A homeless park settlement is a home or multi-resident facility established legally and with permission on land reserved for the purpose of housing persons who would otherwise be homeless. It is generally constructed somewhat crudely, or with the idea that it can be easily moved or transferred.

The site is reserved for accommodating people who would otherwise lack homes, and permission is part of the establishment. Basic or movable construction does not make the occupation unauthorized.

A squatter settlement is established unlawfully or without explicit permission. The two can have similar shelters while differing in their permission to use the site.