If you're living life on the road, finding a safe and legal place to park your vehicle overnight is one of your biggest challenges. Whether traveling through a city or a rural area, finding a good spot to park for the night can be daunting. Here are some overnight parking ideas to help you enjoy your van life with few hassles.
Campgrounds
One of the most obvious choices for overnight parking is a campground. Most campgrounds offer overnight parking for RVs and vans. You can find campgrounds on the internet or using various mobile apps. If you plan to stay at a campground, booking your spot in advance is best to ensure availability.
Rest Areas
Rest areas are another great option for overnight parking. They're usually located near highways and offer free parking, restrooms, and sometimes picnic tables. However, not all rest areas allow overnight parking, so check the regulations before parking there. Look around for signs that let you know how many hours you can remain.
Beaches
Some beaches allow overnight parking for RVs and vans. This is an excellent option if you're looking for a scenic place to park for the night. However, check the regulations beforehand, as some beaches have restrictions on parking and camping, while others will let you stay up to 2 weeks with a low-cost permit.
Truck Stops
Truck stops are another option for overnight parking. They're usually located near highways and offer amenities such as restrooms, showers, and convenience stores. Most truck stops allow overnight parking for RVs and vans but check with the staff and do not park in the designated areas for truckers.
Some Stores & Restaurants Allow Overnight Parking
Many of these allow overnight parking. Keep in mind it is a place to park overnight, not a place to set up camp. Look for signs that may prohibit overnight parking and ask the manager if they allow it before staying. If they approve, ask where they prefer for you to park. Although it is not required, I like to do business with them before I leave.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is public land that the US government manages. Dispersed camping is often free on BLM Land but may require a permit. It is usually located in remote areas, so it's a great option if you're looking for a peaceful and quiet place to park for the night or longer.
National Forests
National forests are another excellent option for overnight parking. Most national forests allow dispersed camping, so you can park your van in a designated area and camp for free. However, check the regulations beforehand, as some national forests have restrictions on camping and parking or may require a permit.
Church Parking Lots
Many churches allow overnight parking for RVs and vans if you ask for permission beforehand. It's always a good idea to call the church office and ask if they allow overnight parking and if there are any specific areas where you should park.
Casinos
Many casinos allow overnight parking for RVs and vans. Some even offer amenities such as electricity and water hookups. However, keep in mind that some casinos have restrictions on parking, so it's always a good idea to call ahead and ask.
Whether you're looking for a campground, a rest area, or a spot in the forest, there's always a safe and legal place to park for the night.
What unique locations have you found?
Campgrounds
One of the most obvious choices for overnight parking is a campground. Most campgrounds offer overnight parking for RVs and vans. You can find campgrounds on the internet or using various mobile apps. If you plan to stay at a campground, booking your spot in advance is best to ensure availability.
Rest Areas
Rest areas are another great option for overnight parking. They're usually located near highways and offer free parking, restrooms, and sometimes picnic tables. However, not all rest areas allow overnight parking, so check the regulations before parking there. Look around for signs that let you know how many hours you can remain.
Beaches
Some beaches allow overnight parking for RVs and vans. This is an excellent option if you're looking for a scenic place to park for the night. However, check the regulations beforehand, as some beaches have restrictions on parking and camping, while others will let you stay up to 2 weeks with a low-cost permit.
Truck Stops
Truck stops are another option for overnight parking. They're usually located near highways and offer amenities such as restrooms, showers, and convenience stores. Most truck stops allow overnight parking for RVs and vans but check with the staff and do not park in the designated areas for truckers.
Some Stores & Restaurants Allow Overnight Parking
Many of these allow overnight parking. Keep in mind it is a place to park overnight, not a place to set up camp. Look for signs that may prohibit overnight parking and ask the manager if they allow it before staying. If they approve, ask where they prefer for you to park. Although it is not required, I like to do business with them before I leave.
- Walmart
- Cracker Barrel
- Cabela's & Bass Pro Shops
- Home Depot, Lowe's, and Menards
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is public land that the US government manages. Dispersed camping is often free on BLM Land but may require a permit. It is usually located in remote areas, so it's a great option if you're looking for a peaceful and quiet place to park for the night or longer.
National Forests
National forests are another excellent option for overnight parking. Most national forests allow dispersed camping, so you can park your van in a designated area and camp for free. However, check the regulations beforehand, as some national forests have restrictions on camping and parking or may require a permit.
Church Parking Lots
Many churches allow overnight parking for RVs and vans if you ask for permission beforehand. It's always a good idea to call the church office and ask if they allow overnight parking and if there are any specific areas where you should park.
Casinos
Many casinos allow overnight parking for RVs and vans. Some even offer amenities such as electricity and water hookups. However, keep in mind that some casinos have restrictions on parking, so it's always a good idea to call ahead and ask.
Whether you're looking for a campground, a rest area, or a spot in the forest, there's always a safe and legal place to park for the night.
What unique locations have you found?
