Hello Kait – Thank you for this very helpful information. In Texas you have picnic areas at your disposal also. AND I also believe they do not represent the majority of truckers, who I find to overall be ‘good folk’. This was all likely coincidence but trust your instincts. Pay attention to rest area closure signs or call the state DOT to confirm the rest stop is open. There is a serious shortage of proper truck stops, with quite a number closing in recent years. We’ve pulled into many rest stops across the United States and one thing we’ve learned is that not all rest areas are created equal. We have heard too many stories about break-ins, vagrants and other trouble makers in these locations. Please advise. We work on the road, have hour restrictions, and need places to park. Most truck stops keep a wide variety of coffee brewing all night, and they’re usually well-stocked with flavoring, creamer, sweetener, and even tiny containers of concentrated caffeine. But you need to be mentally ready and physically able to sit up, crank the engine, and drive away before anyone can enter your car. Maximum length of stay permitted is ten (10) hours.” When I spoke to Liz in the transportation department, I was told it would be fine if I parked overnight for less than 10 hours. By closing this banner, scrolling this page, clicking a link or continuing to browse otherwise, you agree to the use of cookies. Tennessee troopers made me shut the door on my truck. If you are in immediate danger, you must respond quickly and decisively. We’ve driven by several rest area that are closed for maintenance or closed permanently. We had no idea until we pulled up that it was an award winning rest area with spectacular views. This isn’t always a big deal, but if you’re going to be on the road a while, it’s nice to have a clean place to do laundry. This shouldn’t even be an issue. Since our first overnight at a rest area, we’ve spent the night in Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oregon and Texas. Learn more about our story. In 2015 we transitioned to a nomadic lifestyle and this is where we share our experiences. In some cities across the Southern United States, they’re a safer alternative. Keep an eye on random people wandering around aimlessly or panhandling. Neal. One thing we like about overnight parking at a rest area over other overnight parking options is the easy access to the highway. If you wear contact lenses and have a current pair of glasses, consider removing your contacts. You’ll likely want something to drink. Yes, you could throw your car into reverse and back out, but this takes extra time — if your safety is in jeopardy, you don’t have seconds to spare. The state whose rest areas frustrate me the most are Arizona. I’ve also done this in Idaho and have slept on the rest area parking lot,next to my bike, in Arizona. It’s easy and free to post your thinking on any topic. You can often find a list of rest area amenities in the rest area details section of Allstays. Your odds of being hit are much higher. Hi Susan, that’s a difficult question to answer because where I might feel safe, you might not. Yet mine is not a lone situation. Thank you. Arrive early. Truck stops are a reliable option when looking for a place to park overnight and sleep in your car. Rest areas vary, let’s start there. Read the Affiliate Disclaimer for more information. Your safety is worth more than trying to save a buck. And no, I’m not a hardcore survivalist, hanging out in my oh-so-Instagrammable van with my bearded boyfriend, Sven. Lounge. In fact, it’s a good idea, because you’ll sleep better and your head will be below window level, making it easier to escape detection. Throw a blanket or coat over your lap and keep at least one hand hidden. Rest Areas and Travel Centers. In a Class B camper van, we would just pull into a parking spot in the autos section. I truly get it. The knife stabs went all the way into the tires. So you may see me there so please understand. Better to be safe than sorry. By this point, you’re probably thinking I’m either terribly fearful or a killjoy. It didn’t stress me, because I knew it wasn’t a problem. I would have slept well in a hotel. Writer. Most of these places such as rest areas, parking lots, Wal- Marts, etc, can’t allow RVs to start staying overnight because if they did, there would be no place for the average traveler (usually people that travel in their cars) to park. All I ask is try and share the spots, if theres an RV park where you chose to stay, please pick the park over the rest areas. You can circumvent this rule by constantly changing places, but I’ve never had a problem with it. Lighting. I like to know about overnight parking on the east and west coast for a Class C RV. Kill the engine and lights. Before I decide on an area, I consult apps that show crime heat maps. The rest area problems have always been in area close to or in large cities. Get everything you need so you’re not running in and out