Camping Spot on I-75

[Flametamr]

Im sure its been asked many times but I need suggestions for a safe permissable spot to stop and sleep a few hours along I-75 near Ocala. Can you sleep in Florida rest areas ? I will be in my camper with a small generator running for a/c.

I'm planning on leaving my house around 8 pm and plan to be in Ocala around 2-4 am. Usually around that time my vampire family starts to get sleepy so I want to stop for a short nap and then head on to the Fort for check in.

I also wanted to ask what the policy is for the overflow/arrival lot at the Fort. Obviously they won't allow true overnight camping. But what if I arrive at 4 am ? Could I crank my generator and sleep a few hours ? Then go check in and set up while the kids hit the pool.
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[FWFans]

We usually stop at a 24 hr Walmart for the night when we are on the road. We park out of the way and crank up the generator. We have never had any problems. The only one that I was ever apprehensive about was in Dallas, TX. They actually had police in an elevated watch house to keep an eye on the parking lot.
You can go to walmart.com to the store locator page to find the nearest Walmart in Ocala.
Have a great trip to the fort!

 

[medic9016]

I have read you can not stay in Wal-Mart parking lots in FL anymore. Someone from FL can you confirm this?

 

[mnsprk]

Text telephones (TDDs/TTYs) for use by travelers who are deaf are available at all public pay phones at the Florida Welcome Centers, Rest Areas and Turnpike Service Plazas. Most of the rest areas also provide family restrooms for travelers who may need companion assistance to make use of the facilities. Each facility is protected by security personnel during evening and nighttime hours. The facilities in our Welcome Centers and Interstate Rest Areas are open and maintained 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your comfort and convenience. Overnight camping is not permitted, but visitors may stay for up to three hours

My color mod for emphasis

 

[beagles7278]

Let me know what you come up with, we usually stop in Valdosta, Ga at Walmart. It is exit 16 or 18, safe spot, usually several RV's there doing the same thing. Next trip I would like to get a little further south so I was looking for a spot. Since I usually drive late I don't want to pull into a campground and disturb people at midnight.

 

[Flametamr]

I will try to post my findings. But of course everything will depend on when we leave home and then where we decide to stop and try. I'm leaning towards the rest area near Gainsville. I have stopped there in the past and it looked suitable. Thanks Everyone.

 

[m1tchells]

I have read you can not stay in Wal-Mart parking lots in FL anymore. Someone from FL can you confirm this?

I know the ones in the panhandle (NW FL) still allow it but we have run into several in central and south fl that do not. I think it depends on each cities ordinances.

We usually stop either at a rest stop or on the turnpike and grab a few hours sleep and have never had any problems. We have also pulled into the overflow parking at 3 or 4 am, do all the check in stuff and then cranked up the generator and grabbed a few hours sleep in the parking lot....never any problem with this either. But with all changes, who knows if this is still possible.

 

[jshuff1]

awesome