Traveling in an RV gives you the freedom to explore the country at your own pace—but finding safe, legal, and affordable places to park overnight is key to a stress-free journey.
Whether you’re boondocking in the wilderness, stopping at a city lot, or reserving a campground, this guide breaks down the best places to park your RV, apps to use, and how to save money with cashback tools like Fluz.
Best Apps and Sites to Find RV-Friendly Parking
- Campendium
- Offers crowd-sourced reviews for RV parks, public lands, and free campsites.
- Filters include cell service, hookups, dump stations, and price.
- Ideal for both paid and free parking options.
- Offers crowd-sourced reviews for RV parks, public lands, and free campsites.
- Boondockers Welcome
- Connects RV travelers with hosts offering free overnight parking on private property.
- A low annual membership gives access to thousands of locations across the U.S. and Canada.
- Connects RV travelers with hosts offering free overnight parking on private property.
- iOverlander
- Great for off-grid and international travelers.
- Lists informal parking spots, water refill stations, and safety ratings.
- Great for off-grid and international travelers.
- Harvest Hosts
- Stay overnight at vineyards, farms, breweries, and attractions (membership required).
- Perfect for scenic, low-cost, non-commercial stays.
- Stay overnight at vineyards, farms, breweries, and attractions (membership required).
- AllStays Camp & RV
- Comprehensive directory of campgrounds, truck stops, and rest areas with overnight options.
- Includes details about amenities and parking rules.
- Comprehensive directory of campgrounds, truck stops, and rest areas with overnight options.
Free and Legal RV Parking Options
While free overnight parking is a money-saver, it’s important to ensure you’re following local laws and parking where permitted. Here are common free options:
- Walmart (select locations): Check with store management before parking.
- Cracker Barrel: Many allow RVs to park overnight; often quieter than big-box stores.
- Rest Stops: Some states allow overnight stays; others limit parking to a few hours.
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land: Free dispersed camping allowed in many western states.
- Truck Stops: Some welcome RVs, but use designated RV lanes and avoid truck-only areas.
Always look for “No Overnight Parking” signs, and check local regulations via city websites or apps like Campendium and AllStays.
Safety and Setup Tips for Overnight Parking
- Choose Well-Lit, Populated Areas
- Safety increases in places with cameras, other travelers, or regular foot traffic.
- Safety increases in places with cameras, other travelers, or regular foot traffic.
- Don’t Fully Set Up in Overnight Lots
- Avoid extending awnings, grills, or leveling jacks in parking lots. Keep it discreet.
- Avoid extending awnings, grills, or leveling jacks in parking lots. Keep it discreet.
- Lock Doors and Windows
- Basic but essential—always secure your rig, even in “safe” areas.
- Basic but essential—always secure your rig, even in “safe” areas.
- Have an Exit Plan
- Park facing outward and avoid tight spots. Be ready to move quickly if needed.
- Park facing outward and avoid tight spots. Be ready to move quickly if needed.
- Use Leveling Blocks for Comfort
- Especially important for overnight sloping lots.
- Especially important for overnight sloping lots.
Parking at Attractions or Urban Areas
If you’re visiting a city or attraction where RV parking is tricky, consider reserving a spot ahead of time with one of these Fluz-partnered platforms:
You can also check for nearby long-term options at:
- Eco Parking
- ParkEase
- Or look into SwiftPark for overnight or extended airport-adjacent stays.
Bonus: Stack Savings With Fluz on the Road
Even RV travelers have everyday expenses—fuel, groceries, dining, and more. With Fluz, you can earn cashback on essentials like:
- Texaco (gas)
- Burger King, Subway (dining)
- Walmart, Safeway (groceries)
Simply buy a gift card through Fluz, use it in-store or online, and earn cashback instantly—no coupons, no scanning receipts.
RV travel offers unmatched flexibility and freedom—but the key to a successful trip is smart, legal parking and making the most of your budget. With tools like Campendium and Boondockers Welcome, plus savings from Fluz and parking apps like SpotHero and ParkWhiz, you can stay safe, parked, and financially ahead on the road.