or repeatedly getting in and out of your car. At one rest stop we saw a guy crawl completely in and out of a dumpster near to our rig. The good hotels are booked, so I’m making the best of it. As time passed these truck stops became known as travel centers, offering parking space and rest to RVers as well. No one is here, so I’m not in anyone’s way, and I feel safer. However, there are a few things you should remember about overnighting at truck stops. They have all the proper accommodations that you would need such as food nearby and a … Also watch for signs of drug dealing, prostitution, and sex trafficking. I’ve started driving overnight, which is not safe, hard for me to stay awake, but there are more places to park during the day then at night. HOWEVER last Christmas Eve night I stopped for the night in the Mississippi I-20 west-bound Welcome Center rest area (just east of Meridian). The next morning I woke up to find multiple SLASHED tires! I love to cook and I love to travel. For the most current information, visit the state’s DOT website. Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on July 31, 2017 and has been updated for comprehensiveness. One of the benefits of staying with one chain — you get loyalty points for purchases and every truck stop feels familiar because Pilot is Pilot, whether you’re in Dallas or Knoxville, Tenn. This is entirely due to the random nature of which ones they will have open or closed and the lack of rest areas on I-40. Don’t wear an eye mask or anything covering your face, and don’t block your windshield. Avoid parking beside a street/interstate facing sidewalk, because it presents a no-win choice: You want to face any direction from which people are likely to approach, but if you park facing the sidewalk, this leaves you nowhere to go if approached by someone with a taste for trouble. Please. Overnight Parking at Truck Stops – Flying J, Pilot, Love’s and More. Your email address will not be published. Pets. Hopefully, I can help you avoid the mistakes I made. This also keeps your tag hidden, preventing others from knowing you’re not from the area. Caravan and Motorhome Club / Overnight rest stops 5 of 5 Road Located Services Contact M6 Between junc 16 & 17 Roadchef Service Area, Sandbach 0791 048002 M6 Between junc 27 & 28 Welcome Break Service Area, Charnock Richard 01257 791494 M6 Between junc 32 & 33) Moto Service Area, Lancaster 01524 91775 M6 Between junc 35 & 36 (northbound) It makes you realize that if the world ended tomorrow, if you lost your home, if you couldn’t find a safe hotel, or if you were destitute, you could do this. Take note of what’s behind you. Arizona permits overnight parking in their rest areas. I’ve been in many hotels that made me long for the cleanliness of my car, and if you could see my car right now, you would raise your eyebrows over that. It feels unnatural and even rude, but it deflects unwanted attention and makes it easier to keep the chatter to a minimum. This was when we thought we were long haul drivers and made an 800 mile trip in two days. Yes, truck stops that welcome over-night travelers can be found on most major highways, but don’t get in a jam by assuming you and your RV are automatically welcome. This would be my last resort. But you have to plan well. Rest areas often have separate parking for RVs/trucks with clearly marked signs. Don’t flash belongings. If it’s busy, leave that space to the men and women trying to relax between shifts. If you see any of this, alter your parking position to a safer location or find another truck stop. And I don’t ever park in a DESIGNATED truck area, and don’t believe any RV’s should, as I recognize y’all need those spaces. It’s incredibly freeing to realize you can take care of yourself. Some say to sleep with the keys in your hand instead of the ignition. Texas is where I’ve lived in rest and picnic areas for months on in without any regard for the 24 hour rule. It allows me to work for publications that don’t have massive travel budgets. I wish we all had unlimited money to stay in beautiful hotels for as long as we wanted. I had AS MUCH right to be there as any truck. Please park out of the way of the big rigs! You can do it all the way thru. Do nothing that will attract attention to yourself or your car. Thanks. To learn more about how we transitioned to a nomadic lifestyle, check out our book series . It might not be fun, but you will be alright. This leaves two options; wild camping and overnight parking. North Dakota DOT or call 701-328-2500, Oklahoma – park overnight at rest areas in Oklahoma without any limitation on length of stay. I like the sides of parking lots, especially if they’re flanked by a wooden fence. Please pick another job if your going to cry about parking. Are there any good overnight places on I95, I10 or I75 that you’d recommend? Hi Tish, the best way to figure out which rest areas are open for overnight parking is to contact that state’s DOT directly. Watch video of our Class A RV rest area experience. The map will show you all the different options available including truck stops, Walmarts, rest areas, etc…, . Don’t park where a truck would park or block where trucks might need to drive through or in any way get in the way of the trucks. If you’re awakened suddenly, you won’t have time to re-wet your contacts and you don’t want blurry vision. I casually cranked my car and parked in front of the building. That’s creepy. I was uneasy but held my place. — In late January, a driver for Elmwood, Ont.