Where to Park an RV: Options and Rules

• There are many places to park an RV, but rules and costs vary a lot by location.
• Private campgrounds and public parks each have pros and cons. Safety, privacy, and amenities matter.
• You can sometimes park overnight for free, but restrictions and risks apply. Local laws differ.
• Urban and rural settings offer very different RV experiences and challenges.

If you want a quick answer: You can park your RV at campgrounds (public or private), designated rest areas, certain retail store lots, travel centers, RV resorts, and even on private land by permission, but each option comes with its own rules. Town and city regulations are often stricter, especially about overnight stays. Always check posted signs and local laws before you settle in, since many places that once allowed RV parking have tightened their policies. The most reliable options are established campgrounds, but many RVers look for cheaper or free alternatives when possible.

What Are Your Choices for RV Parking?

RVers have more parking options than most people think, but not every option is ideal for every trip. Your choice depends on needs like hookups, budget, safety, how much privacy you want, and, frankly, your tolerance for noise.

Here are some common parking options:

• Public campgrounds (state, federal, local)
• Private campgrounds (independent or chain)
• Boondocking/dispersed camping on public lands
• RV resorts and luxury parks
• Retail parking lots (like some Walmarts or Cracker Barrels)
• Truck stops and travel centers
• Rest areas
• Private property (by permission or rental)
• Events and fairgrounds

I think most people default to campgrounds out of habit, but not every trip needs water, electric, and a bathhouse. Sometimes you just want a quiet spot, even if it means going without a picnic table. Honestly, I’m not sure there is a perfect choice for everyone.

Public Campgrounds and Parks

These are run by city, county, state, or federal agencies. When people talk about camping “in nature”, this is what they usually mean. The big draw is price and the setting. Spots can go for half the price of private parks, sometimes even less. Whether it is a quiet lakeshore, mountain forest, or desert, these places put you in some pretty nice locations.

Amenities are hit or miss. Most have basic facilities:

• Bathhouses or vault toilets
• Dump stations
• Picnic tables, fire rings, or grills
• Some have hookups for water/power, but not all

Public parks are usually the first suggestion for families or anyone wanting affordable, nature-based camping.

You usually need to reserve ahead, especially in popular destinations. Some sites sell out within minutes of reservations opening. Walk-in first-come sites exist, but are rare in summer.

The downside? Not everyone loves the rules. Most have quiet hours, pet limits, and short maximum stays. Some actually check to see if you follow the “no generator” window.

Key rules for public campground parking

• Book early for busy locations, or arrive when gates open for walk-ins
• Stay limits typically range from a few nights up to two weeks
• Respect posted quiet hours and leash laws
• Fines are real if you break the rules

It’s always smart to read the campground website in advance. They post all the little details, including size limits for RVs and any extra vehicle fees.

I once assumed a small state park would have space for my 32-foot trailer, but they only allowed up to 25 feet. Lesson learned.

Private Campgrounds and Parks

Private campgrounds cover a wide range: tiny rural lots, crowded chains, lakeside resorts, and even “glamping” experiences. Usually, you get more amenities than you would at public parks:

• Full hookups (water, power, sewer)
• WiFi (though results vary)
• Communal spaces like pools or game rooms
• Laundry, bathhouses, stores, propane fills

Some cater mostly to weekenders, while others turn into “snowbird” enclaves with long-term or seasonal stays.

The main differences? Private campgrounds usually cost more. And there are often extra fees for everything, like extra cars or even for using the showers.

You also see more rules about what rigs are allowed. Some upscale places set minimum RV age and condition. Honestly, I have mixed feelings on that one, but I get their angle.

If amenities or location matter most, and you don’t mind paying, private campgrounds are the most predictable choice.

Rules to watch in private campgrounds

• Advance reservations usually required, sometimes with deposits
• Rules may limit the age and appearance of RVs
• Stay limits vary a lot , some allow long-term parking
• Quiet hours and pool rules are enforced, especially in resort settings

Not every private campground feels relaxing , proximity to a highway or packed row-style parking can kill the mood. Look at reviews and recent satellite images. Sometimes glossy websites hide the worst features.

Boondocking and Dispersed Camping

Boondocking is free-range camping, usually on public lands managed by agencies like the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or National Forest Service. “Dispersed camping” is a term for spots outside a formal campground , no marked sites, no hookups, sometimes no services at all.

Why do it? It’s free, and you can camp in jaw-dropping scenery. Plus, there is peace and solitude you will not find in a busy campground.

But this freedom comes with a list of tradeoffs:

• No hookups (bring water, manage waste, and watch your battery/propane)
• Sites may be rough or uneven
• No trash service , pack everything out
• Campsites first-come, first-served (no reservations)

You are responsible for your own safety, waste, and supplies, and you really need to understand “leave no trace” rules.

Boondocking is not legal everywhere. Check maps and agency websites for “public use” details. Some areas close to cities are now off-limits due to overuse, trash, or local regulations.

If you are new to this, join forums or seek newer guidebooks. Locations change all the time, as folks move from spot to spot and some areas ban RVs outright.

Basic boondocking etiquette and rules

• No long-term stays: often 14 days in any 28-day window
• Stay at least 100-200 feet from a water source
• Quiet hours may still apply. Keep generators to daytime where possible
• Camp only where parking is already established , never make a new site

Is it safe? Most RVers feel safe, but follow your instincts. If it feels off, move on. It’s your home, after all.

Urban Overnight Parking

Let’s talk about parking in cities or suburbs. Maybe you’re traveling through, or maybe you need a place to spend the night between destinations. This is where things get tricky.

