Struggling to find free RV parking options? Or looking for cheap rv parking for long term? If your nod to this was yes then continue reading, I have a long list of all the option you can try. Many of us also need such free RV parking for night stay only.
In most cities, you will have a hard time parking your RV on a city street in front of your relative’s home if it isn’t a small Class B Rv. What this means is that you have to find a place to park without spending a lot of money.
Almost all the free sites we are going to mention in this article require some planning and obtaining permission before you show up with your camper. A lot of these places will have times you can’t park in their large parking lots as well.
We will not only cover free parking options but also those that are relatively cheaper and also those that cane be for long term parking.
1. Churches
Some churches are very accommodating to travelers except on the days or evenings they are using their facilities.
Wednesday and Friday nights a church usually has some meeting going on and then Sunday all day will be off limits because of their services.
But, if you contact the church in advance and ask permission, you may be able to park in their lot for a night when they have nothing going on.
2. Schools
These are another option where you can park safely and without cost. But like churches, there are times when you won’t be allowed to drive up and set up camp. The best days are Friday to Sunday nights as long as you are gone by about 6 a.m. Monday morning.
Holidays are usually fine as well. The key to staying at a school is to contact the Principal in advance through phone calls or emails and ask permission and for their rules. In both this situation and in #1, always be polite, stick to your word, and do not leave a mess.
Anything different may spoil it for the next person needing a place to be safe for a night.
3. State & Federal lands
Some but not all of these areas can be used for free camping. It is best to do some research first to see what the rules are and where the free locations are situated.
If they are not convenient for your ultimate destination, then you would have to keep looking for another free site.
The place to start your search would be BLM or the national forest office. Check for the state equivalent in the states you plan on visiting.
4. Free campsites
There may not be many left but they are still around. Going to a free campsite allows you to relax for a few days and enjoy the beauty around you. The key is finding them open when you are going to be in the area.
One place to start checking would be at this link- Free campsites. These may not have restrictions like churches and schools do.
If that website is not a help to you then try this one or this one. Among the three you should be able to plan your trip and cut your costs.
5. Truck Stops
Driving a big RV is almost like driving a big rig. That is why checking out truck stops is a good idea when you want to get off the road for the night and not pay anything.
These opportunities may not always be free but they do come with amenities that you and your family may be in desperate need, for example, paid showers.
Again, you will have to do some pre-planning and arranging to find one that is near your destination or on the way to it. This link should be able to help you find the right truck stop to use.
6. Rest stops
When you are planning a trip driving your RV through new states, you should look into which states make it legal for you to spend a night at a rest stop.
These little roadside stops have washrooms and plenty of room to wander about before it is time to go to bed.
You may not be able to have a fire but at least you are off the road and able to rest up a bit.
7. WalMart & Casinos
This is hit and miss as not all Wal Marts or Casinos allow for Rv parking. You would have to place by place as even in the same city one Wal Mart may allow it while another one doesn’t.
For casinos try contacting them ahead of time to see if they charge or have space. They may fill up fast during RV season.
8. Camping World
This is a last resort for a free night’s stay. Camping World caters to RV people yet its overnight camping policy may be changing.
Check with individual stores in the area you are passing through to see if they allow you a night’s stay.
One location in Oregon only allows it if you bought your RV from them.
Free camping etiquette
Saving money is nice but there is a difference between good and bad overnight RV campers. The latter always ends up spoiling it for the next guy or girl who needs a free place to stay for a night. Here are some rules to follow so you do not spoil the privilege for someone else:
- Be polite- this includes the owners of the property as well as any neighbors that show up.
- Don’t leave a mess- clean up after yourselves when you leave
- Stock up- on supplies propane, and clean water
- Be prepared- there won’t be hookups s have a way to generate power.
- Be safe- move your RV for any unsafe reason that pops up
Some final words
Saving a few nights of RV camping fees is a great way to extend your travel budget. There are a lot of places you can stay for free if you plan ahead and ask for permission.
If the owners say no, don’t hate on the owner, just remember someone else spoiled it for you because they did not follow the rules of free camping. When you find a place to stay for free, enjoy the surroundings, and have a good time.
