My wife and I stayed over at a rest area this past week here in Texas. Now they have what they call "Safety Rest Areas." We rolled in around midnight, Thanksgiving Eve, just east of Pecos. I went inside and there was a police officer on duty. Just thought I'd share for those who want a safe (and free) place to overnight in Texas. Info and map in links below.http://www.txdot.gov/driver/travel/rest-areas.htmlhttp://www.txdot.gov/driver/travel/rest-areas.html?CFC__target=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dot.state.tx.us%2Fapps-cg%2Fsafety_rest_areas%2Fmap.htm

Texas has built a lot of really nice rest areas complete with clean inside restrooms heated and cooled, playgrounds, mini museums of local interest, wifi, snacks/drinks, and large parking areas. Have not seen one with an officer on duty, but have not been in one late at night.

That's a great idea. I wish more states would do it, and will keep it in mind if/when I head across TX.

Was it Minesota or South Dakota, the rest area just before you cross the Miss on I-90, the rest area had a State Police post built into it. Looked like the state used to be real friendly to truckers and RV'rs, as the rest area parking lot was huge and had 100s of truck/rv spots and a 2-lane dumper. Much of the lot and the dumper was all permanently blocked off by K-rail last time I was through, and signs everywhere warning people it was a serious crime to park overnight.

That's great to know. I hope other states follow their lead. Many of the rest areas on I-40 through Arkansas are closed due to crime, and other (strange) activities.

Most States can't afford to keep rest areas open let alone man them with a Police OfficeGood for TX but has to be costly

New concept (?) in rest areas? | Good Sam Community

16 Replies

monkey44
Nomad II
Nov 30, 2015
Florida has had armed security in rest stops for years ... nights only.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Nov 30, 2015
Most States can't afford to keep rest areas open let alone man them with a Police Office

Good for TX but has to be costly
AmericalVette
Explorer
Nov 30, 2015
That's great to know. I hope other states follow their lead. Many of the rest areas on I-40 through Arkansas are closed due to crime, and other (strange) activities.
GordonThree
Explorer
Nov 30, 2015
Was it Minesota or South Dakota, the rest area just before you cross the Miss on I-90, the rest area had a State Police post built into it. Looked like the state used to be real friendly to truckers and RV'rs, as the rest area parking lot was huge and had 100s of truck/rv spots and a 2-lane dumper. Much of the lot and the dumper was all permanently blocked off by K-rail last time I was through, and signs everywhere warning people it was a serious crime to park overnight.
coolmom42
Explorer II
Nov 30, 2015
That's a great idea. I wish more states would do it, and will keep it in mind if/when I head across TX.
BB_TX
Nomad
Nov 30, 2015
Texas has built a lot of really nice rest areas complete with clean inside restrooms heated and cooled, playgrounds, mini museums of local interest, wifi, snacks/drinks, and large parking areas. Have not seen one with an officer on duty, but have not been in one late at night.

Forum Discussion

New concept (?) in rest areas?

16 Replies

About Campground 101

Related Content

Interstate rest area stops

Rest areas?

Rest Areas Safe?

Rest Area / Truck Stop Etiquette

Rest area overnight stops.