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Is overnight parking allowed at rest areas? The answer depends on the state you are traveling through. Some states allow overnight parking at rest areas and other states make it unlawful.
This post will cover:
- Which states allow overnight parking at rest stops
- How to find a rest area
- Rest area amenities
- Overnight parking spots/options
- Rest area security
- Our experiences parking overnight at rest stops
Rest Area Overnight Parking
As of publication, these states allow overnight parking at rest stops. For the most current information, visit the state’s DOT website.
Arizona – park overnight at rest areas in Arizona without any limitation on length of stay. Arizona DOT
Arkansas – park overnight at rest areas in Arkansas without any limitation on length of stay. Arkansas DOT
California – stay up to 8 hours at a California rest area. California DOT
Idaho – parking at Idaho rest areas is limited to 10 consecutive hours on interstate highways and 16 consecutive hours on State Highway System. Idaho DOT
Indiana – park overnight at rest areas in Indiana without any limitation on length of stay. Indiana DOT or call 855-463-6848
Kansas – overnight parking at Kansas rest areas is allowed for one night and no more than 24 hours. Kansas DOT
Mississippi – overnight parking at Mississippi rest areas is allowed up to 24 hours. Mississippi DOT
Nebraska – according to the rest area rules in Nebraska “Overnight camping or parking is prohibited. Maximum length of stay permitted is ten (10) hours.” When I spoke to Liz in the transportation department, I was told it would be fine if I parked overnight for less than 10 hours. Nebraska DOT or call 402-471-4567
Nevada – overnight parking at Nevada rest areas is allowed for up to 18 hours in a two week period. Nevada DOT
New Mexico – overnight parking at New Mexico rest areas is allowed up to 24 hours. New Mexico DOT
North Dakota – park overnight at rest areas in North Dakota without any limitation on length of stay. North Dakota DOT or call 701-328-2500
Oklahoma – park overnight at rest areas in Oklahoma without any limitation on length of stay. Oklahoma DOT or call 405-521-2557
Oregon – overnight parking at rest areas in Oregon is allowed for up to 12 hours within any 24-hour period. Oregon DOT
Texas – overnight parking at Texas rest areas is allowed up to 24 hours. Texas DOT
Utah – overnight parking is allowed at Utah rest area and “monitored by the on-site staff and the Highway Patrol.” Utah DOT
Washington – overnight parking at Washington rest areas is allowed up to 24 hours. Washington DOT or call 360-705-7000
Wyoming – overnight parking is allowed at Wyoming rest areas, however you are not allowed to “pitch a tent, extend your RV’s slideouts or otherwise set up for an extended stay.” Wyoming DOT
How to Find a Rest Area
Besides looking for signs on the highway, we use Allstays to locate a rest area (Allstays Camp & RV app review). There are multiple “Rest” filters in the app that can be applied to display all the rest areas within a certain range on the map.
Rest areas do shut down for a variety of reasons. Pay attention to rest area closure signs or call the state DOT to confirm the rest stop is open.
State welcome centers are a good resource to get the latest information on overnight parking rules and closures.
Rest Area Amenities: Free Dump, Hookups and More
Restrooms, picnic tables and drinking fountains are standard at most rest stops.
Some rest areas provide additional amenities including
- RV dump station
- Electric hookup
- WiFi
- Vending machines
- Pet exercise area
- Travel information center
- Recycling containers
You can often find a list of rest area amenities in the rest area details section of Allstays.
Parking Options: Trucks, RVs, Autos
Rest areas often have separate parking for RVs/trucks with clearly marked signs. These spots are marked by white lines on the ground and typically large enough to fit an 18-wheeler.
When we traveled in the 29’ motorhome and tow car, we always parked in the RV/truck section. Watch video of our Class A RV rest area experience.
In a Class B camper van, we would just pull into a parking spot in the autos section. Watch video of our camper van rest area experience.
Now that we travel in a pop up truck camper, we still fit in an auto spot at the rest area.
Security
Having spent the night at different rest areas around the country, we’ve never had a concern for safety.
At some rest areas, we’ve seen posted signs saying the area is patrolled by security. It’s not something we take into consideration because there’s no way to know how often the area is patrolled.
Some state DOT signs will warn that you are parking at the rest area at your own risk.
Read: RV Safety on the Road
Rest Area Experiences & Tips
There’s nothing quite like the joy of seeing that “rest area” sign when you’re in need of a break. We’ve pulled into many rest stops across the United States and one thing we’ve learned is that not all rest areas are created equal.
The first time we spent the night at a rest area was in Las Cruces, New Mexico. This was when we thought we were long haul drivers and made an 800 mile trip in two days. The first leg of our crazy drive was from Tucson, Arizona to Las Cruces and spent the night at the rest area. We had no idea until we pulled up that it was an award winning rest area with spectacular views. If you’re driving through Las Cruces, New Mexico, stop in for a break and enjoy the views.
Since our first overnight at a rest area, we’ve spent the night in Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oregon and Texas.
Arrive early. For the best chance of getting a truck/RV spot, arrive late-afternoon. Some rest areas are more popular than others so have a backup plan if it’s full.
