25 Free Overnight RV Parking Locations

Sharing is caring!

Thanks for your support! If you make a purchase using our links in this article, we may make a commission. And, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See the full disclosure here.

Free overnight RV parking locations can be very beneficial for RVers traveling longer distances from one campground to another. Many of America’s parking lots are empty at night. And often, RVers going from one park to another do not need the hookups and amenities or expense of a regular RV campground. All they want is a place to park for a couple of hours of sleep before hitting the road again. So here is our list of 25 Free Overnight RV Parking Locations:

  1. Walmart
  2. Bass Pro Shops
  3. Cabelas
  4. Camping World
  5. Casinos
  6. Churches
  7. City Sponsored Parks
  8. Costco
  9. Cracker Barrel
  10. Elks Lodges
  11. Boondockers Welcome
  12. Home Depot
  13. K-Mart
  14. Lowes
  15. Malls
  16. Menards
  17. Movie Theaters
  18. Moose Lodges
  19. Rest Areas
  20. Sam’s Club
  21. Super Markets
  22. Target
  23. Truck Stops
  24. Planet Fitness
  25. Harvest Hosts

Done correctly, overnight RV parking can be a win-win situation where everyone benefits. Truck stops regularly provide space, showers, meals, and other amenities for truckers and will often extend the service to RVers. They know that, just like truckers, RVers use and pay for the facilities inside.

Retail stores like Walmart, Cabelas, and Bass Pro benefit from the sales to overnighters who come in and browse the store the next day. Restaurants like Cracker Barrel will let RVers stay overnight in the hope that their overnight guests have dinner or breakfast in their restaurants.

Maintaining this relationship means that RVers must also be active and respectful participants and respect their hosts and their property. It is essential that we, as RVers, follow proper overnight parking rules of etiquette. If we do not, we may find that the free overnight parking locations currently available to us quickly disappear.

Who decides where an RVer may or may not park overnight during a journey to a distant adventure? The answer should be clear. It’s the owner or manager of the property where the RVer wants to park.

How To Find Free Overnight RV Parking

What if there was an app or a website where you could easily type in your location and free overnight RV locations that are updated by other RVers popped right up on your phone or computer screen? And what if it only cost you $2.00 a month to have this awesome program available at the touch of a button when you are tired of driving all day. And how much money could you save on campground fees if you just had a free place to park overnight rather than paying $40 or $50 bucks at a campground just to spend the night and then get up and leave in the morning?

Well, you can read the list of the 25 free overnight RV parking locations below but to find each of the specific locations for these businesses that allow free overnight RV parking you should use our favorite website and that is OvernightRVParking .com. We love this app and highly recommend it to our fellow RVers.

It is a search database with over 14,000 free overnight RV parking locations across the US and Canada and it is updated on a regular basis by RVers like you and me so you get the latest most accurate information about every RV parking location. Keep in mind, for those traveling outside the US, you will have to find other reliable sources for RV parking. Rules for overnight RV parking in the UK for example could be very different than in the US.

And it’s cheap! It’s only $29.99 a year when you use the discount code RVBLOGGER (all caps). We figure if you stay one night for free somewhere you have more than covered the cost of the app. We love this app and try to share it with everyone we know because you just can’t go wrong with it. So, please feel free to click here and use our link and save$10.00. I bet you’ll love it too!

When you sign up please go through the website and after you have joined then go ahead and download the app onto your phone. It works much better that way for some reason. If you need more info check out the article I wrote about OvernightRVParking. It’s in the helpful blog articles highlighted at the end of this article.

Here is a YouTube video which is our review and tutorial of the OvernightRVParking Website and App. Check it out! We love it and think you will too!

RELATED READING: Check out our article Free Overnight RV Parking for a complete review of the Website and App for OvernightRVParking!

|

Overnight RV Parking Etiquette (RVers’ Good Neighbor Policy)

Following these simple rules can go a long way toward keeping our hosts happy and our free overnight parking spots open.

  • Stay one night only!
  • Obtain permission from a qualified individual.
  • Obey posted regulations.
  • No awnings, chairs, or barbecue grills.
  • Do not use hydraulic jacks on soft surfaces (including asphalt).
  • Always leave the area cleaner than you found it.
  • Purchase gas, food, and other supplies as a form of thank you, when feasible.
  • Be safe! Always be aware of your surroundings and leave if you feel unsafe.

The following is a list of 25 Free Overnight RV Parking Locations offering Free overnight parking to RVers

One thing to always consider is that towns or cities can have local ordinances that can override a business’s policy. That is one reason why it is still essential to ask first. Of there is a local ordinance forbidding overnight parking, there should be signs posted to inform the public.

1. Walmart 

Over 80% of Walmart’s across the U.S. allow free overnight parking on their premises. Best of all, there is a Walmart in almost every city or town in America, and they are often easily accessible right off the interstates. Check out our YouTube Video Below about staying overnight at Walmart for free.

