Not quite anywhere — but more places than you might think. Overnight rules vary by country, region, and even individual town: some spots welcome campers for the night, others don't allow it at all, and the only way to know is to check the local rules where you are. Get it wrong and you risk a fine or a knock on the window from police asking you to move — so it's worth a two-minute check before you settle in for the night. When you're not sure, head for a designated spot.
Where you can settle in
- Campsites — the full setup: hook-ups, showers, water and waste, usually bookable ahead. The easy choice when you want comfort and a guaranteed spot.
- Camper stops and aires — dedicated overnight areas for campervans, dotted all over Europe and often low-cost or free, with basics like water and waste on hand. Usually the simplest way to wake up somewhere scenic without booking a full campsite — and once you discover them, you'll plan trips around them.
- Approved parking areas — places where overnight parking is expressly allowed. Local signage or rules will tell you when you're in one.
Finding a spot as you go
The campervan apps are your best friend here — they map the aires, camper stops, and approved areas near you, with reviews and a rundown of what each one offers. Our recommended camping apps are a good place to start. And when you'd rather follow a route that's already been road-tested, our suggested road trip itineraries point you to great places to stay around popular pick-up spots.