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Can I park overnight at rest areas in Washington?
Washington's rest area time limit and overnight rule, quoted from Washington State Department of Transportation, for the stop you have in mind.
The rule in Washington
Rest area stops in Washington are limited to 8 hours.
"it is unlawful for any person or persons to stop, stand, or park any vehicle, including but not limited to trailers, campers, and motorcycles, for more than eight hours within a twenty-four hour period"
"or for any person or persons to camp or to maintain a camp, tent, or other sleeping accommodation or facility, in any safety rest area"
Washington State Department of Transportation. RCW 47.38.020 Limitations on use of rest areas., checked October 2026.
Yes. Washington rest areas allow an overnight stop.
Rest area stops in Washington are limited to 8 hours.
"it is unlawful for any person or persons to stop, stand, or park any vehicle, including but not limited to trailers, campers, and motorcycles, for more than eight hours within a twenty-four hour period"
Camping
"or for any person or persons to camp or to maintain a camp, tent, or other sleeping accommodation or facility, in any safety rest area"
More from Washington's rule
"Commercial vehicles may park up to an hour beyond federally mandated rest periods."
"The department may also designate zones within a safety rest area with shorter parking time limits for the purposes of maximum efficiency and safety."
"it is unlawful for any person or persons to stop, stand, or park any disabled vehicle, including but not limited to trailers, campers, and motorcycles, in any safety rest area for more than forty-eight hours"
Source: RCW 47.38.020 Limitations on use of rest areas., checked October 2026.
RV parks near you
A guide to each state's published rule, not legal advice. Posted signs at each rest area take precedence; the linked page is the authority.
- Each state's own rule, quoted
- Your stop, short or overnight
- RV parks nearest you
Stay the night in Washington
28 RV parks listed in Washington.
By state
Rest area time limits by state
Each state's published limit and overnight rule. Posted signs at a rest area take precedence.
| State | Time limit | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | None published | Not stated |
| Florida | 3 hours | Not stated |
| Idaho | 10 hours | Not stated |
| Kentucky | 4 hours | Not stated |
| Maryland | 3 hours | Not allowed |
| Minnesota | 4 hours | Not stated |
| Mississippi | 12 hours | Not stated |
| Montana | 12 hours | Allowed |
| Nebraska | 10 hours | Not allowed |
| Nevada | 18 hours | Not stated |
| New Hampshire | None published | Not stated |
| New Mexico | 24 hours | Not stated |
| North Carolina | None published | Not allowed |
| Ohio | None published | Not stated |
| Oregon | 12 hours | Not stated |
| Pennsylvania | 2 hours | Not stated |
| South Dakota | 3 hours | Not stated |
| Texas | 24 hours | Not stated |
| Utah | None published | Not stated |
| Vermont | None published | Not stated |
| Virginia | None published | Not allowed |
| Wisconsin | Under 24 hours | Not stated |
| Wyoming | None published | Allowed |
Common questions
Rest area questions
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