Sleeping in Rest Areas

[Pikachu711]

I was somethat curious as to what the laws in each state were when it came to sleeping in rest areas. I found an interesting website by Woodalls called "Woodalls, Everywhere&nbsp;RVers go." Here's the url:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.woodalls.com/articledetails.aspx?articleID=2799181">http://www.woodalls.com/articledetails.aspx?articleID=2799181</a><br /><br />The first part of each state's information is the section that contains the rest area laws. It's the last item mentioned. It's also full of other useful information as well as about RV limits in that particular state.<br /><br />Enjoy!

 

[peacetara]

California information: the link you sent says '<span id="ctl00_ctl00_WoodallsMainPlaceHolder_LeftVerticalPlaceHolder_ArticleDetailsControl1_lblBody">Overnight parking in rest areas not allowed.' This is incorrect, the <a href="http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/maint/ra/policy.htm">caltrans website</a> says:&nbsp; You can stay <a href="http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/maint/ra/policy.htm">8hrs at 1 rest stop within 24hours</a>.&nbsp; i.e. you can stay overnight, just not stick around all day too <img src="/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" />&nbsp; You can even use stoves and stuff out on the grassy area(s), just be safe. You however can not sleep ON the grassy area, you have to do that IN your vehicle.<br /><br />I've slept at them many many times overnight, never concerned with timing, and haven't ever had a problem.<br /><br />With Love,<br />Tara<br /></span>

 

[fluffabear]

I've slept at many rest areas as well, and have never encountered a single problem. As long as you follow the rules of the rest area (i.e. taking dogs in designated areas or parking on the correct side) no one really gives a damn. <br /><br />That being said, if rest area parking is your main way, it could take a lot of gas to get to a fresh one each day.

 

[yesican]

Thank you Pikachu...I put that link into my favorites.<br />Rae

 

[Pikachu711]

California information: the link you sent says '<span id="ctl00_ctl00_WoodallsMainPlaceHolder_LeftVerticalPlaceHolder_ArticleDetailsControl1_lblBody">Overnight parking in rest areas not allowed.' This is incorrect, the <a href="http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/maint/ra/policy.htm">caltrans website</a> says:&nbsp; You can stay <a href="http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/maint/ra/policy.htm">8hrs at 1 rest stop within 24hours</a>.&nbsp; i.e. you can stay overnight, just not stick around all day too <img src="/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" />&nbsp; You can even use stoves and stuff out on the grassy area(s), just be safe. You however can not sleep ON the grassy area, you have to do that IN your vehicle.<br /><br />I've slept at them many many times overnight, never concerned with timing, and haven't ever had a problem.<br /><br />With Love,<br />Tara<br /></span>

<br /><br />peacetara, you're correct about the current rest area laws of California. Thanks for posting the correct information! It goes to show you that no matter how reputable the website there are mistakes that do occur.<br /><br />I'll add one additional comment. Be sure and check that states rest area information in which you plan to travel. Never assume that ANY website is 100% accurate. Due dilligence on your part is essential!

 

[Dogman]

Here is a site for the interstate rest stops. &nbsp;It is an e-book (.pdf) file for 2.99.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.roundaboutpublications.com/">http://www.roundaboutpublications.com<br /><br />H</a>ere is a good example/sample of what is provided:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.roundaboutpublications.com/pdf/Interstate_Travel_Guide_Sample.pdf">http://www.roundaboutpublications.com/pdf/Interstate_Travel_Guide_Sample.pdf<br /><br />D</a>ogman

 

[Pikachu711]

Here is a site for the interstate rest stops. &nbsp;It is an e-book (.pdf) file for 2.99.<br /><br />http://www.roundaboutpublications.com/<br /><br />Here is a good example/sample of what is provided: http://www.roundaboutpublications.com/pdf/Interstate_Travel_Guide_Sample.pdf

<br /><br />Dogman, I found this site while I was searching for some type of rest area/rv info website. It does have some useful information. I enjoy looking for websites that contain useful information for us as "van dwellers." Once in a while I do come across some useful websites that have useful information.

