Van Life - Top 10 Free Overnight Parking Spots 

We arrived late at night in a small town, planning to use a campground that was marked on our map. Unfortunately, the campground had gone out of business - so we stopped at a local Police station to ask if they could recommend anywhere for us. They invited us to stay in their parking lot, plug into an outlet on the side of the station, and to go ahead and use the staff washrooms and showers intended for officers. Certainly was a safe place to stay - and we went and picked up a dozen coffee and doughnuts in the morning to thank them. Highly recommend asking Police for directions :)

As a Christian. I injoy church. When traveling. Going to church. And ask to park until the next day.

I work at a hospital & I would say that is a good option. They are open 24-hrs. During the day you can use the bathrooms. Overnight you only have access to the ER(emergency room) lobby bathrooms. Plus hospital security usually patrol the parking lots so I would say it is safe. A camper can would be really incognito. Maybe just park in a different spot each night. Not so sure about an RV. I would imagine that it would really stand out & that if you try to park there for a long time they may question you, but I don't see them telling you to leave. They allow overnight parking at hospitals as some patient's families stay overnight.

Was in Ventura CA. Saw a lot of cars parked on PCH. I called the police department and asked what the "Parking overnight while just traveling through" law was. She seemed surprised I asked, was extremely nice and said, "Sure, you can park and sleep overnight, along there". Call the police departments and get the name of the person who gives you the info. Be nice and friendly, we all need that!

Nursing homes, like hospitals always have 24h staff, just leave early in the morning.

Idk why it is so illegal and looked down upon to live a free life. If you are paying all of your own experiences and own your own vehicle why is it such a big deal. I legit fell on hard times for a few months and had to live out of my car here in California. It felt so illegal and like I had no where to go while being judged to just try to find a place to sleep at night. I have lived in an apt for almost 4 years now and about to buy a camper to travel and live out of by choice this time. That experience years ago really put freedom into perspective for me and how most people are not really free.

While I haven't tried this, I've often seen vehicles parked overnight at nightclubs believing people either left the bar with someone else or got a ride home another way to avoid the risks associated with drinking and driving. I'd tend to think bar management and police would tend to also see things the same way. Thanks for sharing!

I have had great experiences at boat ramps along the Missouri river

Casinos! They even will send a shuttle in the morning to take you over to the casino... where there are restrooms and restaurants!

Very informative and much appreciated. Tomorrow I move in to my van, thanks!

we used bass pro shops and cabalas on our trip out west a lot . jfyi never had a problem and no questions.

Drive an 18 wheeler over-the-road, you'll have a place to live - legally, and earn 50k solo or 80k-110k as a trainer or teeming. Many couples teem and make a lot of money, Most schools charge 10k to train and get you licensed but most major companies will pay off the lion's share of the costs if you stay with them 2 yrs. Driving is easy after 5-8 weeks of schooling, the backing is harder, but most couples work it out who's going to back the truck, who's going to drive the freeway or city, etc. Werner is a great company, I drove and trained for them 12 yrs. and cover 2 million miles driving and training. Most companies required you stay-out 3 weeks with 4 days off. You can take your time off in any state you want. Most couples will stay out for 8 weeks and then take 8 days off (most companies don't want a truck down more than 8 days at a time). In the 8 weeks, you'll have earned about 15k so I think you can afford a hotel anywhere in America. in 5 years there's no reason you could not pay cash for a house and still keep the lifestyle. Thousands of couples have done it. And there are little downsides to it. You will be driving 5k-8k miles per week, but after a while, a year or so it will be easy. When you see your checks over 2-3k per week you'll find a way to get used to it. Even if you do it just for 5 yrs. you'll earn well over 1/2 million dollars.

I’d like to thank y’all for the EXCELLENT information!!! Am tricking out a van next year and hitting the road. Best comprehensive video on boondocking I’ve seen. Keep up the good work!!! Chuck Knight from Buffalo, Texas. 🤠

This is my first time enjoying your RU-vid channel. Great work! I’m looking forward to more great content from you. Thank you so much for this informative video! I got so much out of it.

Great list...this is going to be very useful for new people. Safe travels!

