Small-town Parking Options?

jmcglone · Jul 8, 2010

Hi, all--

I'm working on a piece for EO on parking in small towns and am seeking some insight.

We all know that truckstops and the occasional Wal-Mart are sometimes decent places to park for the night (and maybe longer) in small towns, but what about other options? Where, besides those places, do you like to park and/or set up camp?

As per usual, I may quote you and will credit/link back accordingly.

Thanks so much!

moose · Jul 8, 2010

Casino's !!!

Jefferson3000 · Jul 8, 2010

moose said:
Casino's !!!

Moose is right. Casinos are usually truck friendly. Any kind of shopping plaza that has things you will want in the morning, ie. Starbucks or other good sources for coffee, breakfast and supplies.

ntimevan · Jul 8, 2010

I would first check out the locals a little first

. Then i would talk to local police 4 any suggestions ( quiet place 2 sleep ,good food, available showers ). I would just as soon talk to them at a decent hour, as have them banging on the van at 2:30 am .

wimpy007 · Jul 9, 2010

At different time my wife and I have layed over at a State Campgrounds, most are free or a small charge. Most have restrooms and showers and everyone talks to you.

MissKat · Jul 9, 2010

We second the casinos - some have campgrounds with showers, laundry, etc. $24 at Joliet for example. Also state parks - $20 at Lake Castaic, CA by the Pilot for example. Some KOAs like us too. There is so much abandoned commercial real estate that we see a lot of tractor-trailers parked in those areas now like old car lots. On the Oregon Coast you can sleep at most pull outs on the beach without problems.

greg334 · Jul 9, 2010

Jason,
Small towns are not an issue, the north east is.

Why not one on where to stay in Ny/NJ area?

moose · Jul 9, 2010

greg334 said:
Why not one on where to stay in Ny/NJ area?

about a year or so ago (it was hot!) i talked to a Sprinterer ,he told me that in the N.E , he sleeps in Churches lots .

geo · Jul 9, 2010

when i ran the road stayed at military camp grounds as being retired military one of benfits or stay at military lodges or senior nco quaters 8.00 day is not bad

cheri1122 · Jul 9, 2010

Even the smallest small towns usually have a grocery store.

xiggi · Jul 10, 2010

I have used hospital parking lots in small towns with success before.

14Wheeler · Jul 10, 2010

cheri1122 said:
Even the smallest small towns usually have a grocery store.

How true. No one's probably going to scrutinize you as trucks delivering are a common occurance. Ive done that a couple of times ...just making certain i bailed before opening hours

bryanvolsfan · Jul 10, 2010

Every town usually has a hospital. Its a great place to park and sleep because they have restrooms and a cafeteria. I usually ask the business Im dropping off if I can sleep in their parking lot.

dotcommark · Jul 10, 2010

The last time I parked in a casino parking lot they charged me 200 bucks. I had to go inside and keep cramming $20 bills into a machine till I was sick and tired, then went back to the van and slept, sure that it was all just a bad dream and when I woke up I would have all those 20s in my pocket still.
If no casino is around get on craigslist and search for intimate encounters in the town you want to stop. Park in the girls driveway and tell her your out there rolling your quarters and you'll be in shortly. That should buy you a few hours or so of sleep before she runs you off.