25 Best Places to Sleep When Living in Your Car!

Public Places:

  1. Walmart Parking Lots: Many Walmarts allow overnight parking, but it’s always best to check with the store manager beforehand. Opens in a new window gogforce.com Walmart Parking Lot
  2. Rest Areas and Welcome Centers: These are often well-lit and safe places to park overnight. Opens in a new window wikipedia.org Rest Area
  3. Truck Stops: These are designed for overnight parking and often have amenities like showers and restaurants. Opens in a new window cloudtrucks.com Truck Stop
  4. 24-Hour Businesses: Some 24-hour businesses like gas stations, convenience stores, and restaurants may allow overnight parking. Opens in a new window www.alamy.com 24Hour Gas Station
  5. Casino Parking Lots: Some casinos have large parking lots that are well-lit and safe. Opens in a new window www.ipd-global.com Casino Parking Lot
  6. Airport Parking Lots: Some airport parking lots allow overnight parking, but it’s important to check the specific rules and regulations. Opens in a new window www.preciseparklink.com Airport Parking Lot
  7. Hospital Parking Lots: Some hospitals allow overnight parking, especially in designated visitor parking areas. Opens in a new window reliance-foundry.com Hospital Parking Lot
  8. University Campuses: Some university campuses have large parking lots that are relatively quiet and safe. Opens in a new window www.troy.edu University Campus
  9. Industrial Parks: These areas often have large, empty parking lots that are less likely to be disturbed. Opens in a new window en.wikipedia.org Industrial Park
  10. City Parks: Some city parks allow overnight parking, but it’s important to check local regulations. Opens in a new window neworleanscitypark.org City Park

Natural Areas:

  1. National Forests: Many national forests have designated dispersed camping areas where you can park and sleep overnight. Opens in a new window thrillist.com National Forest
  2. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land: BLM land is public land that is managed by the federal government. Many BLM areas allow dispersed camping. Opens in a new window blm.gov BLM Land
  3. State Parks: Some state parks allow overnight parking in designated areas. Opens in a new window www.travelandleisure.com State Park
  4. Rest Stops: These are often located along highways and can be a good place to park for a few hours or overnight. Opens in a new window landline.media Rest Stop
  5. Truck Stops: These are designed for overnight parking and often have amenities like showers and restaurants. Opens in a new window migway.com Truck Stop
  6. Wal-Mart Parking Lots: Many Wal-Marts allow overnight parking, but it’s always best to check with the store manager beforehand. Opens in a new window rvparky.com Walmart Parking Lot
  7. RV Parks: Some RV parks allow overnight parking for a fee. Opens in a new window acrvpark.com RV Park
  8. Campgrounds: Some campgrounds allow dispersed camping, which means you can park and sleep in a designated area. Opens in a new window adirondack.net Campground
  9. Boat Ramps: Some boat ramps have parking areas that are suitable for overnight parking. Opens in a new window visitgulf.com Boat Ramp
  10. Trailheads: Some trailheads have parking areas that are suitable for overnight parking. Opens in a new window futurumgroup.com Trailhead

Other Options:

  1. Friends and Family: If you have friends or family who are willing to let you park in their driveway or garage, this is a great option.
  2. Paid Parking: Some cities have paid parking garages that allow overnight parking.
  3. RV Rentals: If you can afford it, renting an RV can be a comfortable and convenient way to live on the road.
  4. Hotel Parking Lots: Some hotels allow overnight parking in their parking lots, but it’s important to check with the hotel staff beforehand.
  5. Stealth Camping: Stealth camping is a technique that involves parking in inconspicuous places, such as behind buildings or in wooded areas.

Important Considerations:

  • Local Laws and Regulations: It’s important to be aware of local laws and regulations regarding overnight parking.
  • Safety: Always choose a safe and well-lit location to park your car.
  • Discretion: Be discreet and avoid drawing attention to yourself.
  • Respectful Behavior: Be respectful of the property and people around you.
  • Emergency Preparedness: Have a plan in case of an emergency.

By following these tips, you can find safe and comfortable places to sleep while living in your car.

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