Stealth Camping Locations: Find Hidden Spots and Stay Safe

When planning stealth camping locations, places where you can park your motorhome or van out of sight to sleep overnight without drawing attention. Also known as stealth camping, it lets you enjoy freedom on the road while avoiding campsite fees.

This practice sits between wild camping, camping outside designated sites in natural areas and boondocking, parking off‑grid, often on public land, with self‑contained utilities. Both share the same goal – staying away from formal sites – but stealth camping adds a layer of discretion: you look like a regular driver, you park in a parking lot or a service station, and you leave no trace. In the UK you have to keep an eye on the 36‑rule, the guideline that you stay at least 36 hours away from a campsite before returning. Ignoring it can mean a warning, a fine, or being asked to move. Knowing the rule helps you plan a route that respects local landowners while still giving you the privacy you crave.

Key Things to Know Before You Park

First, check the landowner’s policy. Public car parks, industrial estates, and supermarket forecourts often allow overnight stays if you’re unobtrusive, but some cities have bylaws that ban sleeping in vehicles. Second, think about power and water. A stealth spot usually means you’ll rely on your onboard tanks, so calculate how long you can stay without refilling. Third, be ready to move. Even if a location looks perfect, a patrol or a nearby resident might ask you to leave – having an alternate spot on your GPS saves stress. Finally, respect the environment: keep noise low, turn off lights, and leave the area cleaner than you found it. These habits not only keep you out of trouble but also protect the spots that make stealth camping possible.

Below you’ll find a curated list of articles that dive deeper into the legal side, share hidden UK spots, compare stealth camping with wild camping and boondocking, and give you practical tools to plan your next secret stay. Whether you’re a first‑time van‑lifer or a seasoned road‑tripper, the guides below will help you park smarter, stay legal, and enjoy the freedom of sleeping under the radar.