Van Life Stopovers: Attracting Motorhome Guests to Your Business
Unlock the growing motorhome market by providing welcoming and profitable stopover solutions.
Van Life Stopovers: Attracting Motorhome Guests to Your Business
The #vanlife movement has exploded. Millions of people now travel in converted vans, motorhomes, and campervans—and they're all looking for safe, interesting places to stop overnight.
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
The Van Life Market
Key Takeaway 1
Van lifers are diverse, from young professionals to retired couples, each with unique needs.
Key Takeaway 2
The European motorhome market is vast and growing, indicating significant revenue potential.
Key Takeaway 3
Motorhome guests spend an average of £50-100 per night beyond just pitch fees.
Key Takeaway 4
The market growth rate of 8-12% annually highlights a sustained opportunity.
Who Are Van Lifers?
| Segment | Characteristics | What They Value |
|---|---|---|
| Young professionals | Remote workers, digital nomads | WiFi, Instagram-worthy locations |
| Retired couples | Full-time or frequent travellers | Safety, facilities, nice meals |
| Families | Weekend adventurers, school holidays | Activities, child-friendly spaces |
| Europeans | German, Dutch, French tourers | Scenic routes, authentic experiences |
Market Size
- 2 million+ motorhomes registered in Europe
- 400,000+ in the UK alone
- Average spend per night: £50-100 (beyond pitch fee)
- Growth rate: 8-12% annually
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Types of Stopover Offerings
💡 Pro Tip:
Consider starting with a basic 'Aires-style' offering to test the waters before investing in extensive facilities. Minimal overhead, maximum learning!
1. Aires-Style Parking
Minimal facilities, maximum convenience:
Overnight Parking Permission
Provide a designated spot for guests to stay.
Access to Toilets
(If available) A crucial convenience for many.
Safe, Level Ground
Essential for comfort and vehicle stability.
Cost: £0-15 per night
Flexible pricing based on offering.
Perfect for: Car parks, farms, rural businesses
2. Pub Stops
The classic model that works:
- Overnight parking
- Pub meals and drinks
- Possibly breakfast
- Cost: Free-£15 (offset by food/drink spend)
Perfect for: Rural pubs, gastropubs, country inns
3. Farm Stays
Agricultural meets tourism:
- Basic camping facilities
- Farm experience (eggs, milk, tours)
- Rural authenticity
- Cost: £10-25 per night
Perfect for: Working farms, estates, vineyards
4. Experience Stops
Premium positioning:
- Curated locations
- Unique experiences included
- Photography opportunities
- Cost: £25-50 per night
Perfect for: Scenic locations, event venues, attractions
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Getting Listed
Key Platforms
| Platform | Audience | Listing Type |
|---|---|---|
| Park4Night | European-wide van lifers | Free + paid options |
| SearchForSites | UK-focused motorhomers | Directory listing |
| Brit Stops | UK pub stopovers | Membership scheme |
| Campercontact | European travellers | Free listing |
| iOverlander | Adventure travellers | Community-driven |
Brit Stops Model
The Brit Stops guide connects pubs with motorhomers:
- Pubs offer free overnight parking
- In exchange for food and drink purchases
- No booking required (honour system)
- Featured in annual guide and app
Pros: Steady stream of quality guests Cons: No pitch fee income, some no-shows
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Creating a Welcoming Experience
What Van Lifers Want
Safety
Well-lit, secure location for peace of mind.
Level ground
Critical for sleeping comfort and vehicle stability.
Quiet
Away from road noise if possible for a relaxing stay.
Welcoming attitude
Friendly interaction, not just tolerating their presence.
Clear expectations
What's included, what costs extra, upfront information.
Value-Add Services
| Service | Cost to Provide | What to Charge |
|---|---|---|
| Electric hook-up | Meter + infrastructure | £3-5/night |
| Water fill | Minimal | Often free |
| Waste disposal | Chemical toilet point | £3-5 |
| WiFi access | Existing connection | Free or £3 |
| Breakfast delivery | Food cost + prep | £8-15 |
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See how PayCamp works
See how PayCamp can help you manage bookings, compliance, and billing in one simple platform.
Success Story: The Fox & Hounds
✨ Did You Know?
The Fox & Hounds transformed from a struggling pub into a thriving multi-revenue business simply by embracing the van life movement and understanding their guests' needs.
The best example of van life stopover success is our Fox & Hounds demonstration scenario. What started as a single motorhome asking to park overnight transformed into a thriving multi-revenue business.
Key learnings:
- One van stop led to social media exposure
- Word of mouth attracted more guests
- Food and drink spend far exceeded pitch fees
- Gradual expansion into glamping and lodges
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Customer
James Mitchell · Berth A1
| Item | Net | VAT | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 👆 Pick an item above to start building your invoice | |||
Managing Bookings
Even informal stopovers benefit from:
- Advance notice of arrivals
- Payment tracking (especially for services)
- Guest details for emergencies
- Reviews and feedback collection
PayCamp handles all of this, with a Micro plan perfect for small stopover operations.
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Legal Considerations
The 28-Day Rule
- Operate up to 28 days/year without planning permission
- Maximum 3 caravans/motorhomes at any time
- No permanent structures
- Different rules apply in Scotland and Green Belt
Beyond Casual Stops
For regular operations:
- Consider Certificated Location status
- Check with local planning authority
- Ensure adequate insurance coverage
- Maintain guest register for safety
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Related Reading
Ready to Welcome Van Lifers?
- ✅ Evaluate your site's potential for basic stopovers.
- ✅ Choose appropriate listing platforms to reach your target audience.
- ✅ Invest in a welcoming attitude and consider basic value-add services.
- ✅ Understand legal limits and planning implications for your area.
Start small, listen to your guests, and watch your business grow!
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