Free vs. Paid Camping: A Guide to Overnight Stays for Campervans
The right spot for tonight
So, you have the wheels, the keys in your hand, and the van is all set. But when the sun starts setting, that old question always pops up. Where do we park this thing for the night? Should we search for a free spot, or maybe just book at a paid site? Actually, there is no right answer.
The free vs. paid camping debate is not about one being better than the other. It's about what is right for you tonight. How you feel, your money situation and if you need a good shower. All these things matter. It is not just about choosing one side or the other. It is about understanding the language of both. Let’s explore all details, so you can always find a place that feels like home for the night.
The charm of free camping
There’s something deeply satisfying about finding a beautiful place that does not cost a cent. It feels like a little secret victory. Free camping is about keeping things simple and being close with nature. Waking up to a sunrise over a lonely beach or misty mountain valley, with no other people around. This is the goal, right?
The good stuff
- Happy wallet: Saving on nightly fees means your travel budget can last for longer trips, better coffee, or that extra special experience.
- Peace and solitude: You have better chance to find true quiet place where you can really hear your own thoughts. It is just you, the wind in trees and sound of your small fire crackling.
- Incredible, unique locations: Often, these spots are in places commercial sites can’t be, offering those jaw dropping, “pinch-me” views like those near Calgary or Queenstown.
The not-so-good stuff
- Very few (or no) facilities: We’re talking no power, no guaranteed fresh water tap, and definitely no ensuite bathroom. You’re living off what you carry.
- The need for more planning: You can’t just rock up anywhere. Finding legal spots requires research.
- Isolation can be a downside: If you’re craving a chat, some local tips, or just the security of other people around, a lonely gravel park might feel a bit too quiet.
- The responsibility factor: This is crucial. With no one managing the site, it’s 100% on us “the camping community” to keep it pristine.
How to be a star free camper
This is the golden rule. If we abuse free camps, councils and landowners shut them down. It is that simple. So, how do we do it right?
- Leave it better than you found it: Take every single scrap of your rubbish with you. Even the food scraps and the biodegradable stuff. It’s not a picnic for local wildlife.
- Be super discrete: Keep your noise down, avoid external lights, and try to blend in. The goal is to be unnoticed.
- Respect the dump point: Never, ever empty your toilet cassette or greywater onto ground or into storm drain. Use official dump stations. It’s gross, it’s illegal, and it ruins the area for everyone.
- The 3-3-3/4-4-4 "Rule": Sometimes, you hear van lifers talk about this. It is not a law, but it’s an excellent guide for good travel habits. It suggests to stay no more than 3 nights in one place. Then, move at least 3 miles away when you go. And aiming to be packed up or moved on by 3pm if it’s a casual rest area. Some use a 4-4-4 rhythm. The idea is to avoid overstaying and to keep the experience fresh for you and the location healthy.
- Finding these legal gems: Don’t just guess! My favourite apps are Campermate and WikiCamps. They’re lifesavers. They show user-reviewed spots, tell you the rules (like “self-contained vehicles only”), and point you to the nearest dump station and water tap. Also, always check the local council website for the specific by-laws rules change from region to region.
The comforts of paid sites
Some days, after a long drive or a week of wild places, you just crave a bit of civilisation. That’s where paid campsites and holiday parks shine. It’s less about the destination and more about the services. I think of it as recharging both my van’s batteries and my own.
The good stuff
- Full amenities: Plug into power (hello, heater and laptop!), connect to fresh water, and use a dedicated drain for your greywater. It’s effortless living.
- Sparkling facilities: Hot showers, good kitchens, laundry rooms and often TV lounge or Wi-Fi. The sheer luxury of a long, hot shower is very important!
- Prime locations: Many are in centre of towns, near supermarkets, attractions, or public transport, perfect for exploring cities like Vancouver or Edinburgh.
- Community vibe: It’s a great place for sharing travel stories, getting recommendations, and enjoying together in the social BBQ area. Perfect if you’re travelling solo.
The not-so-good stuff
- The cost: Nights can add up, especially in peak season.
- Less privacy: You’ll likely have neighbours close by.
- Can feel less "wild": You might be trading that epic view for a well-manicured lawn.
- Booking hassle: In popular areas, you often need to book ahead, which steals a bit of that spontaneous freedom.
Free or paid? How to choose your nightly adventure
Stuck deciding? Ask yourself these simple questions before you start looking:
- What’s my budget tonight? If funds are tight, free is the clear winner. If you’ve got room to splurge for comfort, consider a paid site.
- What do I need to do? Be honest. Do you need to do a massive grocery shop, laundry, have a guaranteed internet connection for work, or refill water? If yes, a paid site makes those chores easy. If you’re fully stocked and self-sufficient, you have more freedom.
- How do I feel? Are you craving solitude and starry skies, or do you fancy a chat and the sound of families enjoying their holiday? Your mood is a totally valid factor.
- What’s the plan tomorrow? If you have an early tour or need to be in a city centre, a conveniently located paid site might reduce next-day stress.
My personal rhythm? I tend to mix it up. I’ll do 2-3 nights off-grid in beautiful free spots, living simply. Then, I’ll book a night at a paid park for a proper clean-up, recharge, and maybe even a meal I didn’t cook in my tiny van kitchen. It’s the perfect balance on a road trip just like from Los Angeles to San Francisco.
Your go-to toolkit for the road
Before I let you go plan your first night, here’s a quick list of the digital helpers I always have on my phone:
- Campermate / WikiCamps: The absolute essentials for finding and reviewing both free and paid sites, dump stations, and water points. They work a treat in Australia and New Zealand.
- Google Maps (Satellite view): For scoping out a potential free spot from above, checking if it’s a big enough pull-off, not someone’s driveway!
- Local council websites: The final authority on local freedom camping rules. A quick check can save you a fine.
At the end of the day, the beauty of van life is the freedom to choose Some nights you want epic wilderness experience, other times you need easy access to hot shower. Now that you have all the information, you’re all set to make the call. Trust your gut. Respect the places you stay. And most importantly enjoy the journey out there.
No van? No problem!
And hey, if you’re reading this dreaming of a trip but don’t own a van yet, don’t let that stop you! Companies like Motorhome Republic are a fantastic place to start looking. They compare rental options from different suppliers all in one spot, which takes the headache out of finding the right wheels for your adventure, whether you want a compact campervan or a full-sized motorhome for a trip starting in Sydney, Auckland, or Las Vegas. It’s how a lot of people get their first taste of life on the road.
Hit the road, and I’ll probably see you out there at a dump station filling up with water! Safe travels!