Back up plans. Look to see if there’s a Cabela’s, Cracker Barrel or Walmart nearby and call to see if overnight parking is allowed. Truck stops (Pilot, T&A, Loves) are an option, but they can also fill up quickly.
Rest Area Closures. We’ve driven by several rest area that are closed for maintenance or closed permanently. Usually, there is a sign on the highway to notify drivers of the closure, but that’s not always the case. We have run into situations where we drive up to the exit for the rest area only to be met by bright orange cones. This is where having a backup plan comes in handy.
Pets. Most rest areas have designated pet walks. Look for clearly marked signs at the rest area.
One thing we like about overnight parking at a rest area over other overnight parking options is the easy access to the highway.
Looking for a unique overnight RV camping experience? Read our Harvest Hosts Review and discover their camping on farms, winery camping, and museum programs.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on July 31, 2017 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.
Hello Kait,
During my homeless bouts and per diem pocketing periods, I’ve overnight parked in a pickup with a camper in Alabama,Arizona,Arkansas,Idaho,Illinois,Kansas,Mississippi, Oklahoma. and Texas. Texas is where I’ve lived in rest and picnic areas for months on in without any regard for the 24 hour rule. Once a Bell County Sheriff’s deputy woke me up and ran my license for warrants. Another time, outside of Post, Texas DPS checked to see if I was okay. I was living on a motorcycle and sleeping on picnic tables. I’ve also done this in Idaho and have slept on the rest area parking lot,next to my bike, in Arizona. Georgia State Police have run me out of their rest areas but didn’t give me a ticket even though signs clearly prohibited overnight parking. Tennessee troopers made me shut the door on my truck.
I’d like to get back to some heavy duty motorcycle touring, so if anyone can tell me about more states that don’t mind sleeping on the picnic tables, let me know.
Hello Kait – Thank you for this very helpful information. With regard to overnights at rest areas, do you think you would feel just as safe if you were traveling alone (with a dog)? Thanks.
Hi Susan, that’s a difficult question to answer because where I might feel safe, you might not. I would encourage you to read our RV safety article for some tips.
I’m considering traveling between phx and mpls during this corona virus. I plan to sleep in the car. Are rest stops open and can I sleep overnight? I will travel i40 and I 35. Please advise.
Hi Tish, the best way to figure out which rest areas are open for overnight parking is to contact that state’s DOT directly.
Hello Tish,
You can do it all the way thru. In Texas you have picnic areas at your disposal also. I can list a number of other more preferable freebies, but seems like this discussion is limited to rest areas. Worst that can happen to you is being checked for warrnts and told to leave.
I like to know about overnight parking on the east and west coast for a Class C RV
Kevin, have you checked out our RVing resources post?
Long haul trucker here.
I dont want to hate on RVs, but you guys have more access for places to park than we do. We work on the road, have hour restrictions, and need places to park. So many times I pull up to where I plan to rest for my 10 hour break, and half the spots are taken by RVs.
I’ve started driving overnight, which is not safe, hard for me to stay awake, but there are more places to park during the day then at night.
Truck stops are already pretty full, we end up parking on the street, which many of our companies ask us not to do because this is illegal in most states.
All I ask is try and share the spots, if theres an RV park where you chose to stay, please pick the park over the rest areas. Thank you.
I agree. I’m an RV er. I go to a campground when possible. Now though most campgrounds are closed due to covid 19. So you may see me there so please understand. What gripes me the most is all our needs move by trucks. I spent my life helping to build interstates . There should be plenty of spots for interstate travelers. If our country can load down these highways we should have lots of spots to park trucks and RVs at night. This is a no brainier. This shouldn’t even be an issue. The private business are expected to provide for the state.
Please pick another job if your going to cry about parking.
Thank You
Hi Kait,
Are there any good overnight places on I95, I10 or I75 that you’d recommend?
It depends on what part of the country you are in. Do you have Allstays? The map will show you all the different options available including truck stops, Walmarts, rest areas, etc…
. Hi guys hope all is well with you and your travels I would like to know if there are any rest areas in the state of Arizona I would like to know if there’s any rest areas in the state of Arizona where they allow you to stay overnight I do not have a camper just a regular car which is really comfortable let me know because I am traveling East so I will also be going through Texas Mississippi Louisiana I appreciate your response take care of you safe thank you thank you thank you Dennis
Hey Dennis. Arizona permits overnight parking in their rest areas. Our preferred way to find a nearby rest area is to use AllStays.
….we discovered rest stops long ago we are spending new the night at one now outside Dublin Georgia, rest stop 88 which has about 15 truck spots, clean rest rooms and a dump. I feel they are much safer than any Wal-mart if indeed you can that will allow you to park and it’s not always easy on and easy off and most of the Cracker Barrel restaurant we have tried did not have adequate parking so for the in between 1000 trails, KOA, Elks clubs etc, this is us!!
WDK
Hi Kait,
You certainly hit the nail on the head with rest areas being so different. The state whose rest areas frustrate me the most are Arizona. This is entirely due to the random nature of which ones they will have open or closed and the lack of rest areas on I-40. My worst experience at rest stops has been in CA. The rest area problems have always been in area close to or in large cities.
Thanks again for your insights!!!!
Neal
You’re welcome Neal! Glad you enjoyed the post. We have also seen quite a few closed rest areas in CA.