One of the things which drives me CRAZY is the assumption some people have that you can just turn up with a motorhome or campervan and park anywhere. At any time. And do whatever you like.
Especially in Scotland.
Some of these people are just rude, some don’t care, but many have been mis-informed, and are confused. If that’s you, it’s ok. It’s not your fault- there is a LOT of bad information about wild/ free motorhome parking going around.
Motorhome & Campervan Parking laws in the UK
Today, we’re going to share what the motorhome and campervan parking laws in the UK are, with particular emphasis on Scotland.
Our aim is to help reduce the bad information, and inform people so you can act accordingly. We LOVE wild camping in the UK with our motorhome. It’s one of our favourite ways to explore. But we try to be discreet, arriving late and leaving early and we NEVER EVER leave rubbish or waste.
But, I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s start at the beginning. In order to explain everything properly, I created a video. It’s 14 minutes, but it explains all the points I mention below in great detail, so you can truly understand the motorhome and campervan parking laws in the UK as they stand today.
If you have time, I highly recommend you watch it. (Oh, and if you found it useful, subscribe to our channel here so you can get more motorhome and campervan tips for the UK and Europe.)
Watch the video about the UK motorhome and campervan parking laws
This video shares what we know about wild camping in Scotland with a vehicle (specifically motorhomes and camper vans) We share tips, tricks and also the rules as we understand them.
Is wild camping legal in England, Scotland or Wales?
Ok, let’s answer some of the important questions in the video
Nope. In short, wild camping with a motorhome or campervan is NOT legal in any of those countries. However, it is… tolerated if you’re considerate and use common sense. But it’s not a legal right.
Motorhome & Campervan Parking laws in Scotland
There are 3 different campervan parking laws we need to pay attention to in Scotland. (I’m abbreviating parts for the sake of clarity and conciseness, but feel free to look them up if you wish)
Scottish Outdoor Access Code
The Scottish outdoor access code says that wild camping is lightweight, done in small numbers and only for two or three nights in any one place but it non-motorised recreation and does not extend to activities that are based on the use of a vehicle such as sleeping in cars, campers, vans or caravans.
There is no legal right to park beside the road overnight but there may be no objection in some instances so extra care is needed.
Land Reform Act of 2003
The Land Reform Act of 2003 is a Scottish Parliament Act that secures public access rights for unenclosed land in Scotland. The part of that Act that applies to motorised vehicles says that where you park your vehicle is important.
You should not cause any damage or create an obstruction by blocking an entrance to a field or a building, making it difficult for anyone else to use a road or a track. You must be aware for the safety of others, you should not damage the verge and you must use a car park if there is one nearby.
Road Traffic Act of 1988
The Road Traffic Act of 1988 says it is an offence to drive a motor vehicle without lawful authority on land of any description which is not part of a road, a footpath or a bridleway.
It also states that you can drive a vehicle off-road away from a public road for the purposes of parking as long as you stay within 15 yards of a public road but (and here’s the but!!) you do still need the landowners permission to park.
Most roads, unfenced land and beaches are private property and you don’t have the right to just park up whatever you like unless you have agreements from the landowner. The parking of camper vans or cars on roads and laybys is subject to the road traffic legislation and regulations. Off-road parking of a motor vehicle on verges or adjacent land without permission is unlawful.
Practical advice for wild/ free camping with a motorhome or camper van
So, I’ve just thrown a lot of laws and legal jargon at you. Most of it sounds terrible for those of us who want to go wild camping. Let’s break it down into some practical advice.
The fact of the matter is that most land in the UK is owned by somebody. It’s nearly all private land and we do not just have the right in a motorised vehicle to turn up and park.
In reality, wild camping is generally tolerated as an overnight stop only- exactly like truck drivers are tolerated to stop in a lay-by so that they can get some rest.
It is intended to be a sleeping place, not somewhere where you get out an awning and a load of chairs and make camp for a few days- and that is where I think some of the issues have arisen.
Traditionally, Scotland was a lot more tolerant of wild camping in motorhomes and campers. Now that they’ve created these incredible scenic drives all over Scotland, like the NC500 and the SW300, those areas are feeling the pressure of a LOT of extra vehicles.
The infrastructure is just not there at the moment to deal with the sheer numbers of people who visit. And there are a lot of people who want to enjoy the stunning nature of the place and wild camp.
I believe some of the locals have become a lot less tolerant of people abusing their home. Some of the stories we’ve heard of the litter and waste left behind is disgusting and heartbreaking.
So what should you do?
To stay 100% within the letter of the law, use a campsite if there is one nearby.
The problem comes in the height of summer when campsites are too full and cannot cope with demand, or out of season when campsites are closed and facilities become almost non-existent.
We always advise staying well away from buildings and don’t block people’s view. Also, arrive later and leave earlier.
Scotland has created some overnight approved parking areas (a bit like motorhome aires in France) – use those where you can.
Also, don’t EVER park up in a passing place. Many of the roads on the NC500 are single track- the places to pass are NOT parking spaces. Make sure you are not blocking the road or inhibiting traffic.
Wild camping or free parking?
If the term ‘wild camping’ offends you with regards to motorhomes or campers, feel free to use the terms ‘free camping’, ‘free parking’, ‘informal parking’ or whatever makes you happy. It’s all the same thing.K Motorhome & Campervan parking laws – what’s legal, what’s not?
The post UK Motorhome & Campervan parking laws – what’s legal, what’s not? appeared first on Wandering Bird Motorhome Travel Blog.