Car dealerships/Mechanic garages....Make sure you leave early before they arrive. Park near service garage parking so if someone comes by you can tell them you have a slow leak in your tire and are hoping to get it looked at in the morning.

Car dealership service areas - especially ones that service your particular make, e.g., Ford if your van is a Ford...

Churches I’ve travelled for work for 25 years. I’ve done a lot of overnights in church parking lots - even slept on their lawn.

Very good video. A friendly and pleasant tone. Nothing to show off. Very informative also. Thank you

Thank you so much for this video!! We've referenced in our new vanlife :)

Great info, thanks for sharing!

Actually, if the restaurant staff knows about you, they'd be more apt to look out for you, especially if they like you!

That's so funny to hear you mention Richmond! I'm watching from there & was imagining where I would stay around town right before you said it! Glad you guys were out here, thanks for your great videos!!

❤️ great resources!

Very useful post and great comment section. Thank you!

Thank you for the video, it is VERY informative!

I will add ; Don't be afraid to ask, it doesn't hurt, the worst they can do is say no. Thank you for making good, informative videos.

The Home Depot in South San Diego on Dennery Rd. Was not allowed, also between the theater and Walmart. But in front of Walmart far from the entrance was ok stayed 3 nights with no problems.

After dark usually you will see 2 or even 3 big rigs parked on off/on ramps. They allmost always park with a long distance between them . So I park between the rigs and always been safe. Only good 1 night but that is most nights I always wake at first light the rigs are always still there because they are over nighters also.have talked to a couple of them because they inspect there rigs before heading out they have porta potties and gallies too. Happy travels

Thank you for this great info. I do alot of parking at many of these places too. Thanks for the video.

Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Atlanta, GA actually has RV parking. It's really in Newnan, GA.

My rig looks like a work truck pulling a utility trailer behind it so I tend to look for industrial areas to park and just blend into all the other work vehicles that are parked there.

Thanks, very helpful info!

Airports. In small or mid size cities the parking is usually free. You can go inside to use the restroom or get a meal. When i was renting a small toyota rv in austraila i stayed for the night at airport parking lots sometimes (cant stay overnite at the beach or city streets). Would cost maybe $5 for the night.

another RVer said he has often parked in car dealerships after they close by the service department where folks often drop off their cars for repair.

Dog Park, especially if you have a dog. Vet clinic or Animal Hospital is also good. Or you could just "break down" at a car dealership or automotive repair shop.

I would also recommend college and university parking lots. Most colleges and universities require parking permits, but only during certain hours. There is usually a good 12 hour chunk of time in the evening and overnight where no parking pass is required. You should visit the "parking" section of the university's website to determine the rules regarding parking. This probably works best at bigger non-urban schools and if you park away from where all the action is on campus during evening hours (park next to academic buildings or libraries, not residence halls). Added bonuses: cheap food and coffee shops (with wifi) that stay open late are always nearby.

Really informative video! Looking into getting in the life while holding a fulltime corporate job in NJ, this helps!

Small to mid size churches are great.

Please be aware, not so much in summer when temps are up, but in cooler months, some police have thermal imaging on their squad vehicles. Thus, they can see you in your home by merely driving by. Find a lake with a boat ramp area. Many times people go to the lake with multiple vehicles and while the vehicle and trailer are in the "long slots" there are additional parking for single vehicles around the perimeter. Also, many lakes have a "Fishing donut" that is open 24 hrs.

Thanks!!....is good to know stuff like this....Gracias!!

This helped me so much that you !!

Great stuff - I am thinking about doing this and soaking up information :)

Docks and dams almost always have parking and noone bothers you because they think you're out in a boat.

I just watched your first video and loved it! Keep up the good "work". lol I am looking forward to seeing more of you guys and I am planning on that lifestyle in the very near future. Just bought a 99 Astro Van with some problems but nothing I can't handle. I have spent the night before several times in Church parking lots with absolutly no problems and I wasn't even stealth. C Ya

24 hour laundromats have been good to park at as well

This is a great video. I'm starting my VANLIFE on Saturday ... Ty for sharing Note: I don't know and can't understand u anyone would 👎 your video...

