[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"LiveBlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/where-can-i-park-my-rv-for-free\/#LiveBlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/where-can-i-park-my-rv-for-free\/","headline":"Where to Park RV for Free: 11 Safe Places to Park Overnight","name":"Where to Park RV for Free: 11 Safe Places to Park Overnight","description":"Where can RVs park for free? And which are the stores that allow RV overnight parking? Are there other places to consider too? If you\u2019re trying to save money by not staying at an RV park or just passing through town, then free overnight RV parking near me holds considerable appeal. There are ways to [&hellip;]","datePublished":"2020-06-22","dateModified":"2024-01-12","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/author\/pete\/#Person","name":"Pete","url":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/author\/pete\/","identifier":2,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/litespeed\/avatar\/30c83c48d82c080140bb064c7762d28a.jpg?ver=1779859650","url":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/litespeed\/avatar\/30c83c48d82c080140bb064c7762d28a.jpg?ver=1779859650","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Living Pioneer","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/living-pioneer-icon-logo-50x50-1.png","url":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/living-pioneer-icon-logo-50x50-1.png","width":50,"height":50}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/robson-hatsukami-morgan-r8hw4Zs38zo-unsplash-600x400-50.jpg","url":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/robson-hatsukami-morgan-r8hw4Zs38zo-unsplash-600x400-50.jpg","height":400,"width":600},"url":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/where-can-i-park-my-rv-for-free\/","video":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=4m7jIjbePhE#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=4m7jIjbePhE","name":"Walmart Overnight Parking Ending - (Boondocking) - Full Time RV Living","description":"Some links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission at no cost to you.\n\nWalmart Overnight Parking Ending - Walmart Boondocking Over? Is This True - Full Time RV Living:  Walmart boondocking, Walmart overnight parking, Boondocking walmart, Rv Walmart Parking.... No matter what you call it the question is: Is it Walmart RV Parking Ending. Find out RV Walmart parking policy! We talk about what I found after doing a little internet research. We love stopping at walmarts for overnight parking while traveling to our next location. Walmarts are the perfect addition to a full time RVers campground list! \n\nWalmart RV Statement: https:\/\/corporate.walmart.com\/frequently-asked-questions\nNo Park Walmarts: https:\/\/www.walmartlocator.com\/no-park-walmarts\nWalmart reimagined: https:\/\/www.walmartreimagined.com\/\nRetailers selling off parking lots: https:\/\/nypost.com\/2017\/06\/06\/retailers-might-turn-parking-lot-dead-space-into-biz-opportunity\/\nWalmart stats: https:\/\/www.statista.com\/statistics\/269425\/total-number-of-walmart-stores-in-the-united-states-by-type\/\nNo Park Walmarts by State: https:\/\/www.walmartlocator.com\/no-park-walmarts-by-state\/\nGrowth of Walmarts eCommerce: https:\/\/digiday.com\/retail\/inside-walmarts-e-commerce-growth\/\n\n\u2764\ufe0f \u2764\ufe0fBecome a Someday Crew Insider: https:\/\/www.patreon.com\/youmeandtherv\n\n\u2764\ufe0f Website & Blog: https:\/\/todayissomeday.net\n\u2764\ufe0f Our Favorite RV and Camera Gear: https:\/\/todayissomeday.net\/gear\n\u2764\ufe0f FAQs: https:\/\/todayissomeday.net\/faqs\n\u2764\ufe0f Newsletter: https:\/\/todayissomeday.net\/newsletter\n\n\u2764\ufe0f RV Emergency Magnet: https:\/\/merch.todayissomeday.net\/todayissomeday\/shop\/product-detail\/1000543\n\u2764\ufe0f Veteran Tshirts: https:\/\/merch.todayissomeday.net\/todayissomeday\/shop\/home\n\u2764\ufe0f I Support the Military TShirts: https:\/\/merch.todayissomeday.net\/todayissomeday\/shop\/home\n\n\u2764\ufe0f \u2764\ufe0f Join Our Community \n\ud83d\udd39 Facebook: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Youmeandtherv\/\n\ud83d\udd39 Instagram: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/todayissomeday_ymrv\/\n\n\u2693\ufe0f CURRENT MILITARY CHARITY \u2693\ufe0f\n\u2764\ufe0f Homes for Our Troops: https:\/\/www.myhfotusa.org\/ymrv\nGO NAVY\n\n \u2693\ufe0f SUPPORT OUR MILITARY \u2693\ufe0f\n\u2764\ufe0f \u2764\ufe0f RED Fridays: In 2005, military supporters across America started wearing RED on Fridays to show support for the service members who protect our freedoms and way of life worldwide. More specifically, it is for service members deployed as RED stands for \"Remember Everyone Deployed\"\n\n\ud83d\udd39 MUSIC FOR THIS VIDEO: Musicbed & Epidemic Sound\n\n\ud83d\udd39 RULES OF ENGAGEMENT\nANY comments, material, content, or posts that are racist, fraudulent, unlawful, defamatory, pornographic, profane, liabalist, sexist, abusive, offensive, threatening, hateful, include full or partial nudity, are obscene or otherwise objectionable will be immediately deleted.   \n\nYou, Me & the RV has a \"Zero Tolerance\" policy for such comments, material, content, or posts. Users posting such content will\/may immediately be banned without notice.\n\n\ud83d\udd39\ud83d\udd39 Disclaimer\nWe are a participant in several affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to affiliated sites. It does not cost you anything to use these links. Every product we recommend, we actually use ourselves, so please use our links.  Thank You, Phil & Stacy\n\n#ymrv #youmeandtherv #todayissomeday\nYou, Me & the RV\nYou me and the RV","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/4m7jIjbePhE\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/4m7jIjbePhE\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/4m7jIjbePhE\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/4m7jIjbePhE\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/4m7jIjbePhE\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2019-01-05T16:00:00+00:00","duration":"PT10M21S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/4m7jIjbePhE","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCC3X81KrKId1Yvvl0Bs_VoA#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCC3X81KrKId1Yvvl0Bs_VoA","name":"Today is Someday","description":"Hey, we are Phil & Stacy. Our story starts with the same opener as other full time travelers. We sold the house and our stuff, walked away from our jobs, jumped into an RV, and hit the road. Along the way we have created a unique mission! \n\nTODAY IS SOMEDAY is all about making your travel dreams a reality. We believe that if you can dream it, you can make it happen. Whether you're looking to travel the world or hit the open road in an RV, we've got everything you need to make your dreams a reality. With our helpful tips and resources, there's no limit to where you can go. So come on, let's go get lost in a new place!\n\nLET'S BE FRIENDS\nwebsite \u2192 https:\/\/todayissomeday.net\njoin the crew \u2192 https:\/\/todayissomeday.net\/jointhecrew\ninsta \u2192 https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/todayissomeday_travel\/\nfacebook \u2192 https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/todayissomeday\nnewsletter #nospam \u2192 https:\/\/todayissomeday.net\/newsletter\n","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/0c5dzFfJaMcIn6mEx2uEk8vfG7w8mesiDwSXrPGKAvqY4-SL_0l0GognI2VyHsIZkDqHFqFHDIA=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=4m7jIjbePhE#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=4m7jIjbePhE#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=4m7jIjbePhE&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=4m7jIjbePhE#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":28872}],{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=4m7jIjbePhE#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_LikeAction","interactionType":{"@type":"LikeAction"},"userInteractionCount":1681}]},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=OuYmLshs7V8#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=OuYmLshs7V8","name":"Wen 56203i Super Quiet Inverter Generator - This may be all you need!","description":"Here at Let's Go Now Adventures we are alway looking for ways to lower the cost barrier to enjoying a great camping experience. This Wen 56203i, super quiet and lightweight, 2000 watt inverter generator https:\/\/amzn.to\/3kCkE6I might just \"check all of the boxes\" and be the best generator for many RVers and tent campers.\n\nThe parallel connection kit I spoke about can be found here:\nhttps:\/\/amzn.to\/32VY6Yy\nor\nhttps:\/\/amzn.to\/3pFVEzb\n\nHere is the link I mentioned about the additive properties of sound:\nhttp:\/\/www.sengpielaudio.com\/calculator-leveladding.htm\n\nIf this generator isn't just what you need below are my other recommended Wen generators:\nWEN 56235i Super Quiet 2350-Watt Portable Inverter Generator   https:\/\/amzn.to\/32ZpJjA \nWEN 56380i Super Quiet 3800-Watt Portable Inverter Generator   https:\/\/amzn.to\/3lKjyqL\n\nLet's Go Now Adventures is not sponsored by any of the companies represented in this video.\nLet's Go Now Adventures does receive a small compensation on some of the items listed if purchased using the links above. This does not change the price of any of the items listed.