🚫 Campervan Entry Denied! What You MUST Know Before Booking a Campsite

[@peterlawrence3152]

We tend to go for sites with minimum facilities. Usually 8 adults 8 feral kids and two hounds. Most sites in Scotland are fairly chilled without over excessive rules.

[@philiplewis9825]

I was recently at a dog training centre that had pitches for camping there was was the remains of a burnt out double axle caravan that would have been professionally built and type approval.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Do you know how the fire started? Someone causing a fire because they have overcooked their dinner would be irrelevant to how professional the conversion was 🤷🏻‍♂️ Depending on age, it might not be type approved. Had a DIYer added some extra USB’s, maybe another 240v socket to plug their tv in, added a solar panel possibly. Lots of variables, which further goes to show, how can a site determine a good from a bad. I’ve shown bad conversions in the past, but never name anyone, who is to say that a brand new van was made by a NCC approved converter, then the next day goes for a cheap solar panel to be fitted by someone else and they completely mess up the wiring and turn it into a dangerous hazard. The van is type approved, NCC approved, yet potentially a fire hazard because of the aftermarket work

[@Pugwash.]

Never rule out plain old prejudice. My mate booked us a campsite once. We both arrived on motorbikes late at night and checked-in. We pitched our tents and fell asleep almost immediately after a long ride. In the morning we were told to leave because "we don't allow all male groups". We're quite sure they didn't like our motorbikes, as we had booked as two males with two tents weeks in advance.

[@liam-james]

Smacks of big brother Britain. What has cupboard space got to do with anything?

[@StaycationLifestyle]

I can only imagine that they believe if it has cupboards then it’s a proper campervan 🤷🏻‍♂️ I have no idea. One night they could easily have a van with “cupboards” that’s got poor electrics and dodgy gas, yet they could turn away a far less likely van to cause problems, because the storage isn’t fitted (For example VW’s own California Beach) 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@kdri155]

We experienced this with a large site in Bream, van was self converted LWB Ducato. Once I sent a couple of images they were happy to take the booking. We now use a Micro camper based on a Peugeot and have had no issues with sites yet.

[@lisaf7909]

I was thinking of buying a van style mpv to use as a microcamper but without permanent fixed furniture etc in it so it can be used as a day vehicle as well.

[@TammyNewmanArt]

Wow I didn’t even know this was an issue, we have recently bought an ex-fleet vehicle that we are converting in stages and would have got caught out by this if it wasn’t for this video. Thank you for uploading

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Not all sites have strict rules, but some do, so it’s just a case of checking and making sure you don’t get caught out. Enjoy converting your van and the experiences it will give you 😀

[@TammyNewmanArt]

@@StaycationLifestyle thank you so much, we have enjoyed binge watching your videos getting tips and information on products etc. we own a solo stove after seeing your video and love it, plus all the info you have given has been invaluable so thank you so much

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Thank you. That’s a lovely thing for you to say. Always nice to hear I’ve helped people 👍🏼

[@watto7728]

Caravan and Motorhome club allow commercial flat bed trucks, commercial labelled vans etc. on the sites.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

👍🏼 Lots are accepting, it’s just a case of checking before booking to make sure

[@grahampayne8376]

Love France so less restrictions and great sites❤

[@nigelduckworth4419]

I have a micro camper to which I attach a drive- away tailgater tent. This vehicle does not have fixed fittings because it has a boot jump which has a table and chairs, cooker and storage as well as a full size bed and fitted blackout blinds. That means that it is possible for the unit to be removed for the winter although it is in permanently for 6 months of the year. Some campsites will not allow this, but the C&CC club of which I am a member, does. It could hardly not do, given an article in its magazine extolling the virtues of this setup. The club also has a 6 metre rule so that no unit can be closer to the next than 6 metres in case of fire. The club has sometimes what we call the gestapo to enforce the rules. If the largest camping club allows this setup why do some sites not? Is it pettiness or do they like to be the SS?

