15 RV Overnight Parking Options – (Not Named Walmart)
For years RVers have found themselves making the occasional overnight stop in a Walmart parking lot after a long day on the road. However, in the past couple years, Walmart’s across the country seem to be less than inviting to RVs seeking an overnight stop. It’s not surprising with the huge spike in RV popularity since Covid.
While several Walmart’s are still open to overnight RV visitors, it’s important to keep in mind that Walmart isn’t your only option. We’re going to list several safe, and budget-friendly RV overnight options for you to try the next time you need a break while traveling our nations highways in your RV.
Once you know what you’re looking for, you’ll find it easy to locate these other overnight parking options, rest areas, campgrounds, and more with a few handy apps. Here are our top 15 overnight options for your overnight travel stops that we think are worth checking out.
1. Bass Pro or Cabela’s Shops
You’ll find that most Bass Pro Shop and Cabela’s stores are welcoming sites for overnight RV parking. Don’t be surprised to find that some locations even offer freshwater filling stations as well as dump stations. It’s always a good idea to ask if it’s okay to park overnight and find out if they have a preferred area for you to park.
You can show your appreciation for this host considering they gave you a free place to for overnight parking, to buy something from their store. The good news is that both Bass Pro Shop and Cabela’s offer a great selection of camping and RV supplies as well as other outdoor gear.
2. Cracker Barrel
You can’t beat ending your long day of driving with a legendary meal from the likes of Cracker Barrel. Or, how about starting your next morning with an amazing breakfast before you hit the road.
You’ll discover that most Cracker Barrel stores are welcoming to RV travelers, and many offer parking space especially for RVs. As with all locations, it’s a good idea to check with the manager as you arrive to let them know you’d like to be there overnight. Like other businesses offering these spaces, we encourage you to buy a meal or maybe some of their Cracker Barrel merchandise as a thank you before leaving the next morning.
3. Harvest Hosts
Consider investing in a Harvest Hosts membership if you travel much. The $99 flat-fee membership will open the door to an overnight stay in any of the thousands of wineries, breweries, museums, golf courses, and farms throughout the USA and Canada. There is no limit to how many places and hosts you can visit along the way.
You’ll find some locations to be pet-friendly, while others are not. Harvest Hosts has one limitation, your unit must be fully self-contained, you’re also encouraged to purchase something from your host to support their business.
This is a far cry from a Walmart parking lot overnight as you’ll probably be peacefully camping next to a quiet country winery or maybe on a family farm.
4. Boondockers Welcome
Another great option is Boondockers Welcome since they are very similar to Harvest Hosts with the exception that your hosts will be friendly RVers that love meeting other RV owners and offering their property as hosts. It’s good to know that there are over 3,000 Boondocker Welcome hosts all over North America.
Many RV travelers say after a stay with a Boondockers Welcome host, that it’s a great opportunity to make new friends. Generally speaking a Boondockers Welcome stay is just for one night, but at some locations you might be welcomed to stay for additional nights.
The rules are similar to Harvest Hosts in that you must have a self-contained Unit that provides everything you need during the stay. You’ll find that some Boondockers Welcome hosts may offer some level of water and power hookups for a nominal fee.
5. Sam’s Club
You might find Sam’s Clubs to be another good spot for an overnight store parking experience. Here, you’ll find the same RV etiquette rules apply as with other stores on our list. Be sure and let management know you’re wanting to stay overnight and get their permission before settling in. Don’t treat your stay like a campsite and spend some money with this host before leaving as a way of saying thank you to your overnight host.
6. Pilot Flying J Truck Stops
You’re sure to like that in addition to RV fueling lanes, dump stations and propane filling stations, Pilot Flying J Truck Stops also offer RV overnight parking areas. If you plan to overnight at Pilot Flying J, just look for the overnight area designated for RVs: not sure where that’s at, just ask an attendant. Make certain to stay out of the designated truck parking area.
