Need Temporary Trailer Parking? Here Are Your Best Legal Options
So, you've got a trailer. Maybe it's a brand-new RV for epic road trips, a trusty utility trailer for your business, or a boat trailer for weekend getaways. Whatever it is, you've got this awesome asset, but you've also got a bit of a problem: where in the world do you park the thing when you're not using it?
It seems like it should be simple, right? Just find a spot and leave it there. But as you're probably discovering, it's a whole lot more complicated than that. Turns out, there's a tangled web of rules, regulations, & ordinances that govern where you can and can't park your trailer, especially for any length of time. It's enough to make your head spin.
Honestly, you're not alone in this. Millions of Americans own trailers & RVs, and that number is growing like crazy. We're talking about 11.2 million households in the U.S. that own an RV, a number that's shot up over 62% in the last two decades. And a huge chunk of these new owners are millennials & Gen Z, which is pretty cool. But with all these new trailers hitting the road, the age-old problem of where to park them when they're not on the move is becoming a MAJOR headache for a lot of people.
That's what we're going to dive into today. We'll untangle the legal mess, explore your best options for temporary trailer parking, & even look at some modern solutions that can make your life a whole lot easier. So grab a coffee, get comfortable, & let's figure this out together.
The Legal Maze: Why Is This So Complicated?
Before we get into the "where," we need to understand the "why." Why is parking a trailer such a legal minefield? The short answer is: because there's no single, nationwide law. Instead, you're dealing with a patchwork of regulations that can change dramatically from one town to the next.
What's perfectly fine in one city might get you a hefty fine or even towed in the neighboring one. These rules are usually part of a city's municipal code, and they can cover everything from:
- How long you can park on a public street: Some places have a 24-hour limit, while others might give you 72 hours.
- Where you can park on your own property: You'd think your driveway is fair game, but many places have rules about how far back from the street your trailer needs to be, or if it can be in your side yard.
- Whether you can have a trailer on your property at all: Some homeowners' associations (HOAs) have notoriously strict rules about this.
- If you can stay in your RV while it's parked: Many cities have ordinances against using an RV for "habitation" outside of a designated campground.
It's a lot to keep track of, & it's why so many trailer owners end up frustrated & confused. But don't worry, you've got options. Let's break them down.
Your Best Legal Options for Temporary Trailer Parking
Okay, so we know it's complicated. But it's not impossible. Here are some of the most common & legal ways to park your trailer temporarily.
1. On Your Own Property (With a Few Caveats)
This is usually the first place people think of, & for good reason. It's convenient & it's your land, after all. But before you back that trailer into your driveway, you need to do a little homework.
- Check your local city ordinances: A quick search on your city's website for "trailer parking" or "recreational vehicle storage" should bring up the relevant rules. You might be surprised at what you find. For example, some cities require your trailer to be parked on a "hard surface" like concrete or asphalt, not on your lawn. Others have "setback" rules, meaning the trailer has to be a certain distance from the sidewalk or property line.
- HOA rules are a big one: If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners' association, you need to read your HOA covenants VERY carefully. HOAs are often much stricter than city ordinances & might prohibit visible trailer parking altogether.
- Loading & unloading is usually okay: Most places have a short-term exception that lets you park your trailer on the street or in your driveway for a limited time (usually 24-48 hours) for loading & unloading. This is super helpful for getting ready for a trip or cleaning up after one.
The bottom line is, don't assume you can park your trailer on your own property without checking the rules first. A little research now can save you a lot of headaches later.
2. RV Parks & Campgrounds
This is the most straightforward, "no-brainer" option, especially for RVs. RV parks & campgrounds are designed for this exact purpose. You'll have a designated spot, often with hookups for water, electricity, & sewer, & you won't have to worry about breaking any local ordinances.
The downside, of course, is the cost. Nightly rates can add up, especially during peak season. But if you just need a place for a week or two, or if you want the peace of mind that comes with a dedicated facility, it's a great option. Plus, many RV parks offer weekly or monthly rates that can be more affordable.
3. Public Lands (Boondocking)
For the more adventurous types, there's the option of "boondocking," or dispersed camping, on public lands. This means finding a spot in a National Forest or on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land & setting up camp for free.
There are some rules you need to follow:
- There's usually a time limit: Most places have a 14-day limit for how long you can stay in one spot.
- Leave no trace: This is the golden rule of boondocking. You need to pack out everything you pack in, including all your trash.
- No hookups: You'll be "dry camping," so you'll need to be self-sufficient with your own water & power. You'll also need a plan for your black & gray water tanks. Many truck stops & RV parks will let you dump your tanks for a small fee.
Boondocking can be an amazing way to enjoy your RV in beautiful, remote locations. But it's not a long-term storage solution, & it's best for when you're actively using your RV.
4. Retail & Business Parking Lots
You've probably heard that you can park your RV overnight at places like Walmart, Cabela's, or Cracker Barrel. And in many cases, that's true. A lot of these businesses are happy to let RVers spend a night in their parking lots, hoping they'll come in & buy something.
But this isn't a given. It's up to the individual store manager, & some cities have ordinances that prohibit overnight parking in commercial lots. So, what's the etiquette here?
- ALWAYS ask for permission: Go inside & speak to the store manager. It's the polite thing to do, & it'll save you from getting a knock on your door in the middle of the night.
- Don't overstay your welcome: This is an overnight solution, not a multi-day camping spot. The general rule is one night only.
