20 Places to Find Free Overnight RV Parking

Free overnight RV parking is a blessing to all stripes of campers, especially during long road trips when you haven’t booked a place to stay in advance. After all, why pay to stay for a few hours overnight somewhere when all you’re going to do is get up the next morning and move on? Thankfully, there are plenty of places to find zero-cost overnight RV parking in the US.

Here are 20 different locations where you can park your RV for free in the United States.

Rest Stops

If all you want is a safe place off the road to catch some sleep or rest before hitting the road again come morning, then a rest stop is a solid option. They are usually near the highway and are equipped with restrooms. Some have picnic tables or even walking paths to help you relax.

Truck Stops

Truck stops are another great place for road trippers looking for a place to park the RV for free. Unlike rest areas, truck stops are large service centers located near the highway and usually have more conveniences, such as fuel pumps, restaurants, showers, and a store for stocking basic amenities.

Walmart Parking Lots

For decades, Walmart has allowed free overnight parking for RVs in many of its 4,700 US lots. However, don’t assume you can pull in late at any of their properties. Some Walmart stores have changed their overnight parking policy, and less than 50% of them allow overnight parking today. So, call ahead before planning to camp in one of their stores.

Cracker Barrel

Sure, most branches of this restaurant chain welcome motorhome campers to hunker down and rest in their parking lots. Even though their spots may not fit the largest of rigs, they are very helpful. In addition, you’ll get to enjoy a cheap, hearty breakfast to kick-start your day.

Cabelas

This outdoor supplies retail store won’t see you off or charge a penny for your stay in their parking lots. In fact, they appreciate it, since campers often purchase supplies and food from their store. Some locations are even equipped with dump stations.

Other Big Box Stores

There are plenty of other big retail stores where you can find free camping grounds. Some good examples include Home Depot, Lowes, Costco, Kmart, Sprouts, REI, Target, Bass Pro shops, Big 5, Denny’s, and Menards. However, you have to get permission from the store manager as every place has a different policy.

Casinos

With their welcoming attitudes, excellent security presence, and access to dining and entertainment options, casinos appeal to many RVers hunting for free places to park. Some allow a few nights of stay to entice you to gamble. Just make sure you check with security to get a parking pass.

BLM Land

For RVers who prefer a secluded parking experience even when staying for a night, Bureau of Land Management land and National Forests are great options. Although most of these federally owned spaces have no amenities, they allow no-cost camping for up to 14 days and have scenic sites nearby.

National Parks

Nature lovers appreciate the free-of-charge RV camping, as well as the myriad of activities available in some national parks. You can opt to stay near the park entrance, visitor center, on the trailhead, or in designated primitive campsites. However, phone the park rangers in advance to get the details. Use fr eecampsites.net. to discover free campsites in national parks.

State Parks and State-Owned Lands

Instead of parking at a crowded urban lot, spend a night in a serene state forest. Many of these spaces have areas for dispersed camping. If there are plenty of outdoor activities around, some allow you to stay for up to 2 weeks without paying. Permits may be required, but they are often free or cheap.

Local Parks

To attract visitors who will promote local businesses, many city, county, and community bodies set up RV parks that are free to use. Even more enticing, these retreats also offer free hookups, as well as amenities like playgrounds, walking trails, trash bins, picnic tables, fire pits, and even WiFi.

Fairgrounds

Another free RV parking option that often welcomes weary travelers in need of a place to park for the night is fairgrounds. Many fairgrounds have campsites to accommodate vendors. But when the fair is over, the sites may become available for public camping.

Moochdock Parking

If you have friends or relatives in some of the areas you’ll be passing through during your extended road trip, you can ask them permission to park in their driveway, backyard, or somewhere on their private land. Of course, show some gratitude by offering to cook dinner, do chores, or even a monetary donation.

Harvest Hosts

Harvest Hosts enables campers to discover unique places to RV camp for free. Although you pay a small annual fee, you get access to over 1,500 locations across the country, ranging from farms, orchards, wineries, and creameries to museums.

Private Farms and Ranches

There are plenty of farms that open up their land for RV camping at a small fee. Some do it year round and others during the harvest season or special celebrations. If you’ll pass through an area with farms, call ahead and inquire whether they accommodate RVers. And if you manage to snag a free spot, remember to patronage the businesses by picking up some food or wine.

RV Dealerships or Service Centers

Some dealerships and service centers will allow RVers to park their wheeled home for a night. Mainly dealerships affiliated with the place you bought your RV or those that only sell your RV brand. Service centers will be more accommodating if you want some repair work done the following day. Just make sure you call ahead and explain your situation.

Churches

In localities that don’t prohibit camping overnight, some religious places allow RVers to use their lots as safe havens for overnight stays. A service called FaithfulParking allows RVers to locate churches that are willing to host traveling families. Although these locations are few and far between, it’s worth checking whether the area you’re passing through has such a spot. You may even be lucky to have an electric connection and free WiFi.

