Unlock New Revenue: Van Life Hardstandings
Transform unused space into profitable pitches for the booming van life community.
The Van Life Boom
The UK van life community has exploded in recent years. Converted vans, campervans, and motorhomes are more popular than ever — and their owners need places to stay.
For site operators, this represents an untapped opportunity. That unused corner, the old storage area, or the underperforming grass pitch could become a dedicated van life stopover — commanding premium rates from a growing market.
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Key Takeaways
Untapped Market
The van life community is growing rapidly, offering new income potential.
Specific Needs
Van lifers require hook-ups, level ground, and specific facilities.
Premium Rates
Dedicated hardstandings can command higher nightly fees.
Easy to Implement
Converting existing unused space is a straightforward process.
| Name | Balance |
|---|---|
| James Mitchell | £0.00 |
| Sarah Collins | £240.00 |
| David Hughes | £0.00 |
| Emma Richardson | £120.00 |
| Mark Thompson | £0.00 |
Click any row to open the full customer profile
What Van Lifers Want
Unlike traditional campers, van lifers have specific needs:
1. Electric Hook-Up
Modern vans have fridges, heating, charging stations, and entertainment systems. A reliable 16A hook-up is essential.
2. Level Ground
Vans need flat surfaces for sleeping comfort and safe cooking. Sloped grass pitches don't work.
3. Easy Access
Large motorhomes and converted vans need:
- Wide access roads
- Space to manoeuvre
- No tight turns or low branches
4. Facilities Nearby
Van lifers appreciate:
- Clean toilets and showers (especially important for smaller vans)
- Laundry facilities
- Fresh water fill-up points
- Grey water/black water disposal
Pro Tip: Embrace the "Micro-Site" Concept
Even small sites can dedicate a few well-equipped hardstandings. Quality over quantity often wins with van lifers.
5. Security
Many van lifers travel with expensive equipment. Good lighting, secure access, and a visible staff presence matter.
6. Flexibility
Van lifers often book last-minute or want single-night stays. Flexible booking policies attract more customers.
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Creating Hardstandings
Converting unused space to van life hardstandings involves:
Site Preparation
| Task | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Levelling | 1-2% gradient maximum for comfortable parking |
| Surface | Gravel, concrete, or reinforced grass |
| Drainage | Avoid water pooling |
| Access route | Wide enough for 7m+ vehicles |
Utilities
| Utility | Specification |
|---|---|
| Electric hook-up | 16A (3.6kW) per pitch |
| Water standpipe | Shared or individual |
| Grey water drain | Ground drain or disposal point |
Layout
Space pitches generously:
- Minimum 8m x 4m per pitch
- Room to open awnings or side doors
- Clear sightlines for reversing
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Pricing Strategies
Van life hardstandings can command premium rates:
Nightly Rates (UK Average)
| Location | Rate |
|---|---|
| Basic rural stopover | £15-£25 |
| Site with facilities | £25-£35 |
| Premium location (coast, AONB) | £35-£50 |
Weekly Rates
Offer discounts for longer stays:
- 7 nights for the price of 5
- Monthly rates for digital nomads
Peak vs. Off-Peak
Van lifers travel year-round, but adjust pricing for:
- Summer holidays (premium)
- Bank holiday weekends (premium)
- Winter midweek (discounted)
Electricity Included vs. Metered
Most van life stops include electricity in the pitch fee — simpler for short stays.
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Explore Our Campsite Demo
See how holiday parks and campsites manage bookings, pitches, and guests effortlessly.
Marketing to Van Lifers
🚀 Marketing Your Van Life Pitches
Online Directories
List on key platforms like Park4Night and Google Maps.
Visual Social Media
Use Instagram/YouTube to showcase your site's beauty.
Encourage Reviews
Positive feedback on apps drives repeat bookings.
Flexible Booking
Accept same-day and single-night stays to capture spontaneous travellers.
Did You Know?
Many van lifers work remotely. High-speed, reliable Wi-Fi can be a valuable differentiator for your site.
Online Directories
List on:
- Park4Night
- SearchforSites
- BritStops
- Camperstop
- Google Maps
Social Media
Van lifers are active on Instagram and YouTube. Scenic photos of your site attract bookings.
Reviews
Positive reviews on Google and camping apps drive repeat business.
Flexible Booking
Accept same-day and single-night bookings. Many van lifers decide where to stay on the day.
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Occupancy
78%
+4% vs last period
Revenue
£2,480
+12% vs last period
Outstanding
£340
-8% vs last period
Daily Occupancy
Switch time periods above — stats and chart animate instantly
Case Study: Lake View Hardstandings
At Lake View, an unused corner of the site — previously used for storing old equipment — was transformed into 4 van life hardstandings in 2024.
What they did:
- Cleared junk and levelled the ground
- Laid gravel and installed drainage
- Added 16A hook-ups
- Positioned near (but not too close to) the toilet block
Result: Near-full occupancy during peak season, with a loyal community of repeat visitors.
Read the full Lake View story →
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Getting Started
If you have unused hard surfaces or underperforming pitches:
Assess the Space
Is it level? Accessible? Near utilities?
Install Basics
Electric hook-ups, water access.
List on Directories
Park4Night, Google Maps.
Price Competitively
Research local rates.
Welcome Flexibility
Accept last-minute and single-night bookings.
PayCamp handles van life hardstandings alongside touring pitches — with flexible pricing and online booking.
✅ Your Next Steps
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1.
Identify prime locations on your site for conversion.
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2.
Invest in essential utilities like 16A hook-ups.
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3.
Market widely on van life specific directories and social media.
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4.
Embrace flexibility in booking to attract more visitors.
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Explore Our Campsite Demo
See how holiday parks and campsites manage bookings, pitches, and guests effortlessly.