It's so funny that you two are too young to remember when there were no cell phones. I do understand the concern about the National Forests etc. I just thought it was cute that you mentioned not having cell service. In the 70's we used to camp on farm back roads. However there aren't many of those left anymore where I am living. Stay safe!

I'd recommend checking with police in California towns. Our town does not allow overnight parking in church lots. Our pastor is also a lawyer and he got our church a 6 car waiver. The six parking slots are restricted to a charity that serves homeless women who sleep in their cars.

I have actually gone into a small town and asked at the police station if i could stay and leave in the morning .... just to get a “nap” and it was in a pinch .... but it wasn’t a problem for them .... they were like sure ..... better safe than sorry

big fan of yours! I live in my Toyota Prius in Miami and hospitals are like my favorite place to sleep. They never suspect a thing because the assumption is that you are just visiting a patient. Hospital bathrooms, for the most part, are pleasantly very nice, clean, and well kept, and are often situated in quieter areas of hospitals

In the case of "Public Lands", a lot of government offices/buildings have free camping. I've stayed in one with free water and electricity hookups. Places like behind museums or city halls after and before certain hours. Call to be sure, of course.

Great video!

I park at my friends apartment complex and make sure I move my vehicle around. But I have a PT cruiser so it doesn’t look as suspicious as a cargo or camper van. I also see a couple people here with box trucks and no one ever bothers them. I know many apartments have high security but the bigger the apartment complex, the less likely you will be bothered. One apartment I lived in with a roommate, I never had to be on the lease or put down what kind of car I had

Make a magnetic vinyl sign to stick on the side of your vehicle that says the name of some church such as "1st Baptist Church" or " Elm Street Pentecostal" when parking at a Hospital or 24 hr restaurant. NOBODY is going to tell the Lord's People they have to be towed... You will look like you are just waiting for another van full of church folks to catch up to you or look like you are visiting a church member at that particular Hospital.

I like to camp at industrial areas where they won't bother unless you break into a building

Flying J and other truck stops. Many flying J have free dump stations and water for RV’s.

Perhaps putting the word out to your Viewers... on your Blog or RU-vid...of places that might be worth checking into. For instance, I live in Woodbine NJ, in Cape May County. WE have the Belleplain State Park, and a camping area. One of the nicest ones in a tiny town most people don't even consider. Yet, we are about 15 miles West of the Shore of Avalon/Sea Isle City, and 25 miles North of Cape May Point (NJ). Juliana

12/31/2020 12:55hrs While traveling obviously sometimes our propertys need short time maintenance, It's good to know communities understand as we all travel one time or another.

wow , great video,,, 2017!!! wish id have seen this years ago!!!! we started our journey full time last september and other than the walmart hack ect we had to figure out all ur hacks on our own lol,, made for a fun journey so far... anyhoo great vid!!! cheers!!!!

GOOGLE aerial can locate apt complexes (and hotels) with parking lots suitable for "visitors". The best arrangement are lots with abundant parking and fringe areas not used by residents, that are not in direct sight line of windows. Much to my surprise some of these lots have street view available. The close-ups confirm if vans and pick-ups are in the lot, as well as assigned spaces. Look at the apartment reviews by tenants to gain insight as well. Your one night rule is probably wise. Arrive late and leave early. Keep in mind any business like Planet Fitness and even WalMart are frequently tenants so they don't establish parking lot (or city) rules regarding parking lot use. While any 24 hour lot is preferred, the fact remains a tenant is subject to the regulations imposed by the owner of the property regarding vehicle dwellers. Nothing beats scouting areas with GOOGLE aerial. Found a dead end city street alongside a nature preserve that bordered an apartment complex. Street parking but not heavily traveled road. Some apartment dwellers would use the road or the apt parking lot. Decent, safe, quiet area. Would have never found it without GOOGLE.

I used to live on a farm in Hampton, Va. It's not there any more, and the land is government owned. It's near the Chesapeake Bay. There may be bait shacks and boat moorings and you may find someplace out there to park if you go to Hampton.

When in doubt, ask! Walk into that hotel lobby and ask the front desk if it's okay.....

