Service Stops Explained
Service stops can be a god send for those who like to spend time off grid, having the ability to empty your waste and fill up with water helps keep you exploring the world, now knowing where you can access these facilities has never been easier.
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Have a look at our guide below....
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What is a service stop?
Service stops allow you to call in and service your campervan or motorhome, with black and grey waste emptying points and a water supply to refill your tanks.
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Many campsites, aires, local associations and other stopovers have service points that can be accessed by non-residents, simply call in and complete a service stop and then be on your way.
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Is there a charge?
As you would expect there is a charge attached to service stops, this covers the cost of the venue dealing with the waste you leave and allows them to invest in their waste facilities, keeping these valuable resources available to the vanlife community.​
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Generally the fee will be a small amount between 5-10 GBP/Euros and in some cases fees are paid on a donation basis, if you are lucky. there are many free service stops throughout the UK and many in Europe.
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There have been instances of people using waste facilities and not asking permission or paying for their service stop. Always ask at the venue for permission and any conditions before unloading waste or filling with water.
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What facilities do service stops offer?
CDP/Elsan Point/Black Waste - Most service stops have designated places for the emptying and cleaning of toilet cassettes.
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Waste Water/Grey Waste - Most service stops have grey waste points, some are drive over waste dumps (as shown in the picture), some may be designated drains and you will need the ability to transport your waste water from your vehicle to the dump point.
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Water Points - Pretty self explanatory this one however, not all water points will have hose pipes and may not even have tap connectors, you may require containers to transport water in some locations, be sure to carry these with you.
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Other Facilities - You may find other services available at service stops such as rubbish, recycling and showers, however this is not at most venues.
How do I find a service stop?
Our team have created an interactive map listing thousands of these stopovers across the UK!
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We have also included campsites, aires, wild spots, showers, toilets, laundrys, LPG sales/swaps and much more.
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We didn't stop after the UK, our map covers Europe too!
What to know before you go?
​CALL AHEAD - Try to call ahead before visiting a service stop, some only accept non-residents at certain times of the day (outside check-out/check-in times) to reduce congestion. Venues may decide to not offer service stops during busy periods as they may not have the capacity to assist you during these times.
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ENSURE YOU OBTAIN PERMISSION - If you use a service stop you must seek permission from the venue, this can be verbal at campsites/aires etc, or through signs if it's an unmanned service point.
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FEES & DONATIONS - If you use a service stop please ensure you read any signage and pay the correct fee or leave the appropriate donation, these stops are a lifeline for the vanlife community and abuse will ultimately lead to closures.