How to Choose the Perfect Motorhome Pitch

You’ve picked the ideal campsite and you’re looking forward to the perfect break in your motorhome. You’ve pulled up to reception and they say you can choose your own pitch. But where do you go? Where is the ideal location to park your campervan or your motorhome? Here’s a checklist of what to look for when you have the option to select your own spot.

Do You Want to be Close to the Facilities?

This is a personal choice. Some people want to be as close as possible to the shower block to minimise the time it takes to get washed in the morning. Others want to be as far away as possible, to avoid the noise of people passing and any potential smells which might emanate from drains. Pick your spot carefully. In many cases, the perfect place is right in the middle, an equal distance to the shower block and the washing up block. Of course, when you hire a larger motorhome with its own shower and toilet, you can afford to be much further away from the facilities.

Close to the Playground?

If you have kids then you may want to be close to the play area so you can watch them play from the comfort of your van. But keep in mind that it could be quite noisy, even during the late evening when your kids are trying to get some sleep. If you do not have young children or indeed have any children of any age, the further away from the playground the better. The same goes for proximity to amenities like the swimming pool or the games room. 

Check the Drainage and Shelter

If we’re being realistic, the chances you’ll see some rain during your holiday in the UK are pretty high. A hard standing pitch is best so that any rainwater easily drains from the ground beneath your van. If you don’t have a hard pitch, choose a location where the water can freely drain away from your where your van is situated and not cause a boggy mess for you to step in after rain. 

You’ll also want to check that a pitch has some shelter. If your campsite is on the cliffs or in an exposed place, some natural windbreaks may be helpful. Trees are good for some shade, but they also cause problems when the roots make it difficult to drive and uncomfortable to sit on the ground, and the branches attract birds that mess up your clean roof! It’s also not a great idea to camp under a tree in a thunder storm. 

Find Level Ground

You should always park your van on a level surface so you have a nice solid place in which to relax. A level pitch will best suit your fridge, and the sink, showers and drains will work properly. Motorhomes and campervans are equipped with levelling blocks that you can use to lift one side or end of the van if necessary. 

If in doubt about where to camp on a site, ask the owners for advice. When you tell them what you are looking for, they will be able to help you out. For more information about hiring campervans, visit website pages to research your van options before you start planning your trip.