Sleeping on back roads?

In the east the easiest place to find and stay is Walmart. We've rarely been asked to leave even in small towns with Walmarts that don't stay opened 24 hours. Out west, of course,it's a lot easier. We've stayed at roadside picnic areas, pull offs for historic markers, scenic overlooks, etc. I read the blog of a fulltimer who often stays in small western towns in the parking area next to the train tracks but that might get pretty noisy. :-D

rvit wrote:
and a park and ride in MA. We were eyed closely by local police at the park and ride, but not bothered. It seemed like they were taking notes and if we had been there the next night, something would have been said.

Assuming the "park and ride" is the same as the "commuter lots" here in Connecticut... In Connecticut you are not supposed to stay overnight in a commuter lot, which is why you probably were watched by the local police.

We sometimes even pull into a hotel back parking lot and sleep the night. Always go let the hotel we are back there. Have never been turned down or bothered.

Of course the WALMARTs, Bass Pro Shops, Dennys, Truck stops, Bob Evans, Cracker barrels, etc are all open game... Even some RV Campgrounds have places in a large open parking lot to use overnite at no cost.

Some areas have ordinances against folks sleeping in their RVs overnite - Did get told that at a WALMART one time even tho we had checked in with management and had their blessings...

Never have much luck at the highway Rest Stops anymore. Usually got run off after a couple of hours. In the old days this was always to place to sleep-over until daylight - not anymore it seems...

One BASS PRO SHOP in central ALA was nicer than some campground we have gone to haha... They had the parking areas sectioned off with bushes and even had 120VAC receptacle you could plug into. They want you to eat breakfast with them the next morning and spend some money in the store I guess... We had some business close by and asked if they minded if we could back the next night haha they said sure....

Just read here about the casinos - have done that as well with no issues... Even a Church parking lot one time... I guess the only time those have cars in them is Wednesdays and Sundays... Actually we got invited one time as we had stopped to check out a church adjoining cemetery for family names. The minister drove up and was talking to us and told us we could spend the night in their parking lot if we liked.

Roy Ken

One place to park that people overlook are hiking trail parking lots. Some of them are pretty big and hikers park there, often for days while they backpack a long distance trail. They are usually safe and some even have a portable toilet and/or water. For example, do a search for parking along the Appalachian Trail and you will get some good results. On the west coast you could search Pacific Crest Trail parking. There are other major trails in the middle of the US.

Have you checked:

Free Campgrounds

Free Campsites

Casino Camper

There are others, just do a little research.

You will probably have better results parking along side roads, parking lots, etc. with a Class B than with a larger unit.

Enjoy your travels.