Travelling by motorhome has become a way of life for many adventurers. If you are one of them, you have surely searched more than once for a motorhome area where you can rest, empty your waste tanks or simply spend the night in peace. In this article, we explain exactly what a motorhome area is, how much it costs to build one and what dimensions they usually have. Keep reading and find out all you need to know!
What is a motorhome area?
A motorhome area is a space specifically designed and equipped with facilities to allow motorhomes and camper vans to stop and park temporarily. Unlike a traditional campsite, which is usually designed for longer stays and offers a wider range of services, motorhome areas focus on providing the essentials for travellers who are on the road and need a comfortable, safe and legal place to stop, rest or spend the night.
These areas are designed to meet the basic needs of motorhome owners,allowing them to continue their journey hassle-free. Ideally, they should be used as a stopover between destinations or for overnight stays during a visit to a town or area of natural interest.
These spaces usually have:
- Grey and black water disposal area: essential for keeping the vehicle hygienic and complying with environmental regulations.
- Drinking water refill point: allows you to refill your water tank for daily use (showers, cooking, cleaning).
- Electricity sockets (in some cases): especially useful if you need to recharge batteries or connect devices overnight.
- Waste bins and containers: for disposing of rubbish in an orderly and environmentally friendly manner.
- Clear signage and rules of use: these usually indicate how to use the facilities correctly, the permitted hours of use, or the maximum length of stay.
Some more fully equipped areas may also offer Wi-Fi, toilets, showers or even security. However, they are usually functional and simple spaces, designed to provide just what is necessary during the journey.
How much does it cost to build a motorhome area?
The price of building a motorhome area varies depending on the size, location and services to be offered. However, we can give a rough estimate:
- Basic area (only emptying and filling): between €10,000 and €20,000.
- Average area (with signage, paving and electricity): between €25,000 and €50,000.
- Fully-equipped area (more than 10 spaces, with comprehensive services): can exceed €70,000.
Maintenance, cleaning and daily management must also be taken into account if it is a fee-based area. Some local councils opt for automatic control systems to reduce operating costs.
For users, the ideal situation is for these areas to be accessible, well maintained and secure. And although many are free, there are also private areas that charge a daily fee, which is usually between €5 and €15.
What is the length of a motorhome area?
The length of a motorhome area depends on the number of spaces available and the size of the motorhomes expected to be accommodated. As a general reference:
- A a standard space is between 7 and 9 metres long and about 3 metres wide.
- Modern larger areas offer spaces up to 10 to 12 metres long for large or class A motorhomes.
The distance between spaces is also important to ensure manoeuvrability and privacy. Normally, at least 1 metre of separation is left between vehicles.
In addition, space must be considered for services (emptying area, water refilling, internal circulation) and common areas, if any.
Modern motorhome areas are an essential resource for those who travel without restrictions. Knowing what they offer, how they are constructed, and what dimensions they have will help you better plan your routes and understand the value of these spaces.
Whether it's for a quick stop or a quiet night, finding a good area makes all the difference on any trip. Do you have a favourite? Tell us about your experience or recommend your ideal area!