Eryri National Park has introduced new time restrictions, running from 10pm to 3am, at 11 of its car parks where the effects of unauthorised overnight stays were found to be the most apparent.

Also known as Snowdonia, Eryri National Park is a popular touring destination. However, while acknowledging that many ‘van owners act responsibly, the National Park Authority implemented the restrictions after a review of the situation revealed “increasing pressures associated with overnight stays, including unauthorised campervan use, informal camping, littering, environmental impacts and some instances of anti-social behaviour”.

The National Park Authority stressed that the move “does not represent a ban on motorhomes or campervans visiting”, adding that leisure vehicles will still be welcome to use the car parks when they are open, and other car parks will continue to remain open 24/7.

However, overnight stays are not permitted, with ‘van owners instead being told to make use of one of the nearby campsites or suitable locations with designated motorhome facilities. One such example is Riverside Touring Park, which was voted one of the best motorhome sites in the UK by readers of Practical Motorhome in our Top 100 Sites Guide 2026.

It added that the move has largely seen the formalising of rules which had already been in place, as none of its car parks provides the necessary facilities for motorhome owners to make use of.

The new restrictions have been implemented at the following car parks:

• Pont Bethania
• Llyn Cwellyn
• Rhyd Ddu
• Betws-y-Coed
• Ogwen
• Beddgelert
• Ty Nant
• Dôl Idris
• Morfa Dyffryn
• Llyn Tegid
• Llangower

Commenting on the decision, a spokesperson for Eryri National Park said: “Our car parks have never been designated or equipped for overnight stays by motorhomes or campervans, and there has not been any formal allowance for this type of use.”

“These measures have therefore been strategically implemented in specific car parks where those pressures have been greatest, with the aim of protecting the environment, supporting local communities and ensuring that these spaces remain safe and accessible for all users. ”

“The current measures are designed to help protect these special places so they can be enjoyed by everyone, both now and in the future, and we will continue to review them over the visitor season.”

The move has come at a time when motorhomes are also going to be banned from the Falls of Falloch visitor site, one of the most popular attractions at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.

Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto

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