Where to Find Overnight Lots (Churches, Nonprofits, Select Walmarts)
If you’re living in your car—whether short-term or longer—it can be tough to find a legal, safe place to sleep. Constantly moving, avoiding police, or parking somewhere risky takes a toll. That’s where Safe Parking Programs come in: they provide designated overnight lots where you can park legally, rest without fear, and often access basic resources like bathrooms or case managers.
🔍 What Are Safe Parking Programs?
Safe parking programs are run by:
- Churches
- Nonprofit organizations
- City or county governments
They offer a secure place to sleep in your vehicle overnight. Some programs are open-access; others require registration or a referral. Many operate between 7 PM and 7 AM and may have staff on-site for safety.
🧭 Where to Find Them
Here’s where to start your search:
🛐 1. Churches & Religious Centers
- Many churches participate in “Rotating Shelter” or “Safe Parking” ministries.
- Call or visit the websites of local faith-based organizations. Look for:
- United Methodist
- Unitarian Universalist
- Catholic Charities
- Interfaith coalitions
🤝 2. Local Nonprofits
- Search for organizations that work with:
- Housing insecurity
- Homeless services
- Youth or family shelters
- Try Googling:
“safe parking program [your city]”
or“overnight car camping nonprofit [your county]”
🏛️ 3. City or County Government
- Some areas run official programs through:
- Housing departments
- Health & Human Services
- Parks & Recreation (pilot programs)
- Search city websites or call 2-1-1 to ask about safe parking options.
🛒 Select Walmarts, Truck Stops, and 24-Hour Lots
Not official safe lots—but often tolerated:
🛒 Walmart
- Many Walmarts allow overnight parking, but check ahead:
- Use apps like AllStays, iOverlander, or RV Parky.
- Call the store manager. Some locations prohibit overnight stays due to local ordinances.
⛽ Truck Stops
- Pilot Flying J, Love’s, TA Travel Centers are common overnight spots.
- Park off to the side—not in semi-truck lanes.
- Keep a low profile and don’t overstay.
🅿️ 24-Hour Gyms or Casinos
- Some people rotate between Planet Fitness and 24/7 parking lots with cameras.
- Call ahead or observe the lot before choosing to stay.
📝 What to Expect (and Bring)
Most safe parking lots will:
- Require ID and vehicle registration
- Only allow overnight (not 24-hour) stays
- Have no drug/alcohol policies
- Offer porta-potties or restrooms
- Not allow cooking or hanging out outside your car
You may need:
- A basic intake or application
- To check in and out at designated times
- To follow quiet hours
📱 Tools & Apps to Find Safe Parking
- iOverlander – Lists places others have successfully parked (with reviews).
- Safe Parking LA, Safe Parking Bay Area – Regional programs with waitlists.
- Homeless Shelter Directory – Search by zip code.
- 2-1-1.org – Call or search online for local shelter and safe lot referrals.
✅ Pro Tips
- Don’t wait until 10 PM to find a spot. Arrive early and settle in.
- Keep gas in the tank. Don’t run the car overnight, but start it briefly in cold weather.
- Store belongings out of sight. Make your vehicle look like a parked car, not a home.