Trust Your Gut
It's always best to trust those funny feelings you get about places. If a rest area looks sketchy, don't stay there. The next one won't be too far away.
Carefully check rest areas for "No Overnight Parking" signs.
These signs are often put there because there have been problems with campers there in the past.
Carefully check rest areas for "No Overnight Parking" signs.
If there is such a sign, have a quick rest and move on to the next area.
Be Mindful Of Truckers
If possible don't take up parking spots obviously meant for tired long-haul truckers. They need these spots more than you do.
Be Mindful Of Truckers
However, if you are obviously too tired to stay on the road safely, stop and rest for at least a few hours.
Don't camp.
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