---
title: "Overnight RV Parking Can Be Illegal in These U.S. Cities. Here’s What Changed in 2026."
url: "https://camperfaqs.com/overnight-rv-parking-can-be-illegal-in-these-u-s-cities-heres-what-changed-in-2026"
author: "Tory Jon"
published: "2026-10-22T10:34:00-05:00"
modified: "2026-10-22T10:35:51-05:00"
---

# Overnight RV Parking Can Be Illegal in These U.S. Cities. Here’s What Changed in 2026.

If you rely on Walmart, Cracker Barrel or other businesses for a free overnight stop, checking with the manager may not be enough. Some cities prohibit sleeping in an RV in commercial parking lots, even when the business is willing to let you stay.

 

[Walmart’s parking policy](https://corporate.walmart.com/askwalmart) already accounts for that. Individual managers can allow RV parking based on available space and local laws. A store’s approval cannot override a city restriction.

 

Several communities have revised overnight camping and parking rules in 2026, covering business lots, city-owned parking areas, parks and streets.

 

## What changed so far in 2026

 

These are a few examples we found while reviewing local ordinances, council decisions, and news reports, not a complete nationwide list. Some communities added restrictions in 2026, while others clarified or expanded rules already on the books.

 

### Shafter adds a ban covering city lots and parks

 

Shafter, California, put a new ordinance into effect October 1 prohibiting camping or sleeping on city property, including parks, sidewalks and city-owned parking lots. Motorhomes, campers and other shelters are covered, according to [23ABC’s report](https://www.turnto23.com/news/in-your-neighborhood/shafter-wasco-lost-hills/shafter-passes-ordinance-making-sleeping-in-public-places-unlawful).

 

City officials cited sanitation and keeping public spaces accessible as reasons for the change.

 

### Springdale covers business parking lots

 

Springdale, Utah, adopted its update on January 14. Under the [town’s ordinance](https://www.utah.gov/pmn/files/1374879.pdf), you cannot park for the main purpose of camping or sleeping overnight in a public parking lot or a private lot open to the public. Roads are covered, too, and the restriction includes towed trailers.

 

There is no general exception for a business owner giving you permission to stay. The town said it had seen a growing number of visitors occupying vehicles overnight in public parking areas.

 

This was a clarification of an existing restriction. During the [council discussion](https://springdaletown.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01142026-1028), staff explained that camping in vehicles on private property was already prohibited. The update put that restriction more clearly into the parking code.

 

### Hatch leaves room for permission

 

Hatch, Utah, took a different approach in its May 20 update. The [meetin](https://www.utah.gov/pmn/files/1452173.docx)[g](https://www.utah.gov/pmn/files/1452173.docx)[minutes](https://www.utah.gov/pmn/files/1452173.docx) describe it as largely restating the town’s earlier restrictions.

 

Its [camping ordinance](https://hatchutah.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AmdCampingOrdinance2026-04.pdf) covers overnight stays in vehicles and trailers on roads, in public lots and in private lots open to the public. Overnight is defined as 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

 

But private lots have an exception for the property owner’s permission. Under that rule, a willing owner can still allow an overnight stop.

 

### Colorado Springs expands its vehicle camping rules

 

Colorado Springs already restricted camping in its city parks. On March 10, the council [approved changes](https://coloradosprings.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?GUID=68C457EF-B62D-495B-9E71-33E698C46A7E&ID=7711137) that combined several camping rules and added camping in cars to its restrictions.

 

Public parking lots, parks and open spaces are among the places covered by the [updated code](https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/coloradospringsco/latest/coloradosprings_co/0-0-0-16434). The ordinance also recognizes government permission to camp at a particular location.

 

## Other cities already restrict overnight stays in business lots

 

These are just a handful of examples from municipal codes, including restrictions that go back decades. They cover the kind of stop many RVers are looking for: a place to park and sleep before continuing their trip.

 

| City | What the rule says about an overnight stop |
| --- | --- |
| [Petaluma, California](https://petaluma.municipal.codes/Code/10.24.061) | A law dating to 1974 prohibits sleeping in vehicles in private parking areas used by business customers. It contains no store-owner permission exception. |
| [Yuma, Arizona](https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/yuma/latest/yuma_az/0-0-0-40069) | Overnight camping, including in vehicles, is generally limited to licensed campgrounds under a provision dating to 1980. Specific exceptions include camping on your own land and city-approved activities, but not ordinary store-manager permission. |
| [Kingman, Arizona](https://ecode360.com/48233523) | Its 2025 code prohibits camping on commercial property outside licensed campgrounds and trailer, RV or mobile home parks. A separate exception covers authorized drivers and passengers in commercial vehicles with sleeping facilities at authorized truck stops. |
| [Peoria, Arizona](https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/peoriaaz/latest/peoria_az/0-0-0-52902) | Camping in commercial parking lots is prohibited even with the owner’s permission, unless the property has the required camping zoning and approved facilities. |
| [Washington City, Utah](https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/washingtonut/latest/washington_ut/0-0-0-3661) | A restriction dating to 2001 prohibits camping in commercial zones except at a designated and approved camping facility. |

 

## Some towns still allow a night with permission

 

Flagstaff, Arizona, allows one-night RV stops in commercial and industrial zones under its [parking rules](https://www.codepublishing.com/AZ/Flagstaff/html/Flagstaff10/Flagstaff1050080.html#10-50.80.080), but permission comes with conditions.

 

The owner or person controlling the property must approve the stay, and signs must say overnight parking is allowed. You have to leave by 10 a.m. the next morning. Property owners are also responsible for keeping the site clean and sanitary.

 

That gives a business a way to welcome overnight RV guests without operating a campground.

 

## More restrictions for van lifers and Class B owners

 

For readers who like to overnight or “stealth camp” on city streets in a Class B or van, 2026 has brought more local restrictions to watch. Some cover sleeping in the vehicle; others prohibit overnight parking altogether.

 

The March update in Colorado Springs also reaches people sleeping in vehicles on public streets, [Colorado Public Radio reported](https://www.cpr.org/2026/03/10/more-restrictions-car-camping-colorado-springs/). A smaller vehicle can fall under those rules even without an outdoor campsite.

 

Grand Marais, Minnesota, voted September 16 to extend its overnight parking ban along Highway 61 within city limits to the entire year, according to [WTIP](https://wtip.org/grand-marais-expands-highway-61-overnight-parking-ordinance/). Previously, that restriction applied during the winter snowplowing season.

 

Seattle has another change planned for 2027. Its council voted October 20 to limit motorhomes and travel trailers without permits to two hours on public streets, according to the [city’s announcement](https://council.seattle.gov/2026/10/20/seattle-city-council-approves-councilmember-strauss-vehicle-resident-assistance-program-legislation/). Permits would let qualifying residents remain in their RVs while waiting for appropriate shelter.

 

As of October 21, the Seattle legislation still needed the mayor’s approval. Those parking restrictions were scheduled to take effect April 30, 2027, followed by a warning period before enforcement begins July 31.

 

## Before you count on your next free stop

 

Calling the business is still a good place to start. Ask about sleeping overnight in your RV, and check with the city’s parking or code enforcement office if local restrictions are unclear. For a city lot or park, contact the department that manages it before planning to stay.