 

[Ballenxj]

Thanks for posting this Pikachu711. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /> <br />-Bruce

 

[Simran]

Back in my younger days I had an ol' Harley 74 cu. inch FLH I used to haul to my job, where ever that was, and ride it home every few weeks. Dang thing got 54 MPG! I always stopped at rest areas and slept on top of the picnic tables and then ride on the next morning. I was never questioned nor awakened by anyone ever. Probably wouldn't go over so good anymore.<br /><br />Getting old and soft now; use a van. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /> <img src="/images/boards/smilies/cool.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" />

 

[VanTrekker]

<p>I've slept in a few Iowa rest areas.&nbsp; They are comfortable and reasonably safe.&nbsp; In Iowa, you may not tent camp in a rest area but they can't say much about vehicle camping - truckers stay in there all the time.<br /><br />One friendly attendant even told me I'm more than welcome to sleep there and he thinks it's a cool idea.&nbsp; He got a tour of the van.<br /><br />Hi Simran - good to see you Gus!</p><p>Brad&nbsp; aka V.T.</p>

 

[RetiredNomad]

I stay at rest areas all the time. Was surprised to see many states in that book say its prohibited. N H, Pa, &amp; S C just to mention three are on the no overnight list and I've spent many a night at them while traveling the east coast, never a problem. Last week I stayed at the rest area on 81 just outside of Carlisle Pa. Rest areas are OK but I prefer truck stops.....TA/Flying J. Thank you for that link, good info. Safe travels.........

 

[Simran]

<p>I've slept in a few Iowa rest areas.&nbsp; They are comfortable and reasonably safe.&nbsp; In Iowa, you may not tent camp in a rest area but they can't say much about vehicle camping - truckers stay in there all the time.<br /><br />One friendly attendant even told me I'm more than welcome to sleep there and he thinks it's a cool idea.&nbsp; He got a tour of the van.<br /><br />Hi Simran - good to see you Gus!</p><p>Brad&nbsp; aka V.T.</p>

<br /><br />Thanks Brad; good to be seen. <br /><br />Fall is here things are slowing a bit. During my recent tour in Iowa working I stayed in many a rest area in Iowa. They are among the nicest I've stayed at. Some of them even have WIFI <img src="/images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /> <img src="/images/boards/smilies/comp.gif" alt="" width="40" height="20" align="absmiddle" border="0" /><br /><br />gus

 

[VanTrekker]

<p>Iowa definitely has some of the nicest rest areas.&nbsp; They are clean and well maintained (the newer ones)... The older ones are being replaced by the larger, style.&nbsp; They make for a good "campground."<br /><br />I agree Gus - the wifi is a nice perk.&nbsp; They limit you to something like an hour and a half of wifi per day but a person can always cross over to the other side and log in over there.&nbsp; It seems to work.&nbsp;</p><p>I also noticed that the open areas at the rest areas&nbsp;(as well as other points along the interstate highways) often have much better TV reception.... </p><p>V.T.</p>

 

[wandering mike]

Texas has tons of rest areas with wifi. &nbsp;And lots of "picnic areas" that don't have any facilities. &nbsp;But you can clearly stay 24 hours as long as you "don't erect a shelter". &nbsp;For RV's I take that to mean no slides or jacks. &nbsp;A great series of these are in the Hill country on "Ranch Road 1" which not surprisingly goes right by LBJ's ranch. &nbsp;On the other hand, BLM and National Forest type camping is pretty sparse in Texas.<br /><br />A great area I just spent a week in was Kansas. &nbsp;Lots of towns have free overnight parking in the city park. &nbsp;Some want a few bucks if you want to hook up to electric. &nbsp;Some are almost apologetic about asking for donations. &nbsp;I was at Beloit, KS on US 36 for three days. &nbsp;Free electric, water and dump. &nbsp;They ask you not stay more than 10 days. &nbsp;Gee.<br /><br />Another option to keep in mind is casinos. &nbsp;Often have free perks for first time folks. &nbsp;Casinocampers.com is a site that discusses them.

 

[ParadiseParrot]

The whole purpose of rest area is to allow driver to rest...laff. Truckers MUST by law log X amount of rest time. However if they said you coulod camp there in the regs then some gypsies would move in. Hey free restroom and water etc... I never had a problem catching some shuteye at a rest stop.