Sleeping in a Parked Campervan

redturtle on 04/12/2022 - 02:03
Last edited 04/12/2022 - 19:03 by 1 other user

I'm planning on heading up to Jurien Bay (WA) with a campervan that I'll be hiring and going to try and get a spot at a camp site that operates on a first come first serve basis. Trying to work out what a plan B looks like (incase the site is full) and I was thinking I might just try and find a parking spot at a beach or somewhere in town, park the campervan and just sleep in there overnight.

I've read mixed things about the laws regarding sleeping in your car overnight so I was wondering if anyone knew if my plan B would be ok or would I most likely get a knock on the door in the middle of the night from a ranger issuing a fine?

Thanks!

Travel

Comments

  • CrispyChrispy on 04/12/2022 - 03:48
    +2

    Don't know the area personally, but look for free-camping spots. Plenty scattered across regional NSW towns, have a look at WikiCamps.

    • apsilon on 04/12/2022 - 06:11
      +4

      WikiCamps

      Definitely worth the $8 purchase, covers all of Australia.

    • redturtle on 04/12/2022 - 11:34
      +1

      Thanks! Will check out WikiCamps

  • Bing0 on 04/12/2022 - 03:51
    +3

    I wouldn't answer a knock in the middle of the night anyway, I doubt it would be a ranger. If your parked somewhere quiet - not private property, turn off internal lights to the outside somehow, leave no trace and don't act like the Griswolds, I've found nobody really cares in Australia. The UK I'm told is a dystopian horror for campers though.

    • mskeggs on 04/12/2022 - 09:12
      +4

      But by all accounts a joy for doggers.

      • Nalar on 04/12/2022 - 12:23

        Tell me about some of those accounts please mskeggs…

  • morse on 04/12/2022 - 04:44
    +1

    The rules are that you can stay up to 24hrs https://luxuryrvswa.com.au/am-i-allowed-to-set-up-tent-and-c… but if you move your car during the day I guess you’d be fine. Also you could probably stay in the same spot without an issue as I don’t know if anyone would know if you’d been there longer. If you’re travelling alone I would not make it obvious that you’re sleeping in your car, you might be vulnerable to theft or assault. I see a lot of people sleeping in cars and vans, usually near the beach or creeks where there are toilets and showers on the Gold Coast QLD, if there’s too many and they make a mess they tend to get moved on. If it’s just the odd car/van they tend to get unnoticed.

    • redturtle on 04/12/2022 - 11:46

      That's interesting to know. Would likely move around each night to a different beach and park somewhere with a 24hr public toilet nearby. Van is just a Toyota Hiace with a bed and some other amenities in the back.

  • oscargamer on 04/12/2022 - 08:47
    +1

    Some councils have rules regarding sleeping in vehicles. Easy to look up.

  • Tee Rex Arms on 04/12/2022 - 09:07
    +1

    Theylll knock on your door, sometimes with a police officer if they’re on an overtime shift. If they don’t have a record of you doing similar then they’ll just take your details down for a street check. Just don’t answer and pretend you’re sleeping and you won’t have any issues.

  • mickrb30 on 04/12/2022 - 10:43
    +7

    solution, just say you been driving for 10 hours, feel very fatigued and tired,know just resting, definately not camping, and will move on once you have rested.

    • redturtle on 04/12/2022 - 11:51

      This will be my go to response

  • Dogs on 04/12/2022 - 11:52
    +1

    You can stay wherever you like No Camping signs means setting up a fire and tent so councils put up signs saying no staying overnight. Just dont stay under that sign all night.

  • Urin8or on 04/12/2022 - 11:55
    +3

    I’ve slept in a van all around Australia over 8 months. My best tips are:

    -wiki camps is your best bet for safe, free camping. Look at the reviews for each camp.
    -don’t sleep where you spend the day while on the coast, if you’re enjoying a beach park up in the day park a few streets back at 10pm and be up and moving by 6am and you’ll never run into problems.
    - I’ve used Airbnb to find unused driveways in busy areas. If you look at availability on Airbnb in the afternoon you can often find vacant places that will have a free driveway for the night.

    • morse on 04/12/2022 - 13:50
      +2

      Interesting re air bnbs. I imagine people might also use this same method to rob houses - not that there would be much available in most air bnb properties

  • doctordv8 on 04/12/2022 - 13:40
    +1

    Of course, see another traveler and ask politely for a chat on doing the right thing.

    There are plenty of Legal & Safe options available if you search online with very little effort.

    Join the RV mag, with info more than you will remember in a lifetime on Free Camping options.

    Caravan parks are full people with the info you need for prep and many locations for Free Legal Camping.

    Break the Rules and you become one of the many that contribute to ruining and making it harder for everyone more so than now.

    Council Rangers and Police aren't silly….they know you're inside. Getting moved on & or Fined is simply not worth the black mark against your name.

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