\n\nFacebook Group: Adventure's Campfire Connection - https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/campfireconnection\/\n\n-Let\u2019s Go Now Adventures-\u25b6 Check out our RV gear on Kit: https:\/\/kit.co\/lgna\n\nContact us:\n                              \ud83d\udc49 https:\/\/letsgonowadventures.com\/contact\/\n                                     or   contact@letsgonowadventures.com\n\n                  Remember-Adventure:  It's not the destination but the journey!\n\nSongs:\nCorporate Upbeat - By Kornev Music -  Envato Elements\nUpbeat Corporate - By Tim Cat - Envato Elements \n\nLicense(s) on file\n\nDisclaimer:\nPlease be aware the ideas and practices shown or spoken about in our videos may not work or be appropriate for your situation, time, place or level of expertise. Please do your due diligence and research before attempting some of the ideas, activities and suggestions presented in our videos.","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/OuYmLshs7V8\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/OuYmLshs7V8\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/OuYmLshs7V8\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/OuYmLshs7V8\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/OuYmLshs7V8\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2020-11-19T00:03:39+00:00","duration":"PT10M44S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/OuYmLshs7V8","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCmfQfSDgSBhB0G3LObv8oSA#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCmfQfSDgSBhB0G3LObv8oSA","name":"Lets Go Now Adventures","description":"Enjoy our videos about getting more out of camping and the great outdoors. Our goal is to help more people get started camping and help those who already camp get more enjoyment. No matter what you call your RV, it may be the trunk of the family car. It may be a utility trailer. It could be a large Class A motor-home. It could be your own two feet and a backpack. We will provide tips and tricks, reviews, skills, knowledge and previews to help make your outdoor and camping experience a wonderful adventure.","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/ytc\/AIdro_kIilmh2rY-l7yLroNGpHnCmyNCu2Jbp6zNH-95P2OkQZQ=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=OuYmLshs7V8#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=OuYmLshs7V8#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=OuYmLshs7V8&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=OuYmLshs7V8#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":18374}],{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=OuYmLshs7V8#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_LikeAction","interactionType":{"@type":"LikeAction"},"userInteractionCount":601}]}],"about":["Off Grid","RVs","Van Life"],"wordCount":3316,"articleBody":"Where can RVs park for free? And which are the stores that allow RV overnight parking? Are there other places to consider too?If you\u2019re trying to save money by not staying at an RV park or just passing through town, then free overnight RV parking near me holds considerable appeal.There are ways to do so. But it pays to be polite at all times as you\u2019re effectively an unpaid guest.Also, typically, you\u2019ll be parked away from other vehicles instead of crammed together like at some RV campgrounds.If you\u2019re asking, where to park a motorhome, we have the answers. Public parks, truck stops, farms (by arrangement), churches (through reservation systems), RV dealerships, and retail stores with expansive parking lots often allow free overnight RV parking.Most places won\u2019t have electrical hookups or potable water. So, you\u2019ll need to periodically empty your black and grey water tanks elsewhere.In this article, we provide 11 safe places to park an RV for free.Read Also: Free Overnight Parking Walmart: Still Possible?            Table of Contents                                    show                                                1. Casinos for the Bright Lights                            Parking Spots and Full Hookups                            Casino Overnight Charges Vary                            Online Resource                            2. Harvest Hosts for the Best Produce                            3. Walmart RV Parking                            Does Walmart Allow Overnight RV Parking?                            Walmarts That Allow Overnight RV Parking: Is it Increasing or Decreasing?                            