We all enjoy saving money, don’t we? And if we can find cheap places to park up for the night, it’s even better!
But, finding safe and affordable places to park up for the night, is one of the most challenging and frequently asked questions for people who want to stay overnight in their van, especially if you’re on a budget.
Are campsites an option?
Obviously, if you’re going to be staying in one place for a while, then campsites can be a great idea.
You’ll have access to fresh water, and somewhere to empty your toilet. You can wash up somewhere that’s not your van, and maybe wash your dirty clothes while you’re there.
But, camp site fees can be a highly variable and potentially, a major expense. For budget van life, minimising, or even eliminating this cost is paramount.
So, what are your cheaper options?
Stealth Camping
Stealth camping is basically, finding places to park up for the night, that aren’t official parking places.
It’s quite a broad category, but most often it means that you just park up for the night in a residential street, on an industrial estate, etc.
Clearly, finding a suitable spot, especially in the bigger towns and cities can be quite challenging. Residents aren’t always keen to have a campervan parked outside their house. Arriving late and leaving early are definitely the best policy if this is something you want to try.
It’s a free option and as long as you do your research first, and you choose somewhere that isn’t going to upset the locals, go for it 🙂
Now, obviously there are going to be some downsides you need to be aware of, if you decide to try this one.
- Some places restrict overnight parking for non-residents.
- If ANYONE thinks you’re causing an obstruction, you’re likely to get a knock on your door in the middle of the night from either, the upset resident, or the Police.
- It might not be a particularly safe area.
So, always check local regulations, and research the area before you decide to stay there. Apps like Park4Night can often help with their user reviews.
Store Parking Lots
Major supermarket car parks are popular choices. They’re widespread, they generally allow free overnight parking (as long as you reserve your space and pay upfront), are well-lit, and often have security personnel. They also offer convenient access to restrooms, Wi-Fi, and a place to have breakfast in the morning 🙂
The downsides are, they can often be noisy if they operate 24 hours and clearly, they’re not very private places to sleep.
Something to be aware of, is that although most supermarket car parks allow overnight parking, they don’t all allow you to stay with the vehicle. So be sure to check on that before you book. Apps like JustPark are a great place to book.
Motorway Services and Truck Stops
These can be a great place to park up for the night.
They have amenities like restrooms, showers, and convenience stores. And they usually have designated parking spaces for larger vehicles (just don’t park in the lorry bays 🙂 )
They’re generally safe and secure, but they can be quite noisy. It’s also worth remembering that they’re not often free, so make sure you find out how to pay for your spot, before you park up for the night.
Other options
Some local churches and community centres may permit parking on their grounds for a small donation. There are quite a few listed on JustPark. There are also public car parks and parking areas that can be a great place to park up
Conclusion
Finding a decent place to park up for the night, inherently involves a constant negotiation between financial savings and desired levels of comfort, privacy, and access to facilities.
Choosing free parking can save you a significant amount of money, but may require sacrificing quiet, privacy, or convenient access to showers/restrooms.
So, there’s an inherent trade off between what you want to spend, and what amenities you want to have.
A truly budget-conscious approach often means embracing self-sufficiency and being comfortable with less traditional comfort.
Or, you could use the strategic approach of mixing free and paid spots to balance the budget with your specific needs. Your decision impacts not just your finances, but also your daily routine and your overall lifestyle satisfaction.
Final thoughts
- Ask Permission First: Always confirm ahead of time if your hoping to park up for the night. That could mean calling first, or speaking to a manager before you park up for the night. Also, remember that policies vary by location and can change. Even places generally known to allow overnight parking may change their policies, or have specific restrictions.
- Arrive Late, Leave Early: This is a common courtesy for anywhere that you haven’t paid for. If you’re near to a business, arrive after closing time and depart before opening time, so that parking spaces are available for their customers.
- Leave No Trace: This is paramount. Make sure no evidence of your stay remains. Don’t litter, don’t dump your rubbish (unless explicitly permitted to use any available bins), and, under NO circumstances, empty grey or black water tanks onto public property.
The continued availability of free overnight parking largely depends on the collective, responsible behaviour of the van life community.
The “Leave No Trace” principles help maintain positive relationships with businesses and the public, which ensures continued access to free parking spots for the entire van life community. On the other hand, disrespectful or irresponsible behaviour can lead to stricter regulations, or outright bans.
Budget van life isn’t solely an individual pursuit. It’s a communal responsibility.
As a community that chooses to sleep in public areas, we must consistently practice these best practices. It’s the only way to preserve the resources and goodwill that enable affordable travel for everyone.
Hopefully, you’ve gained some insight into affordable ways to park up for the night. If you’ve got any questions, please leave them in the comments below.
As a full-time carer, I’m not a ‘true’ vanlifer! But, I do spend a lot of my free-time travelling to and staying in different towns and villages around the UK. I enjoy the freedom and control that staying in my van gives me, and I want to share that experience with anyone else who’s thinking about giving it a go.
