Can you park a campervan anywhere?

Understanding where you can park your campervan is an important part of being a campervan owner. Laws around parking campervans differ depending on which country you’re visiting, but you’ll always find a great option to suit you and your travel plans.

In this guide, we highlight where you can park a campervan and related laws and rules in England, Scotland, and abroad. Plus, we’ve got tips for keeping your campervan safe overnight and will look at the importance of having road tax and a valid MOT.

Where can you park a campervan?

One of the greatest joys of owning and travelling around in a campervan is that you have the freedom to explore. However, it’s important to keep in mind that you won’t be able to park your campervan anywhere you like.

Typically, as long as you’re not stopping on private land, causing an obstruction, or staying for extended periods of time in certain places, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to where you can park a campervan. Read on to find out some of the rules around campervan parking in England, Scotland, and overseas.

Campervan parking in England

There are numerous places you can park a campervan in England, including:

• Campsites – Perhaps the best place to park your campervan, official campsites are safe, practical, and often have useful facilities, providing all you need for a comfortable stay. Booking campsites in advance to ensure there’s a space available for you is recommended, although you may be able to turn up on the day and secure a spot.
• On the roadside – Parking your campervan on the road in England is legal providing that you’re not causing an obstruction and that your campervan has a valid MOT. If you choose to park in a residential area for long periods of time, you might find that people living there complain, especially if there’s limited parking.
• Private land – You can park your campervan on private land providing you have the landowner’s permission. If you don’t have permission, parking on someone’s land is trespassing which is illegal. If you don’t know who owns a piece of land you’d like to stay on, you’ll need to find somewhere else to park instead.
• Other options – Apps, such as Campercontact, can help you find safe and legal places to park your campervan in England and beyond. This is a helpful resource when planning your trip or seeking a last-minute stay while on the road.

Campervan parking in Scotland

The rules for parking your campervan in Scotland are very similar to those for parking in England. However, there are a few additional options available to you, such as:

• Car parks – There are some car parks in Scotland that allow campervan parking. When this option is available, there will be specific campervan bays to use, and you’ll be charged a fee to park there.
• National Parks – Some of Scotland’s beautiful National Parks, including the Cairngorms National Park, allow people to pitch up in campervans. There are dedicated spots or sites where you can park which will be clearly marked.

Campervan parking abroad

Where you’re allowed to park your campervan when abroad will completely depend on the country you’re visiting. Many countries, particularly those in Europe, have similar rules to England and Scotland, whereas others are more relaxed, and some are fairly strict.

Always research the campervan parking rules for your chosen overseas destination to ensure you’re not breaking local laws.

Tips for overnight campervan parking

When parking your campervan up for an overnight stay, follow these tips to ensure your vehicle is safe and secure.

• Park in a designated campsite or somewhere that permits overnight stays so you can be confident you’re allowed to stay there.
• If you’re parking your campervan on a road overnight, choose somewhere that’s well-lit which will help to deter thieves and vandals.
• Lock the doors and windows of your campervan before you go to sleep and enable any additional security features you have, such as alarms or cameras.
• Close your curtains or cover windows to stop passersby from looking in and disturbing you.
• motorhome insurance can give you peace of mind should something unexpected happen while you’re parked up overnight.

Wild camping in a campervan

Wild camping is where people camp away from designated campsites and appeals to people who want to avoid crowds and have an uninterrupted experience of the great outdoors. However, wild camping is illegal in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland as you’re not allowed to stay on someone’s private land without their permission.

In Scotland, wild camping is permitted but not in a motorised vehicle, such as a campervan. This means that no matter where you’re exploring in the UK, you’ll need to stick to campsites and roads unless you get permission to stay on private land from the landowner.

Can I live in my campervan?

If you’d like to live in your campervan in the UK this is absolutely fine. There are no laws against this providing your campervan is road-legal and parked in line with the rules of the country you’re in. You could choose to spend the majority of your time parked in a particular campsite that you love or move between different locations to experience the freedom that comes with living in a campervan. There are many ways to make your campervan feel like home and it’s the perfect lifestyle for those seeking something different.

Does my campervan need road tax and an MOT?

Unless you’re only parking your campervan on your own private land, it will need to have a valid MOT and road tax. Without these, you cannot legally park in campsites, on the road, or travel around in it at all. Getting an MOT and road tax for your campervan is the same as for your car and you’ll need to renew these annually.

Specialist campervan insurance through Ripe

As well as finding secure campervan parking, you may want to consider campervan insurance. Through Ripe, you can protect your campervan from theft, accidental damage, fire, flood, and more.

You can also get cover for your motorhome equipment and accessories, giving you complete peace of mind on the road. Find out more about specialist campervan insurance through Ripe or get a quote online today.