What Stores Allow Overnight Parking 2024?

Sometimes travel days are long and you need to pull in somewhere for the night.  Rather than finding a campground with amenities or a hotel you just want something convenient on your route.  At this point, you are wondering what stores allow overnight parking.

Over the years, as full-time RVers, we have spent many nights in stores that allow overnight parking.

This article will share what stores allow overnight parking, how to find them, and guidelines for parking overnight. We are going to concentrate on free overnight parking and also offer some alternative places to park overnight.

Stores That Allow Overnight Parking

Walmart

So, if you are like most people, especially in the RV community, Walmart comes to mind first when you are talking about free overnight parking. For easy overnight parking, Walmart is our first choice.

We have found Walmart to be easily accessible with large parking lots, conveniently located, safe, and hospitable. When reading reviews you will find not everyone agrees with this.

Some of our friends even find Walmart scary.

If you don’t feel comfortable with the parking area by all means find a different place with free overnight parking.

Keep in mind Walmart is not a campground. You are there for just a few hours to rest and rejuvenate. The vehicle activity may make the parking lot noisy as trucks make deliveries, employees do their night work and customers shop.

Some Walmarts feel like an RV parking lot because many find the stores a safe place to park overnight.  Sleeping in a Walmart parking lot may take some getting used to but for us, it is a welcome location to get a good night’s sleep and stock up on groceries and RV supplies.

One of our best Walmart stays was in Port Angeles, WA near Olympia National Park. The lot was level, not crowded and it was very secluded from general parking.

The bonus was the amazing view of Hurricane Ridge. With permission from management, we stayed 2 nights and explored the National Park and surrounding area.

Video: Can You Sleep in a Walmart Parking Lot?

Cracker Barrel

Overnight parking at Cracker Barrel restaurants is another very popular option for free overnight parking. With over 630 locations the “Cracker” can make a great place for an overnighter.

Convenient locations, designated trucks, and RV parking, not to mention great food, can all make for a great stay.

When considering Cracker Barrel overnight parking keep in mind they don’t have a lot of large parking spots and the spots tend to fill up early. If you are like us with a “Big Rig” Cracker Barrel is not always an option.

Cabelas and Bass Pro Shops

Cabelas overnight parking was once one of the top places for free RV overnight parking since many of the stores featured RV dump stations.

Since merging with Bass Pro Shops most of the dump stations have closed but with permission, you can still park overnight at many locations.

Large well-lit lots and endless shopping opportunities make this a good choice.

Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Menards

Home improvement store parking lots are prime candidates for stores that allow RV overnight parking. These retailers have large easily accessible lots that are rarely overtaken by RVers.

As with any place you want to park or sleep overnight you must check with the local management. Give them a call or walk in and you may have a great place for the night.

Anytime Fitness, Planet Fitness, and Gyms

Gyms may not be your first thought for free overnight parking but for many who park overnight in a car, van, or small RV fitness centers can be just perfect.

With extended hours in many locations, this can be a safe place to park overnight. Also, a national membership provides a place to not only have a great workout, but you can also use the restroom and shower facilities.

Costco and Sam’s Club

Many of us have a wholesale club membership to save money on frequently used groceries and RV supplies. We also like the discounted fuel and cheap eats in the snack bars. If it’s time to stock up while on the road keep the clubs in mind as the lots are large with easy access.

Pilot/Flying J, T/A Travel Centers, Loves Truck Stops

Truck stops are definitely stores that allow overnight parking.

Many drivers and RVers find them to be a preferred location for several reasons.

They are easy to access, very public, and have a lot of people. Not only are they convenient to fuel, but you can also eat, shower, do laundry, dump and fill tanks, get propane, air up tires, and sleep overnight for free.

What more could you ask for? Quiet maybe. Busy truck stops tend to be noisy, with the truck’s auxiliary power units and reefer trailer units running constantly. When pulling a toad, you may not be able to back into a spot, making parking more difficult.

Love’s truck stops are notable in that some have dedicated RV Lanes and now they are also adding RV spots with hookups for an additional nightly fee.

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Camping World and RV Dealerships

You would think that large RV dealers and retailers would welcome and allow overnight RV parking.  Some do. 

Camping World used to be very open and easy for overnight parking but since they have expanded into RV sales their RV parking lots are now filled with For Sale units. 

