Safe rest stops to sleep in car?

[leebee]

Last summer DD18 and I did a road trip across NH, VT, and upstate NY in the minivan, specifically avoiding hotels. Instead, we either pulled into campsites or parked at Walmart (24 hour locations). We slept in the van every night and we had no problems at all with stopping over at Walmart. We parked near the RVs and made sure the van was locked at all times, whether we were in the store or the vehicle.

Just be smart about the places you stop... but by posting and asking if people have suggestions, it sounds like you are aware that there can be issues, and you are playing it smart by checking out the lay of the land first!

 

[LadyBeBop]

If you feel that you absolutely must sleep in the car, the PP who suggested a campground is on the money. Most of the time a tent site at a campground near a highway will cost around $30, and you will have a place to shower in the morning.

Just Google "campgrounds near I-##" and you will get plenty of info on locations and prices.

State parks may be a few miles off the interstate, but they'll be cheaper. Just remember, all you need is a simple tent site. You don't need the electricity or the water.

 

[Zooshoveller]

Can you take turns? One drive while the other naps, and then switch? This is what DH and I do when we drive to Michigan (16 hour drive)

 

[waynethexplorer]

While sleeping in a car may not be the safest option, you could put a sunshade on the windshield to block an open view into your car, even could drape a sheet on both side windows. Personally I have a gun permit and it would be in the vehicle as well. When it comes to a shower most truck stops have showers for under $15, I have caught a power nap at pilot truck stop before, parked in front near a light and nobody bothered me. All that being said you never know what can happen anywhere, but you can do things to protect yourself.

 

[siskaren]

This is a zombie thread from 3 1/2 years ago.

 

[rwdavis2]

fooled again.

 

[dreiwhit]

A former supervisor of mine and his wife take frequent cruises out of ports in Florida. Until they both retired, they would leave after work, take turns driving, and stop for a several hour nap at Florida rest stops in the early morning hours. His strategy was to park next to the Florida Highway Patrol car while they took a nap.

They never had any problems.

 

[siskaren]

Again, zombie thread from 3 1/2 years ago.

 

[joelkfla]

Again, zombie thread from 3 1/2 years ago.

Yes .... very interesting, but the person who asked the question is long gone.