Community Forums

rwbed1 · 02-19-2012, 09:49 AM

what are the pros and cons of overniting in a rest area on an interstate highway when trying to make good time crossing the country? In which states is it allowed? and not allowed?

njs42 · 02-19-2012, 09:57 AM

Have you tried google for the information? Maybe a truckers guide would help?

In my experience. Interstates have differing rules depending it seems on the particular rest stop. Some restrict time to number of hours etc; others are not so restrictive. A general rule seems to be that they are for resting not camping and overnight stays are restricted to the number of hours or simply not allowed.

njs42 · 02-19-2012, 10:00 AM

Welcome | Interstate Rest Areas try this

1ciderdog · 02-19-2012, 10:29 AM

Pros and cons: Well they are easy to drive in and out and the price is right but seems when I've parked in one for a couple of hours a semi truck ends up close and needs to run it's generator and the noise may be disturbing. I've been "hit up" for gas money and food money by some individuals when at a rest area. Personally, I'd probably use a Walmart if one was handy.

Safe Travels
Bob

jlyon69 · 02-19-2012, 10:40 AM

We have used many for overnighting and never had a problem. However, there are a lot more travel centers (truck stops) that welcome over night says. We generally stay at Pilot/Flying J while traveling. Easy to gas up and grab a quick bite and/or supplies before hitting the road.

Superslif · 02-19-2012, 10:54 AM

On our longer trips (500+ miles) I'll leave after dinner time, drive till I get tired maybe 1am or so. I'll find a lighted area in a interstate rest area and "rest" for 4-5 hours and then be on our way. I don't like to park in the truck parking area because of the noise from running trucks. Having a 25' tt gives us the option of parking in the regular parking area. At 1 or 2am There are not many cars around. I could force myself to drive the whole 750 miles in one shot, but with 4 hours shut eye, I'm refreshed enough to be more alert for the rest of the drive.

diepenj · 02-20-2012, 02:47 PM

Yes...we have stopped for a few winks a number of times. Our rig is a 20' Roadtrek that looks more like a conversion van than a motor home so we can pick a spot under a light right in a regular parking spot. Nobody seems to notice us. We've never been bothered.

Steve N Sal · 02-20-2012, 02:52 PM

I leave the rest stops for the truckers. We always stay at the Flying J Truck Stops when we're on the road. They have an area usually off to one side of their parking lot in the front of the facility for rv'ers. It's always worked well for us.

Diwizi · 02-20-2012, 04:28 PM

I know for sure that Texas allows it.... But i do like Flying J, Pilot, or Loves..... Never thought i woukd spend a night in a truck stop, LOL, but at 60 i an doing a lot of things i never thought i would do.... At first was nervous, but we have had only good overnights at these places.... Havent done the walmart overnight yet... But do check online some states will not allow it... My home state Arkansas says it will, but rest areas are not very frequent.....

larrydp · 05-03-2012, 07:11 PM

Do the Flying J's of the world charge to stay overnight?

cat938g · 05-03-2012, 07:16 PM

Not in California.

jzick · 05-03-2012, 07:22 PM

We have had a couple of pretty, how should I put it, tense encounters in rest areas after dark, and once in broad daylight interrupted a couple of young outstanding citizens standing way too close to the towd. We limit our rest area stops to daylight and short duration.

adventurous2 · 05-03-2012, 09:09 PM

Too many scary stories about rest stops. We prefer Walmart, usually close to the highway and also reasonable priced gas. Walmart has cameras, bright lights, and one door is always open. You just have to put up with the parking lot vacuum cleaner around 3 AM !!!

Oh and I forgot to mention the roasted chicken in the deli, instant dinner !!!

IF you buy the Rand Macnally Road atlas at Walmart it has the listings of all the Walmarts and Sams with exit numbers of the highways. also availability of gas.

Happy travel
Ellen

barbaram · 05-03-2012, 09:21 PM

Agree with Wal Mart and Flying J - have parked at a Flying J and a Loves and never a problem. Haven't tried Wal Mart yet, but will. I'm a little leary of Rest Areas because they are usually in more remote areas, less accessible to help.