It doesn’t hurt to make a call to a Camping World that is on your route or any other large RV dealership.  The retailer we purchased from has several locations throughout the country and we have been able to stop in for a free stay as we passed by.

Publix, HEB, Whole Foods and Sprouts Grocery Stores

If you are in a pinch for overnight free parking consider calling one of the large grocery stores in your area and asking if you can park for the night.  Many of these stores have large lots that can be accommodating and safe places to park.

Free Overnight Parking: Other Places to Consider

Maybe you are looking for some additional alternatives other than stores that allow free overnight parking.  Consider these places. 

Rest Areas

Many travelers consider rest areas on the side of the interstates or highways to be a great and safe place to sleep overnight and many times they are.  We have used them often.  Also, we have found in some states overnight parking is not permitted in rest areas.  So be sure and do your research. 

Please remember a rest area is just that, a place to stop temporarily to relax and take a break from the road.  They are not campgrounds, this is not the place to set up and roll out all the slides. 

Accidents sometimes happen.  Parking spaces are tight, and sometimes a weary traveler will fail to “make the swing”.  Just a few inches can make all the difference. 

Some states are very friendly rest stops for RVers with dump stations and sites with hookups for a fee.  Most have picnic areas or walking paths as well as pet exercise areas.  Traveling through the West,  you will even find rest areas for traveling equestrians with corrals for the horses at night.

Sometimes safety is a concern in rest areas.  Please be aware at all times.  We have some dear friends who have been robbed during the day in rest areas.

Malls and Outlet Centers

Although they have huge parking lots, not all malls and outlet centers allow overnight parking.  Be sure to check with management or security.

Some do not even allow RVs to be in the general parking.  They will escort you to a designated area.  Ask us how we know.

Casinos

Casinos are one of our favorite places for overnight free parking.  Be sure to check in with security and ask exactly where they want you to park and you are good to go.

Large parking lots and open areas make for a pleasant stay.  Most also have roving security patrols.  Many casinos also have paid full hookup spots with very reasonable rates.

Casino parking is great for us because they are big rig friendly.  With a choice of onsite restaurants and bars, we can skip cooking for the night and who knows we may win a buck or two!

Fairgrounds

As we traveled with our business, we found many state and local fairgrounds have full hookup sites that are only used during the fair.  You can check and some will allow you to boondock in the parking lot for free or for a small fee you can reserve a full hookup site.

Some of the fairgrounds are in amazing areas and have spectacular views like the Verde Valley Fairgrounds in Cottonwood, Arizona.

City and County Parks

There are a lot of small parks throughout the country that allow overnight parking for free and sometimes camping for multiple days.  When you discover one of these hidden gems it surely makes you thankful.  Be sure to check out our resources below to help you find these great spots.

Beaches

Imagine that!  Some beaches allow RV overnight parking and some are free.  Just so you know we aren’t pulling your leg check out Magnolia Beach, Texas and this isn’t the only one.

Churches

Some RVers exclusively use churches for their overnight parking.  We have been fortunate enough to leave our rig in a church parking lot for a couple days but we haven’t overnighted yet.  It’s on our list.  Be sure to let us know what churches you have used for overnight RV parking.

Street Parking

We have a big rig so this is not something we consider often.  However, we have seen a lot of rigs parked on the street in various areas for way more than an overnight stay.  

This is a judgment call you have to make and research to see whether the risk is worth it for you.

It has not been for us but depending on your rig size and level of comfortability it may work for free parking overnight or nights.

Stealth Parking

What is stealth parking?  You might consider this as being under the radar and parking overnight somewhere without express permission.

This could be in a store parking lot, an empty lot, a scenic overlook, or a sidestreet.  For vanlife and smaller inconspicuous rigs this can definitely be an option.

We aren’t much for stealth camping as our rig is large and we never want to be involuntarily asked to leave.

BLM (Bureau of Land Management) and Public Lands

One of the most incredible parts of the United States is the opportunity to park overnight and many times multiple nights on our public lands.

Our country has some beautiful wide open spaces where you can feel free to spread out and enjoy yourself and the views.  You will find BLM more prevalent in the West.

Forest and Grasslands

National and state forest lands and grasslands have free overnight parking and camping which is also referred to as dispersed camping.

