Overnight RV parking is a necessity for RVers because long road trips need breaking up — especially when you are towing a camper behind you. However, the rates for overnight stays at RV parks can sometimes be outlandish. The average cost for a private campground in the U.S. is $38.50 per night, all for a slab of concrete and a few hookups.
That’s why stocking up with RV supplies that’ll help you Boondock is essential for free overnight RV parking.
Private campground rates sting even more when all you need is a place to park your rig and sleep for a few hours. For this reason, many RVers opt to find free overnight RV parking when they need rest during a long road trip. There are safe places to park your RV for free all over the country. Knowing where you can park your RV for free is a vital skill that no road warrior should be without.
And here’s a handy guided search we put on our site that’ll help you find the right RV for you.
RVs For Rent Near You
Find RV Overnight Parking Near Me
Here are three tools for finding places to park your RV for free:
- Allstays app — No RVer should be without this app that will show you all the places — free and otherwise — where you can park your RV overnight. Simply set the app filter to free parking, and you’ll find free overnight RV parking near your location
- Freecampsites.net — A great resource to find free overnight RV parking near you
- Campendium — An exhaustive list of all types of campgrounds and free RV parking
The Best Free Overnight Parking Options
Looking for a place to park your rig for the night? You have some options:
- Parking Lots
- Driveways of Friends and Family
- RV Camping Network RV Spaces
- Bureau of Land Management Sites
Walmart Parking Lot
The old standby for free RV overnight parking is the Wal-Mart parking lot. While this can work in a pinch, it’s usually noisy and brightly lit through the night. If you go this route, be sure to double-check with a manager in-store to confirm that it’s okay to park your RV overnight. the same goes for the parking lots of recreational retailers, like Cabelas and Bass Pro Shop.
Most Wal-Marts, Cabelas, and Bass Pro Shops allow overnight RV parking, but not all of them! Make sure you know if your desired location is RV friendly or not.
Moochdock Parking
Moochdocking is the fine art of parking with friends or family and mooching off their power and water hookups. While it might sound a bit odd, this can be a wonderful way to visit family and friends you haven’t seen in some time.
If you’re taking a long road trip in your RV, consider planning some moochdocking along the way. Even if you have to adjust your route to make it happen, moochdocking is a great option for free RV overnight parking. Even better than free parking, you’ll be able to catch up with loved ones who you may not have seen in some time!
Harvest Hosts
Harvest Hosts is quickly taking overnight RV parking by storm. Why park overnight in a parking lot when you can bring your self-contained rig and spend the night at the wineries, breweries, and beautiful farms making up the Harvest Hosts network? For a small annual fee, you’ll get access to over a thousand beautiful spots to park your RV overnight for free. As an added bonus, you can often take advantage of amenities such as wine tastings and farmer’s markets at the host site.
Boondockers Welcome
Boondockers Welcome is another network like Harvest Hosts that allows free overnight parking at cool spots all over the country. They tend to focus more on residential spots for RV overnight parking, rather than vineyards and breweries like Harvest Hosts.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lands
BLM lands are federally owned spaces that often allow free RV parking. These dispersed camping areas are especially prevalent in the Southwest. You could use the Allstays app or jump on the BLM website to find free RV parking near you. Many BLM lands are in some wonderfully scenic areas, so you may want to plan for longer than an overnight stay!
A little-known secret in the world of free overnight RV parking is that some networks offer free parking if you own a particular model of RV.
For example, Airstream owners have long benefitted from courtesy parking. Airstream owners with space publish their names in the courtesy parking directory that is given to all members of the national Airstream club. If you have an Airstream, you can find overnight RV parking near you — and have a fun time with fellow Airstreamers — by taking advantage of this benefit.
Other makes of RV have similar offerings through their national clubs. The best way to investigate is by reaching out to your RV manufacturer to see if free RV overnight parking is possible in their network.
Tips for Using Free Overnight Parking
New to using free RV parking? Here are some tips to ensure your trip goes smoothly.
Research in Advance
Always use the tools mentioned above to figure out where you want to park overnight in advance. Some locations restrict parking, so check reviews and guidelines in advance. Make sure to have backup locations in case your first choice isn’t viable.
Understand Local Regulations
Many areas, such as parking lots or public lands, have specific rules about overnight parking. Some cities ban it altogether, while others may have strict time limits or require permits. Always respect these laws to avoid fines.
Respect the Location
Be considerate by minimizing noise, keeping the area clean, and avoiding setting up outside gear like lawn chairs. Leave the spot just as you found it. Parking etiquette is crucial for preserving access to these locations for everyone.
Stay Safe
For personal safety, choose well-lit parking areas, have nearby traffic or people, and feel secure. Trust your instincts—move to a different location if something feels off. Staying overnight in RV-friendly areas like truck stops or rest areas is often a safer option.
Free Overnight Parking FAQs
Have more questions about free overnight parking for your RV? Here are some of the most common questions and answers to each.
Here’s an FAQ about free overnight RV parking:
Is it legal to park my RV overnight for free?
It depends on the location. Many private businesses, like Walmart and truck stops, allow it as a courtesy, but others may have restrictions based on local ordinances or store policies. In some areas, cities and municipalities ban overnight parking altogether, so it’s essential to confirm local laws and individual business policies.
Can I use my RV generator during free overnight stays?
It depends on where you’re parked. Some locations allow generator use, while others may prohibit it due to noise concerns. If you plan to use a generator, park away from other vehicles and avoid running it during nighttime hours. As a rule of thumb, keep generator use to a minimum to avoid disturbing others.
Can I park overnight at highway rest areas?
Yes, many highway rest areas permit overnight RV parking, but time limits usually apply. Most states allow stays of 8-12 hours, making rest stops suitable for quick overnight breaks. However, not all rest areas allow overnight parking, so check local regulations or posted signs.
Are there any downsides to free overnight parking?
- No amenities: Unlike campgrounds, free overnight parking spots usually don’t offer hookups for electricity, water, or sewer. You’ll need to rely on your RV’s onboard systems.
- Limited stay duration: Most places only allow overnight parking for one night, so it’s not suitable for longer stays.
- Noise: If you’re parking in a busy lot or near trucks, expect some noise throughout the night.
- Safety: While generally safe, free parking areas may not have the security features of a paid campground. Use common sense, lock your doors, and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight.
Can I park at a Walmart for multiple nights?
Generally no, most Walmart locations only allow one-night stays. While some might not enforce this strictly, moving on after one night is good etiquette. Walmart parking lots are intended for short-term stays as a convenience for travelers, not long-term camping.
Save Money With Free Overnight Parking
Knowing where to find free overnight parking near you is a skill that no RV owner or renter should be without. Though a Walmart parking lot can be good for RV overnight parking in a pinch, there are so many other money-saving options.
By planning your overnight stops with networks like Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome, you can create wonderful memories for you and your family while parking for free overnight.
And check out all our RVs for rent right here.
