Safety while stopping overnight to get some sleep

X4 go with your feelings. We stopped at a Walmart down in Florida City a week ago, just to get some stuff not overnight. And they had armed guards- off duty cops- at the entrances. That's a strong hint you don't want to overnight there.

Also the Second Amendment should be your guide to personal safety.

Like Skip said, if you want security pay the 30 or so bucks and stay in a gated community (camp ground) for the night.

Deep into the night those rest areas without security are risky...there's a reason that for years truck drivers have called them "Pick A Parts". Same goes for the rest rooms in those rest areas.

x3! If it doesn't feel right, don't stop there. Use common sense. Only stop in well lit areas, keep the doors locked and don't open the door for anyone. Even in campgrounds. When we stop at Walmarts we park near a light and near the entrance if possible. Always a good idea to let the manager know you're there. Many Walmarts have security patrols.

Of all the traveling back and forth across the country I stop in all the above and have yet to have any problem. In fact not the slightest hint of trouble

Camp ground would be the safest

^^^ X2 ^^^

I think its a judgement call. One Walmart might be great, the next one down the road might be creepy. When we've stopped in waysides for a few hours at night, if there are RVs and truckers, and it "feels" right, then we stay. I've pulled in some and pulled right out again. Go with your "spidey sense".