Guide to Living in Your Camper Full Time in the UK

In this guide we explore the benefits, challenges, and practicalities of living in a van full time, as well as some of our top tips for vanlifers taking the leap.

There’s more to van life than sunsets and coffee beside the beach. It promises simplicity, freedom, and adventure, but also comes with a few challenges.

From budgeting accurately to securing the right insurance, we’ll walk you through the ins and outs of van life so you know exactly what to expect.

Why Choose Full-Time Vanlife?

Many people have chosen to dive into van life, so let’s have a look at the benefits:

• Living in a van full time is often far more affordable than a traditional home setup, with no hefty mortgage or rent payments holding you back.
• Vanlife offers a unique sense of freedom and flexibility. Whether you fancy a change of scenery, or you’re planning an adventure-filled road trip, life on the road lets you live on your own terms, choosing where and when to move on.
• Living in your camper can offer a simpler lifestyle, with a smaller area to keep clean and tidy, fewer belongings to bring with you, and a closer connection to nature and the people around you, which appeals to a lot of people.
• Vanlife allows you to work remotely or as a digital nomad, offering a great work-life balance, and giving you more time for the things you enjoy.

The Practicalities of Living in a Camper in the UK

You no doubt have some questions about how feasible it is to live in a campervan full time, and it’s a good point. There are plenty of things you’ll need to consider, including the legality and practicality of this alternative lifestyle. Let’s run through the most common questions to clear things up.

Can you legally live in a camper full time in the UK?

Yes, you can legally live in a campervan in the UK – but it’s not always straightforward.

While there’s no law banning campervan living, things can get a bit more complicated when it comes to choosing where to sleep or park up.

You’ll often hear people talk about wild camping, which means staying somewhere overnight that isn’t a proper campsite or designated stopover area. It could be parking in a lay-by, or a remote countryside spot.

In England and Wales, wild camping in a campervan is generally prohibited without the landowner’s permission. Some areas quietly tolerate it, especially if you’re discreet, but you’ll probably see plenty of “no overnight parking” signs on your travels.

Scotland takes a more relaxed approach to wild camping, usually allowing it on the condition that you’re out of the way, respectful of local communities and wildlife, and leave no trace when you move on.

Rules vary from one council to another, so if you’re thinking of overnight stays in car parks, you’ll need to check the local rules first.

Don’t forget

Your campervan must also be taxed, insured, and MOT tested just like any other vehicle, and you’ll need to hold a valid driving licence which covers the size of your camper.

If you’re converting a van into a campervan yourself, it should be reclassified with the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) so it’s officially recognised as a “motor caravan” rather than a standard van.

Click here to find out more about the reclassification process and more in our separate blog.

Where should I stay in my van?

If you’re living in a campervan, it’s best to head to designated overnight spots or official campsites wherever possible, to avoid any issues. Wherever you are in the UK, if you’re staying on private land, you’ll need the landowner’s explicit permission.

Some pubs and farms also welcome campers for stopovers, especially if you support their business, so it’s worth checking out the areas you’ll be staying – you might find some hidden gems.

Regardless of where you are, you should always apply good camper etiquette. This generally means you arrive late in the day, leave early, don’t make a mess, and don’t stay longer than you’re welcome. These small habits can really go a long way.

Budgeting Effectively

If you’re thinking of swapping your traditional living arrangements for a life on the road, you’re probably expecting to save yourself some money. And while campervan living is typically cheaper than home ownership, there are still a lot of costs you’ll need to consider.

• Fuel: This varies depending on how much driving you do, so try to plan ahead so you know roughly what to expect.
• Campsites: If you plan to stay at campsites regularly, or just every so often, this is another cost you’ll need to take into account.
• Food: This may be a similar amount to what you spend normally, or it could be more if you eat out more frequently.
• Insurance: As a full-time vanlifer you’ll need a specialist vanlife insurance policy – but don’t worry, it’s not as expensive as it sounds! We can cover you from as little as £275 a year here at Just Kampers Insurance! Give us a call on 01256 44 45 46 to find out more or get a quote!
• Internet: If you’re working from your van, you’ll probably need to ensure you have a reliable internet connection – unless you’re happy using café Wi-Fi.
• Unexpected repairs: The occasional hiccup is inevitable when you’re on the road. A flat tyre or low fluid levels could crop up at any time, so it’s always good to have some money set aside in case of emergencies. 

For a detailed breakdown of vanlife costs, check out our separate blog: The Real Cost of Full-Time Van Life and How Insurance Protects Your Investment

Staying comfortable

The UK climate isn’t always kind, and full-time van life means you’ll be facing the colder weather. So, to get the most out of your experience, you’ll need to ensure you’re equipped for comfort. Here are a few tips for staying cosy:

Heating

Most people who live in a campervan rely on gas-powered heaters to stay warm and comfortable.

The most common heaters are blown-air heaters from brands like Eberspacher and Propex, which usually run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) such as propane or butane.

They are usually connected to the camper’s gas supply and are typically fitted under a seat, inside a cupboard, or beneath the vehicle, with the warm air flowing into the living space. Efficient and compact, they’re a popular choice for campervan conversions.

As these heaters use LPG, correct installation and ventilation are paramount for safety.  A correctly installed system is very safe, but poor installation can increase the risk of leaks. If you’re not confident fitting a gas heater yourself, it’s best to use a qualified Gas Safe engineer. Even if you are comfortable installing one yourself, it’s worth getting it inspected by a professional.

For added safety and peace of mind, we recommend:

• Fitting a carbon monoxide alarm
• Servicing your heater annually
• Keeping ventilation points clear and unobstructed

There are a wide range of campervan heaters available, including options from specialists like Just Kampers. Browse the full range of camper heaters here.

