Can RVs Overnight At Truck Stops?
Truck stops exist to cater to truckers, ensuring they have the necessities to transport goods across the country. These stops typically offer fuel, water, food, retail stores, showers, and parking areas for resting. Many also allocate parking for RVs, and some even feature a dump station.
Why you shouldn’t park an RV overnight at truck stops
However, issues arise when truckers, in dire need of rest, find truck stop spaces occupied by RVs. RVs can obstruct accessibility due to their size. Given that truckers operate vehicles that can be up to 80 feet in length, they require ample space, not only for parking but also for maneuvering. When truck stops overflow with RVs, truckers struggle to find alternative resting spots, leading to conflicts between the two groups.
Truck stops come equipped with a range of amenities that are perfect for refueling and relaxation. However, there are also drawbacks to consider when choosing to stay overnight. Due to their close proximity to major roads and continuous flow of vehicles, truck stops tend to be noisy. But if you’re weary and need a break, you’re generally welcome to rest, provided the stop isn’t too crowded and you’re parked away from the main trucking areas.
Follow these rules
In a discussion with professional truck drivers about RVs staying overnight at truck stops, the consensus, epitomized by Mark K., was:
“If they displace a truck, I don’t want to see them there. They can camp anywhere, but finding an alternative spot with a truck is much harder. It’s acceptable as long as they don’t use one of the 70-foot parking stalls.”
Keeping this sentiment in mind, here are some unspoken etiquette rules for overnighting at a truck stop in your RV:
- If the stop is crowded, avoid parking there.
- Always use RV-designated areas. If in doubt, ask the attendant.
- Refrain from using truck parking spots.
- Occupy minimal space. If you fit in a regular parking spot, use it.
- Avoid setting up a campsite. Keep slides and awnings in, and chairs stored.
- Make a purchase from the truck stop.
- After fueling, move your RV from the pump. Ensure you’re not hindering a trucker waiting to refuel.
Alternative overnight RV parking options
While truck stops are a well-known option for overnight RV parking, there are a myriad of other places that can offer a peaceful night’s rest for weary travelers. Some of these locations may even provide a better experience than crowded and noisy truck stops.
1. Walmart parking lots
Many Walmart stores across the U.S. welcome RV travelers to park overnight in their lots. It’s a symbiotic relationship: travelers can rest, and often they end up purchasing supplies from the store. However, not every Walmart allows overnight parking due to local ordinances or store policies. Before settling in, it’s always best to check with the store management. And remember to park in a way that doesn’t impede traffic or take up too many spaces.
2. Cabela’s
Cabela’s, the outdoor retailer, has a reputation for being RV-friendly. Many of their locations offer designated RV parking areas, and some even have dump stations. However, as with Walmart, always check with store management upon arrival to ensure overnight parking is permitted.
3. Rest areas
Highway rest areas can be a boon for RV travelers looking for a short-term stop. They’re designed for tired drivers to pull over, take a break, and continue their journey refreshed. Most rest areas have a time limit on how long you can stay, usually ranging from two to eight hours. Also, while they offer basic amenities like restrooms, they lack the utilities and hookups that RV parks provide.
4. Churches
Some churches across the country allow RVers to park overnight in their lots, especially when there are no services or events taking place. It’s a gesture of goodwill and community support. Always seek permission from church officials before settling in, and consider attending a service or making a small donation as a gesture of appreciation.
5. Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel restaurants, with their old country store charm, are often welcoming to RV travelers. Many locations have specific RV parking spaces, and the company’s policy is generally RV-friendly. After a good night’s sleep, you can even enjoy a hearty breakfast before hitting the road again. However, always check with the store’s management to confirm overnight parking permissions.
6. Local fairgrounds
In some towns, local fairgrounds offer RV parking, especially during off-seasons when large events aren’t taking place. They might charge a small fee, but you’ll often have access to water and possibly electricity.
7. Casinos
Numerous casinos, especially those located outside of major city centers, allow RV parking. Some even offer full hook-up sites for a fee. It’s an invitation for travelers to come in, enjoy the amenities, and maybe try their luck. Always check with the casino’s security or management regarding their parking policies.
8. Harvest Hosts
Harvest Hosts is a unique RV membership program that links RVers with over 2,000+ wineries, breweries, farms, and attractions that allow free overnight stays. It’s a fantastic way to experience local culture while also having a safe spot to rest.
9. Boondockers Welcome
This is another membership service where hosts offer free parking on their property. It’s like Airbnb for RVers and provides an array of unique parking spots across the country.
Find overnight RV parking and more
For a more tailored experience, RV LIFE Trip Wizard can be an invaluable tool to find overnight RV parking. Additionally, you can gain insights about each campground along your route, ensuring you have a well-informed trip. Along with its accompanying RV LIFE App, this trip planner will make your travels smooth and enjoyable.
