Rest Areas
Having a safe place to stay overnight in an RV can be important when you're traveling. Several states have laws that restrict how long you can stay overnight in rest areas. There are also some places where camping is prohibited. Other options exist if you don't feel comfortable staying overnight in a rest area. Find the perfect space for your next RV excursion. Book now at Expedia.com
Rest areas are located along major highways and are designed to provide drivers with a place to stretch and rest. These areas typically have restroom facilities, picnic areas, and parking lots. Depending on the location, they may also have a dog walking area, vending machines, or even access to trails.
Many rest areas are open 24 hours a day. The rules may vary by state, however. Some states have specific laws that prohibit overnight parking, while others have more flexible rules. It's always a good idea to check the rules of any rest area you plan to visit before you get there.
The law in most states does not prohibit camping in rest areas. However, most states also have laws that prohibit outdoor cooking. If you are planning to do any cooking, it's best to stay inside your RV. You should leave your belongings inside if you're sleeping in your RV.
Rest areas are typically well-lit. This helps to prevent anyone from attempting to sneak inside and see you sleeping. Also, window tinting helps to keep people from peeking in on you. You should never leave your vehicle unattended, though, and keeping pets inside your RV is a good idea.
Some rest areas are designed to allow drivers to stay overnight, but others are designed for travelers to park their vehicles while they take a break. These areas may also have restroom facilities, play areas, and exhibits. The National Sleep Foundation recommends a 15-minute nap for people who are traveling.
Some states have put up signs that discourage sleeping in rest areas. Others have laws stating that you must leave your vehicle if you want to sleep. You may also be asked to leave if you look like you're sleeping.
Grocery Stores
Several large retail shopping centers allow overnight RV parking. Truck stops and rest areas are other good choices. These areas may also have security guards or regular Police patrols.
Walmart has a long-standing RV-friendly parking policy. Most stores have a designated section for RVs, but it's always best to check with the store manager to see what their policy is.
You may also be able to get overnight parking at a Sam's Club. Most Sam's Clubs have well-lit parking lots. Have a Sam's Club card if you plan to spend the night. You'll also want to bring a few dollars to thank the store for the privilege.
K-Mart is another store that allows overnight RV parking. You'll need the manager's permission to stay overnight. You'll also want to park in the most logical place. This means parking in the back of the lot or near a light pole. This should reduce noise and improve security.
Home Depot is another store that has a fairly lenient RV parking policy. The store's website will tell you which stores have overnight parking. You may also be able to find overnight parking at other stores, such as Buc-Ees, Cabela's, and Menards.
If you're unsure whether your local Walmart will allow overnight parking, you can check out their website. Most Walmart stores have a small parking lot, but you can usually find a spot if you're willing to wait. If you don't need any supplies, park in the back of the lot and use earplugs or a sound machine to reduce noise.
Depending on the city, it may be difficult to find the best spots. Make sure you follow all store and local laws to ensure your stay is as stress-free as possible. Also, be sure to keep your valuables secure in your vehicle. Leaving garbage and wastewater outside your vehicle is not a good idea.
The best way to find a safe place for overnight RV parking at grocery stores is to follow the store's policy and call ahead. Most stores will let you park overnight for a small fee.
Truck Stops
Whether you're looking for a safe place to park overnight or have a place to stay when you're on the road, a truck stop may be the perfect solution. Truck stops offer overnight RV parking and a number of other amenities. Some, like the Flying J, even have RV-specific parking areas.
A truck stop is great for overnight stays if you can handle the noise. They offer showers, laundry facilities, and a range of foods and beverages. The best part is that most truck stops offer free overnight RV parking.
Some truck stops even have free showers and a free dump site. Other places to consider include large outdoor stores like Loves or Cracker Barrel. You may even find some casinos that cater to RV campers.
Some truck stops even have a first-come, first-served system for free RV parking. If you're not a trucker, you may not know how this works, but it's worth a look.
As with any public space, you'll want to use common sense when taking advantage of accessible facilities. Make sure you're not blocking traffic or taking up too much space. Also, keep your door locked and windows closed, and keep valuables out of sight.
If you do decide to park overnight, make sure you're doing the right thing. Some cities have outlawed overnight RV parking, so be sure to check the local laws before you leave. If you're still unsure about where to park, you can always call the local school district and ask them for assistance.
The truck stop is a great place to stop for the night, but you must ensure you're doing the right thing. Follow these tips, and you'll be sure to find a safe place to park overnight. Of course, the most important thing is to be courteous and safe. If you don't follow these tips, you may have a bad night.
The best part of truck stops is that they can usually be found in almost every state. They can be a great place to rest and stretch your legs after a long day of driving.
Elks Lodges
Whether you are a member, Elks Lodges offer a safe place for overnight RV parking. You can park your RV at one of over 2,000 lodges across the United States. Depending on the lodge, your RV may be able to have electric or water hookups.
You can find the nearest lodge using the "Find an Elks Lodge" form on the Elks National website. The website then forwards your request to the nearest lodge. Some lodges may charge a different rate for non-members. However, most lodges offer an inexpensive option for overnight RV parking.
You will need to fill out an application and pay a one-time membership fee of $50. You will also need to have a sponsor in good standing. You can choose to sponsor your own family member, or another member. You will then be asked to give a couple of references. Once your application is reviewed, you will be contacted by a current member. They will then interview you. They will also vote on the information you gave them.
The Elks Lodge is a non-religious organization that has been around since the 1800s. They are very active in the community and donate funds to charities and youth programs. They also help out at local Veterans hospitals. They also host youth and charitable events.
Some lodges will allow non-Elk RV guests to park. However, it is not guaranteed. In addition, you may need to pay a fee. You can also check to see if the lodge offers insurance discounts and travel discounts.
Many lodges also offer a range of accommodations. Some lodges may have a mini campground on the property, while others may have full hookup RV sites. Other lodges have electric, water, or sewer connections. Some lodges will require a donation to park your RV.
If you are interested in parking your RV at an Elks Lodge, you will need to be sure you are in good standing with the lodge. The process may take a couple of months to complete. Once you have received a sponsorship, you can begin the membership process.