Why Stay Overnight in a Parking Lot?

Some people ask why would you stay overnight in a parking lot? 

The fact that it is free is one of the biggest reasons people look for stores that allow overnight parking. 

Ease and convenience is another major factor.  You pull off the road into the parking lot and it is time to relax. 

You don’t have to make a reservation, you can be flexible with your timing and you don’t have to stop and register and find your spot.  When it’s time to leave you just go. 

A safe place to park overnight is important for road travelers. 

Parking lot security guards, working security cameras as well as other RV travelers provide a sense of security making for a peaceful sleep. 

On the other hand many feel unnerved at the prospect of staying in a random parking lot with people moving around at all times of the night.

Tips and Etiquette for Overnight Parking

Get Permission! 

Although this seems contrary to the popular belief of some long-time Rvers, overnight RV parking is a privilege and not a right. 

Due to abuse of the guidelines and etiquette we are seeing more government ordinances and corporate policies causing a drastic reduction in free overnight parking. 

Please make the call or walk in and talk to someone who has the authority to allow you to park overnight at their location. 

Bear in mind that it is not always the merchant or business that has this authority.  Government ordinances often prevent overnight parking even though it is private property. 

Sometimes a merchant who is leasing the property (no matter how big or well-known they are) also does not have control over the right to allow overnight parking in their lot.  This control remains with the property owner or developer. 

“It’s better to ask forgiveness than permission” is another prevailing thought in the community.  Really?  This is the real world.  Please show some respect for the merchant.  Just because someone else is doing it or you got away with it one night doesn’t make this a policy or the way to go. 

We were approached by a fellow RVer at a Walmart who was not going to “ask”.  She offered all the reasons and excuses why she should be able to stay the rest of the night if questioned. 

Is that really what you want? The dreaded and scary “knock” on the door wakes you out of deep sleep in the middle of the night.  Now you have to start giving reasons and excuses. 

Not us, if we can’t secure permission we don’t stay. 

Another aspect of this is unhooking your rig.  If you are going to unhook and leave part of your rig in the lot please ask someone if that is okay so they know it isn’t abandoned and needs to be towed.

Video: No Overnight Parking at Walmart!  Is this RV Myth true or false?

Pay Attention to Where and How You Park 

When you are getting permission ask if there is a preferred location in the lot where you should park.  Most of the time it is away from the entrance. 

When you do park, think about yourself, people driving through the parking lot, and other overnight parkers that may be coming in after you.

Conserve your space.

Don’t use more spots than you need and don’t park in the center of the aisle taking up two sets of parking spaces.

Consider the way other rigs may need to park and be respectful of that. 

We encountered a truck camper who backed in a spot where he fit.  He probably thought that was respectful since he only took up one spot. 

However, he took the spot in the middle of a row rather than staying to one side or the other.  This prevented anyone else with a larger rig from being able to park. 

Use your Slides with Respect 

Popular opinion again says that you cannot deploy your slides in a parking lot.  We disagree with this.  If possible we will try to position the rig against or near a curb and just put out our curbside slides.

Other times if we are in the middle of the lot we will park parallel and offset to the side of the parking space and again just deploy one side of our slides.  No one else can use that space anyway.  If your slides make you wider than the space I can see that being an issue. 

Use care when dropping your jacks or levelers. 

Improper deployment can cause damage to the surface.  Make sure you have jack pads, snap pads, or something to protect the surface you are leveling on.  It may take a little more time but it is the right thing to do.

Don’t Set Up Camp

This is not a campground or your home.  Keep chairs, grills, and awnings stowed.  This is not the place to repair your RV or do an oil change. 

Just stay the night or ask permission for an extra night. 

Remember this is supposed to be overnight parking, not multiple nights and moving in.  That is what campgrounds are for.  If you need multiple nights you may need to move locations. 

Be Respectful 

Respect the rules of whoever it is that is allowing you to park or sleep overnight. 

If they have rules, comply.  If you can leave the place better than you found it please do, definitely do no harm.  Maybe pick up some trash around you, put your cart back, and maybe someone else’s. 

At the bare minimum pick up after yourself and acceptably dispose of all your trash.  This means not leaving it outside or stacking it by the trash can. 

Plan Your Entry and Exit 

It may be helpful to look at Google Maps Street or satellite view for an overview of whether or not a location will work for you and your rig. 

