This week on the RV Podcast:

• The Unspoken Rules for RVers at Truck Stops and Rest Areas
• Robots working at an RV campground? Coming next year to a new park in North Carolina
• Real RVers share Real Tips that work on keeping mice out of your camper
• And in Mike and Jen's Storytime, the perfect boondocking spot…that wasn't

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RV NEWS OF THE WEEK

WARNING to Ford Drivers: Backup Camera Defects Prompt Massive Recall​

If you have a Ford F-truck series beware Ford is recalling more than 1 million vehicles across all its lineups because of backup camera issues. The backup camera may freeze up, and the defect affects 2021-2025 models. 

​Camping Like You’ve Never Seen: Robots to Serve Cocktails and Clean Campsites at New NC Resort​

A futuristic robotic campsite is being built in Beaufort, N.C. where Tesla Optimus robots will walk around the campground picking up trash, other robotic arms will make and serve coffee and mixed drinks, and gigabit speed WiFi will be everywhere. The first 80 campsites are expected to open in 2026. Named Hidden Beach RV Resort, the campground owners say it will be the most technologically advanced RV and glamping resort in the world.

​24 Abandoned Campfires Discovered in Colorado’s National Forests​

It seems this would go without saying, but if you are camping in a national forest and have a campfire, put it out when you're done. Colorado firefighters found 24 abandoned campfires in the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grassland over the three-day Memorial Day weekend. Thankfully, they were able to put them all out.

​Ticks Invade Couple’s Trailer After Provincial Park Hike​

A Canadian couple had the nightmare experience of discovering dozens of ticks in their travel trailer, many crawling or latching on their back, neck, and face all night, after a short walk with their dogs in a provincial park in eastern Alberta. The couple is sounding the alarm to beware of ticks and take precautions wherever you go (they had no idea Gooseberry Lake Provincial Park was infested), which is great advice to all of us exploring nature throughout North America.

​Canada’s Wildfires Rage Out of Control — Midwest Chokes on Smoke

Massive, raging wildfires in western and central Canada have caused large-scale evacuations in parts of that country and triggered air quality advisories for large sections of the Midwest. Hazy, smoke-filled skies were bad throughout the weekend in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and other parts of the Midwest. Be sure to watch air quality reports if you're camping in these areas and plan outdoor activities accordingly.

RV CONVERSATION OF THE WEEK

Time now for our Conversation of the Week, where we’re diving into a hot topic for RVers everywhere — RV Etiquette: Unspoken Rules for Rest Areas and Truck Stops.  If you’ve ever wondered about the dos and don’ts of parking or overnighting your RV at these busy spots, this episode is for you. 

We’re going to break down the essential guidelines to make sure you’re respectful, safe, and welcomed by truckers and truck stop owners alike. So, buckle up and let’s get started!

First off, let's set the stage. Let’s talk about Rest Stops first. 

If you are in a Class B or Class C RV, park with the cars and not the big trucks. Class A, Super C RV, Fifth Wheels and Towables use the truck parking at interstate truck stops.

You need to understand this: At most interstate rest stops, there often are not enough spots for truckers. By law, truck drivers can only drive so many hours a day. They need those spots for rest. They have very few other options where they can go.

That’s why at most highway rest stops, overnight parking or long term stops are allowed only for commercial trucks – not RVs. Respect that rule. If you need to rest for an hour or two, fine. Do it during the daytime. But keep your visits as short as possible. 

Now here’s a question we get all the time: Can I overnight in my RV in a rest stop? The rules for overnight RV parking at interstate rest stops vary by state, and it’s critical to check specific regulations for each state you’re traveling through, as policies can change and enforcement varies. 

States That Allow Overnight RV Parking at Rest Areas

These states permit overnight parking in RVs at rest areas, often with time limits to prevent extended stays. Camping (e.g., setting up tents or external equipment) is universally prohibited.

