Finding free places to park overnight is a common challenge for van lifers. Knowing where to park safely and legally can enhance your travel experience, save money, and provide peace of mind. Here are some of our most practical tips and preferred locations for free overnight parking.
Understanding Free Overnight Parking
Free overnight parking means finding places where you can legally park your van overnight without paying a fee. The benefits include saving money, flexibility, and often finding convenient locations.
Types of Free Overnight Parking
Public Lands
National forests, BLM (Bureau of Land Management) lands, and other public lands offer free overnight parking. Research specific rules, permits, and regulations.
Rest Areas
Highway rest stops often allow overnight parking. Check state regulations and consider safety and available facilities.
Walmart Parking Lots
Many Walmart stores allow overnight parking. Confirm with store management, adhere to policies, and practice good etiquette.
Casinos
Some casinos offer free overnight parking. Sign up for a player’s card, use casino facilities, and follow posted rules.
Truck Stops
Places like Pilot, Flying J, and Love’s offer designated parking areas. Respect truckers’ space and use available amenities.
Churches
Some churches allow overnight parking. Ask for permission, be respectful, and offer a donation if possible.
Trailheads
Parking areas at hiking trails often allow overnight stays. Ensure it’s permitted, avoid peak times, and leave no trace.
Visitor Centers
Some visitor centers permit overnight parking. Verify with staff, use facilities responsibly, and follow guidelines.
Things to Consider
Convenience and Remote Working
Aim to park near places like Planet Fitness, libraries, or Starbucks for convenience and Wi-Fi access.
Nature vs. City
Sometimes parking in beautiful, remote locations is better than city spots for the serenity they offer.
Recommended Apps for Finding Parking
The Dyrt
Finds campgrounds and free public land (BLM land, national forests). Offers discounts and shows public land maps. Use code TWVR for a 30-day free trial, including offline map downloads.
iOverlander and FreeRoam
Great for finding free wild camping spots. Lists places to camp for free, often without hookups.
Seeker and RV Parky
Additional options for finding free overnight parking.
Business Locations for Free Parking
Common Businesses
Businesses that often allow overnight parking include:
- Walmart
- Target
- Cabela's
- Cracker Barrel
- Casinos
- Home Depot
- Costco
- Sam's Club
Always ask a manager for permission and limit your stay to one night.
Safety and Research
Neighborhood Safety
Use niche.com or Google the neighborhood to check for crime rates and safety.
Scout Locations
Drive around the area to get a feel for it before parking.
Rules for Parking
Leave No Trace
Clean up after yourself and your pets. Leave the place better than you found it.
Have an Exit Plan
Be aware of your surroundings and have a plan to leave quickly if needed. Know the route to exit the area safely.
Park in Well-Lit Areas
Reduces the risk of theft or vandalism. Use window coverings to block out light from your vehicle.
Final Tips
- Stay alert and be cautious of your surroundings.
- Respect the rules of the location and the people around you.
Finding free places to park overnight can be easy with the right tools and knowledge. By following these tips, you can ensure a safe, legal, and enjoyable experience while living your best van life!
I park at truck stops, have a meal, and or have breakfast and ask for parking in front overnight leave my name and a copy of license; they always accommodate. Truck stops in the store parking lot with a car or van is good if your good also.
Thanks for the refresher on rules.
We Have called ahead to Walmart, verified permission.
Driver went shopping there. Before returning to rig, Security was telling me we can’t park here overnight.
Driver went back to the store to verify. True. Policy has changed.
Security circled again. We explained the situation…
Asked him for suggestions on where to park overnight.
Nice quiet place at night, but 4am start time on the recycling plant behind the brick wall.
Also, loading docks get busy very early.
Cabela’s was the best. Prepare to be a customer first.
That is absolutely NOT true! No one can stay parked over night at any casino because the guard/security will kick you out! I am from Las Vegas NV. Also I tried it at many casinos in California and Colorado and they absolutely do not allow it! Also, not all Walmarts allow you to park overnight unless you are a truck driver. Lastly, not all public parks allow you to park over night not even if you can not drive do to whatever the reason might be. Cops have a curfew of closing and not allowing anyone after sunset. Or you can get a big fine! I have been kicked out of parks for trying to sneak and park there overnight. It’s fabulous when ever you can get away with actually park and sleep by the beach over night, there are a few spots on Highway 1, it’s so lovely and must try it!
It is getting tougher to find and stay in public places. The government is cracking down. The homeless people that are careless has made it bad for the ones that do follow rules when it comes to over night parking. They Leave trash, urinate, bringing pets and don’t pickup after them. People are loud they curse, no respect at all. So, that is the reason for not having a place to go at night.
Thank you
SB