You’ve had an epic day on the road- cruising through the Alps, dipping your toes in a French river, or stuffing your face with pizza in Italy. But now comes the big question: where do you park for the night without waking up to a fine, a tow truck, or an angry local tapping on your window?
Parking overnight in a campervan isn’t as simple as pulling into the nearest lay-by and calling it a night. Some places welcome campervans with open arms, while others treat them like a crime against humanity. So, let’s break down how to find safe and legal spots to rest up before your next adventure.
Europe’s campervan rules vary wildly, so let’s clear up some common terms:
✅ Wild Camping: Completely off-grid camping in nature- mostly legal in Scandinavia, but restricted elsewhere.
✅ Aires & Stellplätze: Low-cost overnight spots, common in France, Germany, and Spain- sometimes free, sometimes a small fee.
✅ Campsites & Campervan Parks: Designated areas with full facilities (showers, toilets, hookups), perfect for long stays.
✅ Rest Areas & Car Parks: Some allow overnight stays, but always check the signs- some have time limits or bans.
In short: Scandinavia loves wild campers, France is a paradise for Aires, and Italy will fine you faster than you can say "espresso."
Finding a great overnight spot is easier with the right tools. These apps are lifesavers:
📍 Park4Night – The holy grail for vanlifers, listing free spots, campsites, and Aires.
📍 Campercontact – Great for finding camper-friendly parking across Europe.
📍 iOverlander – More for wild camping, but still useful in some areas.
📍 Google Maps & Street View – A little detective work goes a long way- check reviews and scope out spots before committing.
Pro tip: Always read recent reviews. A "great quiet spot" last year might now be a supermarket car park or a restricted zone.
If you love the idea of pulling up in the middle of a forest or by a remote lake, here’s where you can legally do it:
✅ Norway, Sweden, Finland – Thanks to the "Right to Roam" laws, you can wild camp almost anywhere (except private property).
✅ Scotland – Wild camping is allowed, but not in vehicles- unless you’re in designated areas.
✅ Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania – Generally tolerant of campervans parking in nature.
🚫 NOT Allowed (or Strictly Regulated): Spain, Portugal, Italy, Netherlands, and most of Central Europe. You might get away with it in rural areas, but expect fines in cities and tourist hotspots.
A good parking spot isn’t just legal- it should also be safe. Here’s what to look for:
🛑 Avoid:
❌ Isolated, sketchy areas with no other vehicles.
❌ Locations near bars or nightlife (drunk people and campervans don’t mix).
❌ Roadsides or industrial zones- too noisy and risky.
👍 Good choices:
✅ Aires, Stellplätze, and designated parking for campers.
✅ Campsites or official motorhome parks.
✅ Supermarket, shopping mall, or ferry terminal car parks (check signs first).
Pro tip: If you’re unsure about a spot, trust your gut. If it feels dodgy, move on.
Want to avoid trouble? Follow these simple rules:
🚯 Leave no trace – Always take your rubbish with you.
🤫 Keep noise down – No one wants to hear your favorite road trip playlist at midnight.
🚐 Don’t "set up camp" – If you’re in a parking area, don’t pull out the awning, chairs, and BBQ like you’re in a full campsite.
⏳ Stick to 1 night – If it’s a free spot, don’t push your luck by staying too long.
Respect these, and you’ll find that many places are happy to welcome responsible campervanners.
Finding the right overnight spot takes a mix of research, local knowledge, and common sense. But once you’ve got the hang of it, there’s nothing like waking up to a stunning mountain view, the sound of the forest, or the waves crashing nearby.