You should also read and pay attention to the reviews on the sites we recommend to see what other travelers thought of the spot. 

Some lots have low clearance to prevent big rigs at some entrances and some are hard to access, some may be too urban or in a not-so-good area. 

Sometimes you have to read through the lines of a review and make a qualified decision, as most people will leave a negative review more often and let the positive review go. 

Another tip is to plan your exit when you enter.  There is nothing worse than being ready to go and being blocked in.

Spend a Buck!

Why is it that many feel entitled to be able to have a safe place to park overnight for free and they need to contribute nothing?  Let’s face it most of the places we have mentioned that allow overnight parking are businesses. 

Last time I checked, businesses are in business to make money.  Please respect that and when you can use the merchant and make a purchase. 

Never Dump Your Tanks! 

Ewww!  This is completely unacceptable and unsanitary.  There are places you can dump for free with a little research.  Most overnight parking does not have a sanitary dump.  If they do then by all means use it, if not, don’t. 

How do you find Free Overnight Parking?

The short answer is research.  Where do you look and research?  Here are our go-to’s?  First we will start with the free apps. 

RV Parky

This flexible app will show some recent and some not-so-recent reviews of places along your route that have free overnight parking.

Google Maps 

We calculate how many hours or miles we want to drive and pinpoint the area.  Then if we are looking for what stores allow overnight parking we will input “Navigate to Walmart or Lowe’s or the retailer name.”  Once we narrow it down we call for permission.  Also, we use the satellite map type to take a closer look at the location and make sure it is suitable before we arrive. 

FreeRoam and IOverlander

These apps are both good at finding overnight parking.  They will show both paid and free opportunities as well as a lot of other metrics if you use the filters.  They are also very good at identifying street and stealth parking. 

Paid and Membership Apps to Find Overnight Parking 

This section is for the purists who would not agree that free overnight parking is not free if you pay for an app or membership to find it.  So in true transparency, you are going to have to invest in these apps or memberships to find free overnight parking and camping.

RV Trip Wizard

Plan your route and set it up to designate Points of Interest along the way which can be places that allow overnight RV parking.  We use RV Trip Wizard to plan our trips and overnight stops in addition to several other features.  Be sure to check out RV Trip Wizard and the RV Life program.

 HipCamp

The Hipcamp program is a valuable resource for finding places that allow free overnight parking and camping as well as paid spots.  Many times they are less expensive than campgrounds and offer some unique locations, experiences, and areas where you might not find a store that allows overnight parking.

Harvest Hosts

This is a great program if you want to stay in unique locations that could be a winery, restaurant, farm, museum, or golf course parking lot. 

Your unit must be self-contained, stays are normally limited to one night and it is suggested that you make a purchase with the host of at least $20. 

We have been Harvest Host members for several years and enjoy the various venues that are offered throughout the country.

If you are interested in Harvest Hosts click below to save 15% on your membership.

Boondockers Welcome

Although a sister company to Harvest Hosts, a Boondockers Welcome membership allows you to find hosts that allow overnight parking on their property for a night or sometimes more for no charge.

Our stays with Boondockers  Welcome hosts have been very hospitable, accommodating, and free.

Conclusion: Stores That Allow Overnight Parking

Now that you know what stores allow overnight parking, you have a lot of choices.  With such a variety it should be easy to find free overnight parking that meets your needs and comfort level.  

Please be sure to respect the merchants and guidelines so we will continue to have safe places to park overnight while we are traveling.  Without this, we will continue to see availability dwindle and costs increase. 

Send us a message here and let us know your favorite place and what makes you feel comfortable when you are parking overnight.

Travel Safe and Adventure Often!   

Gate Guarding: Work Camping Jobs For Full-time RVers 2024

Are you familiar with Gate Guarding?  This article will provide valuable information, especially if interested in finding work camping jobs for full-time RVers.

Work camping is a term describing how RVers live full-time and earn an income working as gate guards, campground hosts, sugar beet harvest, or even Amazon.  Many work camping positions are seasonal which allows RVers to feed their wanderlust and make money.

While there are many different work camping jobs for full-time RVers, Robb and I decided to give gate guarding our attention.  Through our personal experience and detailed research, we will give you all you need to know about RV Gate Guarding.

