Rest Areas and parking overnight is always an issue for travelers. Is it safe? Is it legal?
They are convenient, sitting right there on the side of the highway. The rules of rest areas vary from state to state. Some states let you park for a few hours, some states up to eight hours, some states allow all day but not overnight, and some states allow overnight as long as you don’t light it on fire (in other words, no campfires).
These state rules are sometimes interpreted differently by authorities as well. So make sure you know the laws and read any signs at the rest area.
Most often you will sharing it with trucks. They are probably idling and smelly and make a lot of noise as they come and go.
We’ve also seen plenty of stories where missing people’s cars are found at rest areas. Some famous serial killers used rest areas. Bodies have been found in fields within walking distance of rest areas. The scary stories go on and on. Considering how many people drive by them every day in this country though, the statistics are pretty good. It all depends on what you are comfortable with for yourself.
I’ve taken plenty of short naps at them when I’m too tired to drive safely and I’ve never felt uneasy. I usually park in the higher traffic area. It’s more noisy but there is lots of activity. I wouldn’t recommend any far away hidden parking spots at rest areas.
You can view our handy map with all the US rest areas on it here. Please give it time to finish loading, even if it looks like it stalled.
I never feel comfortable in rest areas. Sometimes just going to the restroom is scary. I have been to a couple, with visitor centers that are nice.
Marge
I like rest areas to stretch my legs. Maybe make a bite to eat or even a short nap. I don’t use them for any long sleeps though. Too noisy for me most of the time to get good sleep. Waking up every few minutes to revving engines.
Ricky
I’d stay in one by myself but not with my wife. funny how we take more risks alone sometimes
I drive a semi for a living.I have a issue with rv’s taking spots in rest areas.(in the truck parking areas).I am allowed to drive 11 hours,before I use those hours I have to find a safe place to park.Most semi drivers travel the interstates.Many times I’ve had to drive onto another rest area or park on the ramp because rvs are taking spots.Please you can go to a rv park I can’t.Think about it I’m tired I need to sleep,it’s the law for me you rvers can drive as long as you want I can’t.Please respect tru
I agree with you that RV’s should not be taking the truck spots for any length of time. They should be able to stop and use the rest room, stretch the legs and then move on. I’ve seen a few massive sized rest areas where it probably wouldn’t be an issue but many are quite small. I’ve seen rest areas where trucks are parked all over the place, even up and down the exit ramps. This is obviously not a good choice for RVs. Everyone needs to share the road and spaces out there with priorities in the right places.
I take a break at rest stops for about an hour during daylight hours in a congested area. At night, I usually do not take a break. Some rest stops serve coffee, and I am usually in their sights if they are there. After my break, I am back on the road.
I am laid off of work, and have to now live in an RV. I am traveling across the US to find work. I have a piece of sh*t RV so I need to stop at any rest stop I pass to avoid overheating and such. Please remember RVer’s like me, who also have no choice but to stop at Rest Stops. RV parks are around $30 a night, so one month on the road would equal $900 plus gas. Be mad at the $100,000+ RV RIG drivers, not us who have no choice but to stop.
Thank You
I use rest areas and feel comfortable doing so. I consider overnighting in a rest area no different than paying $15 and up for a cheap campsite with maybe just electric hookups. Same goes with a parking lot or even a truck stop such as a TA or Flying J. The only difference I can really see is I didn’t have to pay to see my weirdos camped out next to me. I do tend to park near light poles and in well lighted places. I’d consider some campgrounds to be more dangerous with the poor lighting they often have.
I feel very comfortable at the rest areas in Copiah co in MS because they have very good security guards that watch what is going on 24 hrs a day.