SHOULD YOU SLEEP AT THE CAMPSITE WHEN TRAVELING IN A MOTORHOME?

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Yes, motorhomes can sleep at the campsite. But no, they don't have to stop there. Some motorhome operators never stop there, others never sleep elsewhere. And most people go there now and then, every third or fourth night. The camping night is one of the possible stopover options. Not the only one.

If motorhomes could only stay at the campsite… there would probably already be no motorhomes left. Indeed, one of the interests of the motorhome is that it gives you the freedom to choose your stage from a fairly wide range of options.

Each formula implies a different mode of operation

The campsite: you can stay there as long as you want, you can take out the garden furniture and the awning, but it is more expensive.
The private stage: there is a reception network with farmers (France Passion) and a few applications and websites offering stages with professionals or individuals (Caramaps, Homecamper, Park & View, etc.). A nice way to discover a region and find stopovers in the countryside.
The reception area for motorhomes: depending on the location, the chocks and the awning may or may not be used. The length of stay is sometimes limited to 24h, 48h, 72h. Some are closed and secure, others are simple car parks, with more or fewer services.
Free parking: you park your motorhome in an authorized place, and you sleep there one night, making sure to comply with local regulations, and remaining relatively discreet (no unpacking, garden furniture or wedges, etc.).

Regulations: camping is not compulsory, except ...

Unlike the caravan, the motorhome is not obliged by law to spend the night at the campsite. Legally, the profile, the integral, the alcove or the van are cars like any other. They do not constitute a particular category of vehicles. There is, therefore, no law requiring us to spend the night at the campsite… in France. Abroad, the situation may be different. In Croatia, for example, only camping is allowed.

Local regulations

Several municipalities (especially in very touristy areas) have adopted binding local regulations about motorhomes. Prohibition to stop for the night in a particular car park, or even to park on the public highway. But these prohibitions do not go so far as to impose a stay at the campsite. Moreover, it happens that the administrative courts condemn certain municipalities for municipal decrees prohibiting the parking of motorhomes in a too general manner.

Technically: do not confuse a night stage and a technical stage

Although the motorhome can sleep anywhere, it must nevertheless carry out regular technical operations: emptying and filling up with water, or even recharging the electric living area battery (if you consume a lot, drive little, do not have solar panels, etc.). These services are still offered in campsites, but the campsite is not the only place to offer these facilities. It is possible to empty and refill water in service areas. Most can be used without spending an overnight stay. Many also offer outlets.

Van or motorhome ... same fight

We tend to believe that the lift-top van goes everywhere and can park where the camper is prohibited. This is not true. All the same, let us recognize that vehicles less than 2 meters can pass under the gates found at the entrance to certain car parks. But legally, that does not mean that they have the right to deploy their lifting roof on these car parks. In addition, the vans still benefit from a significant capital of sympathy and are more discreet. They gain greater tolerance on the part of residents and municipalities. However, let's not believe that the law is different for compact vans.

Why do we sometimes stay at the campsite

Parasols, bicycles, barbecue, garden furniture… a stopover at the campsite allows you to take out all the equipment, for a more comfortable outdoor living.

Comfort: at the campsite, you can take out all your equipment, settle comfortably on your pitch, stay connected to the electricity network at all times, have barbecues, etc. It is very comfortable, and the setting is generally greener than in reception areas.
The length of stay: as long as we pay, we stay on site. For long stays, camping is the best solution.
Services (washing machine, swimming pool, etc.): when travelling in a motorhome, a stopover at the campsite from time to time is always a pleasure. This is the opportunity to take a longer shower, to bathe in the swimming pool, to use the washing machines ...
The atmosphere: at the campsite, there is a holiday atmosphere that is always pleasant. If you are loyal to the same campsite, you will find acquaintances there. And if you travel with children or teenagers, camping becomes a party.

A matter of money

Camping stays are comfortable, but they cost more. There are certainly solutions to reduce the price. If you stay in small campsites with little stars, outside of school holidays, you won't pay much more than in certain areas.

What about security?

This is an argument that we have sometimes heard from the mouths of motorhome operators. They feel safer at the campsite. We sleep there with peace of mind, without risk of break-in, without bad jokes from local young people. This is an admissible argument, which stems from a small part of reality, but above all from a large part of feelings: most motorhome operators only stay at the campsite from time to time, and they are not worried when they sleep in an area or a parking lot.

The campsite, to be consumed in moderation

Are you going to rent a motorhome, or have you recently owned one? Know that you would miss something, by not attempting bivouacs in complete freedom. Because it is a little adventure, to choose the place where you are going to spend the night, to find yourself there alone, like a ship at sea. This is the spirit of the motorhome. It is also and above all a wonderful way to discover a region and to take advantage of the freedom offered by the motorhome.

Reception areas too

The classic image of the camper van area is a parking lot on the outskirts, on which the camper vans are lined up as at the merchant. It exists, and it is useful for one night, or a little more (according to tastes). There are also more pleasant, well-located and well-appointed motorhome areas. Some are even quite natural, with trees, a little space… So, of course, the equipped and landscaped areas are more expensive than simple car parks for motorhomes. But they are still generally less expensive than neighbouring campsites.