Where To Find Free Overnight Camping

This post may include affiliate links. That means we may earn commissions from the companies recommended in this post.

---

Most full-timers know about this, but if you’re just starting out this article is for you.

When we travel with the goal of just getting from point A to point B paying $35+ a night just to get a few hours sleep seems like a bit much. All we really need is just a parking spot to stay for the night so we can move on in the morning.

Wally-docking, Dry camping or lot-docking is a great way to get you from one place to another and helps save a few bucks along the way

Since most of today’s RVs are self-contained — meaning that you have the means to live onboard, cooking, sleeping, bathing and toilet facilities, everything you need, you can basically park on any open spot and declare yourself home for the night, right?

Wrong!

Many cities and other municipalities have banned overnight parking in any lot, even private property. Always check with lot owner or manager or with local law enforcement before turning in for the night.

So where do we find a spot for a free overnight? And why do these places allow and even encourage overnight visitors?

Retail stores like Walmart, Cabelas, and Bass Pro enjoy the sales that come from overnighters who come in and browse the store the next day. Restaurants like Cracker Barrel and the Apple Peddler hope that their overnight guests have dinner or breakfast there. Truck stops like Flying J and Pilot often provide space for truckers to sleep for a night and most extend the courtesy to RVers hoping they will fill up their tanks while their there.

Who Offers Free Parking?

I’m always amazed at the number of places that’ll let you stay overnight:

Walmart – Most Walmarts allow overnight RV parking unless there’s a city ordinance that prohibits it.

Restaurants– Cracker Barrel is known to be a great place for an overnight stop. And a great breakfast to send you on your way.

Casinos – Many Casinos have parking areas where you can stay for a night or more. Some even offer discounts or freebies if you spend time in the casino. Check out www.casinocamper.com.

Truck Stops – Many Flying J Truck Stops have a separate RV parking area where you can spend the night. Others allow RVs to park with the trucks overnight.

Big Box Stores – Some of the larger stores (K-Mart, Lowes, Home Depot, Camping World) will allow you to spend a night.

Rest Areas – Some rest areas (in most States) allow you to stay overnight. California, for instance, allows you to park for up to eight hours.

Government Run Parks – Some have no hookup campgrounds where you can park your RV. The Bureau of Land Management and National Forests are the most popular. But some lesser known one’s include many city and county parks. Some charge small entrance fees. Others charge fees for licenses or camping but it’s usually only a few dollars

What Are The Rules?

In order for this practice to continue, there are a few unofficial rules. This guide, the Escapees’ Good Neighbor Policy is the standard we follow. We hope you’ll do the same. We must be good guests and temporary neighbors or there will be more pressure to institute state, county, and local ordinances that prohibit parking on private property.

RVers who ignore the common boondocking courtesies give the rest of us law-abiding RVers a bad name and jeopardize the future of free dry camping in parking lots.  Remember, you are just sleeping not camping

Overnight RV Parking Etiquette (RVers Good Neighbor Policy)

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

Safety First

Safety is the last rule on this list but to me is the most important. Some people think it is safe to set up “camp” anywhere, but that is far from the truth. Parking on back streets, behind industrial buildings or on the sides of lonely country roads leaves you vulnerable to all sorts of criminal activity. Especially if you’re in unfamiliar territory.

Don’t ever be fooled into thinking that you are getting away with lowering your living  costs by foregoing legitimate and safe parking places.

Make safety your first priority!

Where can I find these great places?

In addition to those above, these websites are excellent resources.

FreeCampgrounds.com – offers advice for boondockers. The site does not provide campground listings, but it includes links to free RV campsite resources as well as helpful tips for boondockers. The website also offers a useful list of Wal-Marts that do not permit overnight RV parking.

FreeCampgrounds.net – Their website is very easy to use. On the front page, you’ll see an interactive map. All you need to do is zoom in on the area that you are thinking about traveling to and you’ll see various little camping symbols pop up.

Boondockers Welcome – offers its members the opportunity to dry-camp for free at other members’ homes.  This is a great way to make new friends all over the country in addition to having a place to stay. Membership is $30 per year, there’s also a discount if you offer to host other RVers on your property.

Harvest Hosts – another membership organization, connects members with vineyards, orchards and farm owners who have free boondocking space to share.  In return, members are asked to make a small purchase at their host’s gift shop or farm stand. A one year membership is $79.

Campendium – offers free campgrounds state by state so you can search for the area you want to visit.

If you’re a member of the Elks or Moose you can park at any Elks Club or Moose Lodge in the country for free.  Again, pending local ordinances.

Looking for more traditional RV Parks? These Apps will help you out.

Now before you hurry off and start camping here, there are some things you should know.

Free camping spots do not usually have RV hookups for electricity, sewer, or water. You must be self-contained to use them.

When looking for free camping spots, make sure you pay attention to the rules. Many places have rules on the number of days you can stay in one spot or area.

If you’re in a big RV, then you’ll want to make sure that the roads to and from the campground are safe for traveling with such a heavy load. Some roads are absolutely horrible or completely impassable in an RV, we’ve seen RVs get stuck. The roads in undeveloped areas are often narrow with no place to turn around.

So, what do you think, would you ever spend the night in a Walmart parking lot?