Rest Area Camping: Can You Sleep In Your Camper?

If you're planning a road trip and want to save some money by sleeping in your camper, you might be wondering if you can park overnight at a rest area. The answer depends on the state you're in and the specific rest area. While some states allow overnight parking, others prohibit it entirely. Even in states that permit it, there are usually time limits and restrictions on what you can do.

Rest areas are designed to give travellers a place to stop, use the bathroom, take a nap, stretch their legs, and eat a snack. Some rest areas are just parking lots, while others have amenities like bathrooms, visitor centres, dog runs, WiFi, dump stations, and restaurants.

Sleeping overnight at a rest area in an RV or vehicle is generally allowed in some states but with regulations and time limits. For example, California allows up to eight hours of rest, while Colorado and Virginia prohibit overnight parking entirely. It's important to check the local restrictions and any signs posted at the rest area.

It's also important to note the difference between overnight parking and camping. Overnight parking means staying inside your vehicle without setting up any outdoor amenities, while camping involves setting up a more elaborate campsite with outdoor furniture, grills, or tents. Camping is typically prohibited at rest areas, even in states that allow overnight parking.

So, if you're planning to sleep in your camper at a rest area, make sure to check the local regulations and respect the rules.

Rules for sleeping in a camper at a rest area vary by state

The rules for sleeping in a camper at a rest area vary by state. While some states allow overnight parking, others have time limits or prohibit it altogether. Here are the rules for sleeping in a camper at a rest area for some states:

• California: Overnight parking is allowed for up to 8 hours at 24-hour rest stops, but no camping is permitted, and you must remain inside your vehicle.
• Delaware: Overnight parking is allowed at the state's two rest areas, with a time limit of 6 to 8 hours, and no camping is allowed.
• Georgia: The state allows for normal, customary, and temporary use of rest areas for resting, sleeping, eating, or similar activities. There are no defined time limits, but camping is not permitted.
• Idaho: Overnight stays of up to 10 hours on interstate highways and 16 hours on state highways are allowed. Camping is prohibited, and the stays are meant for rest and relaxation from travel fatigue.
• Iowa: Overnight parking is allowed for up to 24 hours, with a reasonable justification like the need for rest, but camping is prohibited.
• Kansas: Overnight parking is permitted for one night only, and no camping is allowed.
• Mississippi: Overnight parking is allowed for up to 8 hours, but no recreational camping is permitted.
• Missouri: Overnight parking is permitted at rest areas.
• Nebraska: Overnight parking is allowed for up to 10 hours at rest areas along Interstate 80, but no camping is permitted.
• Nevada: Vehicles can park for up to 18 hours within a 2-week period, and some rest areas offer dump stations and designated overnight RV parking spots.
• New Mexico: Vehicles can park for up to 24 hours within a 3-day period.
• North Dakota: Overnight parking is welcomed, and some rest areas offer free WiFi and water.
• Ohio: Overnight parking is not allowed at rest areas, except for eight service plazas on the Ohio Turnpike, which offer RV parking with electric hookups for a fee on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Oregon: No camping is allowed, but travelers can stay for up to 12 hours in highway safety rest areas.
• Pennsylvania: There is a 2-hour time limit within a 24-hour period at rest areas managed by PennDOT, while service plazas on the turnpike allow parking for up to 24 hours.
• Texas: Overnight parking is allowed for up to 24 hours at rest stops, but no camping is permitted.
• Utah: Extended stays are permitted and monitored by on-site staff and the Highway Patrol, but no overnight camping is allowed.
• Washington: No camping is allowed, and travelers can stay for up to 8 hours.
• West Virginia: Overnight parking is allowed at travel plazas, and most have designated areas for large vehicles.
• Wyoming: Overnight parking and camping are not allowed, but longer naps are permitted if needed.

It is important to note that the rules for sleeping in a camper at a rest area can change over time, and it is always a good idea to check the latest information for the specific state and rest area you plan to use. Additionally, while overnight parking may be allowed in some states, camping activities such as setting up outdoor amenities or occupying spaces for extended periods may still be prohibited.

Sleeping in a camper is allowed in most states, but only for a limited time

Campgrounds are private property and tend to have more amenities such as pools, laundry facilities, restaurants and game rooms. They also usually have security guards. Rest areas, on the other hand, are free and meant for short rest stops, not camping out in your RV. However, many rest areas do allow you to sleep in your vehicle.