What is RV Gate Guarding

RV Gate Guarding is a term used for RVers who provide entrance security at a variety of different sites.  These sites may include oil wells, construction sites, ranches, solar farms, and even exotic animal farms. 

The main function of a gate guard is to record and monitor the gate traffic at the designated location.

 Types of Gate Guarding

There are generally two types of gate guards: teams and solo.  Both are great jobs for full-time RVers who are looking for a unique work camping opportunity.

2-person RV Team: This assignment is a two-person team who lives together in their self-contained RV.  These locations require one of the 2 gate guards to be awake and responsible for the gate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  

1-person: The security company is looking for a single person for a 12-hour shift.  In this situation normally, the RVer lives off-site boondocking or at a campground at their own expense.  This type of assignment works well for single solo RVers or couples that don’t mind being placed at separate sites.  Normally, these gate guards are given 1 day off as well as an increased pay incentive.  

What to expect as an RV Gate Guard

Each assignment and location is different with its individual nuances.  As a gate guard, you may be required to do the following:

• Log vehicles and driver names entering and exiting the location.
• Open and close the site gate once a day or every time a vehicle passes.
• Monitor and direct traffic as necessary and provide directions to various site locations.
• Report any safety issues or hazards you observe.
• Report any suspicious activity.
• Stay alert and present during your entire shift.
• Dress in the required uniform which sometimes is fire-resistant clothing, a hard hat, and a reflective vest.

How much does RV Gate Guarding Pay

The daily pay for an RV Gate Guard can range from $175 – $400 per day depending on the assignment requirements and location.  The average pay is $200 for an onsite 24/7 RV Gate Guard team/couple or a solo 12-hour gate guard. 

Each gate guard company has a different pay structure.  Some pay weekly and others are bi-weekly. 

Normally, RV gate guards are independent contractors and not company employees. 

When accepting a position it is important to understand that payroll taxes are not withheld and that you will not be accruing traditional employee benefits. You will receive a 1099, and no state, federal, Social Security, or Medicare taxes are withheld.  You are responsible to pay those state and federal taxes as required by law. 

🔥Gate Guarding?

Ready to take the next step? 

 How to Become a Gate Guard?

The majority of gate guard jobs are near energy company operations.  The Permian Basin in West Texas has many opportunities as does south Texas.  New Mexico, Louisiana, Oklahoma, the Dakotas, and West Virginia also have companies hiring gate guards.

To become a gate guard, research and locate gate guard companies in an area you are interested in working or relocating.

Apply online or as otherwise directed. 

Once the application has been accepted, the guard company will inform you of the next steps.  Since some states require guards to be licensed, you may need to take a continuing education course to obtain your certificate or credentials. 

Most guard companies require a background check including fingerprints and drug tests.  Most times, these tests are all done at your expense.

You may also need special clothing, lighting, driveway alarms, and other accessories.  It depends on the company as to what they will provide and what you will be required to supply.

 The Daily Life of an RV Gate Guard

Due to shift work, the type and phase of the project, each gate has a specific traffic flow.  Some gates will be super slow while other gates may be very busy. 

As the project progresses traffic flow will change, sometimes on a daily basis.  One day there will be hundreds of trucks coming and going and on others, there may only be 10 or 20 workers at shift changes.  

Logging the traffic flow and watching the hours go by on a slow gate, can be boring to some.  For others, the quiet time may provide ample opportunity to perfect a craft, binge their favorite series or work on a side gig.

In between traffic you can watch tv, read or work on your personal business, as long as it doesn’t interfere with traffic flow.  Your first obligation is to do your job as a gate guard.

For those that get bored easily, fracking sites may be more suitable as they are high-traffic gates.

Some teams travel with the crew and move site to site around every three weeks.  Other teams stay in the same location for months at a time.

As an independent contractor, the choice is yours. 

You have the opportunity to select from available assignments that meet your criteria.  Like other work camping jobs, gate guarding is a temporary assignment.  You aren’t locked into a gate forever. 

Communication with your gate guard company is imperative when it comes to deciding how long you are going to stay at the gate or when you need a break.  

Aside from the traffic, if you are fortunate enough, you will experience some beautiful sunrises and sunsets as well as the moon and stars.  There is little to no ambient light, so the skies are particularly beautiful.

