Is it a legal requirement to live at your campsite? Or can a site owner or manager live elsewhere and simply travel to the site for work? Many prospective campsite owners in the UK ask this question. While living on-site is common, particularly for small or family-run sites, is it truly mandatory?
Is 24/7 On-Site Presence Required by Law?
In the UK, there is no direct legal obligation for the campsite owner to live on-site. However, according to local authority licensing conditions (under the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960), campsite operators must ensure a responsible person is available at all times during opening hours—especially for health and safety, fire regulations, and customer service.
This doesn't mean the owner must live on the premises — but if no staff is based on-site overnight, then the owner or manager must usually stay overnight to fulfil this responsibility.
Living On-Site: Practical and Cost-Effective
Beyond the legal side, many owners choose to live on-site for convenience. Being based at the campsite helps reduce commuting time and ensures you’re always available to deal with emergencies, late check-ins, or maintenance issues. For small or seasonal campsites, this often makes day-to-day management much more efficient.
For owner-operators juggling multiple roles (host, cleaner, maintenance, admin...), on-site living can offer the flexibility needed to manage everything smoothly while balancing family life.
Challenges of Living at the Campsite
However, living where you work can blur the line between professional and personal life. It may become difficult to truly disconnect. This is especially true during peak seasons when guests are present at all hours.
For larger campsites, with dedicated staff for reception, maintenance, and night duties, it's often possible for the owner or manager to live off-site — provided systems are in place for 24/7 coverage.
Smaller sites with minimal staff may leave owners with no practical alternative but to live on-site during opening periods.