Safe places to stop and rest?

[Steve,N,Jan]

We are heading up to get Travel trailer in a week or two. Sioux Falls .8 hrs and 40 min from St. Louis. I plan on getting there early afternoon, change tires do pretrip inspection say thx to the man and head back home. My question to you kind folks is : Where are safe spots to pull in and get some rest before proceeding with our journey home. Are truck stops friendly to campers? I have heard rumors that Walmarts are. Is this true or should I keep my eyes open for rest areas on the way there to stop on return trip?

[Cutch]

Best thing to do is get AllStays App for your smart phone. It will provide camping area’s in a particular area including Walmart, Sams, Costco, etc with notes for each about what is permitted and etc. Most rest stops do not allow overnight camping, so possibly Walmart or just sleep a few hours in a rest stop. The App will help you out.

[arcaguy]

I've slept for hours in all sorts of rest areas all over the country east of Kansas. I've never had an issue. Although it may be technically against the law I've never heard of anyone being run out of a rest area. That said, it is also not a restful place. The trucks will be coming and going all night so if you're not a heavy sleeper it probably won't be restful sleep. Check with the local Walmart, Cracker Barrel, Bass Pro Shop or Cabela's, they're probably better options and many allow overnight stays.

[Just For Fun]

Originally Posted by Cutch

Best thing to do is get AllStays App for your smart phone. It will provide camping area’s in a particular area including Walmart, Sams, Costco, etc with notes for each about what is permitted and etc. Most rest stops do not allow overnight camping, so possibly Walmart or just sleep a few hours in a rest stop. The App will help you out.

I've traveled quite a bit throughout the USA and never saw a "Rest Stop" that had signs stating "No Overnight Parking."

In finding a place that is safe, this can vary dramatically. Walmarts - away from the semis - are fine for the most part. Even if they have signs stating "No Overnight Parking" call or visit that local store manager and simply ask "Can I park over night in your parking area?" Most times they will say "Sure. We put the signs up to stop the ones who stay for weeks. But stay as far away from the general parking areas a you can."

Granted, some cities do have local ordinances that do NOT allow for overnighting anywhere other than legitimate campgrounds.

[twinboat]

I guess your missing the signs or never stopped in any east coast rest areas.

Many of them are posting " No Overnight Parking " signs.

[Excesses]

Some casinos will let you stay for free. We always phone ahead whether it be a casino, Walmart or otherwise.

Check out this web site for some tips.

https://freecampsites.net/overnight-rv-parking/

Cheers

DJ

[Isaac-1]

Many Wal-Mart stores will allow overnight RV parking, most of the ones that don't are either in popular tourist areas, or are mandated by local ordnance not to allow overnight parking. Best to call and ask at the customer service desk (Don't ask to speak to a manager, they are way too busy to deal with this sort of question). Flying J truck stops allow RV's to park overnight, some of their locations have designated RV parking spaces, though often you will find commercial trucks or regular cars parked in these spaces, also they are often not long enough for longer RV's. Don't expect to get much sleep though, with trucks coming and going all night, blowing air horns, etc. (I did it one time in my coach, I hope to never have to do it again). Road side rest areas are much the same, lots of 18 wheelers spend the nights in them, and if you don't stop early in the evening you are not likely to get a spot.


For cheap places to stay, check out ultimate campground guide, they even have some free sites. Also many small towns in the great plains states seem to have public campgrounds in city parks, around community center buildings, etc. often with water and electric hookups priced at $10-$15 per night at self pay drop boxes. I stayed at 3 of these crossing Kansas in 2017.

[tmw188]

Originally Posted by Isaac-1

Many Wal-Mart stores will allow overnight RV parking, most of the ones that don't are either in popular tourist areas, or are mandated by local ordnance not to allow overnight parking. Best to call and ask at the customer service desk (Don't ask to speak to a manager, they are way too busy to deal with this sort of question). Flying J truck stops allow RV's to park overnight, some of their locations have designated RV parking spaces, though often you will find commercial trucks or regular cars parked in these spaces, also they are often not long enough for longer RV's. Don't expect to get much sleep though, with trucks coming and going all night, blowing air horns, etc. (I did it one time in my coach, I hope to never have to do it again). Road side rest areas are much the same, lots of 18 wheelers spend the nights in them, and if you don't stop early in the evening you are not likely to get a spot.


For cheap places to stay, check out ultimate campground guide, they even have some free sites. Also many small towns in the great plains states seem to have public campgrounds in city parks, around community center buildings, etc. often with water and electric hookups priced at $10-$15 per night at self pay drop boxes. I stayed at 3 of these crossing Kansas in 2017.

We stayed a a City Park Campground just two weeks ago in Sayre OK. It was probably super nice in its day but still has some decent sites. We had a nice stay and evening visiting with another couple next to us. It had 50a and water. I heard there was a dump station but didn’t need it. All for $12. Then just outside of Joplin Mo stayed another night at a place called Beagle something? It even had a pretty decent heated outdoor pool. The owner trying to bring it back and offers GS discount all for $26. Those were two inexpensive stops that I happened upon using AllStays.

[Trekkar]

RV Parky is a free app that shows campgrounds, possible stops, etc. It also shows low clearance issues on many roads. However, if using Walmarts, Cracker Barrels, etc., always check with the actual location first. The app information is not always up to date.

[J Birder]

Walmarts are a good bet, except in areas where local ordinances prohibit it.


The Walmart in Sioux Falls used to allow overnight parking, but the municipality now prohibits it. The Walmart in Mitchell (70 miles farther west) is a nice place to rest for the night.


Joel

[Busskipper]

https://www.allstays.com/c/wal-mart-locations.htm

we use this and call the Wal*Mart before we arrive - red means NO - BUT you can still call and ask - Funny how that works.

Wal*Mart is IMHO the best bet - they Have Security - They Have Lights - You can find them Easily - and if you need anything they likely have it.

While replacing the tires check all the lights and the Breaks

Best of Luck,

[Steve,N,Jan]

Thanks everyone I now have 4 new apps on my phone and more importantly piece of mind! I am so glad I found you guys.

[winniman]

Originally Posted by Excesses

From a senior member to a junior member.

A lot of us travel in directions that we have not yet travelled. Some of us don"t go too far away, others like my wife and I travel significant distances by the seat of our pants. Mexico, Wisconsin and all points in between.

This forum is meant to be helpful to others, not critical of others.

I'm not sure why you responded the way you did. It didn't help at all.

If you can't help then no response is needed.

Just FYI.

DJ

[WorldCat25]

Originally Posted by J Birder

Walmarts are a good bet, except in areas where local ordinances prohibit it.


The Walmart in Sioux Falls used to allow overnight parking, but the municipality now prohibits it. The Walmart in Mitchell (70 miles farther west) is a nice place to rest for the night.


Joel

Cabela's across the street is better.