4. Truck Stops for Big Rig Acceptance                            5. Church for Nondenominational Overnighters                            6. Cracker Barrell for a Hearty Meal                            Check with the Restaurant Manager                            Look for the Signage                            Number of Parking Spaces Varies Between Stores                            Take Advantage of the Delicious Food                            Be Prepared for a Quiet Night                            7. Cabela\u2019s &amp; Bass Pro Shops for Outdoor and Fishing Gear                            Cabelas RV Parking or Bass Pro Overnight Parking? Check with the Store Manager                            Knowing What to Do is Simple                            RV Dump Station                            Quick Tips at Cabela\u2019s and Bass Pro Shops                            8. Rest Areas for Relaxed Downtime                            Which States Allow Rest Areas?                            Restrictions Apply for Overnight Parking at Rest Areas                            Finding the Approved Rest Areas                            Amenities Available at Rest Areas                            Quick Tips for Rest Areas                            9. Camping World for the Adventurer                            10. Free Camping on Public or Private Land for Dispersed Camping Stays                            Hard to Find Well-traveled Boondocking Locations                            How to Find Less-Populated Boondocking Locations                            Boondocking on Public Land                            Quick Tips for Free Camping on Public or Private Land                            11. Urban Boondocking for the Daredevil                            Related Articles        1.&nbsp;Casinos for the Bright LightsCasinos may seem like unlikely free places to park RV. Nevertheless, many see the attraction of offering overnight parking to RV and motorhome owners who might otherwise never visit the casino and wouldn\u2019t likely pay for a hotel room anyway.Therefore, it\u2019s a marriage of convenience.Parking Spots and Full HookupsEach casino usually has a designated parking area for RVs of different types and sizes including campers. They each have their size limitations for oversized RVs, so check their website to be sure before traveling there.Many offer full hookups, access to showers, and sometimes the swimming pool too if there is one.Casino Overnight Charges VarySome casinos offer free parking, others charge a fee during peak periods, and a few have overnight fees regardless of the season.While you\u2019re free to enjoy gaming at the casino, it\u2019s not a requirement for a stay.The buffets are available, and some shows might be laid on during peak season too.Even when the parking spot is free, casinos keep busy and have the opportunity to provide their hospitality in various ways.Online ResourceThe Casino Camper site is designed to provide current information on the casinos that offer RVs a place to park overnight. Other than checking on the individual casino\u2019s website, it\u2019s the next best resource.2. Harvest Hosts for the Best ProduceHarvest Hosts is a paid network of farms, wineries, breweries, and other organizations (over 1,050 and still growing) that permit self-contained RVs to stay overnight for free.It\u2019s necessary to be a member of the network first, but then you can stay for free.The Harvest Hosts Classic membership fee is currently $79 annually which compares well to the cost of a one-night stay in an RV resort or RV park.There\u2019s also their newer Harvest Hosts + Golf plan which includes hundreds of golf courses, country clubs, and access to spa facilities.While there, you\u2019ll get the opportunity to sample their wares. This might be the local harvest, the latest wines, ciders, cheeses, and more.The selection depends on where you\u2019re staying, the time of year, and what they produce on their land.Harvest Host also has a useful mobile app on iOS and Android.3. Walmart RV ParkingWalmart is one of the most popular RV parking free places. Do some shopping to stock up while you\u2019re there and head on out the following morning. Does Walmart Allow Overnight RV Parking?Where can I park my RV for free near me? With over 4,000 retail locations in the U.S. alone, Walmart is almost everywhere. What stores allow free overnight parking Walmart? The number is around 2,000 locations still allowing RVers and van life people to stay there.Usually, this is for a one-night stay. Some people push this beyond the one night \u2013 trying to stretch a single into a triple \u2013 but security will move them on.Walmarts That Allow Overnight RV Parking: Is it Increasing or Decreasing?Approval for Walmart RV parking is steadily decreasing. Some stores have a \u201cno park Walmart\u201d sign displayed near the entrance.In most cases, it\u2019s not a new Walmart policy to allow staying overnight in their parking lot. Many of their stores are open 24 hours.Also, a high percentage of overnight RVers and Van Lifers go shopping in the store before departing. And local store managers realize