Campervan and Motorhome Stopovers in West Sussex
Motorhome Touring in West Sussex
West Sussex offers motorhome travellers a wonderful combination of rolling South Downs countryside, historic market towns and a stretch of coastline that runs from the shingle beaches of Selsey Bill to the elegant seafront at Worthing. This is a county where you can wake up to views across chalk downland, spend the afternoon exploring a medieval cathedral city, and end the day watching the sun set over the English Channel. For motorhomers, West Sussex strikes a perfect balance between accessibility and escape — the road network is excellent, the scenery is varied, and there are enough stopovers and campsites to keep you exploring for weeks.
Top Stopovers & Campsites in West Sussex
The South Downs National Park area around Arundel and Petworth is well served by Caravan and Motorhome Club CLs and Camping and Caravanning Club CSs, many tucked into quiet farm settings with views across the downs. Several offer hardstanding pitches suitable for year-round touring, with electric hookup and fresh water available.
Along the coastal strip between Littlehampton and Chichester, you will find larger holiday park-style sites with full facilities including waste disposal points, laundry, and on-site shops. These tend to book up quickly during summer school holidays, so plan ahead if you are visiting between July and August.
For a more informal experience, a number of pubs and farms across the county participate in stopover schemes, offering overnight parking in exchange for a meal or a modest fee. The area around Midhurst and the western Weald is particularly good for these. Some vineyards in the county also welcome motorhomers for an evening, combining a tasting experience with a peaceful overnight stay.
Chichester Marina and the harbour area offer dedicated motorhome parking with easy access to the waterfront, sailing clubs, and local restaurants. It is a popular base for exploring the Chichester Harbour AONB on foot or by bike.
Suggested Touring Routes in West Sussex
The South Downs Way Shadows Route (3 days)
Start in Chichester and head north on the A286 towards Midhurst, a pleasant market town with good motorhome parking near the old town centre. From Midhurst, take the A272 east through Petworth — stop to visit the National Trust house and deer park — then continue to Pulborough. Head south on the A29 to Arundel, where the castle dominates the skyline and the River Arun offers lovely waterside walks. The roads on this route are mostly A-roads and well suited to larger motorhomes, though some lanes around Petworth can be narrow. Total distance approximately 55 miles, with plenty of stopover options along the way.
The West Sussex Coast Road (2 days)
Begin in Chichester and take the A259 east along the coast. Stop at Bognor Regis for fish and chips on the seafront, then continue through Littlehampton and Worthing to Shoreham-by-Sea. The coast road is flat and straightforward, with several car parks along the way that accommodate motorhomes (check individual height barriers before entering). Worthing has a particularly good seafront promenade and several supermarkets with large car parks just off the main road. Return inland via the A24 through Findon and Washington, where the South Downs views open up beautifully. Approximately 45 miles in total.
The Western Weald Explorer (2 days)
From Chichester, head north through the village of Lavant and into the heart of the western Weald. Follow lanes to West Dean, home to the famous gardens and arts college, then continue to Singleton where the Weald and Downland Living Museum makes a fascinating stop. Push on to Fernhurst and Lurgashall through some of the county's most unspoilt countryside. Be aware that many lanes in this area are single-track with passing places — suitable for smaller motorhomes and campervans but potentially tight for vehicles over 7 metres. Approximately 30 miles but allow a full two days to enjoy the pace.
Overnight parking
The Bat And Ball Country Pub Overnight parking
Billingshurst, West Sussex, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Flying Bull Pub stopover
Liss, West Sussex, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Duke of York Sayers Common Pub stopover
Hassocks, West Sussex, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Eight Bells Colney Pub stopover
Haywards Heath, West Sussex, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Spotted Cow Pub stopover
Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Partridge Inn Pub stopover
Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom
Campsite
Prince of Wales Woodgate Campsite
Chichester, West Sussex, United KingdomThings to Do in West Sussex
West Sussex is rich in outdoor activities that suit the motorhome lifestyle perfectly. The South Downs National Park runs right through the county, offering miles of walking and cycling trails. The South Downs Way long-distance path crosses from east to west, and you can tackle day sections from stopover bases at Amberley, Arundel, or Cocking.
