Camping in a motorhome

There are lots of things to think about when booking a motorhome, but one of the most important is finding places to stay. The features and size of your motorhome can impact where you are able to park up for the night, which is why we've put together the information below to help you out.

Accommodation options

Campgrounds and holiday parks

The best place to start when looking for motorhome accommodation is for campgrounds and holiday parks along your route. They can range from the most basic campsites, with limited amenities, to fully featured holiday parks with pools, laundry facilities, playgrounds, barbeques, and onsite waste disposal. Which one you choose to stay at will depend on your needs and whether you're travelling as a couple or a family.

To find a campsite or holiday park in your travel destination, an internet search is your best bet, or you can use forums like Trip Advisor or something local to the area.

Freedom camping

If it is available during your travel itinerary, freedom camping offers a great way to save money. But it can come with a number of rules and regulations as well. This can include things like:

A maximum number of nights you can stay
When you can arrive and leave
Whether you can have pets or not
If your vehicle has to be self-contained

If you are caught breaking the rules, you may be fined.

When looking for somewhere to freedom camp, the best place to start is with a tourism website or a government website. For example, in New South Wales, Australia, you can find information about freedom camping on the Visit NSW website, while in New Zealand, the Department of Conservation website has information on where and when you can freedom camp. There are other resources as well, like Campendium in the USA or Freedom Camping Club in the UK. At the end of the day, make sure you do your research and stick to the rules.

National Parks

Camping in a National Park is a great option for nature lovers and hikers. National Parks in the USA are especially well equipped for motorhome travellers. The Recreation.gov website or app helps you find and book RV friendly campsites in places like Arcadia National Park, Denali National Park, Glacier National Park, and Grand Canyon National Park. Australia is another great option for camping in nature. Each State will have information available online for where and when you can camp, including Queensland.

The key thing to remember about camping in a National Park is that these are special places with sometimes delicate ecosystems. Make sure you leave as little trace of your visit as possible and always be respectful of nature.

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Are camping chairs and tables included with my rental?

Features like camping chairs, tables and child seats are usually available as added extras. This means that you have to add them when you book and they will have an added cost. Find out more on our vehicle add-ons and extras page.

What does self-contained mean?

Certified self-contained motorhomes include a toilet, water container that holds greywater (from the sink and shower) and septic waste. This means you do not require toilet facilities when you park up overnight somewhere. Best of all, it allows you to leave a place with no trace of being there. Some freedom camping sites require you to be in a self-contained vehicle in order to stay the night. This will usually be signposted, or will be highlighted on one of the websites linked above.

How do I know if my vehicle is self-contained?

After you've made a search, click on the 'Vehicle Details / Depot Info / Rental Terms' link (as highlighted in the screenshot below) to see more information about the vehicle. This page will show you a range of information about the motorhome, including whether or not it is self-contained.

A screenshot of search results with the vehicle details link highlighted.

How do I dispose of grey water and waste when camping?

To dispose of grey water (sink and shower water) or toilet waste, you will need to do so at a dedicated dump station. Campgrounds and holiday parks will usually have a dump station available, however you should check this on their website before you book.

It's less likely that there will be a dump station available when you're freedom camping, so you will need to travel to find one. There are websites, such as Camper Mate in NZ and Australia, or the Campervan & Motorhome Professional Association in the UK that can help you locate dump station.