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The truth about motorhome wild camping
Wild camping is often surrounded by myths and misconceptions in the motorhome and campervan community. The idea of finding a scenic, off-grid spot to park overnight – away from campsites and aires – sounds like a dream, but is it really as risky or difficult as some say?
As experienced full-time motorhomers who have spent years wild camping across Europe and the UK, we know firsthand what it’s really like. We’ve navigated everything from legalities to safety concerns and have learned that many of the so-called dangers and downsides are exaggerated or just plain wrong.
Let’s separate fact from fiction as we bust eight common motorhome wild camping myths!
1. Wild camping is not safe… you will be gassed and robbed
This is just not true. We have wild camped in 1,000s of spots over six years and have never felt unsafe. Yes, there is risk, as there is with everything, but you weigh it up… if it doesn’t feel right, don’t stay.
Don’t leave all your gadgets out on display. Don’t flaunt your jewellery or expensive watches if you’re out and about. Lock your doors and use your roof lights for ventilation. Add an alarm system and security like pedal locks and swivel seat locks.
Carry something heavy like a torch or fold-up spade (legitimate items to have in a motorhome) and a pepper spray-type product. Don’t stay at motorway services. But if you are in the arse end of nowhere, chances are robbers are not going to be bothering with you!
There is clear evidence and an expert academic opinion from the Royal College of Anaesthetists that gassing is an urban myth. They issued a statement on 14th July 2014, which is quite long, so this is a summary:
“Despite the increasing numbers of reports of people being gassed in motorhomes or commercial trucks in France, this College remains of the view that this is a myth. It is the view of the College that it would not be possible to render someone unconscious by blowing ether, chloroform or any of the currently used volatile anaesthetic agents through the window of a motorhome without their knowledge, even if they were sleeping at the time. If there were a totally safe, odourless, potent, cheap anaesthetic agent available, the medical profession would know about it and be investigating its use in anaesthetic practice.“
RELATED POST: Staying Safe & Legal in Your Motorhome
2. The locals don’t like it
In our experience, this is simply not true. Every local person we have ever met wild camping has been welcoming and delighted that we love their home patch enough to stay there and contribute to their economy.
The key is to camp off-grid in a respectful manner and leave no trace – not even dumping your grey waste.
3. You can wild camp anywhere
Not so. Most European national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty forbid any camping, including sleeping in your motorhome and countries like Croatia ban it everywhere.
Many countries have limitations close to the coast and inland lakes. You can be fined and moved on by the Police if you wild camp in these places, especially in the high season.
4. You’ll get moved on
They might if you are camped illegally. However, if you are camping out of high season and are discreet, don’t spend more than a night and are not a group of 20 vans having a party, they may tolerate it.
We have wild camped like this and have only been moved on three times. The first was after four years on the road in Italy at 7am, the second in Morocco, but they allowed us to stay until morning, and the third time was in Turkey, very close to the Iranian border… but we got the knock at 8am so they were a bit late!
We are willing to take the risk and are always discreet and respectful. Familiarise yourself with the laws of the country you are in before wild camping with our country-specific motorhome guides.
5. The best spots will be too busy
This is true if you want to be by the coast or a lake or by a popular tourist attraction, although we have experienced amazing wild camping right in the high season and have not seen another soul.
If you head inland or to the mountains or seek out hidden gems, you’ll find far fewer vans. Use Park4Night to find your spots and see what reviewers say about them.
More wild camping tips & tricks
6. A little bit of waste won’t matter…
It absolutely does matter. We should all try and leave no trace where at all possible. Never, ever leave rubbish behind or empty your black cassette waste at a motorhome wild camping spot. It is ok to drop grey waste down a public drain or a wild camping spot as long as you follow the guidelines here.
Respect the local environment and the people and animals who live there as well as fellow motorhomes who will come behind you and be an ambassador for us motorhomers.
Remember also that the general public has no idea about motorhoming. If you are in a beauty spot with your waste tap open, dropping 100 litres of dirty water, then they will assume the worst. Be discreet and respectful at all times, and if you think dropping your waste may be inappropriate or cause offence, then do it elsewhere.
7. It’s just like being on a campsite
Nope again! It’s ok to have your chairs out and enjoy the sun during the day and perhaps hang your beach towels out to dry (but not a load of washing), but when you head in for the night, pack everything away and bring your step in.
The illustrations below show the difference between parking to sleep overnight and camping. The first picture shows the correct way to camp off-grid, which is respectful to locals and helps keep you safe.
8. The views will be amazing
Oh yeah, this one’s true!!
So, with these eight motorhome wild camping myths officially busted, you can confidently hit the road! Enjoy the stunning free views, the peace and quiet, and the ultimate flexibility of wild camping.
Adventure awaits – go make the most of it!
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