![]() If that’s not an option then at least arrive at your destination in the dark, set up your sleeping arrangement, and turn your lights off quickly (this will limit how long people can see inside your vehicle). It can feel a little weird sleeping in your car! My number one tip is to try and park places that are private and quiet. For example, if you park at a Walmart it would be courteous to grab some groceries while you are there. Nobody wants a police officer knocking on their door in the middle of the night…Īppropriate etiquette in these situations includes checking for signage about overnight parking rules, parking your vehicle out of the way (usually in the back row or to the side of the parking lot), only spending one night, and limiting parking to overnight and leaving quickly in the morning (don’t stay all day!)Īnother courteous thing to do as car campers is to spend money at the particular store you are parking at. If there are no trespassing or no camping parking signs, don’t sleep there. If you’re unsure, just ask permission regarding the parking laws and ALWAYS be respectful. Some places in the US that often allow overnight parking are Walmart, Costco, Sams Club, Home Depot, Lowes, Cabelas, Cracker Barrel, Kmart, truck stops and rest areas, casinos, and religious buildings. Plus, they are free and often encourage car / RV parking! Oh yes, the good ol’ Walmart parking lot! Not ideal but these kinds of options can come in real handy when you’re passing through a town and need a last minute place to stay. Sleep in Business Parking Lots and Rest Areas Countries like Iceland and New Zealand have “freedom camping” or “wild camping” rules, but again, you’re best to research each specific destination before going. Looking for an option outside the US? I find that many countries have something similar to BLM land and a quick google search usually brings that up. Check out the BLM camping help page for more information and always ask a ranger if you are unsure about local regulations. Options include free dispersed camping as well as campgrounds with basic facilities (and a small fee to cover running costs). Car camping is quite easy on BLM land and accessible in many areas if you know what to look for. and the Western states have a particularly high density. When it comes to recreation, BLM means public lands that are accessible for activities such as hiking, camping, climbing, mountain-biking etc. And it goes without saying, but always research and follow the rules.īLM stands for Bureau of Land Management and it’s a sector run by the US Department of the Interior. Keep valuables like camera gear, laptops, and electronic cords out of sight when leaving you car (best yet, take them with you in a backpack). Tell friends and family where you are going and stay within areas with phone service if you are worried. Never tell a stranger that you are alone – if anyone asks, let them know your friend is meeting you shortly. I have friends that carry bear/pepper spray as a weapon, in case they ever needed to use it (they haven’t). Lock your doors, sleep with your keys close by, never leave your engine running, and always leave your drivers seat empty and accessible for an instance where you may need to leave in a hurry. If you arrive somewhere that seems a little weird, trust your gut and move on to another spot. Not once in all that time have I experienced a sketchy situation that made me think I was unsafe. As I said earlier, I have lived on the road for numerous periods over the last 5 years (probably almost 2 years total if you add it all up). Yes, it is safe to sleep in your car! In my experience anyway. You can also learn more about my affiliate policy here. Use code RENEE15 to get 15% off your first Backcountry order (some exclusions apply). This means I get a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). Keep reading to avoid those preventable slip-ups and find out my top tips for sleeping in your car on road trips!ĭisclaimer: This blog post is in collaboration with and features some affiliate links. Some of those car camping trips have been local and some overseas (with the extra challenge of packing a limited amount of gear!)ĭuring those adventures, I made a lot of mistakes and learned a thing or two about sleeping in cars! When it’s done right, talk about FUN! When it’s done poorly it can really put a dampen on your trip. Over the years I have road tripped and lived in all types of vehicles: 4×4’s, sedans, tiny hatchbacks, campervans, and small RVs. ![]() Sleeping in your car can turn any road trip into a more budget friendly adventure. Plus, it’s a super convenient way to travel with a high level of freedom and independence!
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