Where can I park my campervan? A simple guide to UK parking rules
- Orange Campers Ltd
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
One of the most common questions we get asked is a very practical one: where can I actually park my campervan?
If you’re new to campervans – or upgrading to what might be your forever ’van – UK parking rules can feel confusing at first.
Height barriers, overnight restrictions, city centres… it’s easy to assume campervan life means constant compromises.
The good news? With the right setup (and a bit of know-how), parking a campervan in the UK is often much simpler than you'd expect.
This guide covers the essentials of campervan parking rules in the UK, including city parking, overnight stops, and campervan height restrictions, so you can travel with confidence (and second-guessing every sign).
First things first: is a campervan allowed to park like a car?
In most cases, yes.
A campervan can park anywhere a normal vehicle can, as long as:
You’re parked legally within the bay or markings
You’re not breaching any local restrictions
You’re not causing an obstruction
Problems tend to arise not from the vehicle itself, but from how it’s used.
Parking is fine. Overnight camping behaviour (awnings out, chairs deployed, engine running, waste emptied) is where rules can change.
That distinction is important, especially in towns and cities.
Campervan height restrictions: what you need to know
Height barriers are one of the biggest worries for campervan owners – and one of the biggest misconceptions.
Many UK multi-storey and underground car parks have height limits of 1.9m to 2.0m. While that rules out a lot of larger motorhomes, Micro Campers are designed with this exact issue in mind.
Real-world city parking in a Micro Camper
To show just how practical this can be, here’s a short video filmed in a real multi-storey car park, demonstrating city parking in a Micro Camper – including driving under a 1.9m height barrier and parking in a standard bay.
What this video shows:
Height barriers that look tight often allow a little tolerance
Standard parking bays are usually fine length-wise
Our sensors and cameras make parking far less stressful
City centres are accessible!
Parking a Micro Camper vs an MWB: what’s the difference?
Not all campervans park the same – and understanding the differences between layouts makes choosing (and using) your ’van far easier.
Micro Camper: city and car-park friendly by design
If everyday parking is high on your priority list, the Micro Camper is hard to beat.
With a car park–friendly height of 1.93m, it’s designed to handle:
Most multi-storey car parks
Height barriers around the 1.9–2.0m mark
Town centres and supermarkets where space is tight
That means fewer compromises, less route-planning stress, and far more spontaneity – whether that’s a city day out or a quick stop on the way home.
This is exactly why the Micro Camper works so well as a first ’van: it fits into normal life seamlessly, without feeling like you’re constantly adapting around it.
Trouvaille MWB Pop Top: everyday practicality, built in
A Medium Wheel Base camper might sound intimidating when it comes to parking, but in practice, the MWB Pop Top is far more manageable than many people expect.
In fact, it’s the only low-roof MWB campervan on the market, which makes a big difference when it comes to height restrictions and general accessibility.
One of our owners, Judith, who travels extensively in her MWB Pop Top, puts it perfectly:
“I can just about get it in a supermarket car park space because it’s still my only vehicle, although I have to sort of pick and choose about where I park.”
That sums it up nicely – it’s absolutely usable day to day, with just a bit of thought about positioning.
Key dimensions and parking-friendly features:
Length: 5.41m
Van width: 2.05m
Height (with roof down): 2.4m
Electric parking brake
Electric folding mirrors
Rear view camera
Blind spot assist
Those features make real-world driving and parking calmer, especially in tighter spaces.
For many upgraders choosing their forever ’van, this balance of space and usability is exactly what makes the MWB Pop Top such a popular choice.
Trouvaille MWB High Roof: same footprint, extra reassurance
The High Roof MWB shares the same length and width as the Pop Top (5.41m long, 2.05m wide), so if you’re comfortable parking one, you’ll feel familiar with the other.
Where it really shines is in parking confidence, thanks to additional driver-assist tech:
Height: 2.62m
Electric parking brake
Rear view camera
360-degree perimeter rear parking sensors
Digital rear view mirror
Electric folding mirrors
While you won’t be heading into multi-storey car parks with a high roof, these features make everyday manoeuvring, supermarket stops, and town-edge parking far more relaxed.
It’s a great example of how innovation and thoughtful design quietly remove stress – one of those little things that really does matter.
Choosing the right ’van for how you actually park
There’s no single “best” answer – just the best fit for your life.
If city centres and car parks are part of your normal routine, the Micro Camper keeps everything simple.
If you want space without losing everyday usability, the MWB Pop Top strikes a rare balance.
If comfort and internal room matter most, the MWB High Roof offers reassurance through clever parking tech.
Can I park my campervan overnight in the UK?
This is where things get more nuanced:
On public roads
Overnight parking on a public road isn’t illegal by default. However, local councils can (and do) apply restrictions, particularly in tourist hotspots or residential areas.
Always check for:
“No overnight parking” signs
Time-limited bays
Local traffic regulation orders
If you’re parked legally, keeping a low profile matters. Curtains closed, no external equipment, and no engine running goes a long way.
Car parks
Many council and supermarket car parks prohibit overnight stays, even if daytime parking is allowed. Private car parks set their own rules, so signage is key.
Some towns are more camper-friendly than others – which is why planning ahead makes life easier.
Dedicated overnight options
For peace of mind, many people choose:
Certified Sites (CS) and small campsites
Campervan-friendly pubs
Aires and stopover schemes
Trusted apps and local recommendations
Doing some research ahead of time is key!
If overnight parking is something you’re considering, security is just as important as legality. Knowing how to choose a safe spot, protect your ’van, and avoid unnecessary risk can make all the difference to how relaxed you feel on the road.
We’ve shared our practical, real-world tips in this guide to campervan security, which is well worth a read before your first overnight stop.
A quick word on etiquette (it really matters)
Responsible parking protects the whole campervan community.
A few simple habits make a huge difference:
Leave no trace
Respect local residents
Never empty waste where it shouldn’t be
Follow signage even if others don’t
So… where can you park your campervan?
In summary:
Anywhere a car can park legally
Most town centres, if height allows
Many multi-storey car parks with sub-2m clearance
Overnight in appropriate locations with care and awareness
Want to see how it all works in real life?
If you’re curious about parking, layouts, heights, or just want to see how these campers actually fit into everyday life, the best way is to come and have a look.
Book a workshop tour, step inside the ’vans, ask all th questions, and see the design details up close. You’ll even get a free mug set for coming along!
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