Learned something new about public land/national parks

Oh man sometimes I wish I had a van I have been sleeping in the can of my 95 Ford ranger for over 5 months at a truck stop. My rules are block out all the Windows so no one can see you inside make no noise and leave no trash outside your vehicle. And I don't show up till around 9pm or later and I leave for work at 3 15am the next morning. I keep a low profile and I'm not being stupid and going in and out of my truck or anything like that. And no one complains about me and if no one complains the cops don't come I keep to my self.

Walmart in my town always seems to have Rvs late at night one I saw for a week plus not sure if it's still there but that's one place

One can always volunteer for archaeology digs, dinosaur digs, astronomy clubs park all night for a long time and meet cool people from all over.

Thank you so much for the info guys! Hugs, MommaFaye

Planet Fitness is a great idea. Only $20/month plus a small annual fee and they have 900+ locations.

Some Cabela's have RV parking areas, Weigh Stations will usually let you park, truck stop CAR areas for vans, etc. Also, pick up an 'Exit Guide' to research parking spots when traveling. Don't show BLM land, National Forests, etc., but great when you're traveling. Also are great when looking for shopping, fuel, etc.

Thank you 😊

I worked at a bar/restaurant that had a HUGE parking lot. Not only did our over the road trucker regulars stay there, many of our regulars opted to stay instead of risking a dui. I can't imagine why you felt uncomfortable at Dennys. Maybe you need to put a sign on the van: When the van is a rockin don't come a knockin. That would make the restaurant employees uncomfortable.

I can definitely vouch for Hospital parking lots as well as rest areas Walmart Cracker Barrel airports I mean the list is really can long unless you just scared to just try

Park in residential neighborhoods at vacant houses for sale or rent. Tell anyone that you are moving to town and looking to rent or buy if they ask.

Casinos often let you park. Sure would pay to have a meal or something while there but generally safe. And they have security making it pretty good.

A mall that has a hotel. The parking is usually open and don’t require a parking permit.

24 hour supermarkets, Casinos, hospitals, Planet Fitness ($20/month unlimited hot showers at all locations, can't beat that!), community colleges, most big bars after 2am (they assume u got a ride) most YMCA's, senior centers that sponsor casino trips, nursing homes seem safe. Use Google earth to your boondocking advantage too! Don't like high volume rest stops, regular colleges, sketchy hotels/motels, churches are hit or miss.

Another factor is people "spend the night" at night. I know that's obvious, but they probably aren't looking as closely at the Van parked (for example) in the hotel parking lot during the day. If you drive at night and then sleep during the day then you may not be as noticeable... Probably not a good long term strategy but it works while you're moving from one place to another...

I still think casinos are the best

One couple would park at a repair garage or the car dealership for their brand of vehicle.

Greeting guys , great video . I left my apartment on purpose on Oct 27 2018 , it was sooo expensive I was paying so much that some nights I was going to bed hungry . I slept at Cabella's last night , the second night at Cabellas the police rolled up , put there bright lights on my car , then I waved and opened my door , the officer said "Hello?" and I said "Hi!" , he was VERY friendly and I told him I was just staying overnight because I had talked to Cabellas and the clerk on the phone said they didn't have a problem with it , he said "oh ok , do you have your ID?" I said " I can't find my wallet " he said "oh just give me your name and DOB" he went back to his car for maybe 45 seconds came back and gave me thumbs up! and I gave him thumbs up! . I have been sleeping at Cabellas about 4 nights , however this morning I got picked to stay at Samaritan House . I subbed to your channel , I think I like you guys . I Still like full time vehicle living but need a bigger vehicle and possibly a friend or a girlfriend to come along . For now I might go for an apartment , Samaritan house is going to help me do that . Cheers for now !

In Michigan- State game areas and forest are free. You sometimes need a free permit. STATE PARKS are not free. There are always state game areas near state parks. I have also stayed in the repair parking area of dealerships. In the city of Grand Rapids there are numerous places people park overnight free to fish spring and fall salmon runs and always some show up 4-6 weeks early and late. people fish there year round. Overnight fishing is common. (get a licence and try your luck on steal-head). Be cautious some of the neighborhoods are sketchy.

You could park easily in larger apartment complexes that have no gates. Just no bathroom facilities and have to be extra stealthy.

bless you!