• Arizona: Overnight parking is allowed unless signs indicate otherwise. No specific time limit is stated, but camping is not permitted. Check the Arizona DOT website for rest area details.
• Arkansas: Overnight parking is allowed with no specified time limit. You must sleep inside your RV, and some rest areas offer RV dump stations.
• California: Allows up to 8 hours of parking in any 24-hour period. Gas-fueled stoves are permitted, but dumping is generally not allowed.
• Connecticut: No specific time limits, but overnight parking is allowed if you’re too tired to drive. Check the Connecticut DOT website for rest area information.
• Delaware: Overnight parking is allowed with a 6-hour limit at the Smyrna Rest Area on Highway 1 and an 8-hour limit at the I-95 Welcome Center.
• Georgia: Allows “normal, customary, and temporary” use of rest areas for sleeping, with no defined time limit, but camping is prohibited.
• Idaho: Permits up to 10 hours on interstate rest areas and 16 hours on state highway rest areas for “rest and relaxation from the fatigue of travel.”
• Indiana: Allows overnight parking at most rest areas, though some have “no overnight parking” signs.
• Iowa: Allows overnight parking for up to 24 hours.
• Kansas: Permits overnight parking, with many rest areas featuring RV loops. A 24-hour limit applies.
• Massachusetts: Overnight parking is allowed at most rest areas, though some have signs prohibiting it.
• Michigan: Michigan permits parking at rest areas for up to 24 hours unless otherwise posted. Check the signs!
• Mississippi: Permits an 8-hour continuous period for rest.
• Missouri: Overnight parking is permitted with no specific time limit.
• Nebraska: Allows up to 10 hours of parking along Interstate 80. No camping is permitted.
• Nevada: Permits up to 18 hours in a 2-week period, with some rest areas offering dump stations or designated RV parking.
• New Mexico: Allows up to 24 hours in any 3-day period. Some rest areas have free WiFi and water.
• New York: Allows overnight parking in emergencies only, though the New York State Thruway rest areas permit parking 24 hours daily.
• North Dakota: Permits overnight parking, with some rest areas offering free WiFi and water.
• Oklahoma: Overnight parking is allowed with no specific time limit.
• Oregon: Allows up to 12 hours in a 24-hour period at highway safety rest areas. No camping is permitted.
• Texas: Permits up to 24 hours at rest areas or picnic areas designated as safety stops. No tents or structures allowed.
• Utah: Overnight parking is allowed with some restrictions; no camping permitted.
• Virginia: Allows overnight parking at designated RV areas along the Turnpike, but prohibits it at other rest stops.
• Washington: Permits up to 8 hours in a 24-hour period.
• West Virginia: Allows overnight parking in designated RV areas at travel plazas.

States That Prohibit Overnight RV Parking at Rest Areas

These states either ban overnight parking outright or have restrictive time limits that effectively prevent it:

• Colorado: Prohibits overnight parking at rest stops entirely.
• Florida: Limits parking to 3 hours for the general public (10 hours for commercial vehicles). Overnight parking is not permitted.
• Hawaii: No rest areas exist, and sleeping in vehicles overnight is banned statewide.
• Illinois: Limits parking to 3 hours, effectively prohibiting overnight stays except on the Illinois Toll Road.
• Maryland: Has a 3-hour maximum stay, making overnight parking impractical.
• Pennsylvania: Limits rest areas to 2 hours, but allows 24 hours at service plazas on the Turnpike.
• South Dakota: Limits parking to 3 hours, with specific codes prohibiting camping at interstate rest areas.
• Tennessee: Has a 2-hour maximum stay, effectively prohibiting overnight parking.
• Wyoming: Recent information suggests overnight parking is no longer allowed, though some sources indicate it may be permitted if you stay inside your RV without extending slide-outs. Check the Wyoming DOT for clarity.

Enforcement: Many RVers report staying overnight in states with restrictive rules without issue, especially if they’re discreet and leave early. However, enforcement can vary, and you risk being asked to leave. Again, always check for posted signs at rest areas, as local rules may differ, and be prepared to give up your spot to a truck.

No Camping: Across all states, camping (e.g., setting up tents, awnings, slide-outs, or chairs) is prohibited. Overnight parking means staying inside your RV for rest, not setting up a campsite.

Time Limits: Even in states that allow overnight parking, time limits (e.g., 8–24 hours) are common and may not be strictly enforced unless rules are abused.

Now… about Truck Stops and RVs

Now let’s talk about truck stops, another place where Rvers and big trucks have to coexist. Truck stops are a vital part of the roadway ecosystem. Truckers spend hours behind the wheel, logging long miles to keep our economy moving. These stops are more than just places to fill up; they’re lifelines — places to rest, eat, shower, and recharge. So, when RVers want to park overnight, there’s a delicate balance between convenience and respect. The key takeaway? Truckers get priority. Always.

Now, let’s dig into the first rule: Don’t leave your RV unattended while filling up. Most diesel-powered big RVs – Class As, Super Cs, Fifth Wheels and Towables – use the trucker’s diesel pumps. Many of us even have special discount cards for those pumps. 

This rule’s simple but often overlooked. If you pull up to the trucker’s fuel pumps, start fueling, then bolt inside for snacks or the restroom, you’re setting yourself up to annoy the truckers behind you. Truckers run on strict schedules and can’t afford to wait around. So, wait until your tank is full, then move on to a designated parking spot before stepping out of your RV.

We use the truck diesel pumps when we are hauling our fifth wheel. We try to pick times when they are not congested by a bunch of 18-wheelers all lined up like cows at a milking. Time is money for the truckers, and we try and not make things worse by picking the busiest times. Mid-morning is usually a good time, as is mid-afternoon. 

Moving on to rule number two: Don’t park in truck spots. You might see a row of empty truck parking spots and think, “Great! I’ll just pop my RV in there.” But think again. Truckers come and go at all hours, and that spot might be needed instantly. Instead, look for spots clearly marked for RVs. This will save you from a potential confrontation and give you a better night’s sleep — because truck parking spots are often noisy with generators and idling trucks.