Every RV team is different and you will have to determine and establish a routine that works for you.  If one person is a night owl while the other prefers the daytime, your shift transition will be fairly easy.  Those that have a very structured sleep schedule, may find some difficulty adjusting to this way of RV living.

We have found that getting a power nap in, helps lift our mood and provides an energy boost for the long shift.  

Unless both team members need 12 hours of sleep, then there is plenty of time to spend together playing cards, watching tv, and enjoying a home-cooked meal.  

The greatest advantage to gate guarding is flexibility.  You get to determine and adjust your schedule to meet your needs as long as you cover your gate responsibilities.

Gate Guarding: Pros and Cons

Defining the pros and cons of gate guarding is a biased opinion.  For some, just the thought of sitting in an oil field without a pool or potluck dinner event is enough to say “what an awful job”.  For others, the remote locations, lack of social stimulation, and the sounds of coyotes in the distance is a quick response of, ‘‘when do I start?’’.  

Robb and I find ourselves in between this spectrum.  We will discuss the pros and cons with our opinion and from our experience as gate guards and the research we have done.  

Pros of Gate Guarding

Remote Location:  For us, a remote location was perfect.  Being away from the lights and hustle and bustle of a city feels free in a way.  There is nothing to see or do, only be.  In fact, we were a 3-hour round-trip drive to the nearest Walmart.  

Not that Robb and I are unsocial, we prefer being alone in remote locations rather than in a campground.  Even boondocking in the southwest, we’ve had neighbors.  Being alone with our thoughts for an extended period of time is part of what we desired for our RV Lifestyle.  

Quiet:  The still quiet of any location is healing.  Although our post is right off the main road, vehicles rarely pass.  In other words, there is no road noise except the entering and exiting gate traffic.  There was barely any road noise and the drilling site was about a mile away from our post. 

Keep in mind this is not always typical.  You do have the drone of the constant generator running and in some locations, guards are very close to the site with almost constant traffic which can be very loud.  

Get paid:  Although the pay is not overly generous, we do get paid.  The actual time we spend “working” is minimal.  It takes less than a minute to log a vehicle in or out.  Most times it is just seconds.  

Basically speaking, keeping accurate traffic logs are all we do as gate guards.  That’s it.  While one of us always has to be “on duty” , we are free to watch tv, read, or work our online business.  

Sometimes, I am amazed that I am getting paid to sit still and watch the sky.  When was the last time that you were paid for simply being?

Full-hookups:  The security company provides fresh water, power, waste removal, trash pick up, and mail delivery, all within the confines of our RV spot.  It’s like boondocking with full hookups and no hassle to find fuel for the generator, freshwater or dump our tanks.  

Spend more time outside:  Part of the appeal to living the RV Lifestyle is being outside more and communing with nature. 

Before gate guarding, we spent most of our day inside working in front of our computer scenes.  It was much easier to go from the couch to the office than dealing with the outside elements and a computer or notebook.

Now, much of our day is spent outside, enjoying the sunshine and scenery.

Sunrise and Sunset:  With our RV facing south all we had to do was look left or right to see a spectacular sunrise and an even more magical sunset. 

About an hour before sunrise, we could see the moon disappear over the western horizon.  You could look east and see the colors of the morning forming slowly as the sun eased up with an impressive array of colors. 

There is nothing quite like a western sunset.  The main event starts as the sun drops to the horizon before totally disappearing.  Then the magic happens.  The moment the sky is backlit turning colors of reds, pinks, purples, blues, and oranges. 

Sitting Still:  For road warriors and constant travelers like us, the time we spent gate-guarding gave us an opportunity to sit still.  Rather than sightseeing, running around, and eating out, we spent time sitting, creating, and catching up on some overdue projects and getting paid.  

Save Money:  Although RV Gate Guarding is not an extremely high-paying job, you can save money by taking this type of position.  

As a team, your RV site utilities are included and there is no cost to you.  Since you are on a 24-hour shift, 7 days a week, your entertainment budget and travel expenses should decrease.

As a solo on a gate even with the cost of an RV site it is still easy to bank some cash.  Aside from a few supplies, groceries, and your monthly expenses, you won’t be spending much at all. 

Cons of Gate Guarding:

Weather:  The weather can be unpredictable and severe at times.  The looming thoughts of tornados, high winds, excessive heat, and rain are enough to cause discomfort.  Severe weather is always a concern for RVers.  

