Bristol City Council says it is "taking proactive steps to apply for an injunction" to prevent people living in vans on a popular public green space.
If approved, the injunction would apply to the grassed areas of Durdham Down and would allow officers to move pitched vehicles off more quickly.
Most of the vehicles currently on The Downs would be exempt as they are parked on adjacent roads.
Councillor Barry Parsons said he recognised the challenges an increase in van-dwellers had raised, and said the council was looking at solutions which worked for all parties.
"Fundamentally we want to make sure that all communities, including those living in vehicles or caravans, and those in homes in neighbourhoods, have a meaningful and fair chance to live healthy and safe lives.
"This means we need to take action on a number of fronts to make sure we are balancing the needs of everyone, whilst prioritising our efforts where the need is greatest," he said.