Before we started RVing we always stopped for the night around 4 or 5 especially if we did not have a reservation. If we did and were going to be late we called the motel/hotel etc. Same with RV: we usually reserve our RV resort as we don't like Walmart stays and dark alleys and so on. No side of the road either, thank you. If we do not have a reservation and are searching en route then we make sure we get there before 4 PM. Arriving anywhere after dark is not something we do.
PS We once were desperate for a place to stop one night in Southern England, stopped overnight at the end of a quiet road. Next morning we awoke and found we were at the end of a roundabout with cars going every which way--people laughing and honking (hello)? We were more than embarrassed but at least no cops came knocking and people left us alone as they inched by us!!
Before dark and be organized is my motto.
