How to Find RV Rest Stops on your Next Trip in 2023
As you embark on your next RV journey, it’s crucial to consider the importance of RV rest stops along the way. These pit stops not only provide necessary amenities like fuel, food, and restroom facilities but also offer a chance to stretch your legs and take a breather from the open road. In this guide, we will delve into the art of finding rest stops efficiently, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience on your next RV adventure. So buckle up, and let’s discover the secrets to locating those essential rest stops along your route.
What are Rest Stops?
A rest stop provides a temporary respite for travelers in need of fuel, food, restroom facilities, and sometimes even lodging. Depending on the location and type of rest stop, amenities can range from gas stations to full-service RV parks. Some are equipped with convenience stores offering snacks and beverages while others offer basic camping sites or overnight accommodations.
The Importance of RV Rest Stops
- Ensuring Safety and Well-being
- Avoid driver fatigue and promote alertness
- Prevent accidents by taking regular breaks
- Maintain optimal physical and mental health during the journey
- Access to Essential Amenities
- Refueling your RV and ensuring a smooth travel experience
- Access to clean and convenient restroom facilities
- Availability of potable water and waste disposal services
- Opportunities to rest, relax, and rejuvenate
Can You Sleep at RV Rest Stops?
is not always clear if it is allowed to spend the night at rest areas. While some rest areas permit several hours of rest, others have regulations against overnight stays. It largely depends on the state you are in, like Colorado, Montana, and so on. If you are feeling too tired to keep driving, it’s advisable to take a nap. However, make sure to follow the rules and regulations posted at the rest area. Keep in mind that certain rest areas may not be safe to stay overnight at, which could be the reason for any restrictions.
Check for signs indicating if you are allowed to stay overnight at the rest stop and where to park.
If you choose to stay overnight in permitted areas, please be respectful by not littering, making loud noises, extending your slides, or having a barbecue on the lawn.
It’s important not to release gray or black water on the ground. Some rest stops have dump stations available which are recommended for use.
Finding a Rest Stop On Your Route?
It’s not surprising that there are multiple ways to find the next rest stop on your travel route during a time where we are typically always connected. Below are some of the most effective and simplest methods to accomplish this.
www.InterstateRestAreas.com
If you’re seeking information about rest areas across the United States, the Interstate Rest Areas website is a valuable resource. This website offers multiple options to access the information you need:
- Interactive Map: Easily navigate and explore rest areas using an interactive map.
- Rest Areas by Interstate Highway: Access a comprehensive list of rest areas organized by the interstate highways they are located along.
- Rest Areas by State: Browse rest areas based on the specific state you are interested in.
- Advanced Search: Utilize the advanced search feature to refine your rest area search based on specific criteria.
By utilizing this website, you can conveniently access listings of rest stops based on interstates, states, and even explore the information visually through the provided map.
iExit App
Whenever we hit the road and venture on the interstate highway system, one app becomes our trusty companion: iExit. The best part? It’s free and incredibly user-friendly. With just a few taps, the app automatically detects your current location and direction, presenting a comprehensive list of upcoming rest areas tailored to your route.
Not only that, iExit offers additional features that enhance your travel experience. You can search for specific locations, access exit guides categorized by state, discover the most competitive gas prices in different areas, and even find suitable options for food and lodging along your journey. This user-friendly app is a valuable tool, providing convenience and ease of use during your travels.
Google Maps
As we previously discussed in our comprehensive post on RV trip planners, there are numerous commendable trip-planning apps and websites available. We have even covered the topic of offline trip planning in a separate article.
However, if you rely on Google Maps for navigation during your journey, you can also utilize it to search for rest stops while on the road (with the assistance of your co-pilot/partner/navigator, of course).
To find rest areas using Google Maps, follow these steps:
- Open the app and access the search feature by tapping the magnifying glass icon.
- If you don’t initially see an option specifically for searching rest areas, tap the search button again.
- Type in the keyword “rest” to prompt the app to display the term “rest stops.”
- Click on “rest stops” to view all available rest areas along your route.
By following these simple instructions, you can leverage the search functionality of Google Maps to easily locate rest stops during your journey.
Conclusion
Finding RV rest stops along your route is essential to ensure safety and well-being during your RV travels. Fortunately, with the help of various resources like Google Maps and the iExit app, locating rest stops in the 21st century has become easier than ever before.
By utilizing these tools intelligently, you can effortlessly locate suitable resting points and make your next journey memorable and enjoyable. Happy trails!
Looking for some more RV advice and guides? Check out my other blog posts.