How to find the most beautiful pitches for your camper van

It doesn’t cost anything to ask, but make sure you get permission from farms, vineyards or restaurants before spending the night on their property. If you are friendly and respectful, you can sometimes even use the toilet and meet new people.

If you’re using the pitch for free, it’s especially important to show some gratitude. At vineyards, you might be able to take part in a tasting session. On a farm it could be possible to buy homemade food or fresh fruit and vegetables, and at a restaurant you might be able to treat yourself to dinner out.

Nomady is like the AirBnB for camping spots: you can rent pitches for your camper van or motor home on individuals’ private property on a daily basis. Toilets, shelters, barbecue areas or small huts are often available on site.

The park4night, iOverlander and campercontact apps work similarly. You can find pitches on farms with PlaceToBee. Try the apps out and discover what suits you best. Some apps are not equally suitable for all countries because certain regions may be less widely used, leading to fewer parking spaces on offer.

The icing on the cake of van life: camping in locations offering breathtaking views, far away from campsites and busy roads. Switzerland does not have a nationwide regulation on wild camping with a small van or camper; each canton has its own laws, so it’s a grey area in many places.

If you do, make sure you don’t give campers who come after you a raw deal or damage the reputation of campers. Relief is always at hand in an emergency if you bring your own camping toilet: you won’t bother anyone and you won’t have to do your business in the great outdoors.

Camping is of course not permitted in national parks, nature reserves, federal hunting areas or wildlife protection zones. Be considerate of flora and fauna in other regions, too. As always when spending the night in nature, take nothing with you except memories, and leave nothing behind except your footprints.

There are also no uniform rules for wild camping abroad. In northern Europe, thanks to the ‘everyman’s right’, you can usually leave your motor home or camper van parked overnight. And in Spain, for example, camping is usually tolerated if it’s not recognisable as such – for example, if you don’t put any chairs in front of your vehicle.

Taking a nap to help you regain your ability to drive is legally permitted in every car park. But how long does a nap last? The following tips for staying overnight in public car parks will help you assess the situation:

• Be inconspicuous: don’t open your roof or awning when sleeping in car parks in populated areas. It’s almost impossible to stay discreet with a motor home.

• Take your rubbish with you and dispose of it properly.

• As nice as cooking outdoors may be, don’t do it right next to your vehicle and don’t act like you’re at a campsite. Find a barbecue area or a park instead. The same goes for loud music and noise.

• Pay attention to the parking signs: what exactly is allowed? If you incur any fees, pay them.

• Prepare your van for the night before you arrive at your destination: cook, fold out the bed and brush your teeth. This way, you can remain inconspicuous and minimise the risk that someone will feel harassed by you.

The version with all amenities such as toilets, showers and shops. Remember to reserve a pitch well ahead of time, especially during the peak season.