- Be a good guest: Park out of the way, don't put out your slides or awnings, & don't set up your grill & camping chairs. The goal is to be as inconspicuous as possible.
- Show your appreciation: Buy a meal at Cracker Barrel or pick up some supplies at Walmart. It's a nice way to say thank you.
Think of this as a temporary stopover on your way to your destination, not the destination itself.
5. Truck Stops
Major truck stops like Flying J, Pilot, & Love's are another option for a quick overnight stay. They're open 24/7, they're well-lit, & they have amenities like fuel, food, & restrooms. Some even have designated RV parking spots & dump stations.
The same rules of etiquette apply here as with retail parking lots. Be discreet, don't take up more space than you need, & be mindful that you're a guest in a space designed for professional truck drivers.
6. A Modern Solution: Peer-to-Peer Parking with Prked
Now, let's talk about a game-changer in the world of trailer parking: peer-to-peer platforms like Prked. This is a pretty cool concept that's gaining a lot of traction, & it solves the parking problem for a lot of people.
Here's how it works: Prked connects people who have extra space – like an empty driveway, a side yard, a garage, or even a commercial lot – with people who need a place to park their trailer. It's like Airbnb, but for parking & storage.
For trailer owners, this is an AMAZING solution. Instead of trying to navigate a maze of legal jargon or hoping for the best in a Walmart parking lot, you can go on the Prked app or website & find a safe, legal, & affordable spot to park your trailer. You can search by location, see pictures of the space, & book it right there. It takes all the guesswork out of the equation.
And for homeowners, Prked is a fantastic way to earn some passive income from that unused space. Got a long driveway? An empty garage? A side yard that's just sitting there? You can list it on Prked & start making money by renting it out to trailer owners. It's a win-win.
This is especially helpful for people who need a more flexible or longer-term solution than just a night or two. Maybe you need a place to park your boat trailer for the winter, or your work trailer for a few weeks between jobs. Prked can connect you with a homeowner who's happy to have you, & you'll have the peace of mind of knowing your trailer is in a secure spot.
Navigating the Rules: A Quick Look at How Things Differ
To give you an idea of how much the rules can vary, let's look at a few examples:
- San Diego, California: The city has an ordinance that prohibits oversized vehicles, including RVs & trailers, from parking on public streets between 2 a.m. & 6 a.m. However, residents can get a "Temporary Overnight Recreational Vehicle Permit" for up to 72 hours at a time, with a maximum of 72 permits per year.
- Fort Myers Beach, Florida: After Hurricane Ian, the town has been dealing with the issue of temporary trailers being used for housing. They've been working on ordinances to allow for temporary permits on a case-by-case basis, showing how emergency situations can change the rules.
- Springfield, Oregon: This city has a program that allows for the temporary occupancy of RVs on private property, like in driveways, as long as the property owner registers with the city. This is a response to the need for temporary housing in the community.
- Detroit, Michigan: In Detroit, you can't park an occupied trailer on the street overnight. However, you can get a permit to park an occupied trailer on the premises of an occupied dwelling for up to six weeks.
These examples show just how different the rules can be. The key takeaway here is to ALWAYS check the local regulations for the specific area where you want to park.
Things to AVOID When Parking Your Trailer
Now that we've covered your options, let's talk about a few things you should definitely AVOID doing:
- Don't just "dump" your trailer on a random street. This is a surefire way to get a ticket or have your trailer towed. It can also make residents angry & lead to even stricter regulations in the future.
- Don't block sidewalks, driveways, or fire hydrants. This is a matter of safety & basic courtesy.
- Don't run extension cords or hoses across public sidewalks. This can be a tripping hazard & is often against city ordinances.
- Don't assume you can live in your trailer on a residential street. Most cities have laws against this, & it can lead to serious problems with your neighbors & the law.
Basically, use common sense & be a good neighbor. The more considerate you are, the less likely you are to run into trouble.
The Future of Trailer Parking
With the number of trailer & RV owners on the rise, the parking problem isn't going away anytime soon. But we are starting to see some positive changes.
More cities, like Springfield, Oregon, are recognizing the need for flexible solutions & are creating programs to accommodate temporary RV living. And the rise of peer-to-peer platforms like Prked is creating a whole new marketplace for parking that's driven by the community.
This is a pretty exciting development. It means that in the future, finding a spot for your trailer might be as easy as tapping a few buttons on your phone. It's a solution that benefits everyone: trailer owners get a safe & convenient place to park, & property owners get to make some extra money from their unused space.
So, What's the Bottom Line?
Finding a legal spot for your temporary trailer parking can feel like a major challenge. The patchwork of laws & regulations can be confusing, & the fear of getting a ticket or being towed is real.
But as we've seen, you have more options than you might think. From traditional RV parks to boondocking on public lands, & from the courtesy of a Walmart parking lot to the modern convenience of Prked, there are solutions out there to fit almost any need.
The most important thing you can do is to be proactive & do your research. A few minutes on your city's website or a quick chat with a store manager can save you a world of trouble. And by being a responsible & considerate trailer owner, you can help ensure that these parking options remain available for everyone.
I hope this was helpful in demystifying the world of temporary trailer parking. It's a topic that a lot of people struggle with, but with a little bit of knowledge & the right tools, you can find the perfect spot for your trailer & get back to enjoying it. Let me know what you think in the comments
