Camping with Vapes: What You Need to Know Before You Light Up

When you’re out on the road in your motorhome, camping with vapes, the practice of using electronic cigarettes or vape devices during outdoor stays. Also known as outdoor vaping, it’s become a quiet but growing part of modern camping culture—especially among younger travelers and those who rely on vaping to manage stress or quit smoking. But just because you can vape in your van doesn’t mean you should do it anywhere, anytime. Campsites aren’t like your living room. They’re shared spaces, often crowded with families, kids, and people who don’t smoke—or vape—at all.

Many UK campsites have clear rules about vaping at campsites, where and how electronic nicotine delivery systems can be used on site. Some ban it outright near tents, play areas, or communal buildings. Others allow it only in designated smoking zones—usually far from where kids are playing or where food is served. And don’t assume that because vaping doesn’t produce smoke, it’s invisible to the rules. The smell, the cloud, and the device itself can draw complaints. One campsite manager told us they had to issue three warnings in a single weekend just because someone was vaping near the playground.

Then there’s the e-cigarette rules camping, the legal and practical guidelines governing vape use in outdoor public spaces like campsites. Unlike cigarettes, vapes aren’t covered by the UK’s public smoking ban—but that doesn’t mean they’re free game. Private landowners, including campsite operators, can set their own policies. And if you’re wild camping or stealth camping, you’re still on someone else’s land. Even if no sign says "no vaping," common sense matters. A puff near a tent door, a car window, or a picnic table can turn a peaceful trip into a conflict.

What about safety? Vape batteries have caught fire in cars, tents, and even backpacks. Heat, pressure changes, and rough handling during travel make them risky. Keep them in a cool, dry place—not in your glovebox or next to your coffee pot. And never leave a charging device unattended overnight. We’ve seen too many stories of melted gear and smoky vans after someone plugged in their vape before bed.

If you’re planning a family trip, think about how your vaping affects others. Kids notice. Other campers notice. And if you’re renting your motorhome, the next person might find a sticky residue or a lingering smell that costs them money to clean. That’s not just rude—it’s expensive. The best rule? Vape away from shared spaces. Open a window, step outside, and keep it brief. Don’t cloud the air. Don’t leave your device lying around. Don’t assume it’s fine just because it’s not a cigarette.

Below, you’ll find real stories and practical advice from people who’ve been there—whether they’re trying to quit smoking while on the road, dealing with cranky neighbors over vape clouds, or just learning how to use their device safely in the wild. No theory. No fluff. Just what works—and what gets you kicked out.