If you're in the South and not in a city (and probably there, too, but I wouldn't know the good spots) where they don't have Park n Rides, there are informal places where people meet and park, and then pool rides, usually for pleasure rather than commuting. For instance, where I live, date nights usually involve driving to another town or to "the City." Even when they pick each other up at home, that means there are extra vehicles in the apartment complex parking lot. In my town, they buzz the strip to see who's out, and then they park near the street in a store parking lot (under the lights) and go off together for several hours. They may be doing nothing more than driving around in the dark ingesting things that are still illegal in Tennessee, but I used to work in an all-night gas station, and there were cars parked out there all night every night of the week.

Ive been sleeping at the Target parking lot for Weeks-- No Problem.....for now anyway.

I love LOVE Not being disturbed by the cellphone. When I find myself without service I'm peacefully happy w/o it.

thanks for sharring

Thanks for posting! Please show what your van looks like on the outside, for us to get an idea of your degree of stealth. Thx!

Thanks y'all, parking is becoming unfriendly across the Country. I'm in an astro van, which screams, "someone's sleepin in there!" lol Anyways, imo, the soccer mom mini van blends in the best and gives enough space to sit upright. Also, I stumbled on a great parking spot.. Used car lots... After hours, once you turn the vehicle off, your just another used car for sale ...lol Cheers

You forgot a few good ones first up a very clever one: Car dealerships (particularly the service area), if you want peace and quite in an urban area: cemeteries and for the cheeky at heart: entrance parking lot of a camping facility... I did the hospital parking lot once - it was near the public emergency entrance and pharmacy which got at times a bit loud and busy but if the lot is big enough you can usually get away from the hustle and bustle but you will stick out more obviously...

For hotels you could look at another car’s windshield to see if they have a parking pass or not.

Residential parking: NO, NO, NO!!! If a resident calls the cops to complain, you very well may be asked to leave or if you happen not to be in the vehicle (out to eat, etc.) your vehicle may be towed. This happened to me. Nothing illegal, no "No Parking" signs, but the cops usually side with the residents and do what the residents ask.

you should show off your rv. That would be interesting

This seems stressful and the worse part in my mind so far when considering living in a van. What does stealthy mean with a dog and at night? Can people see in the van? Are you active and cooking?

A lot of Wal Mart parking in Canada is not allowed, as the Wal Mart stores are in locations that they do not own the property, as they rent spaces. Guelph, Ontario is one place you can not park. Park and Rides are available in Ontario for sure. Hospital parking in Canada are not free, they are expensive rates.

Most of my traveling is by motorcycle. Many years ago I was in North Carolina in early Spring. I knew there was a campground on Mt. Mitchell. The sun was past the horizon and I came across a ranger on the top getting in his truck. Asked him about the campground and he said it's not open yet, but I could just find a fire road and pitch the tent there, so that's what I did. I'm pretty sure I was the only person on the mountain that night. Besides that, the BLM campgrounds on the north side of Quartzite, AZ worked for me. Stayed there a couple of nights, free. Those to the south are longterm pay sites.

Another way of doing it is putting a for sale sign in your front windshield and parking on the edge of a parking lot facing the street. But the downfall of that where you have doing it is crumbs will come around sometimes and act like they were looking at the for sale sign when they're really casing out something to steal. So that scenario can work both ways. Sometimes visitor parking in an apartment complex can work as well. Arrive about 10 at night or so and then get out at 5 in the morning before everybody wakes up.

I'm in Florida and I'm going to be driving to Oregon soon, like in the next week or two. I drove back from Texas (to Florida) a few months ago and I was very surprised to find zero rest areas or even gas stations, for many miles through Arkansas and Alabama. I think it was Alabama. Anyway, it was pretty unsettling, and I began getting low on gas. I was exhausted by the time I did reach a gas station/store/eatery that I plopped down to sleep immediately. I stopped again in north Florida at an all night restaurant off I-10 and got a few hours sleep, and then drove home. But this time, going to Oregon, it'll be a real challenge, going through areas I've never been to, wondering if I'll make it unscathed. Thanks for the ideas. Very appreciated.

We do alot of Casino parking lot sleep overs......Charles Town, W.Va. and Live Casino in Hanover, Md....Thanks for sharing....