Parking Your Camper: Best Spots And Practices

where to park a camper

Campervan and motorhome owners have a variety of options when it comes to parking up for the night. While there are some places that are off-limits, such as private property and city streets, there are plenty of other places to choose from. National and state parks are a popular choice, with many offering beautiful and scenic locations. However, these can get busy during the summer months and it's recommended to book in advance. RV campgrounds are another common option, offering convenience, security, and hookups for water, electricity, and even wifi. For those looking for a cheaper option, truck stops, Walmart car parks, and casinos are all places where people can park their campervans or motorhomes for free.

Characteristics Values
Campervan type Class B motorhome, campervan, RV
Campervan size Smaller vehicles can fit into more campsites
Location type RV parks, National & State Parks, privately-owned campgrounds, BLM land, national forests, truck stops, casinos, Walmart, schools, churches, hotels, fairgrounds, parks, movie theaters, highway rest areas, drive-in movie theaters, big-box retailers, roadside parks, picnic areas
Length of stay One night, multiple days, month-long trips, 14 days
Cost $20-40 per night, free
Booking Reserve online, book in advance, ask for permission
Amenities Electricity, sewage, showers, toilets, supply shops, wifi, septic tank
Safety Well-lit, avoid secluded areas, lock doors, use blinds, keep a low profile

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National and State Parks

State parks tend to be less crowded and more affordable than national parks, and they offer a range of camping options, from well-developed RV sites to primitive tent spots. Most state parks allow car camping within campgrounds, but some may enforce tent or RV camping only. It's important to research the specific state park you plan to visit to find out their camping regulations and requirements.

National parks also offer a range of camping options, from RV hookup sites to backcountry camping. The National Park System has 130 destinations with overnight camping options, and many campgrounds require reservations, which can be made through Recreation.gov. The best sources of information about camping in national parks can be found on park websites or on the NPS app, which is available on the App Store and Google Play Store.

When planning a trip to a national or state park, it's important to keep in mind that each park will have its own size restrictions for vehicles. The maximum recommended size for an RV in national parks is 29 feet, and many state parks have similar restrictions. Additionally, some parks may have regulations regarding energy use, temperature restrictions, bathroom facilities, and water requirements.

National Parks:

  • Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona: Trailer Village offers 29 full-hookup sites for RVs up to 28 feet long, and 50 full-hookup sites for RVs up to 50 feet long.
  • Death Valley National Park, California: Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs offer a total of 38 full-hookup sites for RVs up to 60 feet long.
  • Big Bend National Park, Texas: Rio Grande Village RV Park offers 25 full-hookup sites for RVs up to 40-50 feet long.
  • Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming: Fishing Bridge RV Park offers 346 full-hookup campsites for hard-sided RVs up to 40 feet long.
  • Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming: Colter Bay RV Park offers 142 full-hookup sites with no length restrictions for pull-through RVs and a 30-foot length restriction for back-in spots.
  • Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado: South Rim Campground offers 23 electric hookup campsites for RVs up to 40 feet long.
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Elkmont Campground is a popular tent and RV campground located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, with 200 drive-up sites and nine wheelchair-accessible options. Some campgrounds in the park do not have any size restrictions, while others do not allow RVs at all.

State Parks:

  • Goblin Valley State Park, Utah: The park has 25 campsites, including 14 RV spaces and a group site that can accommodate up to 40 people. There are no electrical hookups.
  • City of Rocks State Park, New Mexico: The park offers both reservation and non-reservation sites, with access to showers, bathrooms, and water.
  • Moran State Park, Washington: Southend Campground offers campsites positioned along the shoreline, with access to showers and bathrooms.
  • Chugach State Park, Alaska: Bird Creek Campground offers 24 campsites, toilets, water, and RV accessibility for vehicles up to 35 feet in size.
  • Hammonasset Beach State Park, Connecticut: The park offers 550 grassy campsites with electric and water hookups for RVs.
  • Minnewaska State Park Preserve, New York: The tent-only campground includes 26 drive-in spots, 24 walk-in sites, and a cooking area, but no RV camping is available.
  • Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada: Atlatl Rock Campground offers RV spots with power and water, and showers, with campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Goose Creek State Park, North Carolina: The park offers an RV camping area with 22 sites and a tent camping area with 14 sites, all with full hookups, fire rings, picnic tables, and access to bathrooms and water.
  • Custer State Park, South Dakota: Center Lake Campground offers a mix of tent and RV spots with showers and bathrooms.
  • Colorado Bend State Park, Texas: The park offers hike-in options, spots that can accommodate RVs, and group sites, but no water or bathrooms.
  • Baxter State Park, Maine: Roaring Brook Campground offers a remote camping experience with no on-tap water, paved roads, or electricity.
  • Emerald Bay State Park, California: Emerald Bay Boat Camp offers boat-in camping on the lakefront, with sites available by reservation only.

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RV Parks

The cost of staying at an RV Park varies, with nightly rates ranging from $38 to $58 per night. Many RV Parks offer daily or monthly rental options, providing flexibility for travellers. Some parks also offer a range of site choices, from standard to premium or even XL sites, ensuring you can find a spot that suits your needs.

When choosing an RV Park, it's essential to consider the amenities that are important to you. For example, if you plan to swim and relax, look for parks with pools, hot tubs, or access to nearby lakes. If you prefer to stay active, opt for parks with bike trails, dog-walking areas, or on-site recreational activities.

Overall, RV Parks offer a convenient and comfortable option for campervan travellers, providing easy access to essential hook-ups and amenities that can enhance your travel experience.

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Private Campgrounds

When it comes to location, private campgrounds can be found near beaches, hiking trails, and nature activities, providing the perfect opportunity to explore the outdoors. They can also be found in urban areas, offering easy access to cities and towns. It is recommended to book your site at a private campground well in advance, as they tend to fill up quickly, especially during peak season.

One example of a private campground network is Kampgrounds of America (KOA), which has properties across North America, including in Ontario, Canada. KOA offers three types of RV parks – Holiday, Journey, and Resort – catering to different needs and preferences. Their app and website make it easy to find and reserve a spot, and they also cater to extended-stay guests.

Another option for finding private campgrounds is to search online or through local tourism websites. Websites like Campendium and AllStays can help you find private RV parks, and you can also look for privately-owned campgrounds in specific regions.

When choosing a private campground, consider factors such as location, amenities, cost, and weather. Some private campgrounds may have additional costs for utilities, so be sure to inquire about those as well. It's also important to read the rules and regulations of each campground, as they can vary.

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Stealth Parking

Stealth camping is a great way to save money and experience the freedom of living the life you want. It is all about living invisibly and leaving no trace. You can stealth camp in urban streets or the countryside, but the key is to keep yourself to yourself and change locations often so that people don't pay much attention to you.

  • Embrace the "stealth" van life: Make your van look as unmemorable as possible on the outside. Plain white cargo vans are common as commercial work vehicles, so they can provide good urban camouflage. Avoid lots of stickers or crazy paint jobs, as they will make your van stand out.
  • Blackout your windows: Use blackout curtains or opaque window tint to prevent people from seeing inside your van while you are sleeping or just hanging out.
  • Find the right spots: Look for areas where cars are normally left overnight or where it is not uncommon for people to arrive and leave throughout the night. Hotel parking lots, 24-hour grocery stores, rest stops, and Walmart are some good options. In most cities, you can also park on the street where most residents park their cars, as long as you obey local parking signs and laws.
  • Change locations frequently: Avoid parking in the same spot two days in a row. If you're staying in one area for an extended period, find several legal overnight parking spots and rotate between them. Have a selection of "night" spots for sleeping and "day" spots for during the day.
  • Be considerate: Don't cook, watch movies, or do other activities in your "night" spot. The night spot is for sleeping only.
  • Be aware of your surroundings: Avoid parking on dark, secluded streets or in empty parking lots. Use common sense and avoid areas with high crime rates.
  • Take safety precautions: Lock your van whenever you leave, even if it's just for a minute. Consider installing advanced alarm systems, door deadbolts, or padlocked door locks for added security.
  • Be respectful: Always clean up after yourself and leave the campsite as you found it. Respect other campers and the environment.

