How to motorhome in a city
A motorhome in a city, you ask? Is it possible? The answer is a resounding yes! While renting a campervan for a city comes with some challenges, there are also plenty of benefits that make it more than worthwhile. Check out our advice on urban motorhoming and how you can make the best of this fun-filled experience.
Choose your destination wisely
Some cities are more motorhome-friendly than others, and it’s worth doing your research well ahead of time. For example, a self-contained motorhome is hardly going to fit down the cobbled streets of Sienna, Italy, and you’ll probably be most comfortable avoiding the winding cliffside roads of the Amalfi Coast.
Instead, choose places that have a bit more room to breathe for your urban RV experience. Milan would be a good alternative to the above, while these cities in the USA are all but designed for motorhoming. A little bit of extra space goes a long way.
Pointers for parking up
Before you visit a city, search online to see how many campgrounds there are, what they’re like, and if ‘freedom camping’ is an option if you have a self-contained camper. This will help you avoid driving around aimlessly looking for RV necessities like an appropriate place to stay and dumping stations. Here are a few tips for parking and camping around cities.
● Keep your RV at a campground during the day and explore the rest of the city via public transport or on foot. You’ll get to see the sights without the stress of driving and parking in busy areas.
● Base yourself in the suburbs. There are very few urban areas with campgrounds or parking spaces available for RVs right in the centre of the city. Instead, embrace the suburbs and outer regions of a destination. This will give you the space you need, and also allow you to see places that you otherwise might never have discovered.
● If you do plan to head into the centre of a city in your campervan, research height limits of parking lots, and map out your route beforehand to avoid tight corners and narrow streets.
● Know your abilities. Some people are totally confident parallel parking in their van. For others, this might be a panic-inducing event. Know what you’re comfortable with and plan accordingly.
The best of both worlds
Are you the type of traveller that likes to enjoy the buzz of a city, but loves outdoor exploration too? Then renting a campervan in a city makes total sense for you. Get the fresh air you crave and the city services you love when you plan the perfect itinerary.
For example, you could hire an RV in Los Angeles, and use the City of Angels as a base for your holiday. That means you can also make day-trips to nearby attractions including Joshua Tree National Park (2 hours), Santa Barbara (1.5 hours), San Bernardino National Forest (1 hour) and so much more.
Another great place to use the city as a base for your RV adventure is in Auckland, New Zealand. Hire a motorhome in Auckland and take day trips to Piha (1 hour), Awhitu (1.5 hours), Orewa (30 mins), and more. Enjoy all the benefits of the great outdoors during the day, and savour the ambience of a city after dark!
Which city would you most like to visit on your motorhome adventure? Let us know in the comments.
