Most of the time: nah, you can’t (and shouldn’t) sleep in supermarket car parks.
Supermarket car parks are private property, and nearly always have time limits, security patrols, gates/boom arms, cleaners and delivery trucks rolling in at stupid o’clock. Even if you’re parked “legally” for the hours, sleeping in the vehicle can still be treated as camping in some areas, and some councils even have agreements to enforce car park time limits and issue fines if you overstay.
If you’re absolutely cooked and need a safe stop, the only “safe-ish” way a supermarket car park works is:
- You get explicit permission from the store manager or centre security (not just “I reckon it’ll be fine”)
- You stay low-key (no chairs, awning, cooking setup, music, rubbish, toilet business)
- You arrive late, leave early, and don’t take the mick
Honestly though, for an easy, drama-free night, you’re way better off aiming for signed rest areas, proper free/low-cost camps, showgrounds or a caravan park when you’re near a town.
For the full lowdown on what’s actually allowed (and what gets you moved on), see our full guide to campervan parking here.
