There are many legal spots to park your car and rest overnight after that long and stressful trip. Having this knowledge helps you prepare for a long journey, and this is important for travelers doing inter/intrastate travel like holidays, Overlanding, honeymoon, etc.
Our top 5 legal places to sleep in your car include:
- The Bureau of land management (BLM )
- Safe parking program (SPP)
- Welcome Information Centers (WIX)
- Police Stations
- & Walmarts
We will not only tell you about ten legal spots to sleep in your car and park overnight but the advantages and disadvantages of those spots concerning your safety and basic comfort.
Here are our top 10 x spots to sleep in your car and park overnight
1. Bureau of land management
BLM is an agency within the United States Department of the Interior responsible for administering Federal lands.
The BLM allows dispersed camping for everyone on public lands for up to 14-30 days for free, so feel free to camp with your car without getting into problems with the law (as long as you steer clear of designated campsite areas or trailheads). A point worth noticing is that the locations of most of the BLM lands are in the Western part of the country.
2. Safe parking program
Safe Parking is a program that provides individuals living in vehicles with temporary, overnight secure parking. The SPP, like the BLM, is entirely legal and free with access to social convenience facilities which vary from place to place. As it is for the homeless, it is for travelers who want to sleep in their car and park overnight with your safety and comfort guaranteed.
3. Welcome Information Centre
WIC is a state borders facility that provides travel-related services to travelers such as state/city map guides, information, using the toilet, or stops for a rest.
They offer overnight parking with different conditions, so you should always review their state or local website. They are safe well lighted but do not operate for 24hrs which limits the kind of services they can provide. It is accessible legal, and you can stop here for a short rest or overnight.
4. Police station
The police station runs a 24hrs daily service all over the country. They are safe as it is protected by armed officers, surveillance systems, etc.
It is the best option if your primary concern is safety, although you must submit your details for a system check to verify your identity.
Access to facilities here is not guaranteed but rest assured of its free and legal qualities. The best way to go about it is to check with the officer at the desk for permission.
5. Walmart parking space
Parking and sleeping overnight in your car is free and legal in Walmart parking lots, and this comes with unlimited access to convenience facilities, entertainment, and food. It is likewise secure with security guards, surveillance systems, and other technology for security purposes. It is one of the most considered targets for travelers hoping to rest during their trip.
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6. Rest shops
Rest stops were established to cater to the needs of travelers on a long trip; it is easy to locate access facilities, food, and gas. While it is free, its legality varies from state to state, so a diligence check is required before deciding to stop at any rest stop hoping to stay for the night. There is also a need to access the environment carefully and seek out safety risks before choosing to stay overnight.
Most rest stops are loud rowdy, while some can be quiet depending on the area, but most importantly, you should seek out the one with a balance of security and privacy.
7. Casino’s parking lot
The casino runs a 24hrs service because of the activities that go on within their walls. It’s generally a hectic, crowded place with adequate security, well-lit parking lots, access to convenience facilities, and cheap food. The idea is to be considerate and discreet to avoid creating unnecessary attention to yourself. Parking and sleeping in your car overnight are not illegal, and it is free to use.
8. City street parking
Sleeping in your car and parking overnight is not always illegal. Still, you can jeopardize that opportunity if you are not discreet enough about it. The legality of City Street Parking varies across states; for some states, it is prohibited or allowed for certain hours while others fully legalize it.
While it is free to use, it does not come with facilities or fully guaranteed security, and the convenience is low due to the hustling and bustling of cars coming and going.
9. Industrial parks
Industrial parks are usually located on the city outskirts except for a few in the technology, banking, and finance industry; it is a quiet place after working hours and on weekends, more like a ghost town. It is free, legal, and secured but without access to facilities for convenience purposes. Security is tight around banks, tech companies, etc., and your movement can easily call the attention of the security guards or police on you.
10. Hotel parking lot
You can stop at a hotel, sleep in your car, and park overnight. This is legal, free, and secured, and it comes with access to convenience facilities while movement is a bit restricted, noisy environment since it is a 24hrs service. A google search can assist in navigating the hotels around with their ratings, location, and security.
Conclusion
Embarking on a trip without adequate preparation comes with a lot of stress and headaches, making the journey a horrible experience at the end of the day. This is why we are sharing this information with you to assist you in having access to the much-needed information you should have when planning your trip.
At Boondockersbibble.com, you will find state-by-state regulations, maps, information, and other travel guides for your next trip.
