RV Basics

Can You Park Overnight At Rest Areas?

By Lynne Fedorick

Web Story by Levi Henley

Driving an RV or hauling a trailer when you are tired is dangerous.

Some states don't allow sleeping overnight at rest stops.

However, all rest areas are meant for short rest stops, many rest areas do allow you to sleep in your vehicle.

Tips For Staying

Overnight at Rest Stops

Find rest stops along your route

1

Use an excellent routing and trip planning app like RV LIFE Trip Wizard and the RV LIFE App. to find rest areas and other points of interest on your route.

Trust Your Gut

2

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.

3

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.

3

If there is such a sign, have a quick rest and move on to the next area.

Be Mindful Of Truckers

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4

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

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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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5

Keep your slides and awning in.

Don't bring your chairs out.

Have something to eat or drink.

Sleep, have a light breakfast, and leave.

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