Finding the right place to park your car overnight doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re road tripping, living the van life, or simply looking for a convenient spot in the city, overnight parking can be simple if you know where to look and what to avoid.
This guide covers everything you need to confidently park overnight — including tools, laws, safety tips, and location-specific advice.
📲 Use Apps and Websites to Find Overnight Parking
The easiest way to locate overnight parking is by using dedicated parking apps and websites. These platforms show available spaces, rates, restrictions, and user reviews to help you decide.
🔧 Recommended Apps
- SpotHero & ParkWhiz – Book and compare overnight garage and lot spaces in advance.
- Curbstand – Ideal for valet and hotel parking, especially in urban areas like L.A.
- iOverlander – Great for RVers and van lifers looking for safe, community-approved spots.
- FreeCampsites.net – A favorite for those seeking free camping and remote overnight options.
- US Public Lands App – Shows legal areas on public land where overnight parking is permitted.
💡 Tip: Use apps with user photos and reviews to ensure security and reliability.
🛑 Understand Local Parking Laws and Curb Colors
In major cities like Los Angeles, curb colors and street signs determine whether overnight parking is legal.
🚦 Curb Color Guide (L.A.-Specific)
| Color | Meaning | Overnight Parking? |
| Red | No parking anytime | ❌ Never allowed |
| White | Passenger loading/unloading | ❌ Not suitable |
| Yellow | Loading zone (7 AM – 6 PM) | ✅ Allowed outside hours |
| Green | Short-term parking (8 AM – 6 PM) | ✅ After hours only |
✅ Always check nearby signs for additional restrictions like street sweeping or permit-only zones.
🏪 Parking Overnight at Businesses
Some 24-hour businesses offer a safe, well-lit alternative for overnight parking. Always ask for permission and be courteous when using these spaces.
🔍 Where to Look
- Hotels – Ask the front desk if overnight guest parking is available.
- Gyms (e.g., 24 Hour Fitness) – Some allow members to park overnight.
- Casinos – Popular with RV travelers; usually have designated lots with security.
⚠️ Avoid valet-only or customer-restricted areas unless you’re a paying guest.
🏘️ Shared Parking Lots and Residential Spaces
Parking in shared lots — like apartment complexes or mixed-use buildings — can work for overnight parking, but it comes with risks.
✅ Best Practices
- Never park without permission.
- Stay discreet, especially if you’re sleeping in your vehicle.
- Don’t block access or reserved spaces.
🚫 Unauthorized overnight parking in these areas may lead to towing or fines.
🚐 Overnight Parking for Van Lifers and RV Travelers
If you’re traveling in a van or RV, the best overnight parking often comes from fellow nomads.
🌐 Where to Find Communities
- BLM Land – Free, legal public land camping for up to 14 days.
- Casino Lots – Many offer RV-friendly parking with security and lighting.
- Online Forums & Groups – Use Facebook groups, Reddit, and forums like Van Life Diaries.
Being part of a community improves safety, offers social interaction, and gives insider tips on hidden spots.
🏙️ City-Specific Overnight Parking Rules
Each city has different laws. It’s important to know what’s legal where you plan to stay.
🌆 Examples:
| City | Overnight Parking Allowed? | Notes |
| Los Angeles | ✅ With restrictions | Permit required in some areas (2–6 AM) |
| Beverly Hills | ❌ No street parking 2:30–5 AM | Permit needed |
| San Francisco | ✅ Up to 72 hrs | Some zones restricted |
| New York City | ✅ Most areas | Watch for street cleaning schedules |
🔎 Always read street signs and local websites before parking overnight.
🔒 Overnight Parking Safety Tips
Safety is critical when choosing where to park at night. Whether in a city or rural area, follow these tips to protect yourself and your vehicle.
🛡️ Best Safety Practices
- Park under bright lights or near security cameras.
- Keep all windows covered for privacy.
- Lock doors and hide valuables.
- Avoid high-crime areas and always trust your instincts.
- Don’t leave the engine running or draw attention to your vehicle.
📱 Use a GPS app to tag your location in case you need to move quickly or alert someone to your whereabouts.
🚘 Know the Local Driving Laws
When looking for overnight parking, it helps to be familiar with other local traffic laws to avoid fines or complications.
🚦 Important L.A. Driving Rules
- Left on Red – Legal from one-way to one-way streets unless posted otherwise.
- Red Light Cameras – Running a red light may result in a mailed citation.
- Pedestrians – Have the right of way at all intersections.
👶 All passengers must wear seat belts. Children under 8 must use a car seat in the back seat.
✅ Final Thoughts on Overnight Parking
With a little planning and the right tools, overnight parking can be safe, legal, and hassle-free. Whether you’re in a car, van, or RV, options exist in almost every city — from apps and shared lots to hotel permission and public land.