Kentucky rest areas are typically roadside facilities that provide, parking at a minimum. Van life is one of the fastest-growing hobbies in America right now, but like any hobby, it has its ups and downs. How long can you stay at rest areas in West Virginia? Is Sleeping in Your Vehicle Allowed in Kentucky Rest Areas? But as soon as they entered the rest area, another dreaded sign greeted them with a No Overnight Parking warning. Some RV parks can be $30 or $40 or night, but if you are just stopping and heading out early, this may be too much to pay. Yes, there are some States that have straightforward rules, like Texas and California, but if you travel through these States or research individual Rest Areas in those States, you quickly find that each location's rules can vary. The Department of Transportation (Caltrans) website regarding safety roadside rest areas states: Rest areas are an important part of Caltrans efforts to ensure traveler safety. Interstate 71, Mile Marker 13 The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has adopted a series of rules into the Kentucky Administrative Regulations concerning use of its highway rest areas. Is overnight parking allowed at rest areas in Pennsylvania? You can usually find a rest area every hour or so along major highways. There are often grills, tables, play areas, bathrooms, access to trails and viewing areas, and some even have museums or exhibits. 602-712-7355http://www.dot.state.ak.us/You can stay in rest areas overnightif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smallrvlifestyle_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_14',174,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smallrvlifestyle_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); 916-654-2852https://dot.ca.gov/8-hour limit to stay, 303-757-9011https://www.codot.gov/Overnight parking is not allowed. Minimize the number of times you come in and out of your vehicle and try not to park in predictable patterns. Idaho: In Idaho, you can park at an interstate highway rest area for up to 10 hours, and you can park in a rest area on other state highways for up to 16 hours. If you cannot locate this type of parking area, back into an area that will allow you to pull out easily. Its a common mistake, a mistake youll never make after reading this article. Construction is scheduled for completion in November 2020. Can You Cook Food Outdoors at a Rest Area? In the morning, you brew your coffee, toast a bagel, and hit the road. Is Sleeping In Your Vehicle Allowed at Tennessee Rest Areas? Thus, Is overnight parking allowed at Wyoming Rest Areas? If they violate these rules, they face steep fines and career-damaging marks on their driving records. Sara is a freelance writer who loves dirt roads, alpine meadows, hot springs, and powder days. Texas: Texas knows that its highways are long, flat, and can get a little snoozy. Is overnight parking allowed at Delaware rest areas? Then there's the holy trinity of rest stop states: Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas. Question: Can I shower in a rest area? . RVers can pull in to rest stops, park, and sleep, but they cannot open a pull-out. Facilities are open and staffed 24/7, except for Welcome Center #23 on I-40 East at Riverside Drive in Shelby County, which closes each evening. Yes, you can sleep in your RV in a rest area, even if there are signs for No Overnight Parking as explained above. Is overnight parking allowed at rest areas in Ohio? How Many Solar Panels Do I Need for Boondocking? Can you sleep overnight at rest stops in Alabama? Yes, you can park an RV overnight at Home Depot. What are the full Kentucky rest area rules? Can You Sleep in a Church Parking Lot Overnight? To avoid the appearance of camping, you should not: The table below shows which states allow RVers to sleep overnight in rest areas. Oregon is one of the few states with comprehensive, clear-cut rest areas rules: Setting up a tent or other structure, camping, or remaining in a rest area for more than 12 hours within any 24 hours. They debated for a while, but in the end, they took a chance and stayed overnight in the rest area. However, they have adopted a maximum four (4) hour time limit for staying at a rest area. As long you dont exceed the maximum four hour limit, and at least try to spend most of that time getting rested, its unlikely rest area staff or law enforcement will care what you do with your time. Another safe option, according to State Farm, is a hotel. Yes, it is legal to open RV slide outs at a rest area. Are RVs Required to Use Truck Parking at Rest Areas? This limit applies individually per rest area. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Can You Sleep in a Church Parking Lot Overnight? The State of Floridas Welcome Centers, Rest Areas and Turnpike Service Plazas are generally equipped with phones for use by travelers in case of emergency. Although it is illegal to spend the night at rest stops in Florida, some states, as you will see in the table below . Turnpike service plazas managed by the states Turnpike Authority allow parking for up to 24 hours. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Can you sleep in your car at a rest stop or truck stop? Copyright 2023 Small RV Lifestyle - All Rights Reserved. Is overnight parking allowed at rest areas in Florida? Rest areas are designed for travelers to stop and rest for "short periods" It may include drinking water, toilets, tables and benches, telephones, information and other facilities for travelers. Can you Is overnight parking allowed at Mississippi rest areas? Camping is categorized as a recreational activity and pitching a tent and campsite. Pennsylvanias rules for rest areas are a bit confusing. Scott County (Georgetown) Rest Area North & Southbound Interstate 75 Boone County (Florence) Rest Area North & Southbound Interstate 71 Boone County (Florence) Rest Area Southbound Interstate 71 Carter County (Grayson) Rest Area Eastbound Interstate 64 As long as youre considerate of your fellow travelers, you should be able to sleep as long as it takes for you to feel ready to get back on the road. Is overnight parking permitted at Minnesota rest areas? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Mississippi Department of Transportation states on its Guidelines for Rest Areas and Welcome Centers website that: Long-term parking at highway rest areas is not allowedLong-term would be considered as vehicles parked at a rest area for more than an 8-hour continuous period, occupied or not. Its a leisure pursuit as opposed to the necessity of taking a break from travel to sleep. How many hours can you stay Is overnight parking permitted at Utah Rest Areas? Dump sanitary wastes from RV holding tanks and portable devices at designated dump stations. It is also encouraged so you stay alert while you are driving. If there is no culprit, then they could save your life by finding you in the middle of the woods. RVers can use gas-fueled stoves and a few rest areas have a dump station; otherwise dumping is not permitted. Your safety is in your hands when staying at a rest stop, and often, the nearest town is miles away. Georgias Department of Transportation provides an excellent description of camping as: temporary habitation outdoors as evidenced by one or more of the following actions: the erection or use of tents or other shelters; the laying down of sleeping bags, blankets, or other materials used for bedding; the placing or storing of personal belongings; the making of a fire; or the act of cooking. Most states consider any nighttime activity recreational and camping. Ohio: Ohio doesnt allow overnight camping at rest areas, with the exception of eight service plazas on the Ohio Turnpike. What does Lo Debar represent in the Bible? Happy travels! Here's a list of all of the rest areas along our interstates and highways. How long can you stay at a Kentucky rest area? Yet, they allow 24 hours at service plazas on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. You probably heard some horror stories that happened in rest areas. Try not to draw attention to yourself and you will not be bothered. Elevate your RVing and car-camping and become a boondocker! Not only can you stay a full 24 hours, but many of them have a loop specifically designed for RVs. They hit the road at first light, scurrying away as if they had committed a crime. Some states have one set of rules for their turnpike rest areas and another set for their public highway system. For example, Walmart is a good option for many folks. Yes, overnight parking is allowed at rest areas. The most obvious of which has to do with where rest stops are usually located. For instance, some rest stops don't allow overnight parking or sleeping at all, while some states prohibit sleeping at rest areas entirely. On top of that, its also a good idea to keep someone close to you updated as to where you are. They are mainly maintained by the Kentucky Department of Transportation. How many hours can you stay at an Arizona Rest Area? Can You Park an RV Overnight at Home Depot? Yes you can. For example, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is constructing new rest areas incorporating interpretive trails, tornado shelters, play areas, and exhibits. The most obvious of which has to do with where rest stops are usually located. Keep your mobile device charged at all times. Long-distance truck drivers have cabs to sleep in and RVers have their own beds. Heres a list of states where you can legally park overnight: California: Youre permitted to stay overnight for a maximum of 8 hours at California rest stops that are open 24 hours daily. New Mexico: The Land of Enchantment wants you to stay rested and relaxed while on your journey. If you see anything that makes you uncomfortable, leave the area immediately and report it to the police. However, sleeping in your RV does not mean youre camping. However, you do have to bear in mind that the legal maximum that you can stay there is 24-hours. << You may be allowed to sleep in your home on wheels at truck stops or designated parking areas, just be sure to check the signs. Unlike campers, truckers are also restricted in where they can stay. The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration defines a safe rest area as: a roadside facility safely removed from the traveled way with parking and such facilities for the motorist deemed necessary for his rest, relaxation, comfort, and information needs. Maryland. 2750 Fort Campbell Blvd, Oak Grove While crime can occur at any time of day, a rest area is most dangerous after the sun goes down. And if youre looking to learn more about Alabamas trees, youre in luck. Which States Allow Overnight Parking in Rest Areas? Can You Sleep On the Side of the Road in California? Trailers cannot be unhooked from their tow vehicles, unless in an emergency. These eight service plazas welcome RVs up to 40 feet long to overnight park (and plug in) for a fee. There have been robberies, solicitations, and even murders. Can You Sleep Inside Your Car at a Rest Area in Alabama? Related Another common question many RVers have is if its legal to sleep in your RV at a rest area. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true";