[@philld2576]

I’ve had a problem with a camp site in chertsey Surrey because I own a transporter not a campervan

[@StaycationLifestyle]

It’s becoming more common. Changes implemented since previous years

[@ph5056]

I see many new restrictions coming for campervan/ motorhomes in uk unfortunately

[@mark-se6ef]

I remember when a guy chucked petrol on his bbq and set him self alight, no wonder they have rules, there are some bloody idiots around.

[@Stederino]

I wonder how sites accept microcampers...we've just bought a citroen berlingo and are a family of 4 so we need an awning and will need to be staying on campsites rather than stealth.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

With most I’m sure you will be fine. It’s just a case of checking the t’s and c’s or calling them to be sure

[@Camelman447]

Was refused Entry to a Campsite in UK because we are Left Hand Drive and our Habitation door is on the right.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Interesting. Only really seen that happen with caravans, as there are lots of EU spec motorhomes in the UK now

[@larrywinning5183]

Jobsworth 🤡🤡🤡

[@colinlee5429]

There certainly are some crazy rules! I find the more commercial motorhome ones the worst! I'd much rather be in a nice basic chilled one 🤙

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Driven by different factors. The litigation culture no doubt is a big factor in this 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@colinlee5429]

@StaycationLifestyle it's the culture we live in now unfortunately 😔

[@StaycationLifestyle]

It certainly is 😢

[@scotchegg6422]

Was that photo Polzeath? We’ve stayed at Tristram Campsite there, fantastic place.

[@Dontlikefruit]

Well that rules a lot of campsites out for me. Recently bought a vw transporter with my son who is a diy expert. We will convert it how we want , safety first of course. We will exercise our right of freedom 😅

[@StaycationLifestyle]

There are loads a sites you can visit, it’s just a case of checking beforehand

[@exthreesome]

Love these Vids !!

[@DaveHammondDublin]

Can only speak for Ireland - many visitors do not understand the history of itinerant travellers moving into sites and can be very difficult to move on - that s why there's so many of those 'height restrictions ' along the west cost t of Ireland along wild Atlantic way - it's difficult for visitors to comprehend the various precautions and rules many sites and landowners impose - these are to deter itinerant travellers and unfortunately campers get caught up in these restrictions - try research the routes and check out information before aimlessly driving in search of good sites would be my tip

[@Edge_Effect]

Fully understand why some of the rules are in place, but you cannot get away from the fact that some sites are just down to Caravan & large Motorhome snobbery and they dont want campervans on site. I always look at the T&C's and book accordingly, but the amount of sites I've been on that state no commercial vans or sign written vans permitted, yet it seems if you turn up with a caravan on the back this is ok.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Some sites are more ruthless than others and will enforce it. Can they charge more for a caravan/motorhome ? 🤷🏻‍♂️ I know there is a move by some sites to reduce touring pitches in favour of statics.

[@rosc4321]

Interesting, in Ireland a van is either commercial or not. A converted commercial van must be inspected and signed off by an engineer with the log book changed and the approriate taxes paid to the authorities on the conversion. If is has a conversion that's not recorded it is in avery grey area and possibly not insured, owning a commercial vehicle privately in Ireland is a challenge. There is no "halfway house" so to speak.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

It is interesting how different places have different rules. They are classified different again in Germany, Spain, France etc

[@supertuscans9512]

why should anyone pay tax to an authority for converting a camper van? Sounds too like Germany circa 1936.

[@rosc4321]

@@supertuscans9512 Becasuse thats the law hwew. Google Ireland VRT car import taxes if you really want to see how messed up it is. I'm assuming userf name revers for red wine and not TVRs as they have a mental annual road tax here

[@mikadavies660]

Spent a long time building my conversion and getting it fully certified and registered. After this, I noted the restrictions at many camp sites PLUS the prices that can be more than a Hotel.... I have never used a camp site since completing my conversion in 2019... They are simply a rip-off.

