Daytime Parking Spots For A Peaceful Nap

When going on a road trip, it is important to plan where you will park to get some sleep. Ideally, you want to stop somewhere safe, quiet, and free of charge, with access to facilities. Here are some options for places to park and sleep during the day:

- Rest stops: These are easily accessible, usually well-lit, and offer facilities and food. However, they can be loud and busy, or very quiet and unnerving.

- Walmart parking lots: Walmart parking lots are easily accessible, well-lit, and offer facilities and food. They are also legal to stay in overnight. However, they can be busy with shoppers early in the morning.

- Casinos: Casinos are well-lit and have security and are open 24/7, offering access to bathrooms and food. However, they are not very convenient as gambling is illegal in most of the US outside of Native American Reservations.

- Welcome/Information Centers: These are generally safe and well-lit, but they have limited hours, and facilities are only available during operating hours.

- Religious buildings: Religious buildings are generally safe and well-lit, but they usually don't have facilities available.

- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land: BLM Land offers beautiful scenery and free camping, but it can be quite isolated.

- Residential neighborhoods: Residential neighborhoods can be safe and quiet, but it is important to be respectful of the residents' privacy and security concerns.

- City street parking: City streets can be noisy and busy, and it is illegal to sleep in your car on city streets, so discretion is necessary.

- Large shopping centres and parking lots: These locations are illegal to stay in overnight and you may be fined, but they are well-lit and have facilities available during business hours.

Rest stops

In the United States, the rules regarding overnight parking at rest stops vary from state to state. Some states, like California, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Washington, and West Virginia, allow overnight parking with specific time limits, such as 8 hours or 24 hours. Other states, like Colorado, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, explicitly prohibit overnight parking. It's important to check the local regulations or look for posted signs at the rest stop to avoid any fines or issues.

When parking at a rest stop, it's important to follow some best practices. Avoid parking in spaces reserved for truckers, as they have strict regulations and limited spots. Choose a rest area with good lighting and 24-hour security if possible. Use Reflectix in your windows to block out light, and consider earplugs or a white noise machine to reduce noise. Stay hitched and keep all slide-ins in place for a quicker departure if needed.

Overall, rest stops can be a convenient option for a quick nap during the day, but be sure to check the rules and regulations of the specific rest stop and state you're in to avoid any issues.

Walmart parking lots

However, it is important to note that some Walmart locations are in areas with strict regulations for overnight parking and are required to follow local rules. Thus, it is recommended to call the store or go inside to ask for permission before settling in for the night. You should also be considerate and courteous to other guests and Walmart shoppers by parking in a safe space away from the main entrance.

• Park in a well-lit area and under a spotlight, if possible.
• Lock your doors and stay alert to your surroundings.
• Avoid parking near entrances or high-traffic zones to minimise noise disturbances.
• Download apps like Trucker Path, OvernightRVParking, and Allstays to find Walmart locations that allow overnight parking and provide reviews and other relevant information.
• If you are a woman travelling alone, consider parking at 24-hour Walmarts or restaurants, truck stops, or well-lit and busy rest stops with other motorists.

Casinos

Most casinos have spacious parking lots that can accommodate various vehicle sizes, from cars to large RVs. The lots are typically well-maintained, well-lit, and located near other amenities like restaurants, convenience stores, and gas stations. This makes casinos a convenient option for those on a road trip, especially since many are located along major travel routes.

While casinos in Las Vegas and Nevada, in general, do not allow free overnight RV parking, there are plenty of casinos in other states that offer this perk. States like California, Arizona, Washington, Oregon, and Michigan have casinos that provide free or low-cost overnight parking for RVs and other large vehicles.

However, it's important to note that not all casinos offer overnight parking, and policies can change frequently. It's always a good idea to call ahead or check reviews to ensure that the casino you plan to visit allows overnight stays. Additionally, some casinos may require you to check in with security or acquire a loyalty card upon your arrival.

When staying in a casino parking lot, it's important to be considerate and inconspicuous. Avoid coming in and out of your vehicle frequently, and refrain from cooking outside your vehicle, as this may draw unwanted attention. Remember, casinos offer this convenience to their customers, so it's only polite to utilize their services, whether it's gambling, dining, or enjoying the entertainment they provide.

Religious buildings

• Use online resources or apps to find religious buildings along your route.
• Contact the leaders of the religious building and politely ask for permission to park overnight. If overnight parking is legal in the area, they may be willing to allow it, but it's still a good idea to be prepared to move on if they refuse.
• Look for a religious building that aligns with your faith or denomination. You may be more familiar with the procedures and leadership, and they may be more inclined to let you stay if you mention that you share the same faith.
• Avoid parking at religious buildings on weekends, as these are typically their busiest times.
• Keep the parking lot clean and stay inside your vehicle as much as possible.
• Only stay for a short period, such as one night, and try to arrive late and leave early to avoid causing any inconvenience.

Some advantages of parking at religious buildings include:

• It's usually free.
• Religious buildings generally don't face a lot of crime or vandalism, so it can be a safe option.
• The parking lots are typically large and empty at night, so you'll have plenty of space.
• Religious buildings often have attractive landscaping and architecture, providing a pleasant environment.
• There are usually many religious buildings in a given area, so if one turns you away, you can always try another.

However, there are also some disadvantages to consider:

• Religious buildings may not be easily recognisable, especially if they belong to a faith you are unfamiliar with.
• You may not have access to facilities, as the buildings are usually closed outside of service hours.
• It may be difficult to find a religious building that allows overnight parking, and you may need to spend time driving around and searching.
• Some religious buildings may have smaller parking lots that are difficult to manoeuvre, especially for larger vehicles.

Overall, parking at religious buildings can be a good option for those looking for a quiet and safe place to sleep during the day, but it's important to respect the property and follow any rules or guidelines they may have.

BLM land

Where is BLM Land Located?

Camping on BLM land is typically free for up to 14 days within a 28-day period. However, some developed campgrounds within BLM land may charge a fee to use their facilities, which can include restrooms, potable water, electrical hookups, picnic areas, garbage cans, tent pads, and group shelters.

Where Can I Park?

When camping on BLM land, you are generally allowed to camp anywhere outside of designated campsite areas or trailheads. Look for signage indicating where camping is not permitted, as well as protected areas or nature reserves.

The main advantage of BLM land is that it is completely legal and free to camp there. It offers beautiful scenery and a chance to connect with nature. You can also enjoy the solitude and open spaces that these lands provide.

One disadvantage of BLM land is that most of it is located in the Western US, so it may not be an option if you are travelling through the Eastern parts of the country. Additionally, camping on BLM land means you will not have access to developed facilities unless you camp in a designated campground.

When camping on BLM land, remember to follow the Leave No Trace principles to minimise your impact on the land. This includes packing out all your trash and not leaving any personal property unattended for extended periods. It is also important to be mindful of the weather conditions, as many campgrounds are only seasonally available.

People who have camped on BLM land generally report positive experiences. They appreciate the legal and free camping, as well as the natural beauty and sense of solitude it offers. Some users recommend using apps like iOverlander, freecampsites.net, and Sekr to find BLM camping spots and assess their safety.

Overall, BLM land is a great option for those looking to park and sleep during the day, offering both convenience and a chance to immerse yourself in nature.

Frequently asked questions