A group of campsite operators in the Scottish Highlands has issued a warning over what they describe as serious safety and business risks stemming from unregulated overnight motorhome parking.
In an open letter addressed to the Highland Council and national agencies, the Highland Caravan and Campsites Association (HCCA) accused authorities of neglecting their responsibilities and undermining the regulated outdoor hospitality sector.
The association, which now includes more than 30 campsite owners, is calling for immediate action to address growing concerns around public safety, environmental impact, and competitive fairness.
The letter highlights what members view as years of inconsistent policies and enforcement, as well as a lack of support for licensed operators who comply with safety regulations and bear ongoing costs for inspections and infrastructure.
According to The Press and Journal, the recent incident in Lossiemouth involving a campervan explosion is cited in the letter as a case in point.
The explosion blew the door off a vehicle and reignited safety concerns about vehicles parked in roadside lay-bys or public car parks without spacing or fire prevention measures.
“This problem has escalated beyond inconvenience and now poses serious threats to public safety,” the letter states. “Without enforceable protocols for all overnight motorhome stops, future tragedies are inevitable.”
Ann Edwards, chair of the HCCA and owner of Camping Pod Heaven, said licensed operators are struggling to maintain their businesses while dealing with unequal standards.
“People have invested their pensions and their life savings into these sites,” she said. “And then they look out and see campervans crammed into car parks for free – no spacing, no waste controls, no enforcement.”
Operators report that campervan owners often use campsite facilities such as showers and bins without paying, sometimes encouraged by mobile apps that list such services without context.
“There have been direct confrontations between paying guests and people just turning up in groups, using showers and facilities for free,” Edwards said.
The group also raised concerns over the Highland Council’s policies, which they argue incentivize unregulated tourism.
As motorhome travel becomes increasingly popular, operators say the supporting public infrastructure has failed to keep pace, resulting in environmental degradation and unsanitary waste disposal.
In addition, the proposed 5% Highland Visitor Levy, expected to be implemented in 2026, is set to apply only to regulated businesses, leaving those staying in informal, unlicensed areas exempt.
Park owners argue that many of their businesses are family-run and contribute significantly to rural economies. They contend that current policies effectively penalize those who invest in legal and safe operations while giving a cost advantage to unregulated stops.
In response, the association is asking government bodies to implement a uniform regulatory framework for all overnight motorhome parking, enforce fire and safety standards, and ensure any future visitor levies apply fairly across all overnight stays, regardless of location.
“We are ready to engage with government agencies to develop a fair, enforceable, and sustainable strategy for motorhome tourism across the Highlands,” the letter concludes.