One of the joys of campervan ownership is that you have the opportunity to go camping off-grid, to be self-sufficient on your travels. Truly wild camping isn’t legal in the UK, but there are still plenty of sites tucked away in small corners where you can really get away from it all, not to mention the innumerable festivals and events you can camp at.
In this guide, we’re going to look at the things you need to consider when you go off-grid with your campervan. It’s not an exhaustive list, but it covers the main points. There’s a lot to think about and much planning to be done – the experience won’t be for everyone, either. But we think it’s worth trying at least once. If you do get on with it, it opens up a whole world of new possibilities.
Choosing a location
You can’t just pitch up wherever you want as truly wild camping isn’t legal in the UK. You have to stay at a managed campsite. However, that doesn’t mean you have to stay at a perfectly manicured holiday park crammed with hundreds of caravans and motorhomes.
Across the UK, there are literally thousands of smaller sites, some with only a few pitches, found in the corners of fields, woodland clearings, farmyards, riverside meadows and so on, and so on. Then there are the literally thousands of temporary sites that pop-up and events that allow on-site camping. There are lots of websites and apps to help you find such sites.
There’s also the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s certified location scheme. That’s a selection of over 2,200 smaller sites that the Club has inspected, and offer access to drinking water, a chemical toilet emptying point and waste disposal. Not all small sites offer such facilities.
When it comes to finding an off-grid site, work backwards from whatever activities you want to do and search in that area. Malham Cove in the Yorkshire Dales is one of my very favourite places to go hiking. There are seven Caravan and Motorhome Club certified locations within a few miles, and that’s by no means all the options available there.
Managing water, gas and electricity
This is by far the most important aspect of a successful off-grid camping trip. With experience, you’ll learn how long your campervan’s utilities last under various conditions. But, if you’re new to it, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. Check battery, water and gas levels frequently; don’t underestimate how much you’ll through, especially if you have kids.
Some small sites offer electrical hook-ups and drinking water supplies and, if that’s a necessity for you, you can filter site searches to take that into account. Otherwise, you’re going to have find somewhere you can replenish supplies nearby, or augment what you already have.
Solar panels and portable power stations can be an effective way of keeping the battery topped up and/or giving you another option for an electricity supply. Also fill some extra water carriers to take with you and get a spare gas bottle or two. Just be careful you don’t take so much that you tip your camper over its gross vehicle weight, and store everything securely.
Standing on level ground
The pitches at a lot of small campsites are not on hard and/or level ground. You can use levelling wedges – small ramps you drive onto – under whichever wheels need raising to get you camper on an even keel. Use a spirit level inside the vehicle – both lengthways and widthways – to check the angle.
If the pitch is on soft ground, you might also need some equipment to help you escape slippery conditions. Some mats or old carpet under the vehicle’s driven wheels should provide the traction needed to get going; also have a tow rope handy in case you need pulling free.
Toilet arrangements
An easy thing to overlook, but absolutely vital to plan for when you go off-grid to a site without proper toilets or facilities to empty a chemical toilet. If your campervan has an on-board toilet, you’ll need to find some convenient places you can empty and clean it, or else stick to using public toilets.
If your camper doesn’t have a toilet, you may want to invest in a portable camping toilet and set it up in a tent next to the vehicle. Though, again, you’re going to have to find somewhere to dispose of the deposits, or else rely on public loos.
Minimise your environmental impact
It goes without saying that you should leave as little trace as possible when you leave a campsite. Make sure every speck of rubbish goes in the site’s bins or take it with you. Keep an eye out for any fluid leaks coming your camper – engine oil, fuel and coolant are toxic pollutants. Also think about how much noise and light emanates from your camper at night; too much could disturb the local wildlife.
Internet access
Part of the point of camping off-grid is to get away from it all, and it’s a good opportunity to have a bit of a digital detox. But that doesn’t work for everyone and, let’s face it, it’s always useful to have internet access wherever you are. But assume 4G/5G coverage out in the sticks is hopeless. If a strong connection is vital, you may want to invest in a high-power receiver or sign up to a satellite internet service.
Keeping the mud out
Even a small amount of dirt on the floor can make a campervan look and feel really messy. It’s functionally impossible to keep your shoes completely muck-free if you’re pitched on soft ground, so it’s wise to come up with a way of storing them outside. Similarly, if you get soaked in a rain shower, it’s best to dry them outside if possible.
Follow the rules
Make sure you carefully read the rules for every small site you stay at. There may be restrictions on what you can do there – no BBQs, for instance – and light and noise levels. There may also be advice on things like where you can dispose of rubbish locally and the best routes to get there.
This article was compiled with help from the Caravan and Motorhome Club which represents the interests of over 1.1 million caravan, motorhome, campervan, roof tent and trailer tent owners across the UK and offers great value, high-quality campsites for tourers and glampers.
Membership costs just £66 per year and provides members with access to over 2,700 quality campsites across the UK and Europe. All members can take advantage of expert advice, overseas travel services, breakdown cover, specialist insurance and other exclusive member offers and discounts. For further information, please visit www.camc.com or call 01342 318 813.
Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website – read why you should trust us.
Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us.
