When you hear caravan park, a dedicated site where people park caravans, motorhomes or RVs for short‑term or long‑term stays, often offering utilities and facilities. Also called a holiday park, it differs from a simple campsite by providing hookups, waste disposal and sometimes extra leisure amenities. Understanding the caravan park definition helps you pick the right spot for family trips or extended holidays.
Another key player is the caravan, a towable living unit that usually stays in a park’s designated pitches. Caravans rely on park infrastructure for water, electricity and waste, making the park’s rules essential for safe, legal use. RV (recreational vehicle) owners also depend on these sites, but they often need larger bays and higher power loads. Finally, a campsite represents the broader category of outdoor accommodation, ranging from wild spots with no services to fully serviced caravan parks. The relationship is clear: a caravan park is a specialised, serviced subset of the campsite ecosystem, catering specifically to caravans and RVs.
First, utility hookups – electricity (usually 13A or 32A), fresh water, and sewer connections – are the backbone of any park. Without them, a caravan or RV can’t function comfortably for more than a night. Second, amenities such as laundry, Wi‑Fi, playgrounds or pet areas add value and set premium parks apart from basic sites. Third, regulations: parks enforce rules on pitch size, noise levels, fire safety and waste disposal; these guidelines protect both guests and the environment. Fourth, location matters – parks near coastal towns, national parks or historic sites attract tourists looking for a base to explore. Finally, pricing structures differ: some charge per night, others offer weekly or monthly rates, and many include extra fees for premium services.
By grasping the caravan park definition, you’ll know what to look for in utilities, amenities, and local rules. The posts below dive deeper into buying vs renting RVs, campsite electricity, legal rules for stealth camping, and more – all tied to the core idea of what a caravan park really is. Ready to explore the range of topics? Keep reading to find practical tips, real‑world examples and the latest guidance that will help you make the most of any caravan park you visit.