![]() ![]() If this sounds appealing, Harvest Hosts may be perfect for you. Or perhaps you park your RV at a farm, where you get to spend the morning feeding friendly horses and petting adorable baby goats. We take up about six standard parking spaces and need a little room to maneuver in and out, so a quick peek at Google Maps satellite view can help me decide if the lot is suitable.Imagine camping at a picturesque vineyard, where you can enjoy a wine tasting before going to bed. ![]() We learned the hard way that most are just too small for our setup. Their billboards often indicate if they are RV-friendly, meaning they have designated overnight RV parking. A lot of RVers use Cracker Barrel parking lots for this very reason. The nice thing about the retail lots or diners and breweries is you can often get a real sit-down meal at the end of your day, or a nice breakfast to start the next day’s journey. We also stayed at interstate rest areas, truck stop lots, designated RV overnight parking spots in city parks, at least one Harvest Host brewery and a diner along Route 66. Walmart parking lots are most commonly available, but it is best to ask for permission first as not all retail stores allow overnight parking. Last summer, during our return trip home from California to Georgia, we did this frequently. When we are done, we have the option of returning to the free campsite or moving along and finding a rest stop closer to our destination. We can either unload the ebikes, take a short hike near the visitor center or even unhitch if we want a longer scenic drive. Most national park visitor centers have a few RV parking spots, but you aren’t allowed to stay overnight in those spots. If I’m just parking, why pay? Remember that yummy burger? So, we will stay overnight near the park on free public land, stay hitched up and drive into the park early the next day. ![]() ![]() They have campgrounds at the park that are suitable for our size and can be reserved, but they don’t have any utilities. It is halfway between two longer stops but we don’t anticipate needing more than a few hours to enjoy the park. We’ve got one such stay planned for Dinosaur National Monument later this summer. Layover days, or zero-mile days, are great for taking a break, restocking the pantry or visiting an attraction that doesn’t take all day but that you don’t want to miss out on. Not all of these free overnights are just one night. There are also benefits for some state and national park pass holders that include free campsites. The nice thing about most of these apps is that there are photos and reviews from actual people who have stayed there. It’s good to take advantage of the free trials offered by some of them, as not all are suitable for all RV types. Each has its own niche in the world of free RV parking. You simply need to type in a search for “where to park an RV for free” and you’ll get plenty of hits. Some of the websites are free and others are subscription or membership-based. We found that iOverlander was great if you are a van dweller or have a small truck camper, but most of the places listed were too far off the beaten path for our 32-foot-long 5th wheel. There are apps and websites like Campendium, AllStays, RV Life, Harvest Hosts/ Boondockers Welcome and dozens of others to help you find free RV parking. If the weather is pleasant and we just need an overnight rest, why pay for utilities and amenities we don’t need? That’s money I could spend on a yummy burger and beer at a local foodery! So, when we are just trying to get from one place to another, I’ll often do a search for “where to park an RV for free” at a given location. ![]()
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