[Archived]

Some states do not allow overnight stays. Check for time limitations.

[Dana]

We do it all the time.

Don’t forget to lock the toad and pull the keys out. Do a walk around the toad and coach in the morning. Especially check the tow bar draw bar pin; low lifes have been known the pull those on toads and trailers.

What’s the definition of “overnight parking”? I don’t know. I suspect we’ll find out the first time law enforcement knocks on the door. I figure we probably have one “free shot” warning in each state with overnight restrictions.

[Dick]

I use rest areas a lot, but it is not my first choice.

If I can overnight in a campground that is within sight of the interstate, or at least very close that is where we go. It is not a high percentage of the time however that a campground is near where we will be stopping for the night, or is in close proximity to the highway.

If we are going to spend the night in the rest area we arrive early, very early. We do that because I want an end spot only, one in which my slides will open where no truck can park. I use Google maps to get familiar with the suitable rest areas and will go only in those in which I am protected on the slide side of the coach.

Dick is right in that you need to secure the coach and the toad. Bays and engine doors are locked on the coach, the toad is locked, and if practical positioned near an overhead light. As Dick says the morning requires a very detailed inspection, including the tow bar and all its attach points. I padlock the hitch that drops over the ball. If I am in the least bit uncomfortable I drive away and find another spot.

[Archived]

We do it all the time as well. We generally do not extend the slides and given our schedule we generally don’t stop early or leave on time… so it’s sometimes a challenge to find a spot but we always manage to find one. When we are traveling from point A to B… not interested in taking the time to hook up at a campground and all that. We’d end up pissing everyone off by arriving late and not worth the hassle. If I am traveling with the family, I just climb out of bed do my safety checks and off before most of them even wake up…

Bill

[Archived]

I found this:

https://www.motorhome-usa.com/where-to-sleep-with-rv

“

REST STOPS

It is important to note that overnight RV parking is prohibited at roadside rest stops in the USA, except in the following states:

• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Connecticut
• Illinois (only on Illinois Toll Road)
• Indiana (only on Indiana Toll Road)
• Kansas
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• New York (emergencies only)
• Ohio (only on Ohio Turnpike)
• Oklahoma
• Oregon (14-hour limit)
• Texas
• Virginia

In all other states, violators risk receiving a fine if caught.”

[Bill]

Thanks for posting the list, Les.

Having said that I have been asked to move only once in 29 years, and ironically it was on the north I-24 welcome center just inside the TN line. It was noon and I stopped to make a sandwich for lunch and a cop knocked on the door and asked if I intended to stay long.

As a practical matter I don’t think any state really wants its officers rousting drivers who are spending the night in a rest area because nobody lacking sleep should be driving.

[darrell]

I prefer Wal-Mart overnights but have stayed at rest areas a few times. Out West there are some really nice ones with lots of room and they feel plenty safe. We tend to find that their is a Wal-Mart not far off the Interstate somewhere near where our stop plans were. We check RVParky.com (or the RVParky app on our phone) to see if the Wal-Mart is listed as an “overnight” OK site ahead of time as well.

[Ron]

Down load the RV Parky App .

https://www.rvparky.com/mobile-app

It will tell you whatever is around you, rest stops camp grounds, walmarts etc.

[Billy]

We are regulars at rest areas all over the country. My favorite place used to be the RV parking in front at Flying J. They used to have signs keeping trucks out. Those spots are usually filled with trucks by 6:00 PM now.

I do echo Jon. When I get out to lock the car and look things over, my trouble antenna is up. I will park in a lot of places where others may not, but if I feel uneasy, I leave with no hesitation.

With the restrictions that professional drivers are operating under currently, you have to stop pretty early to get a good spot. We left Boston area about 11:00 PM last week to miss the traffic in Boston, I-95 in Connecticut and the NYC area traffic on I-287.

When we turned west on I-80 every rest area was full, as we suspected they would be. We finally stopped at a rest area in Pennsylvania toward morning as the truckers were beginning their day. We were prepared to drive that far.

Signs in some states specifically state, “No Camping” rather than no overnight parking. In talking to attendants at rest areas, that is what they are probably trying to prevent. They do not want someone stopping and setting up camp.

Davy

[kenneth]

Als0 check for nails glass etc. under the tires and this check for pulled pins or just use locks. I know from first hand experience. When you stop to shop during the day check all the same things again.

[Bernard]

FLORIDA HAS HIGHWAY PATROL PARKED AT THE REST AREAS. MAKE SURE YOU CAN SEE HIM AND HE CAN SEE YOU.

[Martin]

We’ve had problems in Ohio with people trying to lure you into a bad situation. Claiming someone won the lottery and is handing out money, wanting to play gambling games, etc.

[Mark]

I’ve said it many times here.

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