Retail lots used to be common for overnight RV parking. Now, national chains are tightening policies because of misuse and local pushback. Still, Walmart gets mentioned a lot. Some stores do welcome respectful overnight guests.

Where you might park overnight in a city:

• Certain Walmart, Cabela’s, or Cracker Barrel locations
• A few large grocery or hardware store lots
• Casino parking lots (they often allow free overnight stays)
• Churches or schools (with prior permission)

But most rest areas in urban areas are marked “no overnight parking.” Some truck stops let RVs park in overflow or car areas but expect to see lots of semis coming and going.

Never assume a store or lot allows RVs overnight. Always call ahead or check inside.

Sometimes there are local ordinances against sleeping in vehicles , even in RVs. Neighborhoods might be quick to call the authorities if they see an RV parked overnight on the street.

Basic etiquette and rules for retail lot parking:

• Ask the manager and follow any guidelines (where to park, time limits, must leave by morning)
• Do not put out awnings, chairs, or set up camp , keep a low profile
• Never dump waste of any kind
• Support the business by shopping or filling up if possible
• Move on if asked

These stops are meant for short overnights or emergency use, never for camping. Some people ignore the rules and spoil it for others, which is why more places are banning the practice.

Truck Stops and Rest Areas

These can be useful for a quick night’s sleep if you are on a highway. Most big truck stops like Pilot, TA, or Love’s allow RVs, especially in less-busy lots. The reality, though? You may not love the noise or lights. Trucks come and go at all hours.

Some stations have RV-specific amenities , dump stations, potable water, propane fills, or laundry. Not every location offers these, so check the truck stop chain’s app or website. You will likely be parked next to idling semis.

What about rest areas? In some states you can stay overnight, in others you can’t.

Here is a quick table of a few state rest area policies:

Always obey posted signs. And never set up camp , just sleep. If you are asked to move, do not argue.

RV Resorts and Luxury Parks

This is the step up from a typical campground. Resorts offer larger sites, more privacy, extras like clubhouses, golf, swimming pools, and daily activities. They come with a high price and sometimes rules about RV age and type.

I do not stay at these often, but some RVers love the community vibe. These places cater to both short-term vacationers and long-term, so you might meet the same neighbors if you stay for a week or a season.

Check the website before you book:

• Some only allow “Class A” coaches or newer models
• Prices climb during holidays and in warm states during winter
• Pet or guest fees can add up

You usually need to reserve months, sometimes a year, ahead, especially in places like Florida or Arizona in winter.

Short-Term and Long-Term Parking on Private Land

There is a growing trend of renting a private driveway, farm spot, or backyard for your RV via sites like Hipcamp or by personal arrangement. This can be a nice way to park in a safe, legal spot and sometimes enjoy unique amenities.

Some people let friends or family park long-term in their yard or by their barn. In theory, this works, but you do have to watch out for neighborhood covenants or HOA rules. And some cities require a permit even for guests , it can get pretty strict.

Parking on private land can be a cheap, flexible option, but you should always check the property owner’s agreement and local laws before you settle in.

Some RVers share land through small membership clubs, where you pay dues for overnight access to a network of farms or wineries. Again, it is all about knowing the exact rules and expectations.

Event and Fairground Parking

Event venues, county fairs, and festivals often allow RV parking during events. These ranges from simple “dry” (no hookup) lots to full hookups for premium rates. These events can be fun communities: airshows, races, craft fairs.

You might be on gravel, grass, or even in a field. Sometimes you park nearly bumper to bumper. You typically need to book ahead, and there are set arrival and departure rules.

These are not year-round options, but if you follow the festival circuit or plan a trip around big events, they can be surprisingly handy.

Rules to Follow Wherever You Park

Wherever you park, there are a few basic rules that apply almost everywhere:

• Leave the spot cleaner than you found it. Do not dump tanks anywhere except approved facilities
• Never overstay the posted or agreed limit. It takes only a few bad RVers to get a site or a town to ban overnight parking
• If you feel uncomfortable, trust your gut and move on , safety is personal
• Respect noise, generator, and pet regulations
• Obey local ordinances and posted signs. Rules change often and what was fine last year might get you a ticket now

RVing comes with a responsibility to the places and people who host you, even if you pay nothing. Courtesy matters.

Sometimes people ask: “Is it legal to live in my RV full-time?” The truth is, it is complicated. There is no national law against it, but many cities restrict long-term RV parking on streets or vacant land. You may need to bounce between legal stays, and permanent hookups require permits. It is a gray area (and probably a topic for another day).

How to Choose the Right Spot for You

Choosing the right place depends on your style and priorities.

• Need hookups and amenities? Private parks and resorts work best.
• On a budget? Public campgrounds or dispersed camping cost little or nothing.
• Prefer peace and nature? Try national forests or BLM land away from cities.
• Want to be close to attractions or cities? Book early or check private sites on the edge of town.
• Making a quick overnight stop? Look for truck stops or approved retail lots, but do not linger.

You do not have to stick to one way. Many RVers mix it up: resort, park, boondock, then a store lot, depending on weather, season, and mood.

Final Tips for RV Parking

• Check multiple sources for parking info. Apps, forums, travel books, and agency websites each offer different details, and sometimes the data is outdated.
• Always arrive early if you are parking first-come, especially on weekends or holidays.
• If you share a spot, respect your neighbors’ peace and privacy. Headlights and loud music are not appreciated at 11 pm.
• Try not to stress. Plans change and you might need to adjust, but that’s actually part of what people love about RV travel , every stop is a little different.