Overnight parking in different locations all the time can be a tricky skill to learn, but you will get better the longer you’re on the road. We all prefer different types of businesses while some of us love Walmart, others hate it and only sleep on side streets in neighborhoods. You will learn what you like! After being on the road for awhile, I have figured out things that I can do to make myself feel better about where I am and making sure I’m safe! These are all the things that help me look for a great place to sleep for the night!
APPS WITH REVIEWS AND PHOTOS
Over time you’ll develop your favorite apps and websites for finding locations to park overnight. I recommend using ones that offer reviews and even pictures of what the spots looks like. Photos are more useful if you’re looking for a campsite with a nice view but you always want to at least find a review of where you’re sleeping. My favorite app for parking lots is AllStays which is $10 one time and the info downloads to your phone so you don’t need wifi. Websites I use for campsites are freecampsites.net and iOverlander.com. I also have a free campsites page on this site where I reviews each spot I find on the road!
STREET LIGHTS, CAMERAS, SECURITY
When you’re parking in a big lot or on an unfamiliar street, always try to look for security cameras and street lights. All Walmart parking lots have lights and cameras which is a major reason I like parking there. Safety should be your highest priority when parking somewhere overnight, and these things just put me at ease and let me sleep well at night. I also recommend adding a camera on the back of your van. They’re not difficult to install and allow you to press a button at anytime (even when the van is off) to see behind you. Also put up sun shades to block any visibility inside the van. Parking anywhere with cameras and lights greatly reduces the chances of anyone trying to break in!
24 HOUR BUSINESSES
Typically, most cities and even small towns have a few 24 hour businesses that you can get away with staying at overnight even if you can’t find them on the apps and websites I mentioned. Planet Fitness is a 24 hour gym and I’ve slept at numerous locations because there weren’t many options in the area. Look for hotels and other 24 hour places that would make sense for a vehicle to be parked at any hour.
HUGE SHARED LOTS
A lot of major parking lots that are shared by several businesses are also safe places to sleep without being disturbed. When there are so many companies sharing the area, no one is specifically in charge of it. So you can usually get away with one night of parking in the back and nobody bothering you. I don’t recommend this as a first option but if you can’t find much else and need somewhere for the night, it’s usually a safe bet.
OTHER VANS AND RVS
If all else fails, just look for other people parking overnight! If you see a parking lot or street with a bunch of RVs or vans, you can most likely stay there overnight. Casinos are usually pretty popular places because a lot of them offer overnight parking so you’ll find others already there for the evening. No matter where you are though, just look around and see if you can find some van friends already hanging out somewhere!
Hello Sydney,
Great tips on selecting overnight parking spots for van life! The emphasis on safety with security cameras and lighting is a point well taken.
I also found your mention of 24-hour businesses and huge shared lots very practical for those unexpected overnight needs. It’s clear you’ve put a lot of thought into this, balancing safety with practicality.
Your experience shines through, making this a go-to resource for new and seasoned van lifers alike. Thanks for sharing your insights!
Best,
Xav
I have some land in Florida if anyone wants to camp for a few weeks lease for a couple years by for a lifetime, different sizes, couple different spots call or text 512-983-6788
I’ve listened to a lot of Normal to Nomad podcasts where a couple has lived in a 13 foot Scamp trailer for 3 years. They do a lot of parking in national forests and if they go to a new area looking for camping spots they look for spots of dirt on the satellite pictures on their phone or tablet. I driven a truck over the road since 1999 and have been to all 48 lower states, every major city, and a few provinces in Canada. What appeals to me now is going to places where trucks or large RVs can’t go. I now plan on trading my Ford Escape for a Ford Transit and have it built out. Then traveling in the van on my home time.