Can I camp in my friend’s driveway?
Your caravan’s hitched to the four-wheel-drive and you’re heading off on a long-awaited road trip.
Your friends live on the way, and they’ve offered their driveway for the night to break up the journey. But can you camp there legally?
When you’re caravanning or camping on a person’s private property, you’re generally governed by your agreement with the owner, rather than the law.
Is it legal to camp in a driveway?
Yes, if it’s for a short time and you have the owner’s permission. There’s no specific South Australian law that prohibits camping on a person’s private property.
What are some general rules?
If you’re staying in someone’s driveway for a night or two, be considerate and make sure your vehicle isn’t blocking the footpath, impeding pedestrian access or obstructing access for emergency vehicles and workers. Your vehicle also mustn’t obstruct neighbouring properties or create a nuisance.
Is it ever illegal?
Without permission it’s a different story; turning up uninvited and setting up camp could result in a visit from police.
In some residential zones, using a caravan or motorhome as a permanent or semi-permanent dwelling – even on private property – may be considered a change of use that requires development approval. This is more relevant for longer-term stays than a night or two.
What about camping on public property?
Parking a caravan or motorhome on public property, like a residential street, is generally allowed, subject to local parking rules. The vehicle must be registered and roadworthy, and legally parked. If the caravan is hitched to a tow vehicle and the combined length is 7.5 metres or more, it’s classed as a ‘long vehicle’ under the Australian Road Rules and can only be parked for one hour in a built-up area unless signage says otherwise.
However, in most areas you’re not allowed to sleep or live in the vehicle while it’s parked. Pull your Kombi up to a car park near the Adelaide Parklands and sleep the night and you’re breaking the law.
Parking a caravan or motorhome on the verge – the strip of land between private land and the road – is also generally not allowed in SA. It can damage infrastructure such as irrigation and underground cables, and most councils prohibit you from doing this.
The short answer
A short stay in a friend’s driveway with their permission is generally fine in practice. But if you’re planning on staying for the long term, check with the local council to make sure you’re obeying the rules.