Can you sleep anywhere in a van in Réunion?

In France (and therefore in Réunion, a French overseas department), sleeping in your vehicle is not prohibited by law. What may be prohibited is the parking itself in certain areas. The distinction matters: you can sleep in your van as long as parking is permitted at that location.

Wild camping — that is, stepping outside the van, pitching a tent or setting up on the ground — is subject to stricter rules and is frequently prohibited in protected natural areas.

ONF (national forestry) car parks are generally open to overnight stays unless a sign says otherwise. The highlands of Réunion have many forest car parks that are perfect for a night in the van. Likewise, rest areas and viewpoint car parks are generally tolerated.

Some communes have dedicated motorhome areas — check with local tourist offices. Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul both have such facilities.

Réunion's beaches are subject to municipal by-laws prohibiting camping and extended overnight parking in most communes. The car parks at Saint-Gilles, Boucan Canot and Ermitage beaches in particular are monitored and camping is prohibited there.

Natura 2000 zones and the National Park core area strictly prohibit wild camping. Please respect these restrictions — they protect biodiversity found nowhere else on Earth.

Discretion is your best ally. A well-parked van, blackout window covers, no music and no campfire — you will often go unnoticed even in areas where camping is technically regulated.

A few common-sense rules: leave the spot clean (ideally cleaner than you found it), don't stay more than 2 nights in the same place, and be polite if a local resident or officer approaches you.

If stopped by police or ONF rangers, stay calm and polite. Show your van rental agreement. Sleeping in a vehicle is not a criminal offence — you are not at risk of arrest.

However, if you are in breach of parking rules (no parking sign), you may receive a standard parking fine. Accept to move on if asked and thank the officer.