Rest stops in Ohio and Florida....can you stop to sleep?

[Born2RV]

We're heading to Disneyworld the beginning of April in our motorhome with four adults, two children and four small dogs.....driving straight through from Michigan. We've done this multiple times over the last 40 years, but I wondered what the laws were about stopping to sleep for a couple hours in a rest stop off I-75 in Georgia or Florida? Is it allowed? We've either driven straight through without stopping (other than gas and food) or we've stopped overnight in various campgrounds or RV parks along the freeway. Thanks for your expert advice!

[Wizard]

Not legal in Georgia though some do it anyway

[jenandjon]

If im tired im sleeping. Maybe not for a full 8 hours but a couple hour nap.

[PanJH]

No for Florida --- here's a cut from the Fl. DOT website


Each facility is protected by security personnel during evening and nighttime hours. Most of the rest areas provide family restrooms for travelers who may need companion assistance to make use of the facilities. The facilities in our Welcome Centers and Interstate Rest Areas are open and maintained 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your comfort and convenience. The State of Florida's Welcome Centers, Rest Areas and Turnpike Service Plazas are generally equipped with phones for use by travelers in case of emergency. Overnight camping is not permitted, but visitors may stay for up to three hours.

[Capn_Dave]

Originally Posted by PanJH

No for Florida --- here's a cut from the Fl. DOT website


Each facility is protected by security personnel during evening and nighttime hours. Most of the rest areas provide family restrooms for travelers who may need companion assistance to make use of the facilities. The facilities in our Welcome Centers and Interstate Rest Areas are open and maintained 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your comfort and convenience. The State of Florida's Welcome Centers, Rest Areas and Turnpike Service Plazas are generally equipped with phones for use by travelers in case of emergency. Overnight camping is not permitted, but visitors may stay for up to three hours.

No for Florida is correct. That being said, I have never seen anyone being told to leave because there 3 hours was up. Never heard of anyone getting a ticket either

[NHRA225]

I Overnight in Rest Areas all the way down and all the way back, Have Never- Never has an issue. I don't believe that having dinner and sleeping in your Motor Home Constitutes -- Camping ! Respect others Privacy.

[MRUSA14]

Originally Posted by Capn_Dave

No for Florida is correct. That being said, I have never seen anyone being told to leave because there 3 hours was up. Never heard of anyone getting a ticket either

X2. I think they have that written so that they can chase people who set up camp. But if you spend the night with slides in and nothing on the outside I doubt very much you'll be bothered. The secret is to look like you are parking, not camping.

[jacwjames]

I would look for a Walmart Super Store that allows overnight parking.

We have stopped at the Walmart South of Macon, last exit on the bypass south. Easy in and out, The first time we stopped a security guard drove out, got of her vehicle and said "Welcome to Walmart, we're glad you stopped, I will be on security all night so you won't have anything to worry about" She then suggested a place to park.

They have also built a new Cabela's north of Atlanta. If there isn't a local ordinance preventing it they allow overnight parking. They have water fill ups and a dump. We've overnighted in their lots in NE, MI, MO, PA. You can spend a couple in the store easy.

[Born2RV]

Thank you! We have four adult drivers, but in the early morning hours, we may want to stop for a couple hours.

[Shark2]

Originally Posted by Born2RV

Thank you! We have four adult drivers, but in the early morning hours, we may want to stop for a couple hours.

Do not forget, you can stop at most of the following with no issues, if trucks are there then you are good to go, we do all the time, Loves, Flying J, TA, Pilot.

[Dog Folks]

Originally Posted by PanJH

No for Florida --- here's a cut from the Fl. DOT website


Each facility is protected by security personnel during evening and nighttime hours. Most of the rest areas provide family restrooms for travelers who may need companion assistance to make use of the facilities. The facilities in our Welcome Centers and Interstate Rest Areas are open and maintained 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your comfort and convenience. The State of Florida's Welcome Centers, Rest Areas and Turnpike Service Plazas are generally equipped with phones for use by travelers in case of emergency. Overnight camping is not permitted, but visitors may stay for up to three hours.

This is correct, but in the real world is no security officer or LEO is going to put a tired driver back on the road. I have inside knowledge of this "policy."

[IamJerryP]

This is one of those rules nobody cares about, or enforces, unless you call attention to yourself, and become a problem.
Then they have a way to deal with the problem

[lbaldwin]

Ohio Turnpike service centers in particular have about 3 or 4 each direction that have 'full hookups' for RVs. As I remember, they were only good up to 40 ft length but did stay in several truck stops overnight to get rest. Easier than getting off I80/turnpike and finding a wall mart / campground.

[CampDaven]

Originally Posted by MRUSA14

X2. I think they have that written so that they can chase people who set up camp. But if you spend the night with slides in and nothing on the outside I doubt very much you'll be bothered. The secret is to look like you are parking, not camping.

In a 30 foot MH with 4 adults, 2 kids, 4 dogs....slides cannot stay in.
Me thinks. JMHO
Either way, "campground" is better than trying to sleep while waiting for a knock on the door.
RVM1
AKA: Captain Forehead