For history lovers, Arundel Castle is a must-visit, while Chichester Cathedral and the Novium Museum offer a window into the Roman and medieval past. Fishbourne Roman Palace, just outside Chichester, houses some of the finest Roman mosaics in Britain and has a car park that can accommodate motorhomes.
The county's food scene is thriving, with several vineyards open for tours and tastings — the chalky South Downs soil produces excellent sparkling wines. Farmers' markets run regularly in Chichester, Arundel, Horsham, and Petworth. Along the coast, Selsey and East Wittering offer good crabbing spots and relaxed beach days.
Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve is a treat for birdwatchers, especially during migration season, and the entire Chichester Harbour area is ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and gentle coastal walks.
Practical Information for Motorhomers in West Sussex
Waste disposal points are available at several campsites across the county, and there are dedicated motorhome service points near Chichester and Littlehampton. Most large fuel stations on the A27 and A24 corridors can accommodate vehicles up to 3.5 metres in height, though it is always worth checking forecourt clearance before pulling in.
Height barriers are common in town centre car parks across West Sussex, typically set at 2.0-2.1 metres. Chichester's Avenue de Chartres car park and Worthing's Brooklands car park are among those that do accept taller vehicles — check local council websites for current information. Supermarket parking at larger Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Asda stores along the A27 corridor generally has no height restrictions and offers good access for motorhomes needing to stock up.
The A27 is the main east-west route through the county and carries heavy traffic, particularly around the Chichester and Worthing bypasses during rush hours. Plan to avoid these sections between 08:00-09:30 and 16:30-18:00 on weekdays.
FAQs: Motorhome Touring in West Sussex
Can I park my motorhome overnight in West Sussex?
Overnight parking in public car parks is generally not permitted in West Sussex without specific signage allowing it. Your best options are dedicated campsites, CLs, CSs, and stopover schemes. Some coastal car parks allow overnight stays outside peak season — check local signage carefully.
Are there motorhome service points in West Sussex?
Yes, several campsites and dedicated facilities near Chichester and Littlehampton offer fresh water fill-up and waste disposal for motorhomes. Some allow non-residents to use these services for a small fee. Check campsite websites in advance for current availability.
What is the best time to visit West Sussex by motorhome?
Late spring (May) and early autumn (September to October) offer the best combination of pleasant weather, quieter roads, and available campsites. Summer is busiest along the coast, while the South Downs are beautiful year-round. Many sites close from November to March.
Are the roads in West Sussex suitable for large motorhomes?
The main A-roads (A27, A24, A29, A259) are all suitable for larger motorhomes. However, many rural lanes in the Weald and around the South Downs villages are narrow with tight bends. Stick to B-roads and above if your vehicle is over 7 metres long.
Can I wild camp in West Sussex?
Wild camping is not legally permitted in England, including West Sussex, without the landowner's permission. Within the South Downs National Park, overnight parking in laybys and car parks is actively discouraged. Use official campsites and stopover schemes instead.
Where can I empty my motorhome waste in West Sussex?
Waste disposal facilities are available at most larger campsites across the county. Some service stations on the A27 also have dedicated motorhome waste points. It is worth calling ahead to confirm access if you are not staying at the site.
Is Chichester good for motorhome visitors?
Chichester is an excellent base for motorhome touring. The city has several car parks that accept taller vehicles, good bus links from surrounding campsites, and a compact centre with the cathedral, shops, restaurants, and the famous Festival Theatre all within walking distance.
Are there height barriers in West Sussex car parks?
Yes, most multi-storey and many surface car parks in West Sussex towns have height barriers set at 2.0-2.1 metres. Always check before entering. Some larger surface car parks, particularly those near supermarkets and on the seafront, have no barriers.
Continue exploring motorhome destinations across England, or discover what neighbouring counties have to offer. More England destinations | Hampshire | East Sussex | Surrey