Updated on March 22, 2025
New to the vanlife community and wondering where you can sleep legally and safely?
We’re here to help you navigate your options. Let’s start with the big question: Is it legal to sleep in your everyday car? The short answer is yes, but it depends on where you park!
Prohibited places: Where not to sleep
While vanlife offers freedom, not all places are fair game for overnight parking. Avoid these common areas to stay out of trouble.
Rest areas
They could be appropriate spots for a quick stop and regain energy. However, it is prohibited to sleep there since they have a 4-hour time limit. Try to notice this sign on the road to find one:
Commercial parking lots
It is also prohibited to sleep here except Walmart’s parking lots that allow you to stay for the night.
Public places under the influence
Don’t forget that it is always prohibited to sleep in your vehicle in public spaces if you are under the influence of alcohol!
Where to Sleep Legally
There are multiple options to park your minivan for the night for free or low cost.Wherever you go, be respectful, discreet, and leave no trace.
Boondocking
Boondocking is more and more common for nomads, you can enjoy total freedom and independence. Find a location and sleep there for free.
Free parking areas
Certain van life-friendly municipalities provide specific parking spots for vanlifers. This is the case of Rimouski for example that provides parking spots for 24h during the summer. Inform yourself of the cities’ websites that you visit.
Public land

Looking for something more adventurous? Camp on public land: representing 92% of the Quebecois’ territory, they are accessible to everyone and barely any restrictions. You can download the government’s maps and identify the “multiple use” areas.
In the US, the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) allows you to camp for free on dispersed campgrounds. You can camp there up to 14 days and it is even possible to move a few kilometres away to stay another 14 days. Bonus? They are usually located close to a national park or in national forests.
Campgrounds

There are also other options that are not free but attractive for other reasons.
ZEC (controlled harvesting zones) are usually used for fishing and hunting and less for camping, that’s why they are more attractive. To register, you have to go to the reception and pay a fee that varies from 15$ to 25$ per night. You can then go wherever on the area to camp!
For a little bit more money, you can rent a camping spot, the advantage with a minivan is that you pay for a basic location and not the price of a VR or a caravan. It costs 40$ to 90$ depending on the location and the season. The camping can be a good option if you need more amenities such as water, showers or oil change.
Subscriptions to parking networks
The Terego annual subscription in Canada is $109 and gives you access to a great parking network on local producers’ land for a night (more than 1,600 in 9 provinces).
There is also Go Van space, who is offering two options:
- “Halte”: for a little break on the road if you need access to a sanitary bloc.
- Village: multiple services (events, sanitary blocs, electricity, wifi)
This will cost you between $10 to $65 per night depending on the experience type chosen and amenities.
Vanlife community
Finally, the best solution is to join Facebook Groups to find the best hidden spots and share with the community!
Join over 5,000 Roadlofteurs who’ve embraced vanlife freedom with Roadloft.





The joy of having a stealth camper
One of the greatest perks of vanlife is the freedom to go anywhere.
With a stealth camper like those made possible by Roadloft kits, that freedom reaches a whole new level. Our modular, easy-to-install kits transform your everyday vehicle into a comfortable, discreet camper that blends seamlessly into urban and rural environments. This lets you park without drawing attention, enjoy more spontaneous stops, have peaceful nights in unexpected places, and explore off-the-beaten-path destinations without hassle.

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