Where can I park my RV for Free overnight while traveling to my destination?
The best places to try first are Walmart, Cracker Barrel, and large Shopping Malls. The reason they top our list is they are known as places that accommodate overnight RV parking for free. Most welcome travelers that are in need of a place to rest for one night. As in rest, I mean don’t pitch camp, set out your equipment or even your slides if you can do without.
Our list will also include Rest Areas, Truck Stops, and of course BLM land. Each state and or location has its own way of doing things, so don’t just take for granted that they allow it without first getting approval.
Most of the places we are going to list are known to allow overnight RV parking free for travelers. Some of these places even welcome it, as they know you most likely will patron local businesses.
In other places on our list, it just takes some common sense from you, the RV traveler. There is a big difference between being in the middle of the night, in the middle of nowhere, finding a large empty lot, just needing to catch a few winks, and trying to slide into a small busy gas station blocking traffic in L.A.
Most businesses will have no problem if you are not blocking traffic, interfering with their business, and only staying for the night.
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If you are needing a little more than a parking lot, check out our guide to finding free camping coast to coast
Overnight RV Parking for Free
Below are all possible options for a one-night stay as long as you are smart about it. You will also run across people that just like to complain about everything and may say no or ask you to leave.
It is ok to be creative as long as you are being respectful of other people’s property and livelihood.
Top Picks
- Remember that not all the ideas we are listing will allow overnight parking. Each state and business does things a little differently. Be Smart, Be Polite, and don’t ruin it for the next traveler.
- Also, try showing your appreciation by making a small food, gas, or supply purchase during your stay.
Walmart
Most Walmart stores allow RVs, van-dwellers, and car campers to sleep in their parking lot overnight. However, there are some Walmart stores where overnight parking is not allowed. We don’t know if this is a company choice or a local ordinance that prohibits it.
When it comes to overnight RV parking for Free, Walmart always seems to be the first name to pop up in the RV community.
Cracker Barrel
Most Cracker Barrels do allow for overnight RV parking and they usually have a handful of 40-foot long parking spaces for buses and RVs. The Bus and RV spaces are typically located behind or on the side of the store.
Gander Outdoors
Some have stated they were not allowed to stay at a Gander Outdoor location, but they list themselves as a business that is receptive to parking lot campers on their website.
This may be one of those location dependant places that you will want to check upfront before planting roots.
Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s
Since both of these businesses depend on the outdoor lifestyle for their bottom line, they are more likely to be lenient when it comes to a weary RV traveler.
Most large box stores will post a sign near their entrance if they have restrictions prohibiting it. Remember to be polite if you are asked to leave, it could be a local ordinance and not a decision that they are making.
Camping World
OK, let the jokes and nasty comments begin. There are many that are not a fan of Camping World, either due to a past purchase or repair work.
In the past, Camping World had a policy of allowing RVers to park overnight in their parking lot, as long as it was for just one night. However, the company has moved away from this policy.
It is down to just a small handful of locations that still allow for you to stay overnight on their lot.
I know this may not be a popular response, but I can understand this decision. It is not an empty parking lot, but a lot full of expensive RVs that unfortunately need 24-hour security, and this just adds to that. There is always that one person that crosses the boundary.
Truck Stops
Truck stops aren’t just for trucks, tractor-trailers, and oversized rigs anymore. RVs are parked overnight at truck stops across the country every day. If you make sure you observe the rules of truckers, you’ll be fine. Be courteous, park straight, and be gone by mid-morning if you choose to park here.
Some even have designated areas, especially for RV travelers. Try places like Flying J, Loves Travel Stop, Travel Centers of America, Rip Griffin Travel Centers, and Pilot Truck locations.
Besides getting a little shut-eye, it is a great place to stock up on supplies and some even have Dump Stations for RV users.
Hotels/Motels
If it is late and their lot has plenty of space it does not hurt to ask and let them know you will be gone early the next morning. If it is really late they would probably not even know you were there.
This may not be your first choice when you think of overnight RV parking for free, but just be smart and know your boundaries.
Rest Areas
A rest area can be a good place to grab a few hours of sleep depending on how much traffic is coming in and out. Some locations can be off the path and a little too remote to safely stay.
This is where common sense and knowing your surroundings come into play.
City Parks
Some city parks allow for overnight stays and many do not. This would be an option you would want to have researched ahead of time or you may be getting that middle of the night knock.
Vacant Parking Lot
Each city or town has that strip mall or department store that has closed its doors and all that remains is a wide-open parking lot. As long as you stay out in the open and inside your RV, a quick stop to catch up on some sleep should not be an issue in most towns.
RV Dealerships
Some RV dealerships allow for an overnight stay, especially if they think you might be doing some browsing the next day or if servicing is needed. You would want to call ahead of time and get their perspective on it first.
Casinos
Casinos have become a great place to stop for the night as they know most people can’t resist spending a few dollars on lady luck. They are usually open all night so you have time to visit before you call it a night.
Plus they think if they get you in the parking lot to enjoy some overnight RV parking for free, you might not be able to resist a little gambling.
Movie Theatre Parking Lot
Once the last movie ends it is one big parking lot that gets no use till the next afternoon. If you park off to the side away from any possible traffic they should have no issue with you stopping for the night.
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Conclusion
In the end, it is the choice of the property owner to decide if you can stay on their property for Free. Be smart, Be polite, and Be safe. This is a gift from a business owner and not a right of yours to kick your feet up where you like. Enjoy the overnight RV parking for free, patron their business, and then head down the trail.
Please remember to show your appreciation and patron their businesses, that is the only way this will continue in the future. Scratch their backs and maybe they will scratch yours.