Since you spend most of the shift outside, you should prepare yourself for all weather types and extremes.  It is not unusual to experience a 30-degree temperature fluctuation in a 24-hour period.

Dust and dirt:  Yes, there is a lot of it!  The wind constantly blows dust and dirt.  There is no way around it.  Rather than dragging the outside dirt into the RV, we try to spend most of our day outside under a canopy. 

Late at night or early in the morning we use our car for shelter.  It makes it faster and easier to get out and record the vehicle traffic rather than trying to stay in the RV.

Traffic Schedule:  Depending on the assigned gate, vehicle traffic comes and goes 24 hours a day.  We never really know when or how long a person will be on-site.  

Need-to-know basis:  There is little communication between the security company, the gate guard, and the company man (person in charge of the site). For whatever reason, the industry works on very short notice and indefinite schedule. 

Sometimes it is due to production difficulties but it seems to have just become the industry standard.  The companies are reluctant to give you an exact start date, or projections because this industry is so fluid.  

Since scheduling is unpredictable most security companies have a yard for those waiting on a gate to stage until an assignment is contracted. 

These yards are normally full hookup sites, some also have a bathhouse and laundry.  There is no charge from the security company while you are waiting which helps to alleviate some of the unknown and potential expenses while you are in queue for your assignment. 

Likewise, while working at a gate, you may not have an exact day that your assignment is finished.

Finally, there may be extended wait times between gate-guarding jobs, causing budgeting challenges.

Pay:  There is no secret that the rate of pay is minimal  A gate that pays $200 a day, equals roughly $8 per hour. 

For some, reconciling the hours required and the pay may be difficult.  However, the actual working time is minimal compared to the time you are committed to the gate. 

Lack of Sleep:  For us, the lack of sleep was the most difficult aspect of gate guarding.  Like many RV couples, we are accustomed to routine sleep patterns and sleeping together. 

RV gate guard teams must adjust to a 24-hour work day and solos to a 12-hour day plus a long commute sometimes.  

Developing a new routine:  Establishing a new routine for meals, quality time, binging our favorite shows, sleeping, and working creates its own challenge. 

My best time for creativity and taking care of business is early morning to mid-afternoon.  I rarely make it past 10 pm at night and wake somewhere between 4 and 5 am.  Normally I would treat myself to a leisurely morning journaling, reading, and meditating, before jumping into my workday around 730am.  

Now, I wake up, grab a coffee and relieve Robb from his post by 5 am.  He then gets to sleep until noonish, when he joins me for lunch, conversation, and plans for the day.  My creative self is normally fried by this time of day.  

Robb experiences a similar situation.  His creative time comes late morning or even later in the evening.  Unfortunately, the midnight shift is not so conducive to his highest production and flow.  

However, we did manage to work within the parameters of the gate schedule and learn to be more efficient in our personal business and endeavors as well. 

Developing a new routine is possible and sustainable for the time we commit to gate guarding.  It just takes some planning and flexibility.

Boredom:  Some would say that a gate guard job is super boring.  Others would say that their gate guarding job provided a perfect balance of working and relaxing. 

Avid outdoor enthusiasts might find the daily schedule limits their adventure time.  It may be difficult or at least challenging to fit in those hikes or kayaking times, especially as a couple. 

Keeping in mind someone has to watch the gate, you won’t have the opportunity to take a sunrise hike or even a leisurely walk together away from your post.

If you are a person who requires constant activity be sure to inform the security company so they can try to place you at a busy gate.

Danger:  RV Gate guarding in itself is not a dangerous job. However, there are safety considerations to take before committing to the position.

You may be on a fast-moving site with a lot of traffic, vehicle interaction, heavy equipment and machinery. Staying alert and aware at all times is imperative.

Some sites and operations do have the potential for danger because of chemicals and possible explosions.  Accidents, although infrequent can be a concern.  All sites have their individual safety protocols.  You will be instructed on what to do in case of an emergency.

Depending on the location, wildlife, including coyotes, snakes, spiders, and insects can cause reason for concern.  However, as an RVer, you are already aware of these factors and know how to prevent unnecessary injury. 

