Where can I store my touring caravan?

Owning a touring caravan opens up a world of adventure, allowing you to explore the beautiful landscapes of the UK at your own pace. But when you’re not on the road, the question arises: where do you store your caravan?

A touring caravan is a considerable investment, so, understandably, you want to keep it as safe and secure as possible when not in use. Doing so will protect it from theft and criminal damage, such as arson and break-ins. It also offers shelter from the elements, including floods and storm damage, as well as unwanted vermin.

Indeed, proper storage is essential to maintain the condition of your touring caravan and ensure it’s ready for your next trip. So, whether you’re looking for a temporary spot during the off-season or a long-term solution, it’s useful to know the storage options available.

Storing your caravan at home

It is quite common for people to store their caravans at home. If you have enough space on your driveway, in your garden or a dedicated area on your property, this can be a convenient and cost-effective option. After all, there are no storage fees, while your caravan remains close at hand, allowing easy access for maintenance and enabling you to keep a close eye on it for security purposes.

However, be aware not every home will have enough space to accommodate a caravan, especially a larger model. Plus, there may be neighbourhood restrictions on caravan parking in some areas, so check with your local council before bringing your caravan home. It’s also worth bearing in mind that having a caravan parked in front of your house might not be very visually appealing – for you or your neighbours.

If you do opt for home storage, it’s worth investing in a high-quality cover to protect your caravan from the elements. Furthermore, consider installing a wheel clamp or hitch lock for added security.

When looking to store your caravan at home, bear in mind this advice from John Roberts, Partner and Director at Austin Lafferty Solicitors:

“In many circumstances, a caravan can be stored on a driveway, but it is important to check your title deeds before doing so. The more modern the property, the more likely there will be restrictions. In modern housing developments, the fashion is now for the builder’s lawyer to create title deeds for the whole estate, which can be very detailed, including limiting or restricting the storing of caravans.”

We also asked John if a caravan can’t be parked on a drive, can it be parked on the road, to which he replied:

“There is no specific law that prevents a caravan from being parked on a road but it’s important to note that if it obstructs passing traffic, obscures access, or affects anyone’s general rights such as blocking views or restricting light, then a third-party may try to take legal action.

“It’s also worth checking insurance details. Some policies have a clause that means caravans are not insured when parked on the road or unhitched from the towing vehicle (unless in a caravan park).”

He concluded: “If you’re looking to store your caravan at your home or are concerned about someone else’s caravan being sited near your home, it’s usually fairly easy to check with a local authority if you’re unsure about planning regulations.

“Like all issues with neighbours, it is best to try to resolve things amicably. Failing that, the property owner with the law on their side can force the issue and get a resolution.

“And if you’re about to move house and if storing a caravan is a non-negotiable part of your lifestyle, then it’s hugely important that a solicitor checks the title deed before purchasing a property.”

Professional caravan storage sites

In light of the above advice, if home storage isn’t a viable option, there are dedicated caravan storage sites across the UK. Ranging from basic outdoor parking to more secure, undercover or indoor facilities, these are popular among many touring caravan owners throughout the UK.

Storage sites offer many advantages, with the majority offering 24-hour security, CCTV, gated access and alarm systems to protect your caravan. Given these sites are designed to accommodate caravans, there is plenty of space available, even for the largest models.

Some sites also provide seasonal storage, allowing you to protect your caravan during the months when it isn’t in use. This is particularly popular among people who use their caravans frequently during the summer months but require storage in the winter. Doing so can prove cost-effective, as you’re only storing your caravan for part of the year.

Now, when choosing a storage site, look for a CaSSOA-accredited site. These sites are graded based on their security features, with gold, silver, and bronze ratings indicating different levels of protection.

Some insurance providers, including Compass, offer discounts if your caravan is stored at a recognised storage site, such as those accredited by the Caravan Storage Site Owners’ Association (CaSSOA). The actual discount varies from site to site, depending upon the overall level of security provided.

Remember, depending on the location and level of security, storage fees can vary widely. Plus, although your caravan is secure, it might not be as easily accessible as home storage, especially as some sites have restrictions as to what time they can be accessed.

Other caravan storage options

Farm storage is an option that offers both affordability and space. Many farmers across the UK offer caravan storage on their land, providing a more rural setting for your caravan. These locations tend to be cheaper than professional storage sites, with lots of space.

However, they may have limited security compared to dedicated sites, and they will be more prone to the elements, which can impact accessibility during bad weather or the winter months.

Alternatively, if you’re a member of a caravan club, you may have access to exclusive storage facilities, with added security measures, including gated access and surveillance.

When considering caravan storage, heed these words from Becci Bailey, CaSSOA Manager:

“Because CaSSOA sites are regularly surveyed to ensure they meet our security standards, the likelihood of your caravan being stolen is greatly reduced. Don’t take the risk of using a non-accredited storage site when you could have the peace of mind that a CaSSOA compound is looking after your pride and joy to the highest standards.”

Finding the right storage option for your touring caravan is crucial to maintaining its condition and ensuring it’s ready for your next adventure. Whether you opt for the convenience of home storage, the security of a professional storage site, or the affordability of farm storage, there’s an option to suit every need and budget.

So, take the time to assess your requirements, consider the pros and cons of each option, and don’t hesitate to visit potential storage sites to ensure they meet your standards. With the right storage solution, your caravan will be safe, secure, and ready to take you on many more memorable journeys.