Rest area overnight stops.

[Rodallg]

Is it allowed to spend the night at a rest area? Hope this isn't a dumb question to ask.

[Jarlaxle]

pablo77 wrote:

wb2ivu wrote:
Whilst traveling through the state of Ohio, we found one (1) rest-stop that actually had a specific area for overnight RV parking. For the cost of $20, you had a spot the offered electric. A dump station was provided on your way out.

That would be along the Ohio turnpike. I believe there are several plazas which allow RV parking with hookups.

I can confirm that...though it might be cheaper to stay at a campground, considering the tolls!

[tatest]

MrWizard wrote:

BB_TX wrote:
Texas not only allows overnighting in the rest areas, they offer free wifi.

Oh Yeah ??

where are they at

i never saw any when i crossed texas 'twice' last year
in fact the road side rests, where ancient, canopies over a tables
the drive was full of pot holes, and the rest area's nothing but 'stickers and burrs", hot as hell and no water, pitiful shade, and no way to get away from the 18 wheelers, glad i only stopped during the day

The Welcome Center at the end of I-44 in Wichita Falls, for one. Rest Area provides WiFi, city provides electric and water hookups, and dump station. I've stayed there three times enroute to San Antonio.

[AllegroD]

Francesca Knowles wrote:

Kiwi_too wrote:

Francesca Knowles wrote:

Kiwi_too wrote:
Hey. Went to Blue lake this weekend. Loved it.

Blue Lake! Sinlahekin Valley, right?

I was there myself a couple of weeks ago...

Here's a tip:
My overnight-on-the-way spot to that area is the itty bitty wedge of Forest Service land near the base of the dam at Cle Elum. I'll post directions if you're interested...but as an alternative:
I've spent more than one night in the parking lot of the ranger station in Cle Elum, too.

I am not sure we are talking the same place. Blue lake is on 17, between Soap Lake/Ephrata/Moses Lake (I90, exit 151,going north) and Coulee City/Coulee Damn. Had late lunch at Los Cabos, Cle Elum, on the way home

OOPS!

Wrong Blue Lake- though that one's pretty nice, too. The Blue Lake I meant is the one about twenty miles northwest of Omak. Really good fishing there!

Trackin'. Up 97. Hope to see that valley as well. Not retired and nnot enough time, yet.

[MrWizard]

in that case
the pan handle has No Rest area's , only some badly maintained picnic areas
bty.. i said nothing about shady parking for the RV

the pitiful shade was a comment about the canopies and no trees

BB_TX wrote:

MrWizard wrote:

BB_TX wrote:
Texas not only allows overnighting in the rest areas, they offer free wifi.

Oh Yeah ??

where are they at

i never saw any when i crossed texas 'twice' last year
in fact the road side rests, where ancient, canopies over a tables
the drive was full of pot holes, and the rest area's nothing but 'stickers and burrs", hot as hell and no water, pitiful shade, and no way to get away from the 18 wheelers, glad i only stopped during the day

There is a difference between "rest area" and "picnic area" in Texas roadside stops. Rest areas have restrooms, water fountains, vending machines, and frequently kid play grounds, picnic areas do not. Both have covered tables. Neither have shade for your rig. Neither are campgrounds, just a place to stop. And they are there for truckers as well as anyone else needing to stop.

[Francesca_Knowl]

Kiwi_too wrote:

Francesca Knowles wrote:

Kiwi_too wrote:
Hey. Went to Blue lake this weekend. Loved it.

Blue Lake! Sinlahekin Valley, right?

I was there myself a couple of weeks ago...

Here's a tip:
My overnight-on-the-way spot to that area is the itty bitty wedge of Forest Service land near the base of the dam at Cle Elum. I'll post directions if you're interested...but as an alternative:
I've spent more than one night in the parking lot of the ranger station in Cle Elum, too.

I am not sure we are talking the same place. Blue lake is on 17, between Soap Lake/Ephrata/Moses Lake (I90, exit 151,going north) and Coulee City/Coulee Damn. Had late lunch at Los Cabos, Cle Elum, on the way home

OOPS!