this.https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=4m7jIjbePhEVideo can\u2019t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Walmart Overnight Parking Ending \u2013 (Boondocking) \u2013 Full Time RV Living (https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=4m7jIjbePhE)However, new city ordinances are increasingly being implemented. These are forcing Walmart store managers to turn away people in the late evening to prevent them from boondocking there.Checking on a Walmart overnight parking app might also be worthwhile. Nevertheless, be mindful that it\u2019s easy for the per-store information to quickly become outdated.Also, realize that Walmart overnight camping isn\u2019t advisable. This means no pulling out the awning, setting up the RV camping chairs, and so on. It\u2019s not a boondocking spot!Read Also: Walmart RV parking4.&nbsp;Truck Stops for Big Rig AcceptanceTruck stops are usually expansive locations that are open to RVs staying overnight there. They fit right in because the parking spots are designed primarily for long-haul truckers.Different truck stops offer this feature including Love\u2019s, Flying J., and some other smaller chains too.Some of the truck stop advantages include:Paid showers \u2013 Not cheap at $12 for untimed usage but they\u2019re clean and well maintained.Affordable refueling.Truck washing station (at some truck stops).Wi-Fi Access \u2013 A few dollars for a multi-hour or one-day period (at participating stops).On-site restaurantTo find a truck stop along your route, check AllStays. They have spots for drivers, rest areas, camping locations, and rooms all locatable on a map or by state.The AllStays information for each truck stop includes details like washroom facilities, laundry, propane availability, dump station for RVs, internet access, and more.They also have several mobile apps including Camp &amp; RV and AllStays Pro with offline Google map access at every truck stop indicated.Make it a point to look for RV-designated parking spots to avoid accidentally using one intended for hard-working truckers. Just about every truck stop has them marked.5. Church for Nondenominational OvernightersWhile it won\u2019t appeal to everyone, many churches provide overnight parking spots for RVers.It\u2019s up to the individual church as to whether they offer this free service, how many parking spots they have, and how accessible the lot is after hours.It\u2019s best to search Google for churches along your route to see whether there are any that offer overnight stays to RVers. Then follow up by giving them a phone call or email to double-check if the offer is still available.No doubt providing a small donation to the church would be welcomed too.6.&nbsp;Cracker Barrell for a Hearty MealWhen you\u2019re going through a city or town with a Cracker Barrell restaurant, then it pays to consider parking overnight there. They make a good alternative to an expensive RV park or other alternatives, especially when traveling on the interstate.Check with the Restaurant ManagerWhether a restaurant will participate in allowing RVs to park overnight at their Cracker Barrell depends on the manager at that location. We\u2019ve found it\u2019s not a consistent policy from place to place.Check where the parking is located, if it\u2019s on level ground, and how many spaces there are.Also, ask about using a slide-out (if your RV has one), turning on the generator, or using the jack or leveling blocks. Some managers may insist on you not using jack pads whereas others don\u2019t mind either way.https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=OuYmLshs7V8Video can\u2019t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Wen 56203i Super Quiet Inverter Generator \u2013 This may be all you need! (https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=OuYmLshs7V8)WEN 56203i 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator.  Quiet Version (Lighter Than Most, CARB Certified, and Safety Shut Offs for Fuel)Check at Amazon\u24d8&nbsp;If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.Look for the SignageWhen pulling your rig into the parking lot, keep an eye out for a sign confirming RV parking is permitted and under what terms. If it\u2019s allowed, it\u2019s probably there somewhere.Number of Parking Spaces Varies Between StoresSome participating restaurants have only a couple of small parking spots for RVs which are only large enough to accommodate a Class B or C motorhome, whereas others have 5 longer parking bays.Obviously, in the busier travel seasons, these can get filled up fast on a first-come, first-served basis.Take Advantage of the Delicious FoodIt makes sense to dine out at Cracker Barrell when staying there. This is more or less implied and is courteous when enjoying the free parking.Be Prepared for a Quiet NightAt night, it gets quiet in the parking lot.There\u2019s either security or local police driving by just to check on everyone, but you shouldn\u2019t get disturbed at all.Read Also: Camping and RVing: Which is the Right Choice?7.