-based PHTS Logistics woke up to a ticket on his windshield after parking and sleeping for the night at the 10-Acre Truck Stop in Belleville, Ont. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to We're the Russos and with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Some rest areas are more popular than others so have a backup plan if it’s full. Hello Tish, Some may think you're a "lot lizard" (check that one in an urban dictionary) and treat you accordingly or worse. Don’t give out too many details. We’ll outline both to you, and help you find overnight parking options across the UK and Europe. I’m blessed to have lots of friends/family where I can move place to place & stay in their yards w/o overstaying my welcome. Yes, I’m tired. Don’t drink. Late at night, the lounges are mostly empty. Raw. Water is a good choice because it’s palatable at room temperature. If you understand nothing else, you must understand this: Normal situations can become life-threatening in seconds. Besides looking for signs on the highway, we use Allstays to locate a rest area (Allstays Camp & RV app review). Some rest areas provide additional amenities including. The best defense is a good offense. If you can’t see without your glasses, don’t remove them when you go to sleep. It’s better than you think. Don’t play with your phone or tablet. It may be tempting to sleep in the back seat, but don’t do it. … There are multiple “Rest” filters in the app that can be applied to display all the rest areas within a certain range on the map. Eventually, you’ll develop favorites. Right now, Joe and I are roaming around the North America in a truck camper and sharing our journey. It’s a big world out there, filled with wondrous things. In my case, sleeping in my car occasionally allows me to take more time on assignments without killing my profit margin. As of publication, these states allow overnight parking at rest stops. Many motorhome travellers look for overnight options outside of a campsite, either for flexibility, budgeting or more freedom. When you’re sleeping in your car, your best weapons are your instincts, your reflexes, and your car itself. Back into the parking space so you can keep an eye on the overall surroundings. This is a no brainier. We tried to find spots between two trucks to help block the wind. You must be able to see, hear, and escape from any real or perceived threat. Some states allow overnight parking at rest areas and other states make it unlawful. Do not change clothes. It is illegal to leave a vehicle parked at a location for more than 48 hours.” (Source: Emailed response from the North Dakota Department of Transportation, 11/4/2018) After you think you’ve found the perfect spot, test it. One last thing, a truck stop is a noisy place by definition, so bring ear plugs. I make it work. I truly believe that most people are good; I prepare for the handful who are not. There should be plenty of spots for interstate travelers. It keeps me from having to sleep in sleazy motels with cockroaches and bed bugs. It’s best to leave. I’m glad to see a trucker on here. Why Overnight RV Parking At Truck Stops Is A Bad Idea. So many times I pull up to where I plan to rest for my 10 hour break, and half the spots are taken by RVs. Explore, If you have a story to tell, knowledge to share, or a perspective to offer — welcome home. The Flying J, Pilot and Love’s are some of the truck stops that offer designated overnight parking for big rigs, RVs and cars. It’s a rainy summer night in Alabama, and I’m sleeping in my car at a truck stop. If you enjoy the content we create, we’d really appreciate it if you shared it. This allows a good separation between cars and trucks, an easier way to blend in, and plenty of traffic all night. Walmart. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Oklahoma DOT or call 405-521-2557, Oregon – overnight parking at rest areas in Oregon is allowed for up to 12 hours within any 24-hour period. Storyteller. Most rest areas have designated pet walks. The private business are expected to provide for the state. I spent my life helping to build interstates . White noise generators, ear plugs, headphones, and even just the idling of your own truck are all methods drivers will use to help them sleep and block out noises from truck stops, roads, etc. All states allow you to sleep in your car or RV at a rest area. It is a good idea to check in with the store clerk or office.