When you’re living vanlife — even part-time — finding safe, free, and low-stress places to park is a game-changer.
And while we’ve covered how to evaluate a good parking spot in depth, sometimes you just want a go-to list of the best types of places to aim for. That’s what this post is for.
Some of these work best at night.
Some are daytime gold.
A few can be both — if you know how to read the area.
Let’s break it down.
- NIGHTTIME SPOTS
- 1. Industrial Zones (Your Stealthy MVP)
- 2. 24-Hour City Parks in Suburbs (Ex: Longueuil, QC)
- 3. Beach Town Parking Lots (Off-Season or Weeknights)
- 4. Rural Residential Streets (Near Parks, Not Houses)
- DAYTIME SPOTS
- 5. Big Box Store Parking Lots (During Business Hours)
- 6. Library and Community Centre Parking Lots
- 7. Municipal Parks & Hiking Trail Parking Lots
- 8. Shopping Centers & Strip Malls
NIGHTTIME SPOTS
1. Industrial Zones (Your Stealthy MVP)
Why it works:
These areas are empty after 6 p.m., filled with contractor vans, and generally ignored by bylaw officers — especially on weekends.
Look for:
- Auto garages, warehouses, delivery companies
- Streets with “no signage” at all
- Other cargo vans or vehicles parked overnight
- Lighting but not too much foot traffic
Pro tip:
Don’t park right under cameras or next to garage doors. Tuck into a neutral curb spot like you belong there.
2. 24-Hour City Parks in Suburbs (Ex: Longueuil, QC)
Why it works:
Cities like Longueuil let you park for up to 24 hours in many municipal parks — no signs, no meters, no issues.
Look for:
- Official park lots with posted “24h” signs or no time limits
- Suburban settings where locals park overnight to walk dogs
- Street parking beside parks — often legal and quiet
Pro tip:
Pull in late, leave early. Locals often park here too, so you blend right in.
3. Beach Town Parking Lots (Off-Season or Weeknights)
Why it works:
Outside of peak summer or in small towns, beach lots are often unregulated at night. Waterfront parks are gold — especially if enforcement ends at 11 p.m.
Look for:
- Small town or rural beach access lots
- No “No Overnight Parking” signs
- Lots with public washrooms or trash bins = good sign
Pro tip:
Check iOverlander for tested spots. Many beach towns allow overnight parking quietly off-season or mid-week.
4. Rural Residential Streets (Near Parks, Not Houses)
Why it works:
In low-density areas, nobody’s watching the curb — especially if you’re near green space and not directly in front of someone’s home.
Look for:
- Streets beside parks, schools, or undeveloped land
- No sidewalk? Even better — that means no city enforcement
- Wider curbs where you don’t block driveways
Pro tip:
Look for the “dead end next to trees” type of spot — nature + stealth = peaceful sleep.
DAYTIME SPOTS
5. Big Box Store Parking Lots (During Business Hours)
Why it works:
These lots are made for traffic and no one questions you — especially if you move during peak hours.
Look for:
- Walmart, Home Depot, Canadian Tire, or garden centers
- Side or rear sections of the lot, away from entrances
- Other RVs or vans — means the lot is “friendly”
Pro tip:
Never stay overnight unless it’s specifically allowed. But during the day? You’re just another customer.
6. Library and Community Centre Parking Lots
Why it works:
Nobody bats an eye if you park outside a library or rec centre during the day — even for hours.
Look for:
- Locations with free Wi-Fi
- Lots with trees or shade
- Locations near downtowns or transit if you want to explore
Pro tip:
Great for working in your van or catching up on editing. Some even have public washrooms open all day.
7. Municipal Parks & Hiking Trail Parking Lots
Why it works:
Parks are some of the best low-key places to park during the day.
They’re built for public access, they’re relaxed, and nobody cares how long you’re there — as long as you’re not taking up ten spots or being obvious.
Look for:
- Community parks with free parking lots
- Trailhead lots near hiking areas or green belts
- Park zones with restrooms or picnic areas (more traffic = more cover)
- Bonus: benches, washrooms, and sometimes outlets
Pro tip:
These are perfect places to park while you explore, eat lunch, or even leave your van for a few hours — especially if you’ve got your gear secured. Some also work well as midday napping spots between shoots or long drives.
8. Shopping Centers & Strip Malls
Why it works:
They have huge parking lots, multiple businesses, and tons of daily traffic — which makes you invisible. You can stay a few hours easily, grab supplies, hit Wi-Fi, or just relax.
Look for:
- Grocery stores, cafés, and pharmacies in one plaza
- Lots with shade, or spots near the edge for more privacy
- Mixed traffic: cars, vans, deliveries — the more variety, the better
Pro tip:
If you’re planning to stick around a while, grab a coffee or walk into a store. It resets the “timer” in case anyone’s watching — but most of the time, no one is.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right spot isn’t just about legality — it’s about blending in, staying low-key, and knowing what kind of energy a space gives off.
When you build a mix of go-to day spots and night spots, vanlife becomes way more relaxing. No stress, no last-minute panics, no fines.
Start logging your own today — and check out these next reads:
➡️ [“How to Find Safe Overnight Parking for Vanlife (Without Getting Ticketed or Towed)”]
➡️ [“Vanlife Safety Tips: How to Sleep Securely in Any Spot”]
