stations. Additionally, casinos often have good cell coverage, which is ideal if you need to stay connected while on the road.
When planning to park your camper van at a casino, it is important to do some research beforehand. Not all casinos allow overnight parking, and those that do may have specific rules and regulations that you need to follow. It is recommended to call ahead or check reviews to confirm that the casino allows overnight parking and to familiarise yourself with any rules and regulations.
Some casinos may require you to check in with security or the front desk upon arrival, and some may ask you to sign up for a loyalty or rewards program. It is also important to be respectful of the casino's property and other guests by following any posted rules and regulations, keeping your site contained, and being considerate of noise levels.
- Tropicana Laughlin Hotel & Casino in Laughlin, Nevada
- Hotel Nevada Casino in Ely, Nevada
- Casa Blanca Resort Casino in Mesquite, Nevada
- Casino Pauma in Pauma Valley, California
- Thunder Valley Casino in Lincoln, California
- Cher-Ae Heights Casino in Trinidad, California
- Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino near Phoenix, Arizona
- BlueWater Resort & Casino in Parker, Arizona
- Twin Arrows Casino Resort in Flagstaff, Arizona
- Tulalip Casino in Marysville, Washington
- Quinault Beach Resort & Casino in Ocean Shores, Washington
- Northern Quest Resort & Casino in Airway Heights, Washington
- Three Rivers Casino & Hotel in Florence, Oregon
- Seven Feathers Casino Resort in Canyonville, Oregon
- Kla-Mo-Ya Casino in Chiloquin, Oregon
- Odawa Casino Resort in Petoskey, Michigan
- Kewadin Casino St. Ignace in St. Ignace, Michigan
- Kewadin Casino Manistique in Manistique, Michigan
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Supermarkets
When parking overnight at a supermarket, it is important to be courteous and considerate. Try to park away from the main entrances and prime parking spots to leave space for customers. Parking towards the back of the lot is usually quieter and can provide a better rest. It is also a good idea to check with the store staff or management to ensure overnight parking is allowed at that particular location.
In addition to offering a convenient place to park, supermarkets can also be a great opportunity to stock up on supplies. You can easily grab any food, snacks, or other essentials you may need for your trip. This makes supermarkets a practical and efficient choice for overnight camper van parking.
It is worth noting that not all supermarket locations may allow overnight parking, and it can vary from city to city. It is always a good idea to call ahead or check online to confirm the parking policies for a specific store. Additionally, be mindful of your personal safety and security when staying overnight in any public place.
Overall, supermarkets can be a convenient, practical, and cost-effective option for parking your camper van overnight during your travels. With a little planning and consideration, you can make the most of these opportunities and have a comfortable and enjoyable trip.
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Schools
Campervan and motorhome owners can park their vehicles overnight in several places across the country. However, it is important to note that specific laws and regulations may vary from state to state and city to city. Therefore, it is always a good idea to research the local rules before planning your trip.
If you are considering parking your campervan or motorhome overnight at a school, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Check with the school administrators first and respect their decision.
- Only use the school parking lot as a last resort if no other options are available.
- Ensure that you are parked outside of school hours to avoid any disruptions.
- Be mindful of the fact that some schools may be uncomfortable with this arrangement, and it is your responsibility to find an alternative spot if they do not permit it.
- It may be helpful if you or your child have personally attended the school, as they may be more accommodating.
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Campgrounds
In the US, national and state parks are great options for those who want to park their camper van amidst beautiful, scenic locations. Many national and state parks have specific sites for RV and camper van camping, which tend to be more spread out and feel more natural than private campsites. However, these sites can fill up quickly, especially during the warmer months and on weekends, so it is advisable to make reservations in advance.
Dispersed camping on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land is another popular option for those seeking a more remote and quiet camping experience. BLM land is usually free of charge and offers ample opportunities for off-grid camping. However, it is important to note that there are typically no showers or power hookups available at these sites.
In the UK, there are also many campsites available for camper van parking. Additionally, there is a system of approved overnight motorhome and camper van parking places called "aires," where vans can typically stay for up to 2-3 days. These sites often do not allow the use of awnings, chairs, or BBQs, but they can be a great option for short-term stays.
For those seeking free overnight parking options in the UK, wild camping or "wild parking" is an option, although it is important to obtain the landowner's permission beforehand and follow local laws and regulations. Scotland, for example, has different laws than England and Wales, allowing camping in most public unenclosed places due to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. However, this act does not cover motorised activities, so permission from the landowner is still required for camper van parking.
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Frequently asked questions
In the UK, most land is privately owned and you need the landowner's permission to park overnight. There are, however, some free parking options for camper vans throughout the country. These include Bureau of Land Management public lands, National Parks, and free campsites. Some good options for overnight parking include truck stops, casinos, Walmart, schools, and RV campgrounds.
In the UK, councils often have rules in place about 'human habitation', so while it may be legal to park your camper van overnight, it might not be legal to stay in it. Many residential streets in the UK also require a parking permit, so you will need one of these for your vehicle if the area requires it.
Staying overnight in car parks can be confusing as most local authority-operated car parks have rules prohibiting sleeping, camping, and cooking. Some people argue that restrictions that aren't posted in the car park itself cannot be enforced, but this is a risky assumption. It's always best to ask for permission first.
No, it is not that simple. You need to be careful whose land you are staying on to avoid any legal problems. While a motorhome is just a vehicle and can be legally parked on a public highway, parking on private land should only be done with the landowner's permission.