US Army Corps of Engineers Campgrounds

The Army Corps of Engineers (COE) has 450 campgrounds around the country. Although they aren’t free, they have very friendly rates. Sites cost as low as $18 per night, depending on your location. Plus, you’ll love their proximity to recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and kayaking. If you’re above 62 years, purchase the America the Beautiful Senior Pass and get 50% discounts at COE campsites.

Airstream Courtesy Parking

If you own a Silver Bullet or any other Airstream rig, there’s a club you can join and get to enjoy free overnight camping. The hosts are other Airstream owners, so they may offer to show you around or point out interesting places to visit in the area. Remember to bring a small gift or thank-you card.

24-Hour Gyms

Planet Fitness, Anytime Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness, and other nationwide gym chains open 247 are other convenient options for free overnight parking. Notably, you need a membership to access these gyms. On top of a free night’s sleep, you’ll have a well-lit and secure parking lot, plus a complementary shower before you hit the road.

Bonus: Other Places to Park When You’re in a Fix

When you can’t seem to find free overnight camping near you, and it’s getting late, there are other places where you can ask permission to park your rig. These emergency options include convention centers, hotels, public libraries, gas stations, police stations, fire departments, colleges, marinas, malls, racetracks, pharmacies, and small airports.

Check Out: Can I Park My Camper in My Driveway?

Apps to Help You Discover Free RV parking

Use these apps to find places you can park your RV for free.

Free RV Parking Lot Etiquette and Safety Tips

Here are a few rules and tips to guide you when you land a free overnight parking spot.

Of course, you’ll first want to call ahead to learn from the manager if there are free parking spots available. You don’t want to arrive at the location late and get denied permission, leaving you stranded.
When granted permission, keep your volume down, and don’t run the generator, especially in a store parking lot.
Obey posted regulations and local ordinances regarding free RV parking.
Minimize your movement, stay inside your RV, and definitely don’t set up camp chairs or cook outside.
Respect the property owner and promote that business by doing a bit of shopping in their store.
Clean up after yourself and leave the spot better than it was.
Don’t overstay your welcome. Leave early the next day if the place has a 24-hour limit.
To be safe, always pick parking areas with proper lighting and security on site.
Leave if you feel unsafe. Ask the local police for a safe place to park your RV if you’re stranded.
Know where boundaries start or end, as some BLM land borders private property without clear markings or posting.

Essentials to Bring When Planning to Stay at a Free Camping Area

Since most free campsites do not offer amenities, you’ll need to park like a boondocker. Here’s what to bring:

Lots of water for drinking, cooking, washing, and flushing the toilet
Non-perishable and easy-to-cook food
A portable dump tank if camping in the wild for long
Garbage bags to pack out your waste
Toilet paper, shower wipes, and a shovel
Water jugs for collecting potable water at a spigot or stream
Flashlight with extra batteries
Emergency weather radio
Motion sensing security lights
Necessary permits and identification

FAQs About Free Overnight RV Parking

Here are some frequently asked questions about finding free overnight RV parking:

Is Overnight RV Parking Legal?

The laws around overnight RV Parking change from place to place. Some cities and towns have strict local ordinances that do not allow RVers to park or sleep in their vehicles at a private or public lot. Other places don’t have restrictions. Always research the parking laws of the place you plan to stay overnight. Also, ask store owners for permission even if the city doesn’t prohibit overnight parking.

What is the Safest Place to Park an RV Overnight?

Casinos, 24-hour gyms, rest areas, RV service centers, and restaurants operating round the clock are generally safe overnight RV parking options. Just make sure you read other RVers’ reviews before heading there and choose locations that are well lit. When you pull in, get a vibe for the place before deciding whether it’s secure. Trust your gut and keep moving if something doesn’t feel right.

What are the Best Places to Find Free Hookup RV Sites?

Small city, county, and community parks often have spots with free RV sites with hookups. They do this to attract visitors who will spend in the local economy. A few casinos also offer overnight RV parking with free hookups. However, they expect you to patronize their business in return for using their facilities. If you don’t gamble, eat at the restaurant or shop at their gift store.

Make RVing a Breeze With Free Overnight Parking

Thanks to free overnight RV parking locations, RVers can take a much-deserved break from the road without having to spend big. Even better, some spots offer more than a parking lot. Use free camping apps to discover convenient sites that offer power or water hookups, a dump station, and other basic amenities at zero cost.

To make your travels smoother, browse our blog section for more RV living tips.

More From RV Top Tips

Author Profile

Cynthia Measom

Web

Cynthia Measom is the founder and main content creator of RV Top Tips. Not just a writer, she’s a dedicated RV owner and enthusiast, alongside her husband, Joe, who is an experienced RV tech. With their joint knowledge, the two are up on the latest trends and technologies in the RV industry, as well as practical camping and lifestyle tips.

The couple own a 2020 Coachmen Chaparral fifth-wheel that they absolutely love. Their secret to being so satisfied? They purchased the model after a solid year of researching different fifth-wheel campers in person and online to find the perfect fit for their family of three.