Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas, National Forests, and National Grasslands
Just about all of these areas will allow free dispersed camping, meaning you can camp outside of the designated campground. However, there are certain guidelines you must follow. You can read those here: Dispersed Camping Guidelines
Some City Parks, County Parks, and Wildlife Management Areas (WMA)
These areas will allow free parking. If you are camping in a remote area, you will have a greater chance of getting in free, but this will, of course, vary by location.
Walmart
Most Walmarts are available for free overnight parking, but check this list to make sure the one you’re staying at won’t get you in trouble: Walmarts with no overnight parking.
Hotel and Motel Parking Lots
Don’t stay at a hotel or motel that is too big because they will have security checking license plates. But don’t stay at one that is too small because you will stick out like a sore thumb.
Apartment Complexes
If an apartment complex doesn’t require parking passes, this is a golden opportunity. People are just going to assume that you live there.
Hospitals
As long as you don’t get in the way of anyone in need of immediate medical attention, you will be able to sleep easy.
Businesses Open 24 hours
You will want to be careful with small businesses, especially if you have a van or car that is clearly being slept in.
Rest Areas
If you are staying the night at a rest area, you will want to make sure they have 24-hour security. This is likely not your best option, because they are much more prone to robberies. Rest areas are typically far from towns, and are right off of highways, so it’s an easy escape for criminals.
Bars, Nightclubs, and Casinos
People often leave their cars at bars, casinos, and nightclubs overnight when they have had too much to drink, so it’s a great opportunity for van lifers to blend in with the crowd. They tend to be noisier so it’s not the best option for van or car camping.
Airports
If there are any airports close to where you’re traveling, this is an easy spot to sleep in your van.
Churches
Churches are easy to come by and typically pretty quiet.
Online resources
Use websites/apps like AllStays, freecampsites.net or iOverlander to find free camping spots in your area. iOverlander is my favorite because it’s all user-generated sleeping spots from people who have experienced sleeping in that area.
Friends or Family
If you know anybody in the general area that you are staying in, we’re sure they will be happy to allow you to park your van in their driveway for a night or two.