25 Best Places to Sleep When Living in Your Car!
Public Places:
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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:
- 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
- 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
- State Parks: Some state parks allow overnight parking in designated areas. Opens in a new window www.travelandleisure.com State Park
- 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
- 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
- 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
- RV Parks: Some RV parks allow overnight parking for a fee. Opens in a new window acrvpark.com RV Park
- 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
- Boat Ramps: Some boat ramps have parking areas that are suitable for overnight parking. Opens in a new window visitgulf.com Boat Ramp
- Trailheads: Some trailheads have parking areas that are suitable for overnight parking. Opens in a new window futurumgroup.com Trailhead
Other Options:
- 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.
- Paid Parking: Some cities have paid parking garages that allow overnight parking.
- RV Rentals: If you can afford it, renting an RV can be a comfortable and convenient way to live on the road.
- Hotel Parking Lots: Some hotels allow overnight parking in their parking lots, but it’s important to check with the hotel staff beforehand.
- 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.