&nbsp;Cabela\u2019s &amp; Bass Pro Shops for Outdoor and Fishing GearCabela\u2019s is a huge outdoor adventure sports store that has just about everything you could ask for.They\u2019re now part of the Bass Pro Shops chain, so they have close to 200 locations, combined. Cabelas RV Parking or Bass Pro Overnight Parking? Check with the Store ManagerNot all Cabela\u2019s stores or Bass Pro Shops offer free RV camping for trucks or RVs. Cabela\u2019s RV parking policy does vary. With Cabela\u2019s overnight parking, it\u2019s dependent on the policy of the store manager and isn\u2019t consistently reflected state-wide. Therefore, what stores allow overnight parking is a bit of a moving target!It\u2019s necessary to either look for signage, call in, or go in person to ask politely about it. Knowing What to Do is SimpleParticipating stores usually have a green sign near the entrance directing truck and RV drivers where to go for RV overnight parking at Bass Pro Shops. Sometimes, they even have a dog kennel there too!In the case of Cabela\u2019s, the policy is that the free overnight RV parking is for customers only. Therefore, plan to purchase in the store if you\u2019re going to use the parking facilities. Fair\u2019s fair.RV Dump StationA few of the Cabela\u2019s stores (which number at least 70) also have a Sani Star dump to empty your tanks without needing to find a dump station elsewhere. We do not currently know of any Bass Pro Shops that offer RV dump station facilities If you\u2019re making a purchase at a Cabela store and plan to use the station later, then ask for a free code. Otherwise, you can pay separately to use the dump station and pay by card.Quick Tips at Cabela\u2019s and Bass Pro ShopsWith RV overnight parking at Bass Pro Shops, be careful where you situate yourself within the RV\/Truck parking area.The designated parking area is usually located near the back of the store out of view. It is easy for other vehicles to block you accidentally. Therefore, choose your spot wisely to avoid this.Ask about the most level spots to avoid having your RV or motorhome at an uncomfortable angle or not level.8. Rest Areas for Relaxed DowntimeOvernight parking at rest areas is possible in some states but is outlawed in others.It\u2019s necessary to check with the Department of Transportation (DOT) for the relevant state to confirm their current policy on approved rest areas.Which States Allow Rest Areas?As of the summer of 2020, the following states have approved designated rest areas:ArizonaArkansasCaliforniaIdahoIndianaKansasMississippiNebraskaNevadaNew MexicoNorth DakotaOklahomaOregonTexasUtahWashingtonWyomingRestrictions Apply for Overnight Parking at Rest AreasEach state has extremely specific restrictions or limitations for parking at rest areas. However, it might still be correct to believe that picturesque rest areas will be ideal places to park and chill near me.For instance, while Indiana currently has no restrictions on overnight stays, it\u2019s not the same elsewhere.Idaho rest areas are limited to 10 hours on interstate highways but 16 hours on state ones.California currently restricts the maximum stay to 8 hours.Finding the Approved Rest AreasUse the AllStays app to locate the rest areas nearest to your current location.Apply the \u201cRest\u201d filter to narrow down your search to only rest areas and not truck stops as well.Bear in mind that rest areas do get closed for various reasons. Therefore, check with the relevant state\u2019s DOT site for the latest information before proceeding.Amenities Available at Rest AreasAs you might expect, the amenities vary from state to state and between each rest area too.Some of the possible amenities include:Wi-Fi internet accessVending machinesRecycling facilitiesElectric hookupsRV dump stationPet walking areaCenter for travel informationQuick Tips for Rest AreasParking spots fill up early. By late afternoon, you could be out of luck!Ensure you have a secondary place to try for overnight parking nearby in case of a surprise closure or lack of available spaces large enough to accommodate your RV.Some rest areas will be closed for prolonged periods while they\u2019re being upgraded. There\u2019s usually signage on the interstate to indicate this.Most rest areas either have security guards or regular Police patrols. However, don\u2019t rely on this. If you\u2019re going to leave your RV, make sure it\u2019s properly secured, and the alarm is turned on.Read Also: Difference Between Motorhome and RV9.