Wrong Blue Lake- though that one's pretty nice, too. The Blue Lake I meant is the one about twenty miles northwest of Omak. Really good fishing there!

[2oldman]

UltraKen wrote:
I think the OP was really asking about quick/free alternatives to campgrounds when traveling long distances.

I think he was asking about rest areas, presumably for a Class A motorhome. And he has not returned.

[UltraKen]

I think the OP was really asking about quick/free alternatives to campgrounds when traveling long distances.

In addition to rest areas (which I've never used) good choices are Walmart Super stores. They are open 24 hrs and always seem to have a security car patrolling. Another choice is Cracker Barrel. For both ask management first.

Don't forget Truck Stops. Flying J is very RV friendly with RV parking in front, dump stations, and big truck parking areas out back. I've parked both front and back and never been bothered.

There's also Pilot and Love's among the big Truck Stops.

If I need a quick nap during the day, any shopping mall, grocery store, or church parking lot should be OK for a few hours.

I just avoid isolated places at night. And always use your deadbolt lock...

Enjoy your travels.
:C

[Sully2]

wny_pat wrote:
Keep on Driving: A holiday roundup of rest stop crimes and catastrophes

Highway rest areas no place to let your guard down

Along highways, signs of serial killings


A scary highway rest stop encounter

Battle's Rest Area Crime Map - Last updated Feb 2013

If I were that sacred Id have to wonder why anyone left the safety of their own homes?

[BB_TX]

MrWizard wrote:

BB_TX wrote:
Texas not only allows overnighting in the rest areas, they offer free wifi.

Oh Yeah ??

where are they at

i never saw any when i crossed texas 'twice' last year
in fact the road side rests, where ancient, canopies over a tables
the drive was full of pot holes, and the rest area's nothing but 'stickers and burrs", hot as hell and no water, pitiful shade, and no way to get away from the 18 wheelers, glad i only stopped during the day

There is a difference between "rest area" and "picnic area" in Texas roadside stops. Rest areas have restrooms, water fountains, vending machines, and frequently kid play grounds, picnic areas do not. Both have covered tables. Neither have shade for your rig. Neither are campgrounds, just a place to stop. And they are there for truckers as well as anyone else needing to stop.

[zb39]

Awesome! A little lite reading.

[dahkota]

Walmart parking lot crime
10 Craziest Walmart crimes of 2011
Walmart Crime
...Crime follows store

Two stabbed in campground
Campground attack
Campsite Attacks
Campers targeted

Rest stops are not the only place crime happens.

[wny_pat1]

Keep on Driving: A holiday roundup of rest stop crimes and catastrophes

Highway rest areas no place to let your guard down

Along highways, signs of serial killings


A scary highway rest stop encounter

Battle's Rest Area Crime Map - Last updated Feb 2013

[AllegroD]

Francesca Knowles wrote:

Kiwi_too wrote:
Hey. Went to Blue lake this weekend. Loved it.

Blue Lake! Sinlahekin Valley, right?

I was there myself a couple of weeks ago...

Here's a tip:
My overnight-on-the-way spot to that area is the itty bitty wedge of Forest Service land near the base of the dam at Cle Elum. I'll post directions if you're interested...but as an alternative:
I've spent more than one night in the parking lot of the ranger station in Cle Elum, too.

I am not sure we are talking the same place. Blue lake is on 17, between Soap Lake/Ephrata/Moses Lake (I90, exit 151,going north) and Coulee City/Coulee Damn. Had late lunch at Los Cabos, Cle Elum, on the way home

[Francesca_Knowl]

Kiwi_too wrote:
Hey. Went to Blue lake this weekend. Loved it.

Blue Lake! Sinlahekin Valley, right?

I was there myself a couple of weeks ago...

Here's a tip:
My overnight-on-the-way spot to that area is the itty bitty wedge of Forest Service land near the base of the dam at Cle Elum. I'll post directions if you're interested...but as an alternative:
I've spent more than one night in the parking lot of the ranger station in Cle Elum, too.