23Nov
Author: Philip Uwaoma
Life happens. Chances are you’re not reading this article because you’ve been working hard to become homeless and need to sleep in your car. Despite the misplaced notion that homeless people are most certainly addicted to drugs or alcohol, substance abuse ranks at the bottom of the biggest causes of homelessness in America.
According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, causes of homelessness includes lack of affordable housing, poverty, unemployment, domestic abuse, healthcare cost, racial inequality, mental illness, low wages, and addiction disorders. A sudden or series of unfortunate events can also lead to a situation where one would have to live out of a car, SUV, truck, or even an RV (Recreational Vehicle). Plus, anyone can find themselves in a unique situation with nothing to do with actual homelessness where the most viable course of action is sleeping in one’s car at the time.
So, it helps to be aware of legal, safe, and free places to rack down if you have to. The CAUF (Cold and Uncared For) Society documented 32 places like this, ten of which we think are the most applicable to anyone anywhere in America and even overseas. We’ll take a quick look at what’s going on before exploring a list of ten places you could sleep in your car with minimal or no problems.
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Who Is Sleeping In Their Cars?
Global nonprofit Habitat for Humanity estimates a billion of the world’s population is homeless. HfH defines the term “homelessness” as “inadequate shelter,” a connotation that perfectly fits the condition of sleeping and living out of one’s car.
Indeed, different countries have different interpretations of the condition of being homeless, which might include internal displacement due to regional conflict or acts of nature, stints in transitional homes, sleeping on the streets, and of course, living in a vehicle.
In the United States of America, over 500,000 people are homeless as of last year, translating to 18 per 10,000 Americans and a spike of roughly 2,000 homeless people from 2020.
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development released its annual Homeless Assessment Report on December 19, 2022, which revealed “582,462 people were experiencing homelessness on a single night,” despite the federal government’s Emergency Rental Assistance designed to prevent evictions.
Out of this disturbing figure, an estimated 140,000 Americans sleep in their cars at night, according to a 2019 report by the US Census Bureau. Considering that the Bureau’s report said this number is increasing steadily, you’d be correct to assume even more people have found themselves in situations where they have to hit the sack in their cars.
Furthermore, the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration described homelessness as “an individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.”
In Florida, for example, you’d have to file a DR-402 Declaration of Mobile Home as Real Property to get your RV certified as a fixed residence, in which case you don’t get to drive the RV around anymore. Besides the reduced tax burden, this scenario is presumably less favorable to someone who just needs to sleep in their car and a safe place to do so.
Whether you are mobile homeless, residing in your car, or just need to be prepared for a scenario where you might need to sleep in your car for a night or two, the list below discusses the top 10 places you can spend the night in your car.
Where Can I Sleep In My Car If I’m Homeless?
Photo credit: Nyttend via Wikimedia
1. Church Parking Lots
It feels right to seek the face of God first thing when one finds themselves in a situation where they have to sleep under the roof of their vehicle.
As God's hands are always open to embrace anyone who needs shelter, many religious institutions are "obligated" to welcome and help the hurting or homeless in any way they can including making the parking lots of their meeting places available to those who need them to sleep.
As religious leaders pray to God for direction, it's prudent to obtain permission from said leaders before sacking out in their parking lots. This is the right way to go even if you attend the church you intend to sleep in its parking lot.
2. Home Depot Parking Lots
Merritt Island: Michael Rivera via Wikimedia
Why are Home Depot's parking lots recommended for someone who needs a safe spot to sleep in their cars? Home Depot is a community-oriented home improvements retail chain with over 2,300 stores spread across North America, including Mexico and Canada.
It's not just about having that many stores, though. Home Depot stores generally allow overnight parking, but they have no obligation to let you do so. Ultimately, you need the good graces of the store manager, which they typically have no problem granting weary travelers on this journey called life.
3. City-Designated Parking Zones
Photo credit: Soapboxie
These are parking zones with enforceable parking rules and regulations in specific areas, but you can certainly sleep safely in most, if not all of these places without getting a ticket. The idea is pretty much to address concerns related to public safety, loitering, and homelessness.
City-designated parking zones are typically marked by signs or pavement markings. Although each zone may have different rules regarding parking duration, allowed vehicles, and applicable permits, they all share the fundamental purpose of providing a safe and legal place for people to park their vehicles.
Some of these zones require parking permits from residents and businesses, while visitors may need to pay for temporary permits or use metered parking. In the same vein, rules regarding sleeping overnight in your car vary from city to city and even within different zones. So, familiarizing yourself with the specific parking regulations in your area is a good way to avoid fines or getting your vehicle towed.
