Pt 21 The Secret parking spots for a Safe Night’s sleep-could it be true?
Unlocking the unwritten rules of places to park, the proper golden rules and RV parking etiquette- don’t be THAT person!
The unwritten rules of places to park and the proper golden rule of overnight RV parking etiquette- don’t be that person!
Need to catch up?
Now that Jaggies had been found, I wiped away my tears of joy and the smidge of guilt, and finally released Jaggies from my relentless barrage of hugs and kisses. As the dust of my emotions settled, we climbed into the passenger seat of the coach. Jaggies nestled contentedly on my lap, soaking up the extra attention, while Zazu perched regally on the back of the chair, assuming the role of the unofficial captain of our journey. My heart swelled with euphoria; we were back together, our little family of four. We have 17 hours and 22 minutes Google time driving routed to Ocala Florida, an optimistic suggestion at best.
We were officially on our way, with our first overnight stop set for the Bass Pro Shop in Memphis, Tennessee.
We had heard whispers in the RV grapevine about certain locations where RV’rs could park overnight, no strings attached. As newbies, it all sounded a bit too good to be true. Like one of those too-perfect-to-be-real events where you show up only to discover there’s a catch. Could it really be that simple? Or would there be some hidden snag waiting to test our optimism?
Turns out, there’s an unwritten rulebook for RVers—a sort of secret society handshake, but with parking lots. These welcoming havens include Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, Cracker Barrel, and Cabela's. Allegedly, even some Costco locations are in on the secret, but don’t quote me on that.
Like a polite houseguest, the golden rule of overnight RV parking etiquette is simple: call ahead. Otherwise, you risk being labeled that RVer—the one who parks without permission and inadvertently ruins it for everyone else. Don’t be that person.
Calling ahead isn’t just courteous; it’s practical. Sometimes, a location may not be able to accommodate you. It could be due to their location, limited parking space, or policies tied to being part of a larger establishment, like a mall. We’ve run into this with a Bass Pro Shop and a Cabela’s that couldn’t host us because mall regulations prohibited overnight parking.
Then there are places, like certain Walmarts, that have stopped allowing RVs altogether because some campers abused the privilege, leaving a mess, overstaying their welcome, or treating the lot like a campground. It’s disappointing for those of us who respect the rules, but it’s a reminder: Always call ahead to confirm. A little courtesy goes a long way in keeping these overnight refuge available for everyone.
And for goodness’ sake, no matter where you roll in to park for the night, don’t put your slides out and make it look like you’ve moved in, or about to host a block party unless you’ve explicitly asked and received permission. It’s not just bad form; it’s downright tacky. Over time, this kind of behavior could lead to businesses revoking the privilege for everyone. Let’s not ruin it for the rest of us, okay?
I’ve driven past Walmarts that looked like makeshift trailer parks, complete with lawn chairs, grills, and folks living their best lives as if they’d checked into the Hilton. Let me be clear: Walmart is not there for your free glamping fantasies. Save the full setup for an actual campsite and help preserve these overnight options for everyone.
I promise, I’m almost done with my Karen rant, but here’s one last quick PSA: Don’t park where the truckers park. Those spaces are their lifeline, reserved for rest breaks mandated by law. If you snag a trucker’s spot, brace yourself for some serious stink-eye—or worse. Trust me, you don’t want to mess with a sleep-deprived trucker. Or, You might just find yourself dodging a urine-filled bottle to the head! Or their garbage dumped right outside your door.
Sometimes, you might find churches or casinos willing to lend their parking lot for an overnight stay. Before dialing up every church in the area, check if the state you’re in even allows overnight parking. That little bit of research can save you a lot of time (and frustration). If it’s allowed, reach out to the local representative and ask for permission. Oh, and Sunday parking is an ultimate no-no (I’ll le tyou think about that one for a moment).
If you’re part of a particular faith, this process might be even easier, you’ll likely get more yeses than nos. Some churches are also part of Harvest Hosts, making them an even more convenient option. Most churches won’t ask for anything in return, but I leave a donation as a thank-you for providing a safe place to rest. I may not belong to any denomination, but gratitude transcends all beliefs, and it’s a small way to pay it forward.
When it comes to casinos, I think they’ve realized the extra revenue potential of welcoming RVers. There’s even a handy website called Casino Camper that lists casino parking lots where you can stay for a night or two, covering locations in both the US and Canada. The site is organized by state and province, and you can also find similar information on some of the free parking apps like RVOvernights, RV Parky and Campendium. And don’t forget Harvest Hosts as they include Boondockes Welcome where people can stay on private land for free.
On the apps the listings include the type of camping available and whether there’s a fee. For example, one casino charged $10 for an overnight stay of dry camping, while another allowed parking only if you had enough points on their rewards card.
Two Types of Casino Camping
There are two main types of casino camping. The first is dry camping, humorously referred to as “blacktop boondocking.” This simply means parking in their lot without any hookups. As always, the same golden rule applies: call ahead and get permission from the manager or guest services before you settle in.
Some casinos take it up a notch by offering an RV park right on-site. These can range from simple setups to more elaborate facilities with hookups. Take the Tonopah Station Hotel RV Resort in Nevada, for instance. They call it a an RV resort, I beg to differ. It was a basic strip of parking spots out back of the casino close to the dumpsters. For $20 a night, though, you got full hookups, laundry, and showers, all on a first-come, first-served basis. Nothing fancy, just a parking lot with no views but with amenities, and it was a great spot to stay a couple of nights and explore the area.
On the other hand, Rising Star Casino Resort in Rising Sun, Indiana, took things up a notch. They had overnight dry camping. And a full hookup gated RV park across the street, complete with a bathhouse. It was clean, well-maintained, and we loved our stay there!
If you’re a fan of casinos, whether for gambling, food, or entertainment, it’s worth signing up for their loyalty cards. These come with all kinds of perks, and some even include special benefits for RV’rs.
Since we’re diving into the unwritten rules and hidden gems of overnight parking, I figured it was worth sharing these details before moving on. After all, a well-informed traveler is a happy traveler! And with plenty of time on the road before reaching our next parking lot destination, why not sprinkle in a few tidbits and golden nuggets along the way?
If you’re just starting out, I hope these insights help smooth the road ahead. If you’re a seasoned traveler, well, consider this a little refresher on the etiquette of the open road and the art of overnight parking and keeping our parking spots always plentiful.
We headed east along I-40, making our way toward Arkansas. There’s something exhilarating about rolling through an entire state, keeping an eye out for that next welcome sign—the gateway to new adventures, or at least a new state to roll through.
But let me tell you, the next state we rolled into was anything but welcoming. That’s a story for next week. Stay tuned!
If you have not subscribed yet, why not? If you are subscribed, you will be alerted as soon as the next story drops and it will come effortlessly into your inbox or an alert on the app every Wednesday morning. So, hit that blue button right there and subscribe now. Jaggies and Zazu and I Thank you!
Once you do that and are feeling all kinds of fuzzy feels, how about tipping the Tipsmobile
If my adventures and stories are bringing a smile to your face, why not throw a little fuel in my tank to keep the wheels turning —literally! Even creativity needs a top-up now and then! Your support keeps me inspired, and rolling down the road. Thanks for being part of the journey!
Need to catch up?
Thank you for tuning in and reading this. I super appreciate you.
~Karen
I love learning about all the secrets to the RV life. And, I am sure there are more places to park, I just have not tapped in yet. And, when I do, I will let you know
This post is full of important information for a newbie like me. Can't wait to read the next issue.