People searching for "free RV parking" usually want one of two different things:
- A place to stay with the RV: a spot to camp or sleep in it for a night, a few weeks or a whole winter.
- A place to leave the RV: somewhere to keep it while they're home, which is RV storage.
The rules for each are very different. This page sums up what federal land agencies and one major retailer say, and how that compares with paid storage. Always obey posted signs and local rules, which override the general rules here. Sources were checked on October 25, 2026.
Free camping on BLM land
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) allows camping away from developed campgrounds, called dispersed camping, on most of its land:
- Where: most BLM lands allow dispersed camping unless an area is posted "Closed to Camping" or has specific restrictions.
- How long: dispersed camping is generally limited to 14 days within any 28-day period, though stay limits vary by state and field office. After that, you must move to a new location, often at least 25 to 30 miles away.
- Not for living: the BLM says dispersed camping is "for short-term recreation, not long-term living." The rare exception is a designated Long-Term Visitor Area.
- Unattended property: the BLM says not to leave personal property for more than 10 days, though some states, such as Idaho and Alaska, have different limits.
Source: BLM: Camping on public lands
In other words, BLM land is not a place to leave an RV parked while you go home.
BLM Long-Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs)
LTVAs in the Arizona and California desert are the main federal option for staying for months:
- Season and permits: a long-term permit costs $180 and covers September 15 to April 15, which is seven months, or any part of that period. A short-visit permit costs $40 for any 14 consecutive days and can be renewed an unlimited number of times. LTVA permits are valid at all BLM LTVAs. BLM: La Posa LTVA
- La Posa, near Quartzsite, Arizona: the four La Posa LTVAs are about 2 miles south of town on Highway 95. Facilities include vault toilets, water faucets, dump stations and trash service. From April 16 through September 14, the fee is $10 per vehicle for day use, $15 per vehicle overnight or $75 a year, and the maximum stay is 14 days in a 28-day period. BLM: La Posa LTVA
- Midland, near Blythe, California: this LTVA is eight miles north of Blythe and has minimal services. Campers must be fully self-contained for waste and gray water, since vault toilets aren't provided. Camping there from April 16 to September 14 is free, but the standard 14-day limit applies. BLM: Midland LTVA
National forests and grasslands
The US Forest Service says dispersed camping, meaning camping outside a designated, prepared campsite, is usually permit-free and fee-free on national forests and grasslands. Heavily used areas, such as popular trailheads, may require a permit and fee. US Forest Service: No reservation? No problem!
Stay limits are set locally, so check with the ranger district before you go.
Retail parking lots
- Walmart: Walmart's FAQ says it permits RV parking on store lots "as we are able." Permission is given by individual store managers, based on parking space and local laws. Walmart says it doesn't offer electrical service or other RV accommodations, and asks you to contact management at each store before parking. Walmart: Ask Walmart FAQ
- Other retailers: we could not load an official policy page for other chains that are often mentioned, so we don't summarize them here. Ask the store directly.
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Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome: paid memberships for overnight stays at participating hosts. As of Oct 2026, harvesthosts.com lists Harvest Hosts Classic at $99/year and Harvest Hosts + Boondockers Welcome at $169/year. You can join through our Harvest Hosts link. Affiliate disclosure: this is an affiliate link; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
A retail lot is somewhere you might stop for a night with permission. It is not storage.
City streets and driveways
There's no national rule for parking an RV on a city street or in your driveway. Cities and homeowners' associations set these rules. Our city pages note local street-parking limits where we found an official source. For example, our Boise page summarizes Boise's 72-hour limit on leaving an RV, boat or trailer on a street.
How paid RV storage is different
RV storage is a rented space where the vehicle stays while you're not using it. Based on the facilities we list:
- Term: many rent month to month. Ferguson Terminal in Seattle, for example, says "rent is from month to month." Ferguson Terminal: Rates
- Not a campground: storage is for parking, not living. Lake Travis Boat and RV Storage, for example, says its covered RV power can't run air conditioners or refrigerators. Lake Travis Boat and RV Storage
- Cost: posted prices we found start at $60 a month for open gravel parking. See RV storage cost for more.
| | Where | Typical limit | Cost | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | BLM dispersed camping | Most BLM land | 14 days in 28, then move | Free | | BLM LTVA | Designated AZ/CA sites | Sept 15 to Apr 15 with a permit | $180 season or $40 per 14 days | | National forest dispersed | Most forests and grasslands | Set locally | Usually free | | Walmart lot | Where the store manager allows | Store decides | Free | | RV storage facility | Private lot or building | Rental agreement | Monthly rent |
Sources: BLM: Camping, BLM: La Posa LTVA, US Forest Service, Walmart FAQ
Don’t own an RV yet? Rent a Class C RV or a fifth wheel from RVshare.
Related guides
FAQ
Can I park my RV for free long term?
On BLM land, dispersed camping is generally limited to 14 days in any 28-day period and is not meant for long-term living. The BLM's exception is its Long-Term Visitor Areas, which need a permit from September 15 to April 15. BLM: Camping, BLM: La Posa LTVA
How much is a BLM long-term visitor permit?
$180 for the long-term season permit, or $40 for a 14-day short-visit permit that can be renewed. BLM: La Posa LTVA
Can I leave my RV on BLM land while I go home?
The BLM says not to leave personal property unattended for more than 10 days, with different limits in some states. BLM: Camping
Does Walmart allow overnight RV parking?
Only where the store manager allows it. Walmart says permission depends on parking space and local laws, and asks you to check with each store. Walmart FAQ
Is camping in national forests free?
Dispersed camping is usually permit-free and fee-free, but busy areas may need a permit and fee. US Forest Service