Only eight (8) of the states in the United States do not allow RV overnight parking in rest stops. These states either have banned overnight parking by regulation, or have erected “no overnight parking” signs throughout all of their rest stops. Other states are able to make overnight parking difficult by severely restricting the maximum time limit of stay.
Which States Do Not Allow RV Overnight Parking in Rest Stops?
The following states do not allow RV overnight parking in rest stops. (Click on a state to read specific details).
1 Hawaii does not have any rest stops. They instead have roadside pullouts for scenic viewing. However, there is a state law that bans sleeping in vehicles overnight anywhere within the state.
2 Maryland has a maximum time limit of 3 hours stay.
3 Tennessee has a maximum time limit of 2 hours stay.
The Following States Allow Overnight Parking With Some Restrictions
The following states allow RV overnight parking at rest stops but have some restrictions…
- Delaware – allows overnight parking at I-95 Welcome Center, but limits you to 6 hours at Smryna Rest Area
- Georgia – allows overnight parking at rest stops, but not at its welcome centers.
- Indiana – allows overnight parking at most rest stops; a few have signs prohibiting such activity.
- Massachusetts – allows overnight parking at most rest stops; a few have signs prohibiting such activity.
- New Jersey – allow overnight parking at most rest stops; a few restrict overnight parking to commercial vehicles only.
The Following States Have Very Short Time Limits
The following states have not banned overnight parking at rest stops, however they have severely restricted your maximum time limit of stay such that sleeping overnight becomes impractical…
- Illinois – 3 hours max
- Kentucky – 4 hours max
- Minnesota – 4 hours max for non-commercial vehicles.
- New York – 3 hours max, 4 hours max at service plazas
- Pennsylvania – 2 hours max
- South Dakota – 3 hours max for non-commercial vehicles.
Note: for a full list of states with their maximum time limits read, “How Long Can You Stay at a Rest Area?“
What if I Decide to Sleep Overnight at One of These Rest Stops Anyway?
If you decide to sleep overnight in one of these rest stops, it’s unlikely that an officer will tap on your window and make you leave. Even in states where overnight parking is banned at rest stops, most RVers, cars, and vans get away with doing it without incident.
No law enforcement officer is going to force a drowsy driver to get back on the highway.
Our best advice is to remain inside your vehicle as much as you can, and try to act like someone who is too tired to do anything. If an officer taps on your window, just tell them you are getting very sleepy, you don’t have the money to go to a hotel, and you promise to leave in the morning.