Rule number three is all about space at a rest area in the trucker’s section: If you do use a truck stop, don’t park too close to trucks. Maneuvering these massive rigs isn’t easy, especially in tight spots. Give truckers plenty of room to move around safely. If you need to put a slide out to get to your fridge, be extra cautious not to encroach on neighboring spaces. Never put out an awning. Actually, a good practice is to keep slides pulled in unless absolutely necessary — truckers really appreciate the extra breathing room, and it prevents damage to your RV. This would also apply to truck stops that have signs also allowing RV parking with the trucks.

Next up, rule four: At a Truck Stop, don’t be a shower hog. Truck stop showers are a blessing for any traveler. They’re usually clean, relatively cheap, and a great way to refresh. But if you see a line, especially with truckers waiting, keep your shower quick and efficient. Remember, truckers need these facilities to meet mandatory rest laws. If the shower room is empty, by all means, enjoy a longer rinse, but don’t take advantage of this shared resource during busy times.

Now to rule five, a little cautionary advice: Beware of hustlers. Truck stops can sometimes attract less-than-honest characters. If someone approaches you with a money-related conversation, be wary. Some people might be scoping you out or trying to distract you. Always trust your instincts. It’s okay to politely decline and move on. Staying alert and keeping your belongings close is just good common sense.

Rule six ties into courtesy with the truck stop itself: Buy something. Even if you’re just parking overnight for free, make a purchase — be it fuel, a snack, or a shower token. This little act of goodwill encourages owners to keep welcoming RVers. A truck stop is a business, after all, and showing respect in this way goes a long way toward fostering good relationships.

Finally, rule seven: Be nice to truckers. At the heart of all these rules is respect. Truckers have one of the toughest jobs on the road. They are often tired and just looking for peace on their breaks. Simple gestures like yielding space, letting them use facilities first, or offering a friendly nod can make a huge difference. If a trucker approaches you with a concern, listen respectfully and be willing to make adjustments.

Now, a few bonus tips before we wrap up: Truck stops aren’t the only overnight option. There are many other overnight parking spots like Walmarts, Cracker Barrels, and even Harvest Hosts. Choose them instead of truck stops.

Except for Loves Travel Stops. They have been literally building RV parks at many of their travel centers… separate areas with electric and water hookups in relatively quiet spots of their property. Get the Loves app to find them, or look for the Loves billboards along the freeway. Those that have RV facilities have a little RV emblem on the billboard. You can reserve a spot online ahead of time, making it really easy..

And something else we’ve seen. More rest areas are also adding overnight RV camping. The Ohio Turnpike, for one, has RV camping spots at eight of its service centers. They are excellent spots. The Ohio Turnpike encompasses US Route 80 and 90, one of the nation’s major east-west routes. We’d sure like to see other states do this.

We can't end this conversation without passing along some basic etiquette tips about sharing the road with truckers, when we’re in our RV and how we can make life a little easier for our truck driving companions. And these rules are also good for people in passenger vehicles, too.

First, Be Understanding of Truck Limitations. Be patient on hills where trucks naturally slow down – they're often governed at certain speeds and fighting gravity with heavy loads. Don't pass on the right when trucks are in the left lane climbing hills; they'll move back once they crest. Recognize that trucks have huge blind spots on all sides, especially directly behind and alongside.

Now let’s talk about Merging and On-Ramps: Accelerate properly on on-ramps to match highway speed before merging. Don't force trucks to brake or change lanes to accommodate slow merges. When trucks signal to change lanes, give them space – they may be avoiding a hazard you can't see, or making room for merging traffic.

Then there’s Construction and Lane Changing Courtesy. In construction zones, merge early when lanes close rather than racing to the front and forcing your way in. Trucks need more time and space to change lanes safely. Don't pass trucks on the right in construction zones where lanes are narrow.

Finally, a note on Communication and Signals. Use your turn signals early and clearly. If a truck flashes their lights after you pass, it typically means you're clear to move back over. A quick flash of your hazards can thank a trucker who moved over to help you merge or gave you space.

OK. That’s it. Remember that truckers are working hard and depend on truck stops and rest areas as their home away from home. Be considerate of them. 

SOCIAL MEDIA BUZZ – Wendy Bowyer

Wendy Bowyer reports on the hot issues most talked about this past week on social media and our RV Lifestyle Community group.

We had a great post in our RVLifestyle Facebook Group recently from Lori who wrote:

Does the Irish Spring trick really keep mice away from your campers?

The Irish Spring trick, of course, is getting a few bars of Irish Springs Soap and putting it around your rig to keep the mice out.

While some say it does work…. by far, the majority of people say that while it may make your camper smell good, it does not work. (And the mice may even eat it – more than one person reports finding a bar of Irish Spring covered in mice teeth marks!)

So what DOES keep mice away? 

This question comes up a LOT on our social media posts, so here are some tips from this post of things to try.

1. Make Your RV Mouse Stinky

What does this mean? Put odors in there that mice do not like. Some RVers recommend peppermint oil. Get it as an essential oil and soak some cotton balls with it and distribute around the rig. Others use a peppermint spray. Moth balls is another stinky smell many RVers say keