Where to stop and spend the night with a RV or caravan
Travelling with an RV, campervan or caravan can be done in different ways. Both in the United States and in other European countries you will find several options where to stop and spend the night with your vehicle. Some travellers prefer to go camping and enjoy its facilities and activities and there are those who choose to make short stops and change location and discover new places. Below we describe some places where you can stop with your vehicle to rest, spend the night and, if you need it, empty and fill the tanks.
Camping
In the United States, there is a wide network of campsites both in the coastal area and in the interior of the country. They are safe places to stop and spend the night with an RV, camper van, caravan or tent trailer that have 24-hour surveillance and an entry and exit control.
The campsites are paid establishments and the price is variable. The price varies depending on the category of the campsite, the pitch you choose, type of vehicle and in some cases the season.
There are different categories of campsites, being the one to which offers the greatest number of services and activities. Among the basic services that you will find in any campsite is the emptying of the sewage tank and toilet box, filling the tank with clean water, 220V connection, toilets and showers.
Apart from the basic services, depending on the category, some campsites have a supermarket, restaurant/cafeteria, sinks, WiFi connection, sports courts, swimming pool / s and children’s playground.
Campsites are ideal places to stop there for a few days and even spend holidays. Some of the campsites offer a wide range of activities for both adults and children, including excursions, entertainment and water parks, among other things. Many campsites are located in natural environments which allow you to practice hiking or cycling routes in their surroundings.
On many occasions, the campsites are far from the urban centre. If you travel with a caravan and your idea is to get to know nearby towns, you will have no problem getting around by car, leaving the caravan at the campsite. For those who travel by RV or camper van, there is usually a public transport stop at the campsite.
Service areas for RVs
They can be private or public in nature and are sometimes free or at a lower cost, generally, than a campsite. They are areas where you can empty and fill tanks, have access to the electricity grid (not in all areas) and spend the night.
Some areas have a 48-hour stay limitation and do not allow entry to the car and caravan complexes.
They are normally closed enclosures with surveillance, an entry and exit schedule and it is a safe option to spend the night and empty / fill the tanks.
Wild camping
Free camping in the United States is an adventure with the risk of being fined unless you do it in so-called controlled camping areas.
Each city council has the powers to regulate the camping matter, therefore, the regulations may vary from one locality to another. To find out where these controlled camping areas are, it is best to contact the nearest town hall directly and thus get the most accurate information.
Parking on public roads
Like any other vehicle, you can park your RV, camper van or caravan in a place reserved for parking on a public road. But here we must highlight some nuances.
We can park as long as there is no sign that prohibits it, the vehicle or the set is in contact with the ground only by means of the wheels and does not exceed the marks that delimit the parking area, or obstruct the movement of other users of the route. In case of carrying a caravan, we cannot unhook it.
And in no case can we carry out actions that involve camping, such as placing stabilizing elements, pouring any liquid, producing some type of emission, taking out the awning, opening the hinged windows, taking out chairs, tables or any other camper accessory.
As long as our vehicle is properly parked, inside we can sleep, rest, eat and use the bathroom.
Parking for RVs
The car parks for RVs are car parks specifically enabled for this type of vehicle. Normally there you will not find points for emptying tanks, nor a source of water. They are spaces that allow you to park your RV, camper or caravan while you want to visit a nearby area or rest.
As if you park on public roads, in a parking lot you cannot carry out any action that involves camping.
In short, wherever you choose to stop and spend the night with your RV, camper or caravan, you have to be aware of the signs and strictly comply with the regulations of each place.