Parking, stopping, staying overnight and camping with a motorhome: differences and 2026 regulations.

If you're just starting out travelling by motorhome, you've probably wondered at some point: can I sleep in the motorhome if it's parked? Is staying overnight the same as camping? Can I put the awning out? What does the new 2026 motorhome regulation say?

Although we usually use these terms as if they were interchangeable, parking, stopping, staying overnight and camping don't mean exactly the same thing.

In this TTCamper guide we explain the differences and what you need to bear in mind to park and stay overnight with a motorhome in Spain.

Parking a motorhome: is there a difference?

In everyday language, the words used for parking mean practically the same thing. Traffic regulations mainly use the term parking.

A motorhome is parked when it's properly immobilised in a place where parking is allowed, in line with the signage and applicable rules.

The important thing is that being inside the motorhome doesn't automatically mean you're camping.

You can stay inside, rest, eat or sleep as long as the vehicle is properly parked and you meet the conditions of the place.

What does it mean to stay overnight in a motorhome?

Staying overnight means spending the night there.

So when you sleep inside your motorhome during a trip, you're staying overnight.

This doesn't necessarily mean you're camping.

For example, you can have the motorhome properly parked, stay inside and sleep through the night without setting up anything outside.

Staying overnight ≠ camping

This is one of the most important distinctions for any motorhome traveller.

Staying overnight refers to spending the night somewhere.

Camping involves using the outside space in a way that goes beyond simply parking, and this can be regulated by tourism and local council rules.

When are you considered to be camping?

The practical difference lies mainly in what you do outside the vehicle.

If you're parked, you need to keep the motorhome within the space it occupies as a vehicle and avoid anything that extends its footprint.

For example, putting outside:

• The awning.

• Tables and chairs.

• Items that extend the space occupied.

• Certain stabilising elements.

• Any other item that takes up outdoor space.

can turn the situation into more than simple parking.

So if you want to enjoy the outside of the motorhome, the right thing to do is use a campsite or a designated area where that activity is allowed.

New 2026 motorhome regulation: what changes when parking?

One of the main changes for motorhome travellers comes with Royal Decree 518/2026, which amends the General Traffic Regulations.

The new specific conditions for parking motorhomes come into force on 1 October 2026.

From that date, motorhomes and other vehicles fitted out as living accommodation must be parked:

1. Without exceeding the vehicle's perimeter

No items may be extended that go beyond the motorhome's perimeter.

This particularly affects outdoor items such as awnings, tables, chairs or other elements that extend the space occupied.

2. Resting on the tyres

The vehicle must rest on its tyres, although it is permitted to use chocks or safety wedges.

3. Without discharging liquids

No discharge of fluids from the living area will be allowed while the vehicle is parked.

This means grey and black water must be emptied at designated disposal points.

Can I sleep in a parked motorhome?

Yes, as long as parking is allowed and the applicable conditions are respected.

Sleeping inside a motorhome doesn't automatically turn parking into camping.

The difference lies in how the vehicle is parked and whether you're using the outdoor space.

For example:

Parked and staying overnight:

• Motorhome within its own space.

• No awning out.

• No tables or chairs outside.

• No discharges.

• Not taking up more space than necessary.

Camping:

• Awning out.

• Table and chairs outside.

• Items that extend the space occupied.

• Using the outdoors as a living area.

Can I put the awning or chairs out?

If you're simply parked on a public road, you need to avoid anything that goes beyond the vehicle's perimeter.

The new 2026 motorhome parking regulation sets out this condition explicitly.

So if you want to put the awning out, set up tables and chairs or create your own outdoor area, look for a place where this is allowed, such as a campsite or a specifically designated area.

Can I empty the grey water while parked?

No.

The new General Traffic Regulations state that parking must take place without discharging fluids from the living area.

To empty grey or black water you need to use a service point designed for motorhomes.

This matters both for regulatory reasons and out of respect for the environment and the places we use during our travels.

Can a local council ban motorhomes from parking?

Yes. This is another important point.

National regulations set out the general framework, but local councils can regulate stopping and parking on urban roads through their own bylaws.

So before parking a motorhome, it's worth checking:

• The existing signage.

• Parking restrictions.

• Time limits.

• The local bylaw.

• Whether there's a specific area for motorhomes.

The 2026 regulation doesn't mean you can park a motorhome anywhere without checking local rules.

Summary: parking, staying overnight or camping

The key idea

You can stay overnight inside a parked motorhome without that necessarily meaning you're camping.

The difference lies mainly in how you use the outdoor space and the rules that apply to that particular place.

Which motorhome should you choose for travelling?

How you want to travel can also influence the type of vehicle you need.

A camper van can be a good option if you're after a more compact vehicle that's easy to use for getting around town, while a motorhome offers a range of layout options and more living space.

If you're still torn between the two options, you can check out our guide Camper van vs motorhome: which one suits you.

And if you already know you want to buy, you can browse our catalogue of new and used motorhomes, where you'll find a range of layouts and models available.

You can also check out our used camper vans and van conversions if you're after something more compact.

At TTCamper, in Totana (Murcia), we work with new and used motorhomes and camper vans and deliver throughout Spain.

Frequently asked questions

Can you sleep in a parked motorhome?

Yes. Sleeping inside a properly parked motorhome doesn't automatically mean you're camping.

Are staying overnight and camping the same thing?

No. Staying overnight means spending the night somewhere. Camping involves using the space in a way that goes beyond simply parking.

Can I put the awning out while parked?

Parking must be done without extending anything beyond the vehicle's perimeter. The new 2026 regulation sets out this condition explicitly.

When does the new 2026 motorhome regulation come into force?

The new specific parking conditions come into force on 1 October 2026.

Can I empty the grey water in the street?

No. Parking must be done without discharging fluids from the living area. Always use designated disposal points.

Can I park a motorhome in any town or city?

Not necessarily. You need to follow the signage and the local bylaws regulating parking in each place.

Regulations may be subject to change. Specific conditions can vary depending on the municipality and autonomous community. This article is for informational purposes only and doesn't replace checking the regulations that apply in each location.