Overnight parking means staying inside your vehicle without setting up any outdoor amenities. Camping, on the other hand, involves setting up a temporary home, with outdoor chairs, tables, grills or tents.

Where are you allowed to sleep in your camper?

Here's a list of states that allow overnight parking at rest areas:

• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Delaware
• Idaho
• Kansas
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Texas
• Utah
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wyoming

Time limits vary by state, but generally, you can stay for one night or 8-12 hours. Here are the maximum hours for some states:

• California: 8 hours
• Delaware: 6-8 hours
• Idaho: 10 hours (interstate highway rest area); 16 hours (state highway rest area)
• Iowa: less than 24 hours
• Kansas: 24 hours
• Mississippi: 8 hours
• Oregon: 12 hours
• Pennsylvania: 2 hours (rest areas); 24 hours (service plazas on the turnpike)
• Utah: no time limit given
• Washington: 8 hours

Where are you not allowed to sleep in your camper?

The following states prohibit overnight parking in rest areas:

• Colorado
• Hawaii
• Maryland
• Nebraska
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Virginia

Camping is prohibited at rest areas

While many rest areas allow overnight parking, camping is prohibited. Camping is considered a leisure activity, whereas overnight parking is simply a necessity to get some rest before continuing your journey.

Camping involves setting up camp chairs outside, unhooking your travel trailer, and grilling a meal. It is making yourself at home. In contrast, overnight parking means pulling into a rest area, shutting down your engine, taking a bathroom break, and crawling into bed. In the morning, you make coffee, eat breakfast, and get back on the road.

While the definition of camping is not set in stone, it is generally understood that camping involves outdoor recreation. This may include setting up a tent or sleeping on the ground, using a generator, or cooking a meal on a barbecue.

Rest areas are designed to give travellers a place to stop, use the bathroom, take a nap, stretch their legs, and eat a snack. They are not intended as camping destinations. Most rest areas have signs posted that indicate whether sleeping is permitted, and these signs should be carefully observed.

Some states that explicitly prohibit camping at rest areas include California, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

It is important to respect the rules and regulations of each rest area and to be considerate of other travellers, especially long-haul truckers who have strict rules and regulations about how long they can drive and how long they need to rest.

Rest areas are designed to give travellers a place to stop, use the bathroom, take a nap, stretch, and eat a snack or meal

Rest areas are located along major routes and highways in the US and Canada. They are meant for short rest stops, not for camping out in your RV or car. However, many rest areas do allow you to sleep in your vehicle. Whether or not you can sleep at a rest area depends on the specific location and the state you are in. Some states do not allow overnighting at rest stops in your RV, while others permit it for a certain number of hours.

• Find a rest stop with good lighting and 24-hour security if possible.
• Avoid spots reserved for truck drivers.
• Use Reflectix in your windows to block out light.
• Bring earplugs or a white noise machine to drown out noise.
• Stay hitched and keep your slides in to facilitate a quick departure.
• Follow any posted rules, including stay limits and other parking regulations.
• Park in a quiet area, away from the road and semi-trucks.
• Take advantage of rest stop amenities like dump stations, water and electric hookups, WiFi, and dedicated RV parking.

Some rest areas have amenities like bathrooms, visitor centres, dog runs, WiFi, dump stations, and restaurants

Rest areas are public facilities located next to major roads or highways, providing drivers and passengers with a place to rest, eat, or refuel. While some rest areas may be more basic, offering limited amenities, others provide a range of facilities to enhance the traveller experience.

Some rest areas have visitor centres, which may be staffed, offering information about the local area, as well as the opportunity to purchase souvenirs. Rest areas may also have dog runs or pet relief areas, so that furry friends can stretch their legs, and their owners can take a break from driving.

Some rest areas also have WiFi, which is a great benefit for those who need to stay connected while travelling. For those travelling in an RV, some rest areas provide dump stations, and a few even offer designated overnight RV parking spots.

Other amenities that may be available at rest areas include picnic tables, electric vehicle charging stations, vending machines, convenience stores, bookshops, newsstands, and even small restaurants or cafes. Some rest areas also have beautiful scenic views, or well-maintained park-like areas for travellers to enjoy.

Frequently asked questions