--> Many Indian casinos allow overnight camping for free. We do not park overnight at gas stations, truck stops or rest stops. I adore nice hotels and think they’re safer for women traveling alone. These also have food, fuel, a small store, toilets and showers($). The first time we spent the night at a rest area was in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Most rest areas have separate Truck & RV areas. Avoid anything that puts you at a disadvantage. This allows a good separation between cars and trucks, an easier way to blend in, and plenty of traffic all night. The first leg of our crazy drive was from Tucson, Arizona to Las Cruces and spent the night at the rest area. Your second best response, if you can’t drive away, is to engage your car’s burglar alarm, but people hear these so often that they’re mostly ignored. National correspondent, forever freelance. This is the guide I needed when I began my truck stop adventures. Write on Medium, How to Fall in Love with Baroque Architecture. There are two lines of thinking here — is it better to park near the front, where it’s bright and better trafficked, or is it better to park in the back, where it’s dark and quiet? Back up plans. Learn more, Follow the writers, publications, and topics that matter to you, and you’ll see them on your homepage and in your inbox. If you want to know more, please refer to our Cookies Policy. You’ll feel better, have more energy, and not have as many crave-inducing blood sugar drops. They provide towels, and there is no time limit. (Look for STOK. This is Part 5 of the 6-part series “Cheap and Free RV Camping You Will Love!” Arkansas DOT, California – stay up to 8 hours at a California rest area. Rest areas do shut down for a variety of reasons. Show me blackout curtains, plush carpet, and a down comforter and I’ll show you how a lifelong insomniac can get a solid 36 hours of sleep. Nicer truck stops offer a truckers’ lounge, which usually features comfortable chairs, a few tables, a television, and electrical outlets. As with fueling, Flying J also prefers that RVs park only on the automobile side, leaving the truck side to the truckers. California DOT, Idaho – parking at Idaho rest areas is limited to 10 consecutive hours on interstate highways and 16 consecutive hours on State Highway System. If you travel often, you may want to pack a small ice chest. They’re often on the corners of buildings or attached to light poles. It’s harder than it sounds. Keep your tech gadgets out of sight. RVers have rules or guidelines when overnighting or “parking” at businesses and these rules should be regarded even at a truck stop. I’m intentionally leaving out actual weaponry as it’s too involved to discuss here. But that’s not the world most of us inhabit. Most truck stops are considered private property, so you might stay if … Size. In the front, you’re immediately visible to everyone who comes and goes, including law enforcement. Washington DOT or call 360-705-7000, Wyoming – overnight parking is allowed at Wyoming rest areas, however you are not allowed to “pitch a tent, extend your RV’s slideouts or otherwise set up for an extended stay.” Wyoming DOT. Why would anyone go through this much to sleep in their car at a truck stop? My worst experience at rest stops has been in CA. Mississippi DOT, Nebraska – according to the rest area rules in Nebraska “Overnight camping or parking is prohibited. Unfortunately, most rest areas or truck stops are poorly lit areas and can be prone to accidents and crime. If it’s foggy or rainy, don’t park among the trucks at all. Having spent the night at different rest areas around the country, we’ve never had a concern for safety. As of publication, these states allow overnight parking at rest stops. I don’t have the $ to spend on campgrounds. Well, looks like no one here thinks there is any free overnight parking, and I don't personally know of any myself. Sometimes there aren’t signs and you still might get a knock on the window in the middle of the night. If you want these things, buy them elsewhere and keep them hidden. Rest Area Closures. Example: This happened to me tonight. Our preferred way to find a nearby rest area is to use AllStays. Rules vary from state-to-state, but read on and I’ll share How to Overnight at Rest Areas: The Rules and The Real Scoop! Truck stops (Pilot, T&A, Loves) are an option, but they can also fill up quickly. “RV’s are allowed to stop and park overnight at public rest areas in North Dakota. Most truck stops have attached restaurants, which are good for two reasons: You can eat if you’re hungry, and they will usually let you sit at their tables and work as long as they’re not crowded and you’re quiet. A few minutes later, a pickup truck with three guys pulled in on the other side of me. Keep your wallet or purse close. You want to be invisible. These spots are marked by white lines on the ground and typically large enough to fit an 18-wheeler.

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