You’ve almost certainly admired them on daytrips, but have you asked yourself whether you can take your caravan into one of the many splendid national parks in the UK?
The short answer is yes, you can. The country’s national parks can make for excellent destinations for caravan holidays in the UK – provided, of course, that you respect the fragile environment of the park and do your utmost to tour responsibly.
So, you really can caravan in a national park?
Caravanning in the UK national parks is certainly permitted but there’s not every place you can take your caravan or pitch up overnight.
To experience the national parks at their finest, of course, you’ll want to stay the night or camp there for several days. But you must pitch your caravan only at one of the designated national park campsites or those certified by the Camping and Caravanning Club or the Caravan and Motorhome Club.
Wild camping – at a random spot away from a conventional campsite – is permitted only in Scotland, where the privilege is restricted to those camping under canvas and who are travelling on foot, by bicycle or by boat.
In none of the national parks can you pitch your caravan outside a campsite, and the same applies to overnight stays in the parks’ laybys and carparks.
When you are towing your caravan in a national park, remember that many of the roads will be winding and narrow. Invest in a good UK touring caravan guide or use the free maps and overviews available on the national parks website.
What types of caravan sites are available?
Browse your UK touring caravan guide for the caravan-friendly parks you’re likely to find in any of those you intend to visit. They will range from the basic, back-to-nature variety to those that offer more luxurious amenities.
Sites with a full range of amenities, offering a luxury, glamping lifestyle as well as those of a more rustic, tranquil and peaceful nature, can be found at private campsites and those registered with either the Caravan and Motorhome Club or the Camping and Caravanning Club. The latter also offer some seasonal pitches (where you can leave your caravan for up to six or even seven months) where spaces and availability allows.
How to caravan responsibly in national parks
The key to caravanning responsibly in any of the national parks is to leave the place as you found it – effectively to leave no trace of your having been there.
That will involve some fairly common sense precautions – such as:
- properly disposing of your waste, avoiding damage to the vegetation, sticking to the marked paths when you’re walking or biking from your pitch;
- following and respecting the local signage – on things such as one-way routes, weight limits, and the avoidance of livestock;
- avoiding open fires – except in permitted areas – and relying instead on cylinder gas and fire-safe alternatives; and
- wherever possible, supporting local businesses and the rural economy when you are shopping or eating out.
Some further considerations
Our national parks are a treasure and are typically free to enjoy when you’re towing a caravan. All that is required is a degree of planning and a respectful attitude – allowing you to book your campsites well in advance (especially in the height of the season) and remembering always to park up responsibly.
Caravanning in UK national parks can be a delight, and there are plenty of them to explore.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for general guidance only and is based on publicly available sources at the time of writing. Rules and regulations regarding caravanning in national parks may vary by location and are subject to change.
Readers are strongly advised to consult official sources such as the relevant national park authority, the Camping and Caravanning Club, or the Caravan and Motorhome Club before making travel or site arrangements.
We accept no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or consequences arising from the use of this information. Always caravan responsibly and in accordance with local guidelines.