A campervan trip allows you to travel freely as you please without having to decide where to stay that day. I'm sure there are many people who would like to try it at least once. You can enjoy the outdoors without being affected by the weather, and it's perfect for travel during the COVID-19 pandemic! With this as a tailwind, the demand for rental cars and the number of users has been increasing rapidly in recent years.

Meanwhile, in Muroran City, also known as the "City of Steel," a paid parking space called an "RV Park" has opened where you can stay in your car, not just in campervans and trailers, but also in passenger cars, so we decided to check it out!

RV Park Muroran ZEKKEI BASE CAMP opened in April 2022. We asked the manager, Yuko Ishii, about the best things about the park!

"The best thing about this place is the view! There is a seaside park right in front of the RV park, and it is beautiful not only during the day but also during the magic hour in the evening, which even locals will be astonished by. Of course it depends on the weather, but the contrast between the bright red sunset and the silhouette of Daikoku Island (an uninhabited island in Muroran Port) is also impressive, so I would love for as many people as possible to know about it."

That island was uninhabited! It's so cute! And if I could see a sunset like this, I would definitely be captivated by it...

"It's about a five-minute drive from the nearest convenience store and gas station, but it's sandwiched between the Mitara Muroran Roadside Station and the Muroran Onsen Yurara, so it's convenient for a little shopping or a bath. We're also considering a collaboration project with the nearby Shukutsu Shopping Association, so please check the official reservation site for the latest information!"

Check out the facilities you are interested in here!

■ Number of sites: 6 sites in total (4 sites with power: 3,300 yen, 2 sites without power: 2,750 yen) ■Site size: 7m x 7m each ■ Check-in: 14:00-, Check-out: 10:00 ■Other: Water and trash cans are available at all sites.

This RV park even allows the use of fire. If you have a charcoal grill or stove, you can bring in fresh seafood from the port town and have a BBQ while looking out at the sea. This is a unique charm of this RV park that is hard to find if you're staying at a roadside station or public parking lot!

...Huh? Come to think of it, I can't find the reception desk. That's because this RV park allows you to complete everything from reservations to payments online. There's no need to check in, check out, or settle the bill on the day! This is so convenient!

There are no local staff on-site, but electricity, water, and trash can be accessed with a key in a key box with a PIN code. The PIN code and emergency contact information are only provided to guests staying at the hotel. This means that even if you check in late, you can go for a drive without rushing (lol)♪

According to Ishii, from the opening on April 29th through the Golden Week period alone, about 30 groups of guests used the facility.

"We got off to a hectic start and weren't able to focus much on PR, so to be honest I'm surprised that so many people came. We've been getting reservations from all over the country for the summer as well, so I hope that lots of people will be able to see Muroran's spectacular scenery!"

The facility is scheduled to be open until the end of October this year. Reservations can be made through the official reservation site, as well as through a site called "Kuruma Tabi" that is used by campervan users.

Reservations can be made up to three months in advance on reservation sites, so why not add an RV park with a spectacular view to your options for travel this summer?

RV Park Muroran ZEKKEI BASE CAMP

■Location: 4-chome, Etomo-cho, Muroran City ■ Business hours: Online reservations are available 24 hours a day ■ Admission fee: Site without electricity 2,750 yen, site with electricity 3,300 yen See details of "RV Park Muroran ZEKKEI BASE CAMP" on Domingo