Many of us who travel by motorhome are in search of that feeling of freedom, maybe even spending the night in the middle of nature, and the ability to go anywhere, anytime. Having to constantly stop to find a campsite, and adjust your schedule to their check-in and check-out times, isn’t part of that deal. Unfortunately, wild camping or free overnight parking spots for campervans can be hard to find, as it's not allowed in most parts of the UK, like Wales. This is where our ultimate guide to free motorhome camping in Wales comes in.
What is the difference between wild camping and overnight parking?
There are numerous resources for finding wild camping spots or free campervan parking, but before we get into these it's important to know the difference between the two. Wild camping refers to camping somewhere that is not a campsite and spending a night in the 'wild' amidst nature, where you can enjoy and fully submerge yourself in the outdoors and your surroundings. Wild camping is also often prohibited, but generally, if you follow the wild camping etiquette you’ll be fine. If you’re not noticeable, then you’re not in trouble.
Free overnight campervan parking more often refers to stopping somewhere in a motorhome just to spend the night for free, usually in more urban areas such as parking lots. Overnight parking spots serve the purpose of spending the night for free before you set off on an adventure again the next day.
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Where can I park overnight in Wales?
What are the rules on motorhome overnight parking?
The most important thing to remember about parking overnight is that it is not allowed everywhere. Never assume you can stay somewhere, as that can result in you being woken up at 4 am by an angry official. Secondly, just because you can park somewhere doesn’t mean that you can stay the whole night. Campervan overnight parking is difficult, but luckily there are loads of websites and apps to help make it easier!
Tips for free overnight parking
Given that wild camping and overnight parking are quite the grey areas, give yourself the best chance of being left alone by being on your best behaviour. Here are some tips for minimizing your impact, and ensuring the area can be enjoyed once you’re gone:
-Leave no litter, not even food scraps. These can impact the ecological imprint of the area.
-If you’re in doubt regarding a location and if it’s allowed, simply ask. If not, find another spot. If you’re asked to move, do so respectfully.
-Chat with fellow travellers or locals to find tips on where to park for the night. The best places are usually off the beaten track and will be spread by word of mouth.
-Try not to stay longer than one night, arrive late and leave early.
-Toilet talk! If you’re parking somewhere overnight, you should ideally have a self-contained vehicle or be sure to park next to a public toilet. If, for some reason, this cannot be the case, be sure to do your business at least 30m away from any water source or path, and bury your waste at least 15cm deep. Carry any paper or sanitary items away with you to be disposed of correctly.
-Don’t light any fires, it can be extremely dangerous in an open area and spread quickly. Use specified fire pits in campsites if you’re craving that s’more.
-Be respectful of others nearby, including wildlife, by keeping noise down and not moving things around the area.
Best overnight motorhome parking spots in Wales
Given that wild camping and overnight parking are not permitted everywhere, it can be quite daunting when trying it for the first time. Luckily, there are many resources to help you find the perfect spot where you can rest your weary head in peace. Here are some of our top picks:
CamperContact: Search through hundreds of campsites, service areas and motorhome parking spots. Each option has the price, GPS, amount of parking spots and more listed. There are also reviews from people who have parked there.
Park4Night: Very similar to CamperContact. Also has a map function which allows you to plan your route exactly as you wish to drive it.
Brit Stops: If you're looking for overnight parking spots in the UK, your best bet is to buy the latest edition of the Brit Stops books. Brit Stops features a wide variety of locations offering free overnight parking for you and your van, from breweries to vineyards to farm shops — you'll find everything! It will ensure you visit new locations and meet new people, all from the comfort of your van.
To get you on the road and to give you an idea of the types of overnight parking spots you’ll find on platforms like these, we’ve selected a few of our favourites for you:
Powys —The Promenade Car Park
Fenni-Fach Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9LL, UK
Crossing the English border to Powys, the Promenade Car Park offers free overnight parking for motorhomes between 6 pm and 8 am. Be aware that there are no facilities in this car park, but given that it is a 5-minute walk to the town centre, you can always head there if needed.
Fishguard — Seaview Hotel, Seafront
Seafront, Fishguard SA65 9PL, United Kingdom
Another free overnight parking option in Wales, the Seaview Hotel allows motorhomes to stay in its car park. No services are offered, but if you eat or drink in the hotel, you can use their toilets.
Nantgaredig — Railway Hotel
Station Rd, Nantgaredig, Carmarthen, Dyfed SA32 7LQ, UK
Not free, but at a better price than most campsites. In Nantgaredig, you can stay in the parking lot of the Railway Hotel for £5 per night. A good deal, considering they offer water, toilet disposal, toilets and rubbish disposal. At the hotel itself, you can enjoy a range of pub classics and a pint after a long day of travelling.
Pembroke — Speculation Inn
Pembroke St, Pembroke Dock, Pembroke, Dyfed SA71 5RU
This cosy Inn at the start of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is rurally located, providing the perfect escape and privacy. It is free for the first night, with WIFI and water offered. They advise calling first to secure a spot.
Find your ideal budget-friendly campervan to enjoy an affordable holiday in Wales.
