Navigating Motorhome Campsites: Our Tips for Securing the Best Spots

Finding the perfect motorhome camping spot can make all the difference to your travel experience. Whether you’re planning a coastal getaway, a scenic mountain retreat, or a stopover in the city, securing a great pitch takes some planning. Here are our top tips to ensure you get the best motorhome camping spots for your next trip.

Book your campsite early

The best motorhome campsites, especially those in popular destinations, fill up quickly – sometimes months in advance. If you have a specific site or location in mind, book as early as possible to secure your preferred dates and pitch type. Many campsites allow reservations up to a year in advance, so planning ahead is always an option. If you’re doing a popular tour, like the North Coast 500, the sites on route do get busy – especially during peak times – so it’s worth booking up early for peace of mind, and you’ll likely save some money too.

Shop around and compare

Not all campsites are created equal, and prices can vary depending on location, facilities, and season. Use motorhome campsite websites and booking platforms to explore different options and find the best value for money. Some campsites offer discounts for early bookings, off-peak stays, or longer durations, so it pays to shop around before committing. Here are some motorhome campsite websites we recommend: 

Be flexible with booking

If your schedule allows, being flexible with your travel dates or campsite choice can help you find better prices. Mid-week stays tend to be quieter, and avoiding peak holidays like Easter and Summer can mean more choice – and a more peaceful experience.

You should also look at how flexible the campsite is itself. Plans can change for all sorts of reasons, so it’s best to review the cancellation policy before booking. Some motorhome campsites offer flexible booking with free cancellation, while others may charge a fee. Having the option to change your booking without losing money can be useful, especially if you’re on a longer trip with shifting plans.

Read first-hand reviews

When you’re checking those comparison sites, have a read of the reviews. A campsite may look great in photos, but the real experience can be quite different. Reading reviews from other motorhome travellers can give you a good idea of the cleanliness, facilities, noise levels, and customer service. Websites like Pitchup, Campsites.co.uk and TripAdvisor are great resources for honest feedback. It’s also worth checking motorhome social media groups and forums – a quick post asking for people’s honest thoughts can really help make your decision. The people of Facebook do not hold back!

Scout the location

The location of your campsite may be the most important part of your trip. If you’re doing a touring trip with several destinations, the location needs to work well with your itinerary and timings. If you plan on hiking, or visiting local attractions, factor the motorhome campsite location into your schedule .You also want to make sure the location and terrain are suitable for your vehicle. You can check Google Maps or satellite images to get a sense of the layout and surroundings—this can help you avoid surprises like tight access roads or pitches that are too close together.

Think about the facilities

Following on from location, you should also consider the facilities on-site and nearby. Ask yourself, what do you really want from a campsite? Do you need full electric hook-up, WiFi, or laundry facilities? Are you travelling with pets and need a dog-friendly site? Do you need a supermarket nearby?You should also think about what you don’t want. If you’re looking for a quiet, child-free stay, steer clear of the family-friendly locations and opt for an adults-only campsite. 

Join a motorhome club

Motorhome clubs such as The Camping and Caravanning Club or The Caravan and Motorhome Club often provide exclusive discounts, priority booking, and access to member-only motorhome campsites. If you travel frequently, joining a club can be well worth it!

Have a back-up plan

Even with the best planning, things don’t always go as expected. Keep a list of alternative campsites or overnight parking spots in case your first choice is fully booked or doesn’t meet your expectations. Apps like Park4Night can help you find last-minute spots – but if you follow the rest of these tips, hopefully you won’t need it!

Got your motorhome sorted?

Thinking of getting a new motorhome before your trip? Come visit us at Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld and we’d be happy to help. Whether it’s your first one, or you’d like to part-exchange, we have a great range of new and used motorhomes to choose from. 

Come find us at Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld, Creswell Park, Valley Drive, M6 Junction 14,

Stafford, Staffordshire, Midlands, ST16 1NZ.

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