• Home
  • About
  • Campsites
  • Knowledge Base
  • Blog
  • Ask a Question
  • Home
  • About
  • Campsites
  • Knowledge Base
  • Blog
  • Ask a Question
home/Knowledge Base/California/Can You Stay Overnight in California Rest Areas?
Popular Search:Solar Panels, Battery Banks, Joshua Tree

Can You Stay Overnight in California Rest Areas?

4028 views 12 February 2, 2021 Updated on August 28, 2022

jaime obeso rest area californiaYes you can. The official rules in California state that you can stay for a maximum of eight (8) hours at a rest area. Thus, if you happen to stay from late night to morning, then you have effectively stayed overnight in a California Rest Area. Otherwise, the State does not prohibit you from sleeping in your vehicle during your stay.

Can You Stay Overnight in California Rest Areas?

As you don’t stay longer than eight (8) hours, you can stay overnight at a California Rest Area. The California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) does not prohibit visitors from sleeping in their vehicles. They do publish a list of rules for using rest areas, but those rules do not stop you from sleeping overnight, as long you don’t exceed the maximum stay. Read the full California Rest Area Rules.

Camping, on the other hand, is prohibited. But there is a difference between camping and overnight parking. As long as you don’t roll out your awning, set up outdoor camping equipment, or watch television outside, you should be fine.

What if I Need to Stay Longer Than Eight Hours?

Then stay longer.

The fact is that most RVers and car campers do stay longer than eight hours when overnighting at rest areas. It is rare for California Highway Patrol officers to cite people for staying beyond the maximum time limit. Law enforcement officers do routinely stop at rest areas, but as long you leave next morning they usually don’t knock on your door. They’d rather you get plenty of sleep than cause an accident later on.

If you’re in a rest area that has plenty of available parking spaces for trucks and RVs during the late night hours, then it’s likely you could stay 24 hours or more and not be bothered. Meanwhile, rest areas that usually become full overnight are more frequently patrolled. For example, Weed Rest Area along I-5 in Northern California is extremely busy, and is frequently patrolled by CHP.

The best piece of advice for staying longer than eight hours at a rest area, is to not draw attention to yourself. That is, don’t make excessive noise, don’t loiter outside, dispose of all trash into trash receptacles, park only in marked parking spaces, and keep your dog on a leash.

Tags:CaliforniaRest Areas

Was this helpful?

12 Yes  1 No
Related Articles
  • Is it Legal to Open RV Slide Outs at a Rest Area?
  • Is it Legal to Sleep in a Rooftop Tent While at a Rest Area?
  • Is Nude Camping in California Legal?
  • Can You Sleep in a Church Parking Lot Overnight?
  • Map of New York Thruway Service Areas
  • Is it Legal to Camp Overnight at an Abandoned Building?

Didn't find your answer? Contact Us

Leave A Comment Cancel reply

California
  • Can You Stay Overnight in California Rest Areas?
  • Is Boondocking Legal in California?
  • Free Camping at Joshua Tree National Park
  • Can You Camp Anywhere in Anza Borrego Desert State Park?
  • California Rest Area Rules
  • Where to Find BLM Land Near Anza Borrego Desert State Park
View All 13  
Popular Articles
  • Is it Illegal to Live in a Tent in Your Backyard?
  • What Do the Different Colors Mean on Google Maps?
  • How Many Solar Panels Do I Need for Boondocking?
  • Can I Run My RV Air Conditioner on Battery Power?
  • Camping on Arizona State Trust Lands
KB Categories
  • Boondocking Water and Sewage
  • Kansas
  • Overnight Parking
  • California
  • Getting Started With Boondocking
  • Boondocking Electrical
  • Arkansas
  • Costs
  • Boondocking Tips
  • Montana
  • How to Find Boondocking Sites
  • Army Corps of Engineers
  • Colorado
  • Outfitting Your RV
  • Idaho Department of Transportation
  • Idaho
  • Boondocking Safety
  • Oregon
  • Boondocking Myths
  • Where to Find Boondocking
  • New Mexico
  • Boondocking in National Forests
  • Utah
  • Boondocking in National Parks
  • New York
  • Tennessee
  • Boondocking Etiquette
  • Washington
  • Connecticut
  • Boondocking Rules
  • Alabama
  • Delaware
  • Boondocking on BLM Land
  • Alaska
  • Florida
  • Boondocking on National Wildlife Refuges
  • Arizona
  • Georgia
  • Boondocking on Bureau of Reclamation Lands
  • Michigan
  • Boondocking and Off-Road Vehicles
  • Massachusetts

boondocking trailers

  Colorado Rest Area Rules

Wyoming Rest Area Rules  

boondockers bible logo

We answer your questions about Boondocking, Free Camping, and Overnight Parking using facts and actual experiences. Dispell the myths of boondocking and arm yourself with the laws and truths. Elevate your RVing and car-camping and become a boondocker!

Useful Help Links
  • Weekly Boondocking Series
  • About Us
  • Ask a Question
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • © 2019-2022 Too Much Tina. All Rights Reserved.

Popular Search:Solar Panels, Battery Banks, Joshua Tree