4. Costco Parking Lots
Costco, New Orleans
With over 860 warehouses around the world, most of them located in the US and Canada, Costco is the third largest retailer in the world.
Costco parking lots are reputedly suitable for car sleeping due to their generally lenient overnight parking policies. That’s because many Costco locations allow overnight parking in their typically well-lit facilities.
Additionally, the presence of security and the 24-hour nature of some stores contribute to the perception of safety for those needing a place to rest temporarily. Always check local policies and signs to ensure compliance.
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5. Rest Stops
Rest stop in Hanburg, Germany, via Wikipedia
Barring the usual horrors depicted in slasher movies, rest stops along highways and major roads provide a safe place for travelers to rest, use facilities, and take breaks during long journeys.
Many rest stops permit overnight parking as well, making them a convenient and legal option for a homeless person to sleep in their car. They’re one of the best places to crash at night because they typically have security patrols, well-lit areas, and restroom facilities.
As long as the rest stop doesn’t have a sign that says otherwise, it’s perfectly legal to sleep overnight in them. Always check for posted signs and regulations to ensure compliance with the designated use of the rest area.
6. Walmart Parking Lots
Walmart st Catherine - Benchapple via Wikimedia
Walmart explicitly allows parking your RV and getting your much-needed shut-eye on their parking lots, but only at some locations and with the store manager's permission. The same should apply to cars.
Also, the store manager is beholden to make those decisions based on rules specific to that store location and the availability of parking spaces. According to Outdoors Nomad’s list of stores that allow free overnight parking in 2023, all you need (and must have) is the on-site manager's permission, and you're free to stretch out for the night in your car.
Outdoors Nomad also notes that "no overnight parking" signs started popping up in some Walmart stores since COVID, but the number of those is in the minority.
7. LOWE’S Parking Lots
LOWE's at Macomb county, Michigan - ajay_suresh via Wikimedia
Lowe's parking lots, like Costco's, are sometimes considered acceptable for overnight car sleeping. Policies can vary by location, so it's advisable to check signs and inquire about overnight parking rules. If the Lowe's store does permit overnight parking, you’d benefit from typically well-lit surroundings and security measures.
As with any overnight stay in a parking lot, it's essential to be aware of and respect the specific policies of the individual store. Also, let’s mention that retail or warehouse chains like Lowe’s, Walmart, and Costco aren't campsites where you should stay around the clock. If you do, you risk losing the manager's permission to park at all.
8. Anytime Fitness Parking Lots
Waycross, Ware County, Georgia - Michael Rivera via Wikimedia
A 24-hour fitness center like Anytime Fitness is one of the best places to sleep in your car if you're homeless because you can shower and use their restrooms. All you need is a gym membership, not to mention the impetus to stay in shape.
While policies may vary by location and gyms, Anytime Fitness parking lots are suitable for overnight car sleeping. Many Anytime Fitness locations operate 24/7 and have well-lit parking lots. However, it's crucial to confirm the specific rules of the individual gym's parking lot and, if necessary, seek permission from the management.
9. Dispersed And Traditional Campsites
Photo credit: E.Guggenbichler via Wikimedia
Found in national forests or other public lands, dispersed campsites typically offer more secluded and primitive settings compared to traditional campsites. While they often lack amenities like bathrooms and designated spots, dispersed camping promotes a more immersive outdoor experience.
Sleeping overnight in your car at dispersed campsites is suitable because they often have more relaxed regulations compared to traditional campsites. As long as you follow Leave No Trace principles and respect the environment, you can park and sleep in your car in these areas.
Traditional campsites, on the other hand, often have stricter rules and applicable fees, making dispersed sites more appealing for a quick and low-cost overnight stay. As always, check the specific rules of the area you plan to visit.
10. Sam's Club Parking Lots
Sam's Club, Albany - Mjrmtg via Wikimedia
Similar to Costco and Walmart, Sam's Club parking lots are one of the best places for overnight car sleeping. This is because certain Sam's Club locations, like other large retail stores, have more lenient policies towards overnight parking.
Note that Sam’s Club explicitly warns against overnight parking without the manager’s permission. You risk paying for your own car to get towed if you do not have the on-site manager’s permission.
Barring zoning laws restricting car sleeping in the specific location, a Sam’s Club store manager is inclined to permit you to park overnight on the store's premises. These lots are often well-lit, have security measures, and offer a convenient and safe option for a temporary rest stop.
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