2. Bass Pro Shops

Most camping stores like Bass Pro Shops are delighted to allow free overnight RV parking, especially if you are stocking up on supplies or equipment. Just check with the management if you are unsure.

3. Cabelas

Like Bass Pro Shops, Cabelas will often welcome free overnight parking. Return the favor by stocking up on a few needed supplies before leaving. And again, check with the store manager if you have any questions.

4. Camping World

In the past, Camping World was always a reliable spot for a free, one-night overnight stay. However, as Camping World has changed its focus from accessories, parts, and service to RV sales, this has changed. AN increasing number of Camping World stores now have fenced and gated parking lots which are locked at night, and they no longer welcome overnight RV stays.

It does seem, however, that a new twist is developing. Camping World in Wood Village, Oregon now allows overnight RV parking if the RV was purchased at a Camping World dealership. That is, of course, if you jump through all of the hoops like arriving before closing time, asking permission, verifying that your RV was purchased from a Camping World dealership, and obtaining an overnight RV parking pass which must be displayed on your rig. No parking pass means no overnight stays, and the excellent possibility of your RV will be towed off in the middle of the night.

5. Casinos

You might think overnight parking at a Casino would be a bit of a gamble, but most Casinos allow free overnight parking. Just check with the casino security to get your overnight parking pass.

6. Churches

As long as it’s not a Saturday or maybe a Wednesday night, it’s not usually an issue to park overnight at a church. For the sake of common courtesy, please ask permission before you spend the night.

7. City Sponsored Parks

City park campgrounds are usually located in smaller towns and run by the municipal government.

There are usually community activities going on, such as sports fields, pools, playgrounds, picnic areas, and even access to lakes and rivers. Therefore, these parks could become more crowded with both locals and visitors on the weekends, so you might Want to plan or call ahead. Often overnight parking spots in these city parks are free or offered for a nominal fee.

8. Costco

Costco locations are often very convenient, and their parking lots are usually well-lit, providing a pleasant environment for overnight parking. As an added benefit, you can purchase gas, camping gear, RV supplies, groceries, and even tires at significantly discounted prices. Just join Costco!

RELATED READING: Check out our article called Is Overnight RV Parking at Costco Allowed? where you can learn all about overnight RV parking at Costco.

9. Cracker Barrel

You’ve been driving all day. You’re tired, hungry, and need a few hours of rest. All you need is a spot to park your RV for a meal and a few hours of sleep. Another overnight RV parking option is Cracker Barrel. Just remember that every location has different rules, so it’s proper etiquette to obtain permission from the manager. You can even call ahead to do this. Now, you can enjoy a good meal and rest.

RELATED READING: Another one of our favorite places to park our RV overnight for free is Cracker Barrel. We wrote an article called Can RVs Park Overnight at Cracker Barrel? where you can learn all about it! We love to stay overnight there because we can get a great dinner at night and breakfast before hitting the road in the morning!

10. Elks Lodges

As many RVers know, one of the many benefits of joining your local Elks Lodge is the availability of RV accommodations at Elks Lodges. There are more than 2,000 Elks Lodges in the USA, and about half of them have RV facilities of some sort. Here is a handy link to every Elks Lodge in the US for overnight RV parking. The facilities range from full-fledged RV parks with 30/50A electric and water hookups, sewer connections, and even Cable TV, to a spot to dry camp in one corner of the Lodge parking lot, and everything in between.

In nearly every case, these RV facilities are for the use of Elk Members in good standing only. Some lodges do allow the RV of a non-Elk who is traveling with an Elk RV to stay as the guest of the visiting Elk.

11. Boondockers Welcome

Boondockers Welcome isn’t quite free but it’s pretty close! Once you’ve purchased a guest subscription, which is very reasonable by the way, you’ll be able to request stays with thousands of hosts. And Boondockers Welcome adds more and more hosts every day. I get emails from them every few weeks with a list of new hosts they have added.

The Hosts are typically RVers like you and me who are willing to let you stay overnight for free on their property. And you’re sure to make some great friends while saving a few dollars on your adventure. Please go to Boondockers Welcome here and check them out. For a small fee, you can have thousands of free places a year to park your RV overnight!

Check Out Boondockers Welcome!

12. Home Depot

Many big stores such as Home Depot will allow you to park overnight on their lot. Often, the manager of the store has the final say, so it is always best to talk to the manager and get permission. Follow the rules and thank the store by stocking up with some supplies or gear before you leave.

13. Kmart

Like Home Depot, some Kmart stores will allow you to park your RV overnight on their lot. The manager of the store does have the final say, so like with Home Depot, it is always best to talk to the store manager and get permission. Follow the manager’s rules and thank the store by getting a few supplies before you leave.

14. Lowes

Lowes falls into the same category as Home Depot and Kmart. Many stores will allow RVs to park for free overnight on their lot. The best thing to do is to check with the manager of the store and get permission. Again, follow the rules and thank the store by spending a little money before you leave.

