Where to sleep in your car is a serious problem if you don’t know where you can sleep legally and safely.
I was traveling from the east coast to the west coast of the United States.
At the time I didn’t understand how difficult this would be alone because I didn’t have anyone to take turns with on my long drive to my destination.
On day one of my drives, I made it through several states, and when I finally needed to stop for rest.
I pulled into a hotel expecting a room to be available for me when I got there.
Bad idea the hotel was completely booked full and now I had to think of where I was going to sleep.
At first, I thought I’d just sleep in the parking lot of the hotel but decided to look for another hotel.
The next hotel was full too I was exhausted and didn’t know what I was going to do.
Finally, I just got back on the road and pulled off at the first rest stop.
Since it was the beginning of winter and not being prepared for an overnight sleep in my car at all I was freezing the entire time as I tried to get a few hours of sleep in my car.
A couple of hours passed and I woke up to someone staring at me standing right next to my car I was startled awake and a bit freaked out, to be honest.
I immediately turned on my car and left that place behind as fast as I could.
What an awful experience!
That being said I now know what I’d do if I had to sleep in my car and after you read this article you will too.
You’ll also learn about safety tips, the best places to sleep in your car, and what to bring with you.
Can You Just Sleep In Your Car?
No, it will vary from state to state but you should know where you are allowed to sleep in your car before just going on and doing it to prevent yourself from getting into trouble and also to stay safe.
For example In California which is the state I was heading to in my road trip story has laws that make it illegal to sleep in certain areas such as rest stops for several hours.
If you’re not sure you can check on your smartphone or download apps such as the VanLife App.
It can help you find free campsites and facilities nearby.
7 Best Places To Sleep In Your Car
#1. Walmart
Probably one place you might already know about sleeping in your car is Walmart.
I’ve never had any problems sleeping in the parking lot at Walmart during travels.
It’s also a place you can stop and get something to eat and get free Wi-Fi.
If Walmart is 24 hours you’ll want to put something on your windows to block out the light from the store so it’s easier to sleep.
#2. Rest Stops
My rest stop experience was so bad I’d only sleep at another one if I absolutely had to.
That being said it’s usually not difficult to find a rest stop as you drive on the freeway.
And it’s a good place to stop for bathroom breaks too.
#3. Hotel Parking Lot
Little did I know at the time that sleeping at the hotel parking would have been a much better option than sleeping at a rest stop.
Now I know and you do too.
Just make sure it’s only for a night because a lot of hotels do take inventory of license plates.
#4. Gym Parking Lots
Today a lot of gyms are open 24 hours.
If you are traveling and spot a gym that is open all day and all night it’s another good place to stop for some rest in your car.
Cover your windows for some added privacy and you’ll be asleep in no time.
#5. Apartments
Try a large apartment complex because they usually have plenty of parking.
And you can catch up on some needed rest usually feeling safer than you would in other locations.
#6. Residential Neighborhood
If you know of a neighborhood that you are familiar with you can stop and park for some rest.
It’s not an ideal option because depending on the location and time of day you might not get the best sleep but when you need to recharge so you can get back on your journey it’s ok.
#7. Cracker Barrel
Recently I found out that Cracker Barrel welcomes overnight parking.
It’s also a great place to get breakfast if you need to eat before heading back on the road.
You can find locations near you here.
How to Sleep Comfortably In Your Car
There are many reasons why you might be sleeping in your car.
What you need to do is find a place that is safe and secure.
You can park your car in a parking lot, or on the side of the road, or at your friend’s house.
The most important thing is that it’s safe and secure.
There are many factors to consider when deciding where to sleep in your car.
You need to think about safety, comfort, and the weather.
Safety is a huge factor when considering where you should sleep in your car.
Some places are just too dangerous for the risk of being robbed or attacked.
If you’re going to be sleeping in a public place, it might be best to find somewhere that has security guards or has cameras installed so that you can feel safer while sleeping in your car.
You also want to avoid parking near any high-traffic areas because people could easily spot you there and try to break into your vehicle while you’re asleep.
Weather is another important factor when choosing a place for sleeping in your car.
You want to keep an eye on the weather forecast before choosing a place to sleep.
If it will be cold outside you should close off your car as much as possible, or have a blanket tucked around you to stay warm.
Road trips are fun but you should be prepared with a pillow, blankets, and a way to get privacy from peering eyes as you sleep.
Covering your windows also keeps it darker inside your car which makes it easier to fall asleep.
How Much Does It Cost To Sleep In Your Car?
People who live in rural areas or small towns often have the luxury of living in their cars.
One of the most commonly asked questions is how much does it cost to sleep in your car?
The truth is, it depends on a lot of factors. But on average, you can expect to spend between $1 and $10 per day to sleep in your car.
The price for sleeping in a car varies depending on where you are and what you do for a living.
However, choosing the options on the list above is all free at this time.
Conclusion
Where to sleep in your car can be stressful.
Especially when you have been traveling a great distance and feel exhausted.
Take it from me if you are planning a long road trip it’s much better to bring someone with you than go it alone.
That being said my two picks for sleeping in your car are a hotel parking lot or an apartment complex because they have been the locations where I have got the best sleep without loud noises or interruptions.
Thanks for reading if you’d like to read our other articles you can find them here.