Travelling Europe - In a camper van - Can I park up anywhere and stay overnight?

Question

I am travelling Europe in a camper van soon. I do intend to stay in campsite along the way. However, I am keen to experience not being in a campsite too. I am not sure how it works abroad. Can I park up on the side of the road (in sensible places obviously) and stay overnight?

Answer 1

In some countries you can, in some others you can not.

In the Netherlands you can only stay overnight in your camper on a special paid campsite. (Most campsites have camper places, but not all.)

If you stay overnight and the police expects you to be in your can, they will wake you, fine you and escort you to the nearest campsite with space, or to the highway to go out of town.

And yes, each year they do catch a few again.

In other countries you are allowed to stay in special, free places or anywhere on the side of the road.

Best place to ask for information is in an office of an Automobile club, anywhere in Europe.

In England that would be the AA, in the Netherlands the ANWB and so on.

Their websites might have some info too.

Answer 2

you should be ok in most place but coming into peak season the police are getting more vigilant, especally in france and northen spain, but just keep a low profile arrive late and get moving early  you should have no problems, normally any rude awakening will be over after a quick passport check and an ignorant turisty goodmorning! As for camping Sites  bring plenty of water on board and you won´t need them as much solor shower a definate!