Can RVs Overnight At Truck Stops?

Above, RVs at the Flying J in Jamestown, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I bought my motorhome eight years ago, I have made only two attempts at overnighting at a truck stop.

The first was in Missouri. I pulled in and was about to settle in for the night, but I found the surroundings were too noisy and loud. So I pressed ahead on the road and ended up overnighting at a Kansas rest stop.

The second time was at a Flying J in Albuquerque. I had an early morning flight and I overnighted at the truck stop. This time, the RV area was away from the loud trucks. The stay worked out fine.

RV Life posted an article on the topic of overnighting in an RV at truck stops.

It begins with:

Can RVs Overnight At Truck Stops?

Truck stops exist to cater to truckers, ensuring they have the necessities to transport goods across the country. These stops typically offer fuel, water, food, retail stores, showers, and parking areas for resting. Many also allocate parking for RVs, and some even feature a dump station.

Why you shouldn’t park an RV overnight at truck stops

However, issues arise when truckers, in dire need of rest, find truck stop spaces occupied by RVs. RVs can obstruct accessibility due to their size. Given that truckers operate vehicles that can be up to 80 feet in length, they require ample space, not only for parking but also for maneuvering. When truck stops overflow with RVs, truckers struggle to find alternative resting spots, leading to conflicts between the two groups.

Truck stops come equipped with a range of amenities that are perfect for refueling and relaxation. However, there are also drawbacks to consider when choosing to stay overnight. Due to their close proximity to major roads and continuous flow of vehicles, truck stops tend to be noisy. But if you’re weary and need a break, you’re generally welcome to rest, provided the stop isn’t too crowded and you’re parked away from the main trucking areas.

To read more, go here.