Overnight Stays at I-95 Rest Areas
Class C 22ft with Fiesta in flat tow. Traveling north from FL to NY and plan on some overnight dry camping while in route. Interstate Rest Areas and Welcome Centers seem like a convenient place to "...
Forum Discussion
When we had the motor home, we often traveled at night and pulled in wherever we could find a spot when I got tired. Since we got the travel trailer, we've only taken more leisurely trips and haven't tried to do the late/all night driving routine. I've never had any problems or been asked to move on from a rest area. We always pulled in after dark, usually late into the evening and were on our way early in the morning.
Since we haven't tried lately, I can't say what it's like these days, but before we sold the motor home, it got to the point where after about 9:30 or so we couldn't even pull into a rest area. There were trucks lined up and down both sides of the ramps and often even stopped in the travel lanes. As others have already suggested, there are alternatives for RVs that might work better, depending on your intent.
I agree that if you are truly camping, a campground is usually worth it. They are usually quieter, safer, and more relaxing. In an ideal world, we wouldn't be constrained for time and could slow down and enjoy the trip. But we've all been there where for whatever reason you just need to make the best time. Pulling into a campground after 10:00 at night just doesn't make sense to me. It's disruptive to those already sleeping, and campgrounds often just aren't that easy to find or convenient to access from the interstate.
Here are some alternatives that may or may not be better than rest areas. It's usually a good idea and good etiquette to check with management to make sure it's OK. It's also suggested to actually use these businesses services whenever possible. Also keep in mind that local ordinances in many cities forbid any overnight parking. Those locations which are usually posted as such are much more likely to force you to move on or worse...
* Cracker Barrel's dedicated RV/Bus parking
* Flying J RV Parking areas
* Cabela's dedicated RV Parking
* Walmart Parking Lots
* Other truck stops - check with management and be aware many truck stops have reserved parking areas you shouldn't be parking in.
Since we haven't tried lately, I can't say what it's like these days, but before we sold the motor home, it got to the point where after about 9:30 or so we couldn't even pull into a rest area. There were trucks lined up and down both sides of the ramps and often even stopped in the travel lanes. As others have already suggested, there are alternatives for RVs that might work better, depending on your intent.
I agree that if you are truly camping, a campground is usually worth it. They are usually quieter, safer, and more relaxing. In an ideal world, we wouldn't be constrained for time and could slow down and enjoy the trip. But we've all been there where for whatever reason you just need to make the best time. Pulling into a campground after 10:00 at night just doesn't make sense to me. It's disruptive to those already sleeping, and campgrounds often just aren't that easy to find or convenient to access from the interstate.
Here are some alternatives that may or may not be better than rest areas. It's usually a good idea and good etiquette to check with management to make sure it's OK. It's also suggested to actually use these businesses services whenever possible. Also keep in mind that local ordinances in many cities forbid any overnight parking. Those locations which are usually posted as such are much more likely to force you to move on or worse...
* Cracker Barrel's dedicated RV/Bus parking
* Flying J RV Parking areas
* Cabela's dedicated RV Parking
* Walmart Parking Lots
* Other truck stops - check with management and be aware many truck stops have reserved parking areas you shouldn't be parking in.