[@mattwoodford1820]

Well, these campsites have just withdrawn their right to complain about people wild camping, this is on them. My vehicle is a commercial vehicle although I guess that means it is excluded from "no motorhomes" signs. tbh the DVLA defines whether it is a motorhome or a commercial vehicle. tbf I don't really like campsites anyway, too many people, basically just an outdoors hotel. At least I feel better for not using campsites now, thank you campsites for taking some of the guilt off me and shouldering it yourself. Plus if I stay somewhere wile, it'll be tidier when I leave too and I save money too. The insurance thing, how do they manage EV's then as they are as much likely to catch fire as a homemade camper van

[@allbushnocraft3031]

news flash if your in a van your not wild camping your sleeping in a van 🤣

[@russellstanford4584]

@@mattwoodford1820 yeah! I agree like u said if there is a sign saying no camping or camper vans we can park there because we are neither 😉

[@mattwoodford1820]

@@allbushnocraft3031 ahaha yes the kitchen and proper bed definitely take the "wild" aspect out of the camping but the principals of how to behave remain the same

[@mattwoodford1820]

@@russellstanford4584 yeah, it's the "no sleeping in vehicles overnight" signs that are the gotcha here

[@xprs1257]

I was looking to buy a VW campervan but I don’t think I’ll bother.. Hotel every time .

[@darrenwhyman4539]

I been campervanning for 5 years now and have never had any issues! Mine is a converted T6 not campervan on log book, not even ever been asked 🤷‍♂️

[@woodycook5011]

Don't see why any camp site would stop you from using their site because you have a driveaway if you never intend to actually intend to driveaway.

[@suewheeler5795]

Lots of these rules have been brought in since Covid. The size of awnings these days are also absolutely massive so I can understand why some places refuse vehicles. Unfortunately there are now lots of entitled people and a distinct lack of common sense around which hasn't helped. I know that a campsite near Durdle Door won't allow camper vans without certain internal criteria. It feels as if we are being demonised. Try parking in Bournemouth, that's truly a nightmare

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Size of some awnings are huge now, as the vans themselves, they just get bigger. People need to start thinking of others in many regards and the world would be a better place

[@CampingNE]

Everything got worse after convid ; it was of course part of the long term plan so not surprised :)

[@suewheeler5795]

@@StaycationLifestyle I don't understand what's happened in the last few years to civility and kindness but I don't half miss it!

[@StaycationLifestyle]

@@suewheeler5795 It's not a nice direction we are going in. BUT there are still some lovely people 😀

[@suewheeler5795]

@@StaycationLifestyle and long may we keep finding them 🙌

[@flapper111uk]

Minibus ?

[@StaycationLifestyle]

It would depend on the site. Check their T’s and C’s

[@JamesWilliam70]

Most online bookable campsites are pretty clear on rules, not that I'm a fan of campsites, unless it's a no dogs adults only affair. Nothing worse than screaming kids and barking dogs on paid ground when you want a relaxing holiday.

[@hansj5846]

No ball playing is a total no no for me even though I don't have young children. If a site don't promote a relaxed playful atmosphere it's not for me. ❤

[@michaelgoode9555]

Well, ... We were camping in June with our car and our tent. A group of younger folk turned up, pitched their tents and then started playing football. The ball hit the car twice. First time I ignored it, second time I simply asked them to please be more careful. In the morning they had already packed and gone but when we were ready to honour for the day I spotted a freshly scuffed area of paint on the rear nearside door about 3 inches round with a pair of parallel scratches across it. Now I don't know for certain it was as a result of their playing football and hitting our car but the damage was not there earlier the previous day when we parked up.

[@hansj5846]

@@michaelgoode9555 ok.... cool story dude

[@JamesWilliam70]

Screaming kids, thuding balls and barking dogs is not my idea of a relaxing holiday, I would prefer to be solitary at the end of nowhere than on a packed campsite.

[@Dontlikefruit]

It's different when you have kids or grandkids you tend to put up with a lot. Though people should keep an eye on their kids and watch what they are doing. Common sense really.

[@701Adventures]

More fool these campsites if they’re being that selective. Are they going to stipulate no electric vehicles in case they burst into flames, are they going to say no diesel vehicles because they aren’t as quiet as petrol vehicles? How about stating no vehicles with gaudy colours in case it irritates someone. Plenty of other campsites so leave the pedantic ones to go bankrupt in the coming years. 👍

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Some do not allow charging of electric vehicles 😀 Some will have had bad experiences, suffered losses, had claims, complaints etc. They can be selective to an extent if they are still going to sell out. I think we are going to see more sites being “statics only” going forward. Plus others increasing prices. With the increase in “tourers” whether that be campervans, motorhomes or caravans, the sites can choose their own rules/regs and have the clientele they want.

