Campsite booking checklist for roof tent users

By the Overlanding.info team · Updated 21 October 2026 · Sources checked 21 October 2026

The short answer

Before you book, confirm the campsite accepts roof tents and which pitch type to choose. Then ask whether the car must stay inside a marked area, whether a barrier or low entrance limits height, the arrival and vehicle movement times, and whether grass pitches close in winter. Copy the checklist below and ask each question when you book.

A roof tent stays on the car, so the car and the tent need one pitch between them. That's why campsites built around caravans or ground tents can handle it differently. Rules vary from site to site; the two big clubs' rules below are examples, not a guide to every campsite.

Do you accept roof tents?

Ask directly, and say the tent is mounted on the car. Some booking forms have no "roof tent" option, so it helps to describe the setup.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club says all its UK Club campsites welcome roof tent campers on grass and hardstanding touring pitches. Its Certificated Locations (CLs) take roof tents but not ground tents, and some sites are open to members only. Caravan and Motorhome Club: roof tents. Camping and Caravanning Club site pages list accepted units under Site Features. Clent Hills, for example, shows "Rooftop tents allowed". Clent Hills campsite.

Which pitch type should I book?

Book a pitch for the car plus the open tent, not a tent-only pitch where the car parks elsewhere.

• Caravan and Motorhome Club: book using the Touring option and choose grass or hardstanding when you book.
• Camping and Caravanning Club: standard grass, grass with hook-up and hardstanding with hook-up pitches measure 8 m x 5 m. Jumbo grass pitches are for larger units, and super service pitches add water and drainage. Camping and Caravanning Club: pitch types.

Give the campsite the car's length, the tent's open footprint and which side the ladder comes down. A fold-out tent can open beyond the car, and the ladder needs flat ground at its foot. Ask whether hardstanding pitches are level: Clent Hills says its hardstandings are level but most of its grass pitches slope, so you'd need levelling ramps and chocks.

Must the vehicle stay within a marked area?

Most clubs expect everything on your pitch to stay inside it, with set gaps from your neighbours.

• The Caravan and Motorhome Club asks for the outfit to be positioned between the pitch pegs, at least 6 m between facing walls of neighbouring units, and 3 m of clear space between cars, awnings and tents. Awnings must fit within the pitch, ropes included. Caravan and Motorhome Club: site rules.
• The Camping and Caravanning Club says units must be 6 m apart, your unit and equipment must fit within the pitch, and you're allowed one car per pitch. Camping and Caravanning Club: site policies.

Ask whether the open tent, ladder and any awning together fit the pitch you're booking. If you'll drive out during the day, ask how to keep the pitch. Roof tent camping when you need the car during the day covers that.

Are there arrival barriers or height limits?

Some campsites have an entry barrier, and an entrance or approach can be low. None of the club pages we checked gives a height figure, so ask the campsite whether anything limits vehicle height on the way in.

A roof tent adds to the car's height. Dometic's TRT140 Air manual warns that a rooftop tent increases vehicle height and to beware of low entrances and other obstacles. Dometic TRT140 Air manual (PDF). Work out your loaded height before you book, so you can answer if the campsite asks.

Ask, too, when the barrier is locked. At the Camping and Caravanning Club's Moffat site, the keypad barrier is locked from 11pm to 7am, and there's no overnight parking for late arrivals. Moffat access statement (PDF).

What are the latest arrival and vehicle movement times?

Both clubs set times, and they vary by site:

• Earliest arrival. The Caravan and Motorhome Club says arrival is normally after 1pm. The Camping and Caravanning Club says not before your booked arrival time, and never before 1pm.
• Latest arrival. The Caravan and Motorhome Club may not be able to take you after 8pm if staff haven't been told; some sites accept arrivals up to 10pm by arrangement. The Camping and Caravanning Club asks you to call the site if you expect to arrive after 8pm.
• Vehicle movement. The Camping and Caravanning Club allows no vehicle movement between 11pm and 7am. Both clubs set a 5mph limit on site.
• Departure. Both clubs expect pitches to be vacated by midday.

A roof tent has to be closed before the car moves. If you'll drive out early or come back late, check the movement times first.

Are there seasonal ground restrictions?

Grass pitches can close when the ground is wet. The Caravan and Motorhome Club says its grass pitches tend only to be used from the end of April to October, because they become unusable in winter. Caravan and Motorhome Club: types of pitch. Its site rules also say staff may allocate pitches because of ground conditions.

Outside summer, ask whether grass pitches are open and book hardstanding if they aren't. Check the campsite's opening dates too: Clent Hills, for example, publishes seasonal opening dates.

Can I book a suitable pitch without electric hookup?

Often, yes. The Camping and Caravanning Club lists standard grass pitches with no electric hook-up. The Caravan and Motorhome Club offers non-electric pitches on grass or hardstanding at some sites. If you don't need power, ask for one and check the current price, since it may differ from a hook-up pitch.

Copy this checklist

Ask these questions when you book:

• Do you accept roof tents mounted on the car?
• Which pitch type should I book for a car with a roof tent?
• Is the pitch big enough for the car, the open tent, the ladder and any awning?
• Is the pitch level, and is it grass or hardstanding?
• Must the car stay within a marked area or between the pitch pegs?
• How far apart must units be?
• Is there a barrier, low entrance or anything else that limits vehicle height?
• When is the barrier locked, and is there somewhere to park if I arrive late?
• What is the earliest arrival time?
• What is the latest arrival time, and who do I call if I'm delayed?
• Are there times when vehicles can't move on site?
• What time must I leave the pitch?
• Are grass pitches open on my dates?
• Can I book a pitch without electric hook-up?
• Is the site open to non-members?

For a first trip, your first roof tent weekend plans the two nights around the booking. If you're thinking of staying away from campsites, read the camping rules in the UK first.

Work out your vehicle height

The campsite may ask how tall the car is with the tent fitted, and a barrier won't wait while you check. Work out your vehicle height with the tent closed before you book.

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