• Home
  • About
  • Campsites
  • Knowledge Base
  • Blog
  • Ask a Question
  • Home
  • About
  • Campsites
  • Knowledge Base
  • Blog
  • Ask a Question
home/Knowledge Base/Overnight Parking/South Carolina Rest Area Rules
Popular Search:Solar Panels, Battery Banks, Joshua Tree

South Carolina Rest Area Rules

9831 views 19 February 23, 2021 Updated on June 9, 2021

How long can you stay at a South Carolina rest area? Is overnight parking allowed at rest areas in South Carolina? Can you sleep in your car? Is camping permitted? What are the full South Carolina rest area rules?

south carolina rest area
Rest Area, South Carolina

South Carolina Rest Area Rules

The State of South Carolina has not adopted any laws or administrative rules with respect to its highway rest areas. However, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has posted signs at each of its rest areas with a set of rules. These rules are as follows…

“Rest Area

For the convenience of motorists, area is not to be used for camping, overnight parking, sports, meetings or other group activities. Commercial use prohibited.“

As an FYI, each rest area also posts a sign saying, “Rest Area Patrolled by Law Enforcement“. Also, we’ve noticed contracted security personnel on site.

Is Overnight Parking Allowed at South Carolina Rest Areas?

south carolina rest area overnight parking
Sign posted at the Hendersonville
Rest Area Southbound, SC

Technically, overnight parking is not allowed.

However, because South Carolina’s rest areas are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you are still allowed to arrive at night, and stay for as long as it takes to rest up. It’s entirely possible that may require staying until the following morning. SCDOT does not provide any kind of guidance in determining the difference between overnight parking and using a rest area for its intended purpose.

How Long Can You Stay at a South Carolina Rest Area?

There is no maximum limit. Aside from signs posting that overnight parking is prohibited, there is no defined number of hours one can stay at a South Carolina rest area. However, because the purpose of rest areas is to provide a safe place for drivers to rest, it’s assumed you are allowed to remain here for as long as it takes to continue driving safely.

Can You Sleep In Your Car at a South Carolina Rest Area?

Yes, sleeping in your car is permitted. There are no rules or signs posted prohibiting sleeping in vehicles. SCDOT expects drowsy drivers to pull into a rest area and get some sleep. They would prefer you do it inside your vehicle and not on the grass or on picnic tables.

Is Camping Allowed at Rest Areas in South Carolina?

No, camping is not allowed. Signs posted state that camping is prohibited. However, all South Carolina rest areas have facilities that are consistent with recreational camping. These include picnic tables, scenic walkways, viewing areas, pet areas, and historical and information kiosks. It seems that SCDOT does welcome a certain level of recreational use of its facilities. What we understand is that they don’t want visitors to continue their recreation through the evening nor into the following morning.

Where Can I Get a List of All Rest Areas in South Carolina?

FreeRoam has published a map of all rest areas and welcome centers in South Carolina [click here]

Tags:Rest AreasSouth Carolina

Was this helpful?

19 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?
  • 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?
  • Can You Cook Food Outdoors at a Rest Area?

Didn't find your answer? Contact Us

1 thought on “South Carolina Rest Area Rules”
  • Patty keeran says:
    Reply

    Lost my purse no one to help
    At rest stop on 26e or 95s
    How do I find out about lost and found f

    December 17, 2022 at 2:10 pm
Leave A Comment Cancel reply

Overnight Parking
  • South Carolina Rest Area Rules
  • Can You Sleep Overnight at Camping World?
  • Can You Park at Costco Overnight?
  • Is Stealth Camping Illegal?
  • Can You Park an RV Overnight at Home Depot?
  • Can You Sleep In Your Car at Walmart?
View All 92  
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

  North Carolina Rest Area Rules

Florida 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