[@701Adventures]

@@StaycationLifestyle Well so far I must have been lucky. I have a T6 Transporter but I have no intention of converting it. I have a DJI Power 1000 powerbank and a Halfords portable compressor fridge/freezer. Those items coupled with my tent and some decent camping equipment allows me to put my motorcycle in the back and enjoy a stress free relatively cheap break whenever I fancy it. Keep up the good videos, I get a lot of inspiration from your channel 👍

[@Dontlikefruit]

​@@701Adventures Good on you sounds fun.

[@peterjones2594]

Does make you questioning if building your own camper is worth it. I’m looking at a T6 or similar, but you have to have somewhere safe to stay overnight.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

There are loads of safe places to stay. It’s just a matter of checking the T&C’s of where you intend staying before you book

[@simplestuff3895]

@peterjones2594 Hi Peter, you’ll get so much more from travelling and enjoying the UK if you dont use campsites. I’ve been living 60% of my time in my camper van in the last 4 years and I’ve never had any trouble anywhere in the Uk, You obviously look at where you plan to stay and avoid anywhere dodgy. If you’re away from some cities, you’re generally ok. Park4night app is invaluable. It’s been surprising how many great nights we’ve spent in small town and villages in the UK, great times and memories. You have to do it!

[@Dontlikefruit]

I've just bought one to convert. Just looking forward to the adventures with the grandkids. If you do your research on these campsites I'm sure there are plenty that will be suitable.

[@James-cheese]

Maybe should have a dress code to avoid this risk. Shorts and wellies only please. Absolutely no evening wear allowed. Only genuine Nirvana t-shirts please.

[@jasonroberts6063]

I've noticed since covid, campsites have a lot more rules and are more anul. It's taking the fun out of camping. You want to go away to relax and not to get policed by the campsite and all their rules. Duck that

[@theoldhobbit3640]

I have recently retired and we have camped, caravaned all our married life, so far. As a retirement present I bought a professionally converted NV 200 for short day trips and the odd weekend away for my wife and I. We have been members of the CCC for 28 years and still love the outdoors. Your vlog is quite concerning as we may, as we get a little older, use commercial sites from time to time. Our little van has onboard water, fitted running water, fitted gas two ring hobb, a R&R electrically operated fitted double bed, under bed storage and a couple of slider doors storage cupboards, as well as a Propex blown gas heater, oh I forgot, we have a pop top and the vehicle stands at 1.9m in height and 4.4m long. Now anyone with an ounce of common sense can quite clearly see it's a campervan, you would think, but when I went to DVLA and asked about changing it from a PLG to a campervan, they flatly refused saying that the vehicle did not meet the criteria. So I do wonder if in time, I will have spent a fair sum of my retirement money on a LEMON 😮😮

[@StaycationLifestyle]

It’s just a case of making sure you check the terms and conditions before booking. If it became a blanket ban, there would be 10’s of thousands of campers not able to stay places, that just couldn’t happen. Just check and enjoy your retirement. Have the best experiences

[@russhumphreys8109]

You've just added yet another reason to stay away from UK campsites. We now avoid them 99% of the time. Europe or Morocco has so much more to offer avoiding this ridiculous behaviour

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Too be fair, they are listening to guidance from health and safety, councils, insurers and can’t blame them for wanting a family friendly site. However, it’s such a shame that they have to do this

[@russhumphreys8109]

@StaycationLifestyle unfortunately the H&S card is grossly exaggerated for their own commercial or biased reasons. I say that as someone who has worked in extremely high risk situations where H&S is incredibly important. Hijacking H&S for these ridiculous reasons is not justified. I vote with my wallet

[@StaycationLifestyle]

