Overnight parking seems like one of the most intimidating aspects of van life because of safety concerns. Of course these feelings are valid, but honestly you will most likely realize pretty quickly that parking overnight is not as scary as it seems. These days we are lucky enough to have apps, websites, and a wonderful community of people always willing to help to find the best spots. One major rule of ours is that if we do get to a place and it doesn’t feel safe, there is no reason to stay. You will likely be able to find something nearby that won’t give you the same feeling and it’s just not worth risking it. Over time, you will get the gist of things and easily be able to find a place you like everywhere you go and develop your own favorite businesses to stay!
Below are all of the different do’s and don’ts I have learned when it comes to overnight parking along with all the best places to scope out a spot for the night!
DISPERSED CAMPING
Dispersed camping is any public land with free camping in and around national parks, national forests, and monuments. Sometimes there are fire rings and trash cans but typically no bathrooms or showers. Established campgrounds are always easier to locate but charge a hefty fee for a night’s stay. Dispersed camping is completely free and usually a little off the beaten path. With a few searches in your favorite websites and apps, you can always find the best, free camping in whatever area you are in.
Favorite Tools : freecampsites.net & ioverlander.com
DO'S
Find campsites with reviews to ensure the spot is still open and safe
Leave a review yourself! Contribute to the community
Pick up after yourself. You’ll see the phrase “pack it in, pack it out” frequently
Get there before dark; it can be very challenging to find some spots in the dark
Make sure you won’t need 4×4 (if you don’t have it); the reviews and website will usually clearly state
DON'TS
Never assume you can park somewhere on national land, check your apps and websites
Places with bad reviews aren’t worth it! Safety is always first
Littering has no place in the community so please don’t do it
If authority asks you to leave, politely comply. Don’t argue or fight back.
Avoid this type of camping if in you are in a hurry, it will often take you way a little off the main highways and onto various back roads
BUSINESS PARKING
A few businesses around the country gladly welcome overnight guests to sleep in the parking lot. It can help with sales as we often end up running inside to grab a bite to eat or inevitably need to buy something random real quick. Some businesses even sympathize with travelers and vandwellers because different executives have traveled and enjoy helping others currently doing so. Whatever the reason is, we appreciate it. We spend more nights parking outside of a business than we really do anything else. It’s usually safe, reliable, and easy access to bathrooms in the morning. We typically use the same companies because we have grown familiar with their policies and preferences.
Favorite Tool : AllStays app ($9.99 but invaluable)
Walmart
- All locations are different; Some allow and others don't
- Park in the back of the lot near a street light
- Not necessary to call ahead; easier to ask forgiveness than permission
- If "no overnight parking" are posted, park elsewhere
Casinos
- Again, not all allow. Check your apps or call ahead
- Some will ask that you check in with security before staying in for the night
- Usually a 24 hour rule so don't plan to stay for a week
- Stay in the back and out of the way
Cabela's
- Has dump stations, potable water, and RV parking spaces
- Call ahead for this one and ask. Rules vary per location.
- If you are near one that allows, do it! You won't regret it.
- Personal overnight favorite!
Cracker Barrel
- Nicest staff ever and almost always say yes
- Call ahead and ask; often police patrol at night which offers security
- Run in and grab a coffee in the morning and say thank you! It's appreciated.
OTHER OPTIONS INCLUDE:
Please note these places do not openly allow overnight parking, but usually won’t disturb you if you stay for only one night.
Hospitals | hotels | 24 hour gyms | breweries | clubs
When staying at places like these, I suggest not asking and simply pulling in late in the evening and planning to leave early-ish in the morning. If you stay quiet and not really noticeable, 9 times out of 10 you will be just fine.
Final Thoughts...
These are just the ways that we have been able to camp and park overnight in various states and locations. Even the smallest towns will surprise with a random Walmart or casino that welcomes overnight parking. My last tip would be to always find somewhere early in the day to stay that night. We often will adjust our driving schedule in order to make sure we have place to sleep. If you aren’t on a budget and want paid campgrounds, they are easily searchable in Google or maps. The options listed above are all FREE, and we have successfully never paid for camping! Stay safe and enjoy the places you stay even if it’s a Walmart parking lot!
I agree on the writing style. I hate reading where it takes forever to get to the point. This is short, sweet and precise.
I am 63 and looking at doing van life for a while. I live in Canada. No Cracker Barrel, no overnight parking at Walmart, no Cabela’s and so I’m wondering if you know of anyone who writes this content for Canadians.
Wondering if you’ve stopped at golf courses. Wondering if you’ve used Harvest Hosts.
We live in Canada and used Harvest Hosts on a US trip in 2019. We enjoyed all the sites. I don’t think of it as free camping though as there is an expectation that you will purchase something in support of the host.
Awesome tips! Super helpful.
Thank you so much for the information. It is very much appreciated. I love Cracker Barrel so that would be my first choice. I imagine that if you eat there when using their parking lot they would appreciate it as kind of a payment for using the property.
Thanks! I will be traveling New England in my Skoolie with my 5 kids and small dog soon! This was great info
Hi! Great site and info! I built out a smaller van 2 years ago to use for cross country camping trips and stealth camping, but thinking now of doing a new and better build and considering the transition into van dwelling. (“Thanks” to Covid, I can do a lot of work remotely). Having traveled cross country a few times now in my van, my biggest concerns are weather and the dogs. My last trip was from NC to Washington State in April of last year, and despite trying to stay south, I still got stuck in cold weather and stayed in campgrounds so I could plug in my electric heater. I have the Mr. Buddy too and use it for a little bit sometimes, but it seems best for an emergency type thing. I did insulate my van but obviously not that great. Or does yours leak heat too? Speaking of heat, sometimes it is very hard to find shade when traveling in the summer! I’m not even talking about leaving the dogs for long periods, but especially in considering LIVING in a new van, I want to get it right (without having to go overboard). I have a max air fan and reflectix window covers …. I guess I’m hoping you’ll say my van build sucks and with a job done right it doesn’t get that bad hahaha.
I spend so many nights on a Hyper U (Same as a Walmart in France) parking lot. It does the job and you can find wifi and water pretty easily.
Thanks for the tips! Very helpful!
Thanks. We’re getting our Van in about a month and overnight parking was our biggest concern. Let the adventure begin!
Awesome information exactly what i was looking for!
Generally I don’t read article on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do so! Your writing style has been amazed me. Thanks, quite nice post.