Insulation

Good insulation can make a massive difference to your campervan all year round. With properly insulated walls, floors, and ceilings, you can regulate the temperature inside your home on wheels and save on heating costs.

Our sister company Just Kampers also has some great sound deadening options to choose from.

Managing Condensation

Proper ventilation is just as essential as warmth. Roof vents and open windows can help prevent a buildup of mould and condensation, keeping your van a safe and comfortable space.

Read our separate blog to learn how to protect your camper from condensation and mould.

More Essentials

Living on the road means you’ll need to carefully manage your supplies and resources.

Electricity

Most campervans use a leisure battery to power things like lights, chargers, and fridges when parked up. This is designed to provide steady power over longer periods of time.

Many campervan owners also opt for solar panels, which convert sunlight into electricity and help keep the leisure battery charged while you’re off-grid.

How much electricity do I need for my campervan?

The amount of electricity you need for your camper depends on your setup, but if you’re living in it full time, you’ll probably be powering a fridge, heater, lights, personal electronic devices, and more. It helps to make a list of everything you’ll use before choosing your system so you can find the set up that works for you.

What kind of power does my campervan fridge use?

Most campervan fridges run on 12V power from a leisure battery, but some models can also use mains hook-up or gas.

Our sister company Just Kampers has a great selection of campervan fridges available, so be sure to take a look!

Who can install campervan electrics for me?

If you’re not confident with wiring, choose a qualified auto electrician or campervan conversion specialist to ensure everything is installed correctly and safely.

Do campervan electrics need to be signed off by a professional?

No, you don’t legally have to have your campervan electrics approved in the UK, but it wouldn’t do any harm to have a professional perform a safety check – especially if you’re looking at 240V mains systems.

Water

You’ll need to refill fresh water regularly and dispose of grey water correctly as part of your daily life.

Campsites, motorhome service areas, designated stopover sites, and some fuel stations tend to have fresh water facilities where you can top up your tank.

Grey water is the term for wastewater that comes from sinks and showers. It should always be emptied at designated disposal points, like campsite waste stations or motorhome service areas – never pour it onto the ground or into drains not intended for grey water disposal.

Toilets

There are several different types of toilets which can be used for campervans, including cassette toilets and composting toilets. However, some vanlifers choose not to install a toilet in their camper at all and simply use public facilities instead. What you choose to do really depends on your living style – will you spend most of your time off-grid, or stay close to towns and villages?

Showers

If you have a larger campervan, such as a Mercedes Sprinter, you may want to have a shower installed for convenience.

Some vanlifers prefer to save space in their van and instead choose to sign up for a gym membership so they have access to shower and toilet facilities away from the camper.

Internet

While some prefer to stick to café or campsite Wi-Fi, you may need to install a Wi-Fi set up in your camper if you’re spending a lot of time off-grid. There are lots of options, from Wi-Fi boosters to satellite internet, so take some time to see what’s best for you.

Read our separate blog: How to Get Wi-Fi and Internet in Your Motorhome to find out more.

Regular Maintenance Checks

It’s best to keep a close eye on your camper and check things like fluid levels and tyre pressure regularly. Taking good care of your home-on-wheels can help prevent bigger problems later down the line, which could also save you quite a lot of money.

Getting the Right Insurance

Just Kampers Insurance, offers tailored van life cover, designed specifically for the unique requirements of those living on the road full-time.

We’ll even cover you if you don’t have a permanent address!

We’ve been specialists in campervan insurance since 1998, so we know exactly how to get you the best deals and the right cover that will keep your pride and joy protected.

Get a quote today or give us a call on 01256 44 45 46 to speak to one of our experts.

Increased Risks

Camper Van Security

As campervans are always on the road, they can be an appealing target for opportunistic thieves. It’s important to take some extra security measures, like fitting trackers and wheel locks, and ensure your investment is properly protected with the right insurance. These extra features might even save you some money on your premium!

Here at Just Kampers Insurance, we also offer personal effects cover and contents cover, so you can enjoy your adventure with complete peace of mind.

Breaking Down in a Campervan

While your camper is your home, it is still a vehicle, so it’s just as susceptible to breakdowns as any other vehicle.

From a punctured tyre to engine trouble or electrical faults, breaking down can quickly turn a relaxing journey into a stressful situation, especially if you’re stranded in an unfamiliar or remote area.

It’s helpful to keep a breakdown kit and spare fluids in your campervan, so you’re prepared if something goes wrong. 

Add campervan breakdown cover to your Just Kampers Insurance policy from as little as £79 a year, and enjoy complete peace of mind on the road.

Wellbeing

While it can be very peaceful and relaxing, solo van life can sometimes be lonely, too. It’s important to stay connected with others, especially those who understand the lifestyle.

There are plenty of camper van meetups and events, campsites with communal areas, and even online van life communities offering support and friendship.

Is Full-Time Van Life Right For You?

Living in a camper van suits people who love the outdoors, appreciate a simple lifestyle, and feel at ease being on the move frequently.

Some people choose to rent a campervan before they transition to full-time living; to test it out and make sure the lifestyle works for them.

It doesn’t have to be forever, either. Many decide to live in a camper for a year or two and then move onto something new.

Summary

Full-time vanlife in the UK can be truly amazing. It offers freedom, flexibility, adventure, and peace, all rolled into one. But there is a lot to it, which requires patience, planning, research, and budgeting.

If you begin your adventure with realistic expectations, a reliable vehicle, and an open mind, vanlife could be one of the best decisions you ever make.

Protect your camper with the right insurance, and there’ll be no stopping you.