3 Unconventional Overnight RV Parking Ideas – No Unhitching Required

It’s no secret I don’t love RV parks but I do love free or inexpensive overnight RV parking when I’m traveling. Bonus if the area feels safe, is well lit, and big enough that I don’t have to unhitch. Each of these locations meets those criteria.

Moving across Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York over a period of three days, I was looking for cheap or free, easy access overnight RV parking to rest after a long driving day.

Ohio Turnpike’s Overnight RV Parking

When traveling on the Ohio turnpike, I discovered there are eight service plazas across the state with overnight RV parking. There is a dedicated section of the service plaza with RV parking spaces. There are electrical hookups at each site. There is also a dump station and freshwater fill station.

overnight RV parking
Ohio Turnpike Overnight RV Parking

RV parking areas offer electrical outlets (20, 30, and 50 AMP), a wastewater dump station for black/grey water tanks, and a potable water filling station, all for a $20 fee.

Self-pay ticket machines are located at the entrance to the RV lot. Your receipt must be displayed in the window or on the dashboard of your vehicle.

Ohio Turnpike Overnight RV Parking

There is a lot of green space nearby with picnic tables available. We were next to a farm and the views were so pretty.

Get more information about overnight RV parking on the Ohio Turnpike here.

Casino Overnight RV Parking in Pennsylvania

My next stop was in Erie, Pennsylvania. I like to go to CasinoCamper.com to get information about which casinos allow overnight parking. For this stop, I choose Presque Isle Downs Casino. Presque Isle Downs has horse racing as well as the usual casino offerings.

Presque Isle Downs Casino
Presque Isle Downs Casino

The casino was easy to find, and enter. There was plenty of open parking space and it was easy to get level without unhitching.

For more information about casino camping, check out this post. 5 Benefits of Free Casino Camping.

5 Benefits of Free Casino Camping

We pulled in, found a nice level spot with plenty of room to stay hitched and settled in for the night. We had lots of space to walk and get some exercise after a long day in the truck.

After a peaceful restful night, we continued east to our next free overnight RV parking stop in New York.

Vernon Downs Casino, Vernon, NY

The next stop on our way to Maine was Vernon, New York, and another casino, Vernon Downs.

My batteries weren’t charging very well so I got my generator out and started it up to get a good charge on the batteries. While the generator was running, I charged all of my electronics and cooked some dinner.

This was my first time using my new Honda EU2200i generator and I am so happy with it. Its size and weight are manageable for me.

My Honda EU2200i Generator – So Quiet

I climbed my ladder and dug the generator and gas container out of the back of the truck. I was thrilled when I got it started. I’m not good at pull-starting things. I connected the power cord to the RV and the generator and I had electricity.  Very exciting!

Sunrise at Vernon Downs Casino

The next morning I opened the window shade and saw this. Of course, I rushed outside to take pictures. What a beautiful sight. 

When casino camping, always remember to check in with someone such as security or the front desk attendant to verify it’s OK to overnight on their property. There may be a specific area for overnight RV parking.

Additionally, it’s good camper etiquette to patronize the casino or restaurant. After all, they are allowing your to spend the night at no charge. Please return the favor.

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