Explore why Walmart says no to overnight parking, what rules are in play, the real reasons behind the shift, and practical tips for travelers facing restrictions.
When you’re living on the road or just need a place to rest for the night, RV parking rules, the legal guidelines that determine where recreational vehicles can stop, park, or sleep overnight. Also known as overnight parking regulations, these rules vary wildly by city, state, and even neighborhood—and ignoring them can mean tickets, towing, or worse. It’s not just about finding a spot. It’s about understanding what’s allowed, what’s dangerous, and what’s disrespectful to the people living nearby.
Many people assume sleeping in an RV is the same as sleeping in a car, but the laws treat them differently. In some places, car sleeping laws, local ordinances that control whether you can stay overnight in a vehicle. Also known as vehicle overnight parking restrictions, these are often enforced near parks, gas stations, or residential streets. In Houston, for example, you can legally sleep in your car in certain public lots—but not on private property without permission. Meanwhile, in Texas, homeless car sleeping, the practice of using a vehicle as temporary shelter due to lack of housing. Also known as vehicle-based homelessness, this is a growing reality for thousands, and many cities are scrambling to respond. The same rules that protect RV owners often trap people who have no other option. That’s why knowing where you can legally park isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about survival.
Then there’s the issue of engine idling. If you’re running your RV’s engine to keep warm or power appliances, you might be breaking another rule. idling regulations, laws that limit how long a vehicle’s engine can run while parked. Also known as engine idle restrictions, these exist to cut pollution and noise, especially near shelters or schools. Truckers face the same problem—and in some cities, idling near homeless encampments is being targeted because of carbon monoxide risks. Even if your RV has a generator, you still need to know the local limits. Some places allow 15 minutes. Others ban it entirely. No one checks your reason. They just check your engine.
What you’ll find below isn’t a list of every rule in every state. It’s a practical collection of real stories, real laws, and real mistakes people make when they think they’re safe. From what not to do in Houston to how to avoid getting ticketed in Texas, these posts give you the unfiltered truth. You’ll learn where people actually sleep, what officials are cracking down on, and how to stay out of trouble without giving up your freedom on the road.