One of the most common challenges for van lifers is finding a safe and legal place to park overnight. There are several ways that van lifers find places to park, including public lands, campgrounds, RV parks, rest areas and even city streets or parking lots. The best spot will differ for each person, depending on a range of factors including location, personal preference, legal restrictions, vehicle size, vehicle needs (electric, water, etc.) and more. Jump to resources.
One popular option for overnight parking is public lands, such as national forests and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. These lands often allow dispersed camping, which means that you can park your van in a designated area and stay for free. These types of spots typically have limits on how long you can stay, and are often more remote. However, it's important to note that these areas may not all have amenities like water, toilets, or fire pits, so van lifers need to be prepared to be self-sufficient. The availability of public land will be highly dependent on your region, and some require a reservation made in advance - so be sure to check government or public resources specific to your location.
Another option is to stay at campgrounds or RV parks. While these options may require a fee, they often come with amenities such as showers, laundry facilities, and electrical hookups. Many campgrounds and RV parks also have restrictions on the size of vehicles they can accommodate, so it's important to do your research before booking a site.
Many states offer rest areas along highways and major roads, which are designed to provide a safe place for drivers to rest and recharge. While these areas are typically intended for short-term stays, some may allow overnight parking. The regulations differ by state within the United States, so it’s important to check in real-time as you travel. Be sure to look out for any signs that prohibit overnight parking, but generally a decent indication will be if there are large distribution trucks/semis also parked overnight.
Some people also find it helpful to connect with private landowners who are willing to let them park on their property overnight. Websites like Hipcamp and Boondockers Welcome can help connect you with potential hosts.
Commercial / store parking lots like Walmart, Cracker Barrel, Love’s, Pilot Flying J, casinos and several other establishments often allow overnight parking for trucks, RVs, campervans and more. These entities are typically frequently located across the United States and other regions. It's always a good idea to call or check with the store manager before parking overnight. Often you may see quite a few other campervans in parking lots for these types of establishments, which can feel like a safe option to be amongst other nomads.
When it comes to urban areas, van lifers may opt to park on city streets or in parking lots. However, it's important to be aware of local laws and regulations, as some cities may have restrictions on overnight parking or parking in certain areas. Some van lifers also choose to stay in paid parking lots or garages, although this can be an expensive option.
What are the most common resources used to find overnight parking for campervans?
Most van lifers rely on apps and websites such as iOverlander and FreeRoam to find free or low-cost camping options. These resources offer information on public lands, campsites, and other places where van lifers can park overnight. A few other common resources include:
iOverlander
FreeRoam
The Dyrt
Park4Night
Campendium
Hipcamp
Freecampsites.net
AllStays
Reserve America
Recreation.gov
Harvest Hosts
Boondockers Welcome
Roadtrippers
RV Parky
OvernightRVParking
Boondocking.org
Overall, finding a safe and legal place to park overnight can require some research and planning, but with the right resources and preparation, it's possible to efficiently and safely travel without running the risk of being kicked out of a spot by police.
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