Parking When Living in a Van in Colorado
Living in a van is an increasingly popular way to travel and explore for people of all ages. From van life influencers creating content on social media to Retire RV, more individuals than ever before are living in vans and recreational vehicles. For those living in a van in Colorado, there are a variety of legal parking spots to park and rest peacefully for the night.
Campgrounds
One of the most popular options to park and stay in Colorado are campgrounds. There are thousands of state and national parks located around the state. These campgrounds range from primitive and affordable to luxury sites that offer full hookups for water, electric, and sewage. Campfires, picnic tables, and even showers are available in many of these areas. Depending on the campground, fees may range from $15 - $35 per night. Some campgrounds even offer weekly or seasonal passes for a lower rate.
Walmart Parking Lots
Walmarts throughout Colorado offer an affordable and legal option for those living in a van. While they do not offer amenities such as water, electric, or in some cases dump stations, they are a convenient way to park without worry of being towed. Many Walmarts allow individuals to stay in their parking lot for the night or even a few nights. However, be sure to check with the store to ensure what their policy is ahead of time.
Rest Areas & Truck Stops
Rest areas near Colorado's major highways are great places to stop for the night and take a few moments to relax. The majority of them do not offer services such as restrooms, dump stations, or showers. However, they may feature picnic tables, barbecue areas, and places to take in Colorado’s beauty. It is important to check your local state regulations to understand any restrictions and rules for parking for longer periods.
Casinos
Las Vegas isn’t the only city left offering free overnight stays in casino parking lots. Colorado also features a variety of casinos, each with their own parking and overnight stay policies. Many offer free overnight stays providing you join their players club or play a few hands in the poker room. Be sure to check with the security personal or manager before parking and confirm the length of stay.
Businesses & Churches
Large businesses usually have lots of open space available to park overnight. Drucker’s True Value Hardware stores, Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores, and Flying J Travel Plazas are just a few extremely welcoming of overnight stays. It is best to check with the store manager beforehand or call the corporate office. Additionally, many churches and local communities throughout Colorado provide overnight parking for travelers passing through an area.
Free Parking
There are a few camping areas throughout the state that allow for free overnight stay in your van. Many of these sites may not have services such as restrooms and showers. If you’re looking for a free camping experience, these can be great depending on what you’re looking for. Some of these sites are Bureau of Land Management Areas (BLM), where restrictions may apply for length of stay.
No Overnight Parking
Unfortunately, there are places where overnight parking is not allowed in Colorado. These no-parking places include public schools, parks, hospitals, toll parking, and even residential areas. It is best to check local regulations on where to legally park a van in Colorado.
Conclusion
Living in a van in Colorado is an amazing way to travel and explore the state. When looking for where to park for the night, there are a variety of free or affordable options available. Campgrounds, Walmarts, rest areas, truck stops, casinos, businesses, and churches are all excellent options. However, make sure to check local regulations and policies to be sure you’re parking in an allowed and safe area for the night.