Bob says
When I first started driving I thought I’d never get any sleep truckstops are extreme noisy if you can find another place you should go there if you want to sleep.
William Kennedy says
Iam sorry but Truckstops are for truckers! We have problems with parking which nobody seems to care about until there’s a bad accident.
Ann says
I think RV should leave the truck stops for truckers I’ve pulled in where they are taking more than 1 spot because they put the slide outs out
Dan Og says
In my experience virtually EVERY Cabelas/Bass Pro I’ve encountered has disallowed overnight RV parking.
Mike Dillon says
One of the most incorrect articles I have read. There are very few truck stops any longer, they have been converted to travel centers, not truck stops. The word travel center lets you know it is for everyone, not just trucks. As far as where you can park, the truckers don’t own this center, they are owned by others and you are welcome to park your RV wherever the owner says you can park, unless the trucker owns the place they have nothing to say about where you park.
By the way, the last 20 Walmarts said no, they do not allow it. Cracker Barrel said as long as I was eating but not overnight, in this case it was a city ordinance.
David Reed says
A place being called a travel center does not mean parking for everyone.
Many actually have signs saying trucks only in the parking area.
A lot of busy areas are going pay parking.
You can’t even pull in for 30 minutes before someone is trying to boot the vehicle and tow.
Emmett says
As a former truck driver we didn’t have issues at rest stops for trucks as the RV lifestyle wasn’t nearly as popular as it is now. I never had a problem sleeping in my cab at truck stops. My only problem was when someone knocked on my door and it was some hooker looking for a quick buck. Finally just put a sign on for, Do NOT Disturb, unless I’m on fire. Now I see rest areas full of trucks and along the ramps getting on/ off. When I’m traveling with my rv I always like to find a place around dusk so i can check it out (safety 1st). I like waking up early and getting rolling again. If you’re in an RV please understand and respect truck stops and the drivers who live out of their trucks so you can enjoy those items on the shelves of your stores. We can make exceptions for both and be happy.
William Kennedy says
Ya know it’s ***** like you that think they own the world! You come into a TRUCKSTOP and take a parking spot from a Trucker you won’t be there long. We have enough trouble with finding parking spots as it is and maybe when your driving down the road and a trucker who’s been up all damn night cause some idiot parked where it’s not dedicated RV parking and you and your family get ran over maybe you’ll change your harass additude!
robert gardner says
Not only will you aggravate the truckers, you could end up, like we did, with a $28.7 thousand dollar repair job on the front cap, mirror, door, camera, and awning when a not very competent driver drags his trailer across the front of your Class A!
Paul says
Truck stops are for truckers.
Some truck stops have a separate area for rv’ers.
The last thing I would want to do is to park my rv between two 18 wheeler (Refer) Refrigerated 40ft trailer that is running all night long with the noise and Diesel exhaust
Flowing into your RV all night..
Even parking at a interstate hwy off ramp or get on ramp like some 18 wheelers do would be better than parking between two Refers.
Brenda says
Thank you for the information. Very helpful.
Hoppie says
If a rv er can’t afford the RV life style then they don’t need a RV I ve seen RV s set up at truck stops for weeks at the same location taking up 4 spots
Greg says
You could write an article with very similar sentiments from RVers that find cars parked in RV spaces at Cracker Barrel. Especially when there are many empty single vehicle parking spaces around the restaurant.
jimmy ganey says
Maybe the lot lizard was making good money
Joel Zenter says
Yep, if I’m tired I’m going to park there. I don’t care about you just like you don’t care about me. Every job in America is important. Have you seen the way truckers drive now? It’s a profession that’s leaves out professionalism. It was the same during Covid. All truckers were taking leaks by their trucks. I could make a living (someone probably is) on videos alone of the horrible truck drivers. Yes, please keep telling those that are tired to keep pushing until they find another place to park. It’s like trying to tell someone what to do with their land, but you don’t want to purchase it. This whole article is ironic. Truckers, teachers, fast food workers, Walmart workers, street cleaners, septic pumpers, construction contractors, seriously name a blue collar job that isn’t just as important as trucking. How about farmers? Trucking is one of the most unhealthy professions to do. It’s because they lack a trade, or possess any job skills. So let’s go drive an 80,000 lb rig. The training takes no time and every trucking company is hiring. The job sucks.
Uhnani Maus says
This “etiquette” is a result of truckers that whine all the time. Don’t worry, they whine about other truckers too and about the dumbest things.
I also find it idiotic that an RVer, whom can be just as tired, must go out of their way and do tons more research and begging for a place to park to avoid taking up space at a location that is first come first serve.
