Maybe boondocking isn\u2019t your thing. Or your plan to spend the night at a campground has gotten derailed and now you\u2019re approaching an unfamiliar city and wondering what your parking options are. Or you\u2019re just one of those \u201clet\u2019s see where we end up\u201d travelers, only where you\u2019ve ended up is in an urban area and all you want to do is stop for the night.<\/p>\n
Whatever the reason, you\u2019re in need of a space for your towable or RV within the city limits. Here are some ideas to consider.<\/p>\n
There are two basic rules when you aren\u2019t using traditional RV campgrounds. The first one is to get permission to be there and ask where exactly you should park. The second is to not treat the location as a campground: don\u2019t haul out your grill and start cooking, don\u2019t put out your lawn chairs or open up your awnings, and don\u2019t dump your tanks. Finally, says Chuck Woodbury, editor of RVtravel.com<\/a>, don\u2019t use automatic levelers since they can damage the surface of the parking lot.<\/p>\n Wal-Mart, Cabela, Costco, Lowe\u2019s and Home Depot are among those stores that have put out a \u201cwelcome mat\u201d for Rv-ers. But first check with the individual store manager to make sure you have permission. If the store doesn\u2019t own the parking lot, it may not have the right to allow RVs to park on the lot or there may be local laws that prohibit pavement parking.<\/p>\n Even if you see other RVs there, check with the manager so you don\u2019t get booted out in the middle of the night. Another option is parking in a factory outlet parking lot, although it can take a bit of doing to find the person to give you permission.<\/p>\n Most truck stops will allow you to stay overnight but ask first. Then, follow these tips from RV Lifestyle Blog in How To RV Overnight at Trucks Stops: 6 Do\u2019s and Don\u2019ts<\/a>. Look for spaces marked for RVs, and if none are available, use a back corner of the lot. Don\u2019t use spots meant for truckers, especially since laws require a specific number of hours for rest for truckers, and they need those spots for shut-eye. Follow the general rules above, keep your door locked and shades drawn for security and if you feel unsafe, move on.<\/p>\n Even if you\u2019re not a gambler, you might want to consider casinos as a dry-camping location, notes Axle Addict in Safe Places Where You Can Camp or Park Your RV for Free<\/a>. The post notes that many small casinos allow dry camping (no utility hook-ups), while others do offer full-hookup campsites, and most offer 24\/7 security. To be on the safe side, call ahead and ask where you should park and if there is a fee involved, recommends TripSavvy in 5 Places You Didn\u2019t Know You Could Park an RV<\/a>. Bonus tip from Do It Yourself RV<\/a>: your casino host may even offer vouchers and coupons.<\/p>\n According to the Free (and cheap) RV camping<\/a> website, many highway rest areas allow free stays of varying lengths, although rules vary state-by-state. (If you see a sign saying \u201cNo Camping,\u201d that means no pitched tents or sleeping on the ground.) Not sure if you can stay? Check out RV Hive\u2019s state-by-state listing<\/a>. Some rest areas may even offer electrical hookups, potable water and RV dump stations.<\/p>\n Some RV-ers have found overnight parking at restaurants, city parks, visitor centers and convention centers, but don\u2019t assume your RV is welcome. Check first either in person or by calling ahead. TripSavvy lists schools as another option in its post<\/a>, but stresses checking with school officials first and keep it to one night. Top 12 Secret Spots To Park Your RV<\/a> has even more locations to consider, from municipal airports to fraternal organizations such as Elks and Moose Lodges.<\/p>\n In its RVing In The City: How To Do It And Why You Definitely Should<\/a> post, Campanda recommends taking into account that cities might have low bridges, construction zones, and narrow streets that can make maneuvering your large RV or towable a challenge. The article recommends using Google Maps or the Park Advisor<\/a> app to give you a heads-up about any road hazards.<\/p>\n Does your RV need a potty break? If need an RV dump station but don\u2019t know where to find one, here are some resources that can help:<\/p>\n Resources<\/strong><\/p>\n Books and Newsletters<\/strong><\/p>\n Casino Camping: Guide to RV-Friendly Casinos, 9th Edition<\/a> by Jane Kenny<\/p>\n Guide to Free and Low-Cost Campgrounds (2018)<\/a> by Don and Joyce Wright<\/p>\n North American Diesel\/Parking Directory – The RVer’s Friend<\/a> by Robert de Vos<\/p>\n The Next Exit 2019: USA Interstate Highway Exit Directory<\/a> by Mark Watson<\/p>\n Walmart Locator, Fourth Edition: Directory of Stores in the United States<\/a> by Roundabout Publications<\/p>\n RVTravel.com\u2019s Overnight RV Parking<\/a> newsletter<\/p>\n Websites and Online Tools<\/strong><\/p>\n Boondockers Welcome<\/a> \u2014 A list of free overnight RV parking on private property<\/p>\n HipCamp<\/a> \u2014 Book unique camping experiences on over 300,000 campsites, ranches, vineyards, public parks and more, searchable by type of camping needed.<\/p>\n RV Parky<\/a> \u2014An RV Park directory with information, images, and reviews for the most complete collection of RV Parks and campgrounds in the United States and Canada.<\/p>\nRetailer Parking Lots<\/strong><\/h1>\n
Truck Stops<\/strong><\/h1>\n
Casinos<\/strong><\/h1>\n
Rest Stops <\/strong><\/h1>\n
Other Options<\/strong><\/h1>\n
More Tips<\/strong><\/h1>\n
Need a Dump Station?<\/strong><\/h1>\n
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