Some locations are close to the border and guards report incidents with illegal border crossings.  Although these instances are unlikely to happen, it is not your job to confront or detain trespassers.  You are only responsible to report to your supervisor and the local authorities or possibly Border Control.  

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Gate Guard Job?

By now you realize there is a lot to consider in taking a gate guard position as with any work camping job.  These are a few common characteristics and personality profiles that complement a gate guarding position.

Flexible, Adaptable, Good Rapport

Good candidates for this position are couples who are flexible as well as adaptable and know they can work together in noisy challenging conditions for an extended period.  Solo guards must be able to deal with consecutive 12-hour shifts which can be lonely and isolating. 

You have to be ok with not knowing or having a specific schedule.  Limiting interactions with the “company man”, workers, and even your security company is appreciated especially when wondering about the progress of the job or when the job will finish.  

Flexibility is a requirement for sure as weather conditions, deadlines, and assignments can quickly change.  Areas prone to severe weather such as flooding or tornados may invoke a quick evacuation protocol.  

For our first assignment, we received a call at 8:30 requesting us to be at the gate by noon.  We arrived around 11 am, and totally unprepared for the 98-degree weather we were about to experience.  The previous day we had only reached the mid-70s.  

Because of the winds, we could not deploy the RV awning and we had no canopy.  There wasn’t much we could do except sweat it out and deal with it until we were settled.  Robb then embarked on a 3-hour round-trip excursion to Walmart to buy a canopy.

Physical Condition and Stamina

Your physical condition should be considered when thinking about a gate guard position.  Being able to perform in a quick, efficient, and timely manner is imperative. 

A gate guard must be able to approach the incoming and outgoing vehicles to obtain information such as name, company, tag number, rig photo, and any other information requested by the client.

Although recording and reporting gate activity is not strenuous, you will find yourself getting up and down frequently to log the vehicle activity. 

The terrain can be uneven, rocky, muddy, or a combination.  The weather can be extreme and rapidly changing throughout the day and if you are in Texas surely there is wind almost all the time. 

Little or no reaction to environmental stressors

For those prone to allergies, or discomfort from wind and dust, RV gate guarding could be very challenging. You also have to be able to manage and adapt your sleep schedule.  However, if the elements and extreme temperatures don’t bother you, then you might be a good fit!

Self-sufficient

If you are self-motivated, have hobbies, or a remote job, and enjoy the solitude of remote living, gate guarding can be a rewarding lifestyle.  There are many gate guards that have been in the industry for years.

Gate Guard is a Good Job for Full-time RVers

As long as companies are seeking two-person teams there will continue to be a demand for RVers to fill the positions.  Gate guarding jobs can be a great way to supplement your income and even fund your future travels.

RV gate guarding provides a unique opportunity for those wanting to slow down or have some dedicated time to work on personal projects or hobbies and still have an income.

Aspiring entrepreneurs, content creators, or anyone who needs some extra time to develop and build find gate guarding a fantastic job for RVers.  Having supplemental income and dedicated time is quite helpful.

In our experience, there were PLENTY of lulls in traffic that we were able to use to our advantage.

RV gate guard assignments are temporary and they are an independent contractor position, not a job, so you control the length of time you want to commit. 

While some RVers desire a long-term commitment, others prefer a 2 or 3-month position.  For full-time RVers, gate guarding can give you a break from road life and a way to enjoy some downtime, while saving money and preparing for the next leg of the journey.  

RV Gate Guarding: Conclusion

For us, RV gate guarding provided us with an income that allowed us extra time to dedicate to some long-overdue projects as well as attend online workshops and a few industry-specific classes.

Since we weren’t going out to restaurants, we saved money and even lost a few of those extra pounds.

Gate guarding also allowed us some time to sit and watch the day go by without needing to explore.  Sometimes it’s good to have that perfect time with nothing going on! 

Was gate guarding optimal for our lifestyle? No.  Was it doable and did it meet our intent and expectations? Yes!

For those of you researching gate guarding, we hope that we have brought you a comprehensive overview.  

While there is plenty of work for RVers, there aren’t many full-time RVing jobs that provide an opportunity to work on your personal projects while getting paid.  Work camping jobs can provide RVers with a good income while living in their RV.

Have you tried Gate Guarding?  We’d love to hear about your experience. 

Click here to drop us a line and tell us!

Travel Safe and Adventure Often!

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