Are you planning to take your RV on a long road trip but are worried about where to park it overnight? I know that one of the major struggles when traveling with an RV is finding a safe and secure place to park and stay overnight.
To ease your worries, I did extensive research and put together a list of the 18 best and safest places to park your RV overnight.
If you are interested in RV Boondocking, I wrote a whole guide discussing RV Boondocking for beginners and everything you need to know.
1- RV Parks
RV parks are the most common places RVers park overnight. Generally, RV parks offer amenities such as water, electricity, and sewer hookups.
In addition, RV parks offer facilities such as laundry, showers, and restrooms. There are many RV parks around the country, and you can find one that suits your needs and budget. If you are interested in finding RV parks in both Canada and the United States, I encourage you to check out Campendium.
More importantly, many private parks offer other facilities like laundry services, showers, and swimming pools.
2- National Parks
National parks are excellent places to park your RV overnight. Typically, National Parks offer stunning scenery, fresh air, and outdoor activities.
Most national parks have designated RV camping areas with amenities such as electric and water hookups. Good Sam Campground is an excellent place to find National Parks around the US.
3- State Parks
State parks are another great option for parking your RV overnight. They also offer amenities such as water and electric hookups, as well as well-maintained camping areas with fire pits and picnic tables.
The good news is that National parks are often located in the most scenic areas and are very RV-friendly. Most of them offer campsites where you can park your RV overnight.
4- Walmart
Walmart is known for its RV-friendly policy, allowing RVers to park overnight in their parking lots. However, it’s important to check with the store manager first before parking overnight.
Even though many Walmart stores across Canada and the US allow RVs to park overnight, I encourage you to call ahead to check if the store is RV-friendly.
5- Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel is another RV-friendly option, allowing RVers to park overnight in their parking lots. They also offer tasty homestyle meals, making them a popular destination for RVers.
Generally, many Cracker Barrel restaurants offer RV parking overnight. Typically, it is not recommended to park at Cracker Barrel for more than one night, but it is convenient for a quick stopover.
6- Truck Stops
Many truck stops offer overnight parking for RVers. They offer amenities such as fuel, food, restrooms, and showers, making them a popular choice for long-haul RVers.
In addition, Truck Stops are safe because they are often patrolled by law enforcement.
7- Rest Areas
Rest areas are a convenient option for RVers who need to rest for the night. However, they usually don’t offer amenities such as electricity or water hookups.
Generally, both rest stops and truck stops have a designated area for RVs and are safe.
8- Casinos
Many casinos offer free overnight parking for RVers, making them a popular option for those looking for a safe and free place to park their RV.
I like that Casinos usually have good security measures, which makes them a safe option.
9- Cabella’s
Cabella’s is an RV-friendly store that allows RVers to park overnight in their parking lots. Moreover, Cabella offers RV supplies, making them a popular destination for RVers.
10- Campgrounds
Private campgrounds are another excellent option for parking your RV overnight. Like RV parks, private campgrounds offer amenities such as water, electricity, restrooms, and showers.
11- Fairgrounds
Many fairgrounds offer overnight parking for RVers, especially during fairs and events. They often have camping areas with water and electricity hookups.
12- Wineries and Vineyards
Some wineries and vineyards offer overnight parking for RVers. They offer scenic views and wine tastings, making them a popular choice for RVers.
Parking your RV in a winery is a great way to relax and unwind after a long day of driving.
13- Farms
Many farms offer RV parking, and some also offer tours and activities such as horseback riding and farm tours. It’s a great way to see new places and get a taste of the local culture.
Also, some specialized farms offer overnight parking for RVers, especially those with agritourism settings such as pumpkin patches and corn mazes.
14- BLM lands
Bureau of Land Management lands is a great place to camp if you love being in nature. Generally, BLM lands are free, and most of them are RV-friendly.
15- Amusement parks
Some amusement parks offer RV parking, but I encourage you to call ahead to check if they have any reservations about it.
16- Beaches
Some beaches offer RV parking, but you need to check if they are legal to park overnight. Always verify with the local authorities or get a permit ahead of time.
17- Cabins
You could park your RV at a cabin or lodge that offers RV parking around it. Private cabins are often in beautiful locations and come with many amenities.
18- Friends and family
If you have friends or family that are happy to accommodate you, it could be a great option. There are many great options available for parking your RV overnight.
Always research before you park, and make sure you are parking in a safe and secure place.
What to read next:
- Dry Camping Vs. Wet Camping: These Are The Differences.
- How to Get Water while Camping Off Grid (Here’s How!)
- Boondocking Vs. Dry Camping: These Are the Differences.
Wrapping Up
I believe that finding safe and comfortable places to park your RV overnight is a crucial part of the RV lifestyle.
From RV parks to farms, there are plenty of places to park your RV overnight, but I encourage you to do your research and choose a safe and comfortable place to park for the night.
With the options listed in this article, you can enjoy your road trip without worrying about where to park for the night. Remember to clean up after yourself and be respectful of your surroundings.