It is great when RV owners know where they are going in advance and have campground reservations waiting for them. But not every trip is governed by such well-laid plans. Some people like to travel without a specific itinerary in place. Others make their plans but inevitably find them interrupted by one thing or another. At any rate, reaching the end of a long day of driving sometimes leaves an RV owner looking for free overnight parking.
Overnight parking outside of campgrounds is still possible throughout the United States, though municipalities are slowly but surely cracking down on it. Connecticut-based AirSkirts, makers of a revolutionary inflatable RV skirting product, says it is up to the RV community to not give local officials any reason to further regulate. In light of that, there are certain things RV owners should know about free overnight parking in order to play by the rules.
Some National Chains Are RV Friendly
Most serial RV travelers are familiar with Walmart’s generally friendly attitude toward RV owners. Unless local regulations prohibit overnight parking, Walmart is happy to accommodate RVs. As the thinking goes, RV owners are likely to come into the store to replenish their supplies. Walmart is willing to put up with a slight inconvenience to earn that business.
Walmart aside, did you know that there are other national chains known to be RV friendly? According to RV Lifestyle, RV-friendly chains include Cracker Barrel, Costco, Sam’s Club, Camping World, Home Depot, Travel Centers of America, Flying J, and more. They also say that almost all highway and freeway rest areas are friendly as well.
It Never Hurts to Ask Permission
If RV owners ever doubt whether or not a property owner is open to free overnight parking, it never hurts to ask. In fact, property owners appreciate being asked. It shows them that RV owners are respectful and honest. They would far rather field questions than have RV owners guess.
If you ever ask permission only to have your request denied, politely asked why. If it is just a matter of company policy, there may be other parking lots in the area you can try. But if it’s a matter of local regulations, there’s no point in going down the street. You will have to move on to another town that doesn’t restrict overnight parking.
Setting up Camp Is a Bad Idea
RV owners can be their own worst enemy sometimes. For instance, a big mistake when it comes to free overnight parking is setting up camp. You are only there overnight. Do not pull out your lawn chairs, gas grill, and RV skirting. Definitely don’t hang around the next day. Get up and get going before the business in whose lot you are parked opens for the day.
Cleaning up After Yourself Is a Good Idea
While companies like Walmart are happy to welcome RV owners who may spend money in their stores, they don’t appreciate it when their overnight guests leave a mess behind. All this is to say that cleaning up after yourself is a good idea. It is a very good idea, actually. When you pull away in the morning, it should be like you were never there.
Free overnight parking is no substitute for a scheduled stay in a commercial or private campground. But it can be a lifesaver when your plans are interrupted, or a lack of planning has you nowhere near a campsite at the end of the day. Fortunately for RV owners, plenty of businesses are still open to the idea.
