Can you sleep anywhere in a motorhome in the UK?

One of the most common questions among first-time motorhome enthusiasts, however, is where you can sleep whilst holidaying in one? As you may expect, the answer is not as straightforward as you might hope.

Laws, local regulations, and land ownership all play a role in determining where you can legally park and sleep in a motorhome, but to really get your answers, you first need to know the rules surrounding motorhome overnight parking and some useful tips for finding the best spots to rest for the night.

Understanding the legalities of motorhome parking to sleep in the UK

The UK has strict laws regarding overnight parking and sleeping in a motorhome, mostly to prevent issues like littering, trespassing, and overcrowding in scenic areas, as well as safety.

Scotland also has separate laws from the rest of the UK, which makes things a little bit more complicated still, but they are much more lapse regarding wild camping.

Essentially, it boils down to:

1. Private land requires permission

If you intend to park on private land, such as farmland, driveways, or commercial properties, you must obtain permission from the landowner. There’s not really any way around this one. Under the Trespass Act 1994, staying on private land without permission can be considered trespassing, and landowners have the right to request that you leave. If you have permission, you can do so freely, but without it, you face numerous issues.

2. Public roads and laybys

Parking on public roads is generally allowed unless local restrictions are in place. However, sleeping in a motorhome on a public road can be a grey area. Whilst doing so is generally considered legal, that doesn’t mean it isn’t subject to restrictions. Some local councils prohibit overnight stays in laybys or certain urban areas under the Highways Act 1980, which allows councils to enforce parking restrictions. The best way to address this is to always check for signage indicating restrictions before deciding to park overnight, and double check online if possible, looking to the guidance of the particular council involved.

3. National Parks

In most cases, you cannot legally camp overnight in a motorhome on common land or in national parks without permission. Some areas, such as Dartmoor, have designated spots for overnight stays, but these are limited.

Some areas, such as the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, have specific restrictions requiring campers to use designated permit areas. Again, always check local guidelines before setting up for the night to ensure compliance with regulations to make sure you’re on the right track.

We recommend you need to use designated campsites or authorised overnight stopovers to sleep in a motorhome legally.

4. Car parks and service stations

Some car parks allow overnight motorhome stays, but many have height barriers or prohibit overnight parking under local bylaws. It’s often not an issue, but you never can be too careful.

Large supermarket chains, motorway service stations, and park-and-ride facilities may permit overnight parking, but always check with the facility beforehand. Apps like Park4Night can help locate motorhome-friendly car parks and may well be a massive asset to your trip.

5. Designated motorhome stopovers and campsites

The safest and easiest option for sleeping in a motorhome wherever you are in the UK is to use designated campsites or motorhome stopovers (also known as Aires). The UK has a huge number of motorhome-friendly sites, offering everything from basic parking to full-service facilities, including electric hook-ups, water, and waste disposal. Websites like Pitchup and Brit Stops help locate suitable sites.

Tips for finding safe and legal overnight parking

If you want to avoid fines or being moved on by authorities, follow these practical tips:

Research your destination

Before setting off, check local regulations, available campsites, and permitted parking areas of the main places you’d like to visit and their local councils.

Use motorhome-friendly apps

Apps like Search for Sites and Campercontact provide up-to-date information on safe parking locations, but there are numerous alternatives that can be a big help to you.

Respect local communities

Avoid blocking driveways, creating noise, or leaving litter behind. This applies wherever you are sleeping or parking in your motorhome.

Look for pubs offering parking

Many rural pubs allow motorhome stays in exchange for purchasing food or drinks.

Join a membership scheme

Clubs like the Caravan and Motorhome Club offer access to a wide range of overnight spots if you are a frequent traveller, and they often have short-term options for renters too.

Stay in service stations if necessary

If you need a quick stopover, motorway service areas are an option, though they may have time limits and fees. That might be worth the trade-off for you, especially if they have other facilities you’d like to use, but this is all down to you and your adventure.

Conclusion

While you cannot sleep absolutely anywhere in a motorhome in the UK, there are plenty of legal and safe options available. We’d suggest the best thing to do is plan ahead, follow local regulations, and be considerate, all of which will help you enjoy stress-free motorhome adventures across the country.

Whether you choose campsites, pub car parks, or designated stopovers, there are plenty of places to rest overnight and wake up ready for another day of exploring, and more often than not, all you need to do is ask the right authority.