&nbsp;Camping World for the AdventurerAs the largest supplier of RVs and RV-related goods, Camping World overnight parking is obvious. However, not so fast. While it was true if you go back a decade or more that these retail stores were sure things for overnight boondocking, that\u2019s not been true for some time.Nowadays, many locations have fencing around their parking lots, they\u2019re regularly patrolled and do not permit overnight parking.To be sure that you can stay overnight, it\u2019s best to call the store manager to confirm it first.10.&nbsp;Free Camping on Public or Private Land for Dispersed Camping StaysRV camping on public lands (government-owned) is popular in certain parts of the country. Dispersed camping is essentially camping in the wild. It\u2019s something that is best suited to campervans for their portability or smaller Class B or Class C motorhomes on flatter land. As free places to park overnight, they\u2019re hard to beat!Hard to Find Well-traveled Boondocking LocationsFreeCampsites.net is a current reference for places that travelers have found to spend the night.It\u2019s an extensive resource for finding cool new places with great views or other conveniences.The locations may be actual campsites that don\u2019t charge for overnight stays but offer paid facilities like utility hookups, water supply, and other benefits.Many are open camping areas on public land.Bear in mind that due to its popularity, it\u2019s not uncommon to go down a dirt road and discover 5 other solo travelers or couples already bunched in together.How to Find Less-Populated Boondocking LocationsTo find a good spot for some boondocking, it\u2019s necessary to be quite adventurous.They\u2019re often discovered by looking at Google Maps to scope out areas that look promising and then trying them out for yourself. This is the best way to avoid being overcrowded when you prefer solitude.Boondocking on Public LandTo find new locations to overnight camp for free, check the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or National Forest sites to get information.It\u2019s not uncommon to be allowed to stay for 10 days or 14 days depending on the type of land and what rules apply there. In some cases, just moving on to another location still on BLM land is sufficient to restart the 10- or 14-day period again.Individual states also sometimes have their arrangements. For instance, Washington has their Department of Fish and Wildlife campgrounds and New Mexico has some free land to camp on when you pick up a paid pass.Quick Tips for Free Camping on Public or Private LandPark it and pack it out \u2014 Don\u2019t leave trash behind. Areas that become trash-filled eventually get closed down.Don\u2019t Create Problems \u2014 Avoid creating a scene by running a generator in the late evening, turning up the music loud, or otherwise creating a nuisance for yourself.Power to the People \u2014 Think about how you\u2019ll keep power going. Having solar panels installed and being able to charge your batteries through your alternator is a good idea.Supplies \u2013 The longer your stay before heading into town, the more supplies you\u2019ll require. This includes drinking water, food that won\u2019t perish, and enough propane to run the stove or heater.Take Safety Seriously \u2013 Ensure you have a reliable First Aid Kit. It\u2019s not a bad idea to think about having something for self-defense, just in case. Pepper spray is easy to get and doesn\u2019t take up much space.11.&nbsp;Urban Boondocking for the DaredevilOwners with smaller RVs like a Class B, a campervan, or something else may try their hand at urban boondocking. This is where they find a place to overnight park out of the way but still in the town or city.If you\u2019re considering doing this, it pays to prepare ahead of time with blackout window curtains and other efforts to be stealthier. This prevents people from calling the cops on you.It\u2019s important to verify what the local parking restrictions are for that road before parking overnight. Some business industrial estates make for good spots if you believe they\u2019re safe (they get deserted at night).Urban boondocking is a more advanced strategy. It\u2019s usually better to be prepared first and try other places before graduating to this level.Related ArticlesFree Overnight Parking Walmart: Still Possible?RV Dump Staton CostMotorhome and RV: What\u2019s the Difference Between Them?Difference Between Motorhome and RV"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Where to Park RV for Free: 11 Safe Places to Park Overnight","item":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/where-can-i-park-my-rv-for-free\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]