@@russhumphreys8109 I work in commercial insurance and the ridiculous claims scenarios that come in are beyond belief. I’ve seen first hand that claims come from nothing. Imagine slipping on wet grass resulting in a claim, or maybe a site owner being litigated against for the action of a guest. I really could go on and on with ridiculous situations of claims. A key factor in all this is duty of care. Did the owner do everything they could to prevent the incident from happening? The H&S is only responding to the law firms litigation. It’s totally crazy, I know, but I can see why they do it

[@russhumphreys8109]

@StaycationLifestyle I guess we're going way off topic now🤣 but there needs to be a serious push back against this nonsense. If not we're all going to be priced out of basic human rights, to insure a vehicle for example

[@StaycationLifestyle]

@@russhumphreys8109 🤣 Ah well, it’s good to talk. If people stopped looking for someone else to blame whenever an incident occurred, we would all live in a better place.

[@CampingNE]

Fundamentally this is Health and safety gone absolute insane ; additionally it’s the insurances that push Up policy prices deliberately. I get the shabby van and consequently the undesirable types that “usually “ drive them ( I say usually because it’s that demographic that do try to stretch it and soil it for others . My own experience and my own opinion.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

It’s a result of previous problems/claims that are causing the H&S to be stricter. Insurance premiums for leisure premises will rise as people continue to try and claim for tripping over things, being hit by bikes, slipping on grass etc etc. Shocking really. A lot of sites want families which they believe wont cause problems

[@CampingNE]

@@StaycationLifestyle it’s an awful culture we now live in. Bring back the 70s/ 80s common sense and genuine people.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

@@CampingNE fully agree. Seemingly getting worse as time goes by, not better

[@watto7728]

Wooosh bang, there goes another VW Transporter side door being slammed.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

🤣 not very quiet

[@D4VE26]

True true

[@potusuk]

better than the singing & chanting until 11pm coming from a migrant commune in the next field at one south Devon campsite.

[@D4VE26]

@@potusuk wow really

[@MingeMagnet]

Never used a camp site. Always wild camp

[@JamesWilliam70]

👍

[@russellstanford4584]

Why would u want to stay on campsites like these. Its missing the point of camping.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

@@russellstanford4584 Not all sites are the same. The are some great “camping” places.

[@russellstanford4584]

@@StaycationLifestyle yes I know. That's my point I go to loads of good campsites in my VDub day van and never have trouble. I do wild camp more often though. It amazes me how people turn money away. Plus I couldn't think of any think worse than a sterile boring camp site full of Ken's and Karen's .

[@reddog7024]

Cripes mate immigrant to Australia basically breathing and you are in

[@TheKidodog]

When you have a campervan there's no need to book a campsite

[@StaycationLifestyle]

That indeed is true for many people 👍🏼

[@George11lee]

I feel like you give self builders a bad rap from watching a couple of your videos. I am a self builder and I take real pride in building my campervan safely, within the guidelines of government legislation and to a high standard. Touching on important points around campsites is important for viewers but not every self builder out there builds dangerous vans. Self builders heavily research every point of installation, after all, they are sleeping in a death trap if not. This doesn't detract from the important content you provide, just a view of a passionate self builder.

[@StaycationLifestyle]

@@George11lee The problem is not everyone is like you and there are far too many horror vans around. I’ve shown this in several videos. I’ve also had some positive comments from small self builders who are grateful for me pointing out some of the dangers. I’ve also helped them as they haven’t been aware of new requirements they weren’t aware of. Let’s also not forget, I did mine myself. Last week I explained about having a check if you have done it yourself and a couple of weeks before I showed a budget self build van. Over the coming months there will be much more of self build stuff, in a positive sense 👍🏼

[@steve-r-collier]

dont use campsites...too expensive..always wild camp

[@Hello-ww5bi]

Let’s be honest these camp site owners need to get over themselves and their woke risk assessments of theirs If I was a campsite owner I’d prefer DIY campers 🤣 least they’ll be competent enough to find and fix any issue Rather than someone who talks down on them like snobby pre built twats

[@StaycationLifestyle]

Problem is, many of these risk assessments have been written as a result of people being sued over ridiculous things. They are only trying to protect themselves. Some DIY campers are better than some of the so called “professional” conversions. The DIYers take pride in what they do, as opposed to some of the poorer converters (there are good and bad converters)