Fun fact: T/A, the largest “truck stop” franchise in North American is NOT called a “truck stop” it’s a “travel center” where ALL travelers are welcome.
Signed,
30 year truck driving veteran
PS: If RVs need to go to WalMart to stay out of the “truck stop”, the truckers need to stay out of WalMart and go to a truck stop “where they belong”. Turn-about is fair play, no?
Russ Schuettpelz says
I tow a 41’ 5th wheel and have used truck stops at times for 14 years primarily in cold weather when other camping options are not available. I have checked in store manager at many locations and talked with many truck drivers and have never been told I was not welcome. Truck stops are in business to make money and when we fill our 100 gallon fuel tank and use their other services they are happy to see RV’s. Truck stops have noise issues but so does parking in a rest area next to a busy interstate.
Clay Brunner says
Please give the Truckers a priority, they are working for a living that requires that they only drive a set number hours per Federal Law.
I only park at a truck stop parking area when there is ample spaces and never more than two hours. Highway Rest areas vary but they start filling up I’m out.
Travis Redwine says
I have a 50′ Motorcoach towing a 30′ trailer with shiny Harleys aboard. Always welcome among truckers!
Luz Maria Martinez says
Thanks, Awesome Information to use very soon.. Blessing to ALL’S.
Robb says
I drive big trucks (18 wheeler) 28 yrs now. Just a note to RVer’s. If you’re going to use truck stops for camping. Please park in the front or somewhere besides designated truck parking. We already don’t have enough parking. Thank you.
Curt Gibson says
Yes I see that they are no extra spaces, but they would build more if the fee were higher. Why do trucks get a 20/night parking place while an RV gets charged 40?
Jerry Roberts says
It all boils down to think of the other person , so think before you park.
TW Lapsley says
“After fueling, move your RV from the pump. Ensure you’re not hindering a trucker waiting to refuel.”
That’s good advice and for the most part I would love to clear the area except truckers routinely fill, pull forward to clear the pump, then go inside to conduct their business. (It’s a normal routine) It takes less than 10 minutes to fill my 60 gal tank and I can be stuck waiting an additional 10 to 15 minutes. We won’t use the truck pumps unless nothing else is available.
Scott says
Im a professional musician. People ay me to travel in my vehicle for work, often across the USA. I’m technically an OTR driver that has to perform a 3 to hour shour after a long drive. One of my pet peeves is the attention given to truckers but no one else who drives for a living. I pay for fuel and supplies there, I should have a right to stay there too. In fact we should have access to shower discount programs as well. Just my opinion.
SlimShady says
Scott, you don’t drive for a living any more than the clerk at Wal-Mart does. You drive TO your work.
Trucker’s Mother says
Truckers are constrained by a limited number of hours they can drive and they must pull over for a certain amount of rest time. Let them have what they need! They bring us everything we need and we could not live without them! Keep them safe and give them their space.
John Ross says
Truck stops are a great idea if your objective is to stay for free and get exactly what you paid for… I don’t care what you call them – Travel Centers or what – the amount of traffic and noise makes getting a night’s rest impossible. We’ve tried some of the new Loves sites with hook ups and those are a bit better but.. still noisy and they’re not cheap especially during busy times of the year.
The issue begins with where are you camping? East or West of the Mississippi? West the choices and options open up. Highway rest stops often have dry camping areas. East is far more challenging. On the East side we often stay at Cracker Barrels – and no you don’t HAVE TO eat there but it’s common courtesy. We typically will eat dinner if we arrive early or breakfast. Or we just bite the bullet and find a lower cost campground, especially if we need to dump. We use a few campsite finder Aps – All-Stays and RVParky. They list all the common “free” sites – Cracker Barrel – Walmart etc and whether or not they allow camping. We travel coast to coast at least twice a year and north to south twice as well and we never bother with Truck Stops aside from fuel and a coffee/bathroom stop.
Randy says
Truckstops are an American trucker’s work area, designed to help keep our highways safe from sleepy truck drivers, a benefit to all users of users of public roadways. An RV taking up even one truck parking space could cause a tired truck driver to not get the rest he needs, thus endangering the greater public. Truckstops are not vacation destinations and it should be against the law for any vehicle not subject to FMCSA rules to stay overnight at any truck stop. RV Resorts have their name for a reason, just as TruckStops have their name. Sadly, many of the “old timer” top drivers have left the trucking industry due to grave over regulation, causing minimally skilled truckers to now be in the majority of drivers; therefore, If you want to risk severe damage to your RV , go ahead, and park at a truckstop instead of an RV resort. The converse is: Should semi trucks park at RV Resorts?
Curt Gibson says
How do they provide a spot for an 80′ big rig for 20/night, but there is nothing less than 40/night for an RV?