This guide will explore the best places to park your van, from wild camping spots to dedicated campervan sites.

This way, you can enjoy van life without the stress of unexpected knocks on the window.

Van Overnight Parking Rules

Check for parking restrictions - Some areas have specific overnight restrictions or time frames to abide by. The local council should clearly signpost these, and charges may apply. 

Be considerate of others - No matter where you park, being discreet and respectful of local people is important. Do not make excessive noise or leave waste and litter behind. 

Respect Private property - Always seek the landowner's permission to park your van on private property. 

Choose safe and secure locations - Park in well-lit and safe areas overnight and avoid attention from unwanted thieves. 

Leave no trace—When camping in rural or urban areas, it's essential to respect the environment and leave no trace. To avoid damaging the area around you, ensure you take all your rubbish with you.

Where can you park?

Campsites

Parking in a campsite is often the best option for your van because it offers security, amenities, and a sense of community. Campsites provide direct access to facilities, making life on the road more comfortable and sustainable. Many campsites offer waste disposal points, toilets and laundry amenities. They are purpose-made and avoid disturbing the natural landscape.

Public Parks

Parking your van in a public park depends on local laws. It is possible to park in many places briefly, such as a day or afternoon. Overnight parking is often prohibited unless stated otherwise. Look for park signage or contact the park owners to confirm before settling in for the night.

Wild Camping

Wild camping is illegal in most of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland without permission, though you can camp on land mapped as "open country" for leisure purposes. Trespassing is considered a civil offence, so you can't be arrested solely for trespassing. However, you may commit a criminal offence if you cause damage or obstruct others.

In Scotland, wild camping is allowed in most areas, with some restrictions around Loch Lomond and on enclosed land. Failure to follow the rules or camping on private land could result in a fine or prosecution.

Private Land

Private land could include someone's garden, a pub car park, or a leisure centre. If you plan to park in one of these, you must get the landowner's permission, as mentioned above. Failure to do so may result in a fine or prosecution.

Sleeping in a van on the road

The Road Traffic Act of 1988 states that driving a motorcycle without lawful authority on land of any description is an offence. Vehicles should not be parked for long periods in residential areas. 

Therefore, it is recommended that you park within 15 yards of the public highway when parking in a residential area and have permission from the landowner if you park off-road. 

You can park a van on a residential street if it does not obstruct the street or violate parking restrictions. Larger vans can be unsightly and disruptive, so consider parking them away from house windows and in quieter parts of the neighbourhood.

How to find the best Parking Spots

Park4Night App

If you want to explore more of the UK in a van, download the Park4Night app for parking peace of mind. This app allows you to explore thousands of recommended parking spaces, including campsites, supermarkets, parks, fields, and lay-bys, which are safe to park in with landowners' permission. 

The app and fellow van lifers have checked and reviewed each location, making it ideal for frequent campers or those who want to stay off-grid. You can search by location or specific areas to find the best parking spot for you.

Campy App

Not only in the UK, but the Campy App covers recommended parking spots all over Europe too! With over 30,000 campsites and motorhome stops, this app provides detailed information and is the must-have tool for anyone exploring the UK in a van!

Stay Free App

If you want to join a community of campers, download the Stay Free App! This app helps you find the best camp parking spots across the UK and Europe from micro to private camping sites; you can filter the search to location view photos, amenities and reviews before starting your adventure!

A final note from us

When it comes to Van Life parking, respecting the rules is key to a hassle-free experience. Always seek the landowner's permission or check on apps like Park4Night and StayFree for the best spots to park safely. If you're ever unsure it's best to steer clear, and with the right approach, Van Life can be both adventurous and responsible!

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Header image from UnSplash by Tobias Tullius