How many hours can you stay at a Nevada Rest Area? Campendium is an Amazon associate site and earns from qualifying purchases. Besides, who wants to camp sandwiched between two semis that run their engines all night? You can read the full text of the above rules, word-for-word as adopted into the Kentucky Administrative Regulations at, Rules for Using Rest Areas in Kentucky. How long can you stay at rest areas in Maryland? KYTC has not adopted any rules prohibiting sleeping in vehicles. /Filter /FlateDecode No matter where you decide to sleep, though, its still important to be mindful of essential safety tips. Just be aware if you are close to a big city that might be less safe. Is camping allowed at rest areas How long can you stay at a rest area in Wisconsin? Because of rapidly shrinking overnight parking lot options, RVers choose to overnight in rest areas when they have no other options available. Most rest stops are probably going to be in the middle of nowhere. Yes, you can sleep inside your car. You'll find a shop full of Kentucky-made crafts and art. Just be sure to stay inside your vehicle and keep your slides in. Manage Settings We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Thats part of what a rest area is for. /Length 2 0 R That way, if you need to call for help, you can. Sleep in your clothes for quick departure if needed. Its not surprising then that many states have outright banned parking at rest stops overnight. amzn_assoc_title = "";
And if you want to visit the rest area with the best view in the country, stop at Bear Lake Rest Area and Overlook on Route 89 in Utah. Check each states regulations, so you dont overstay your welcome. No camping allowed. Is Overnight Parking Allowed at Tennessee Rest Areas? Rest stops are different all across the country. Can you park overnight at an Alaska rest area? %PDF-1.6 How many hours can you stay at a Washington State Rest Area? On top of that, most travelers are almost guaranteed to be unfamiliar with the area. Is it Legal to Sleep in a Rooftop Tent While at a Rest Area? In addition, they expect you to get some sleep to ensure you can resume driving safely. Whether it is legal to sleep in a. The following is a synopsis of these rules. Driving tired is dangerous, so heres what you need to know about highway rest stops. The closest the State comes to this is a 3-hour maximum for leaving your vehicle unattended. Interestingly, most rest areas in Kentucky have picnic tables, cooking grills, scenic walkways, viewing areas, childrens playgrounds, pet areas, informational kiosks, and display cases of historical memorabilia. Like a good Boy or Girl Scout, always be alert and prepared. You can sleep at a rest stop in Tennessee. Required fields are marked *. The State expects you to get adequate rest if necessary before continuing to drive along its highways. The highways in the country pass through all places, many of which end up in very isolated spots. Can You Sleep in Your Car at a Georgia Rest Area? Is camping permitted at an Is overnight parking permitted at a Washington State Rest Area? However, be safe! Heres a look at why its absolutely a bad idea to sleep in your car at a rest stop and what you should do instead. As such, this makes rest stops a potentially dangerous place in the daytime. New Jersey allows overnighting in rest areas for RVers, but some turn commercial vehicles away. Interstate 64, Woodford County (Midway) Rest Area Westbound Dont open your door to anyone. Just be sure to leave before your time limit expires. 27 rest areas Happy travels! However, there are time restraints and designated areas for trucks. Some allow RVers to stay as long as they need and others have time limits. Always follow posted regulations at specific locations. Unfortunately, Bob and Belindas overnight stay turned into a stressful experience. How long can you stay at a Minnesota rest area? If your goal, however, is to extend your stay beyond four hours, then its highly recommended you spend all your time inside your vehicle, acting as if you are too tired to do much of anything. 9408views 12 February 17, 2021 Updated on July 14, 2022. The State expects you to get adequate rest if necessary before continuing to drive along its highways. Dispell the myths of boondocking and arm yourself with the laws and truths. But, as long as you are with your vehicle, you are allowed to stay for as long as it takes to get rested up enough to resume driving safely. Is it well-lit? However, its essential to keep safety in mind when using them. For example, Washington has an 8-hour limit, while other states might have a 10-hour limit. Not all states allow overnight parking at rest areas, and most rest areas are patrolled frequently enough that youll likely get fined if you try. Can I Run My RV Air Conditioner on Battery Power? Kansas: Overnight parking is allowed in Kansas rest areas for 1 night only. Yes, you can park overnight at Walmart. About a third of the workers are dedicated to maintaining Kentucky's 16 rest areas, seven welcome centers and four truck rest havens. Yes, overnight parking is allowed at rest areas. This means, there are many rest areas where you can pull the RV over and sleep for a night. You are just not allowed to pitch a tent or sleep on the grounds. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smallrvlifestyle_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_12',168,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smallrvlifestyle_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Most rest stops in the country have developed maximum time limits for staying. What Happens if You Break the Rules of a Rest Area? If you pull into a crowded rest stop and take the last semi spot, theres a good chance that youre going to hear about it, and not in an amicable way. Unfortunately, most rest areas are poorly lit and can be prone to crime. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some have visitor centers, mowed lawns, public WiFi, and heated facilities, while others have outhouses and a little patch of roadside brush for vegetation. The Illinois Department of Transportation adopted a series of rules concerning the use of its highway rest areas. Sometimes rest areas post the time limits, but many dont. Can You Sleep Overnight at Camping World?