Need a helping hand learning how to live in a campervan? From the legal considerations to understanding some of the fantastic benefits of ‘van life’, there’s plenty to cover when it comes to living full-time in a camper in the UK.
Where is it legal to sleep overnight in a campervan?
In the UK, there’s actually no national laws that restrict sleeping overnight in your campervan. This means many public roads and laybys as well as designated car parks, fields, campsites, and beachfronts can be a great place to park up and get some rest.
However, you should pay attention to local restrictions (such as council-imposed bylaws) that may prohibit sleeping overnight in certain areas. Similarly, if you plan on parking, whether temporarily or overnight, on private land, you should always seek the landowner’s permission.
Can you live permanently in a campervan?
So, is it legal to live in a campervan in the UK? Yes, it’s completely legal to live full-time in a campervan in this country. However, there are certain rules, regulations, and conditions that must be met first.
Crucially, you must have the legal right to live in the UK and ensure that your campervan is roadworthy – this means it should be taxed, DVLA-registered, and insured with a valid MOT.
Things to consider before deciding to live in a campervan
Alongside meeting the key conditions above, there’s additional legal and practical requirements that should also be taken into account before committing to living in a campervan in the UK. With the right planning and research however, living your very own van life can be easy.
Parking regulations
While there’s no national laws expressly preventing campervan owners from sleeping overnight on public roads and laybys, there may be local council or private land parking restrictions. This may include which vehicles are permitted and how long they can remain there.
Researching the parking rules for the areas you wish to stay, whether that’s a car park, designated campsite, or private field, is therefore vital. You must also always obtain permission from any private landowner if you plan on staying on their land.
Water and waste disposal
To properly dispose of campervan water waste, you should seek out designation disposal points which are typically found at campsites and public spaces. Emptying waste water into natural waterways, drains, or onto the ground isn’t permitted in the UK.
Instead, shower and sink water (referred to as grey water waste) should be disposed of at grey disposal points, while toilet water (black water waste) should be discarded at the corresponding black disposal points. When choosing where to live in a campervan, you should therefore find out where your closest water waste disposal points are located.
Weight and size limitations
The size of motorhomes, including campervans, is restricted in the UK. Motorhomes cannot be larger than 12 metres in length or 2.55 metres in width. Similarly, you should also check the weight of your campervan as those weighing more than 3,500kg require a Category C1 license and those over 7,500kg require a C license.
For campervans under 3500kg however, all you’ll need is the standard Category B driving license.
What are the benefits of living in a campervan?
Now we’ve answered the question ‘can you live in a campervan in the UK’ and covered the core areas to consider, let’s explore the benefits of van life. Some of the biggest advantages of living in a campervan in the UK include the:
- Freedom to travel
- Lower cost of living
- Affordability – typically more affordable than property
- Adventurous lifestyle
- Minimalistic living – less to clean and maintain
- Greater self-sufficiency – thanks to off-grid features
Live off-grid with the Landseer Ford Custom 2.0 campervan
While living in a campervan might not be for everyone, it offers an exciting opportunity for individuals and families alike to enjoy greater freedom with regards to where and how they live.
That’s why the professional team at Landseer Leisure specially designed our Ford Custom 2.0 campervan with all the off-grid capabilities you could need for ultimate self-sufficiency and comfort.
This model comes complete with a lithium power system (Clayton LPSII 100Ah 2500w 230v), gas-free twin induction hobs, and a 240w solar panel for sustainable energy generation, among many other off-grid features.
A variety of optional extras can also be added, such as the Webasto Thermo Top hot water system with blown air heater and the power system upgrade, for even greater self-sufficiency, allowing you to live the way you want.
To find out more about this model, talk to our helpful team today! Start the conversation by either giving us a call on 01772 429763 or emailing your enquiry over to info@landseerleisure.com.