7. Love’s Travel Stops
Love’s Travel Stops have evolved over the years to better cater to the RV community. There’s now an expanding list of locations offering RV friendly overnight parking with water, power, and even Wi-Fi available. In addition, Love’s also offers dump stations, laundromats, and shower facilities. If you’re a pet owner, you’ll lie that some Love’s feature dog parks so that RV dogs can get a chance to stretch their legs.
You’ll probably pay about $40 for a fully serviced RV site at Love’s or you can park overnight in one of their unserviced parking areas. If you choose unserviced, make sure to find an area designated for RVs and not the truck driver rest areas. Truck drivers are the ones who keep our nation’s economy rolling, so make sure you never slow that down.
8. Rest areas
Rest areas are often a good spot to overnight. Keep in mind that not all states allow overnight camping. Regardless of this, you’re almost always allowed an 8–10-hour layover. It’s important when you get tired to get some rest rather than becoming a rolling threat to others on the roadway.
Be leery of rest areas located close to cities or towns as these might not be a safe haven for an overnight in your RV. You should definitely research the rest area before committing to an overnight stop.
9. Chain-up pullout areas (Summer only)
During summer driving in the mountains, you’re sure to come across designated large pullout areas designed for pulling over to install or remove tire chains.
Often, these pullout sites will offer a pit toilet and trash cans. You might find that a chainup pullout site can be a great location to do an RV overnight: you should keep in mind that truck drivers regularly use these areas for the same purpose, so be sure and leave them plenty of room.
10. Churches
Many churches have huge parking areas, and most won’t mind if an RV or two spend a night in their lot. A lot of RVers like overnighting in church parking lots as they find them generally quieter and more peaceful places to spend the night. They are generally much quieter than Walmart camping.
Be sure and always ask before parking at a church. It’s a nice touch to show your gratitude with a donation the next morning.
11. Casinos
RV parks are common at many Casinos, or at least you can find a parking lot where you’ll be able to park for the evening. Like other places, be sure and talk with management ahead of time to insure they will have room for you and were would be the best place to park.
12. Shopping malls
A number of shopping malls offer RV parking in designated RV parking areas. We advise calling the mall’s management in advance to find out if they have a designated RV area for RV parking, also if overnighting is allowed, and where they’d like you to park.
Most malls will typically be okay with a single night’s overnight RV parking. Keep in mind that mall camping is a lot like Walmart camping in several ways. Never set up camp outside of your RV, and you’re encouraged to show your support by checking out their food court or doing a little shopping if there’s something you need.
13. County fairgrounds
When it’s not fair season, a local county fairground will often have lots of space for overnight campers for a small fee. You’ll find that county fairground camping is a major improvement over Walmart camping. You will also be helping support a small community with your camping dollars.
Water and electric hookups might be available at some county fairground locations. Be sure and call ahead to check on available overnight parking space for your RV.
14. National Forests
Most national forests will allow you to overnight for free. That’s to say, as long as you’re not in a campground and you’re not impeding traffic. Look for a shoulder or pullout wide enough for your RV, you should be free to use it.
If you decide to park off on a forest service road, research where you’re going first. Make sure you won’t have any problems getting turned around or back to the main road in the morning.
15. BLM Land
If you are in the Western US, you can usually find Bureau of Land Management (BLM) dispersed camping where you can park overnight for free. You won’t miss Walmart camping when you’re parked on BLM land. These beautiful places are free and allow you to stay up to two weeks.
If your travels find you heading into the Western US, you’ll typically be able to find Bureau of Land Management (BLM) dispersed camping areas where you can RV or tent camp overnight for free. You absolutely won’t miss Walmart camping when you’ve spent a night or four on BLM land. You’ll find these locations to be some of the most beautiful views in the country and you’re welcome to stay for up to two weeks.
In Conclusion
While RV traveling across the country, you should never be without options better than a Walmart parking lot to find a peaceful overnight rest stop.
Be sure and touch base with your host to make sure and work with them on making your overnight RV stop as relaxing as possible. Happy Travels!