Remember that stealth camping is about keeping a low profile and blending in with your surroundings. With a bit of discretion and common sense, you can find free and legal parking spots for your camper.

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Camper Safety

Choosing a Safe Location:

When selecting a place to park your camper for the night, it's essential to prioritise safety. Here are some recommended locations:

  • RV Campgrounds: These sites offer convenience, security, and necessary hookups like water, electricity, and even wifi. They are one of the most common places to park a camper due to their amenities.
  • National and State Parks: These parks offer beautiful and scenic locations to park your camper. However, they tend to fill up quickly during warmer months, so it's best to book in advance.
  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land: BLM land is abundant across the country and offers free, dispersed camping. You can usually find secluded spots away from other campers.
  • Truck Stops: Truck stops are designed for large semi-trucks to park overnight and offer essential amenities like food and showers. While you're not driving a truck, these stops are still legal and convenient for a good night's rest.
  • Walmart Parking Lots: Many Walmart stores allow RV and campervan travellers to park overnight. It's courteous to park away from the store to avoid taking prime spots from customers.
  • Casinos: Many casinos allow free overnight parking to encourage gambling. Even if you're not interested in gambling, this can be a good, inexpensive option for a quick rest.
  • Schools: Schools sometimes allow parking in their lots for a short period, especially if you have a connection to the school. Always check with administrators first, and use this option only as a last resort.

Urban Boondocking:

If you're camping in urban areas, here are some tips for finding safe parking spots:

  • Keep a Low Profile: Embrace the "stealth" van life. Make your van look unmemorable and avoid eye-catching decorations or paint jobs. Blackout windows with curtains or opaque tinting.
  • Rotate Parking Spots: Avoid parking in the same spot two nights in a row. Find multiple legal spots and rotate between them. Have separate "night" spots for sleeping and "day" spots for parking during the day.
  • Quiet and Discreet: Choose quiet spots where cars are typically left overnight. Avoid busy areas, and be mindful of your surroundings.
  • Keep Blinds Drawn: Be quiet and avoid drawing attention to yourself. Keep your blinds drawn, and if you need to work with the lights on, park near a street light to minimise visibility.
  • Use Parking Meters: Take advantage of parking meters and side street parking. Locals often avoid spots with morning street sweeping or early-ticking meters, so these can be great options for a quiet night's sleep.

General Safety Tips:

  • Always ask for permission when parking on private property or unsure locations.
  • Be mindful of the size of your vehicle when navigating remote locations or narrow roads.
  • Keep your campervan at least 100 feet away from the nearest stream or lake.
  • Be aware of fire restrictions and take precautions to prevent fires, especially in dry conditions.
  • Store food and scented items securely to avoid attracting wildlife, especially bears.
  • Always lock your doors when stepping out of the camper, even for a short time.
  • Be cautious when answering the door to strangers, and trust your instincts if a situation feels unsafe.
  • Be considerate of others' space and privacy, especially in crowded campgrounds.

By following these guidelines and using common sense, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience in your campervan.

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Frequently asked questions

Free campervan parking is available on public lands and private property. In the US, there is free parking on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, in national forests, and at national monuments. You can also park for free in Walmart parking lots, although this varies by city.

Campervans can park overnight at truck stops, casinos, Walmart parking lots, schools, RV campgrounds, and national and state parks.

To find a safe place to park a campervan overnight, look for well-lit areas with other cars. Avoid parking near schools or playgrounds, and keep your blinds drawn.

To find a place to park a campervan for multiple days, you can use websites like Reserveamerica.com or books like Don Wright's Guide to Free Campgrounds. You can also ask the local police or sheriff's office for recommendations.

Before parking a campervan in an RV campsite, verify that the site is accessible for your vehicle and that your rig will fit the campsite. It's also important to check for any hazards or obstructions and to have an assistant guide you in.

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