15. Malls

Some malls permit overnight RV parking as well. However, you will want to check with the proper Mall office or authority to get permission to park overnight. You will not want to be woken up at 2:00 am to find out that the Mall parking lot you where you are parked does not allow overnight parking, and has called a tow truck.

16. Menards

Unless local ordinances forbid it, Menards is another regional retailer that typically allows RVers to park overnight for free on their lots. Follow the rules of etiquette and ask for permission. Spend a little money to say thank you and be gone by mid-morning.

17. Movie Theaters

You watched a late movie, and you’re too tired to drive on? It’s usually not an issue. Just ask permission if you’re unsure.

18. Moose Lodges

Moose Lodges have the same availability of RV accommodations for its members as Elks Lodges. You must be a Moose member to stay overnight in your RV but there are Moose Lodges all over the US.

19. Rest Areas

Some rest areas (in some States) allow you to stay overnight. You can check with the State Police or Highway Department. Even those rest areas where you can’t stay overnight, you can often pull in for a few hours and take a nap if needed.

20. Sam’s Club

Sam’s Clubs are another very convenient place to stay overnight for free in your RV. And their parking lots are also usually well-lit, which provides a pleasant and safe environment for free overnight RV parking. As an added benefit, you can purchase gas, camping gear, RV supplies, groceries, and even tires at significantly discounted prices. Make sure you have your Sam’s Club card!

21. Super Markets

Supermarkets can provide a well-lit parking spot for RVers. Some RVers view the well-lit parking lots as a safer place to park overnight. Again, always check with the store manager to get permission to park overnight in your RV. And you can stock up on groceries while you are there too!

22. Target

Target is like the other big stores. Policies may vary depending on the store’s manager. Talk to the manager and get permission before staying overnight. If the store is gracious enough to allow you to use their parking lot overnight, follow the rules and spend some cash before taking off in the morning.

23. Truck Stops

Truck Stops such as Travel Centers of America or Flying J aren’t just for trucks, 18 wheelers, or over-sized rigs anymore. RVers are taking advantage of overnight parking at truck stops across the country every day. As long as you follow the rules of truckers, you’ll be fine. Be courteous, park straight, and be gone by mid-morning. Many now have separate parking areas for RVs.

It is important to remember that Truck stops do attract all sorts of people. Make sure you lock your doors, windows, and keep valuables out of sight for safety whether you’re in the RV or out exploring.

24. Planet Fitness 

Some Planet Fitness locations allow RVers to park overnight if you have a membership to the gym. It’s a great place to park for the night and get a workout in the morning!

25. Harvest Hosts

Harvest Hosts is by far our favorite free (or almost free) overnight RV parking location. It’s not exactly free because you have to pay a very reasonable membership fee but then you have access to almost 1000 free overnight RV parking locations. And these are gorgeous locations at wineries, breweries, and farms across the US. And you can add on Golf Plan to add another 400+ free overnight RV parking locations.

PRO TIP: In our opinion, this is the very best option for free overnight RV parking. It’s way better than any parking lot you can find! I wrote an article called Harvest Hosts – A Great Way to Camp for Free! or you can use our link and go straight to the Harvest Hosts website to learn all about it. If you use our link you will get a 15% discount on the membership fee so please feel free to take advantage of this offer from us to you!

Save 15% When You Join Harvest Hosts!

Check out our YouTube video review of 4 different Harverst Hosts locations in 3 different states!

Conclusion

If you ever wondered what stores or businesses allow overnight RV parking you now have a list of 25 Free Overnight RV Parking Locations. These are many of the most popular businesses that provide free overnight parking spots to RVers. There may be many more out there just waiting to be discovered. Free overnight parking spots offer RVers a fantastic and cost-effective way to travel America’s highways and byways.

By practicing proper overnight RV parking etiquette and working hard to be good RV neighbors, we can help ensure these fantastic overnight parking locations remain open to us into the future.

The overriding principle, when parking overnight on someone else’s property, is that we need their invitation and their permission to do so. Some RVers prefer to telephone ahead for approval so that they can make other arrangements on those occasions when the store says no

As you set out on the open road in your RV, you will undoubtedly discover your own favorite free RV overnight parking spots. Feel free to share them with others.

For more info to find free overnight RV parking locations check out our other related articles below:

What are your tips for free, safe, or exciting overnight RV parking locations? Please share them in the comments below! You never know but your comment may help a fellow RVer!

Sharing is caring!

2 thoughts on “25 Free Overnight RV Parking Locations”

  1. We’re relatively new to RVing, but we’ve had our best rest at Cracker Barrels and casinos. We’ve found WalMart lots to be sketchy sometimes, and near cities they are more likely to have homeless long-term parkers. We’ve encountered some hostility in truck stops; one night we were neatly parked in the RV section of a Flying J when a truck went through in the wee hours and blew his nifty train horn for several seconds. We haven’t tried Cabela’s yet, but our local store has a nice parking area and a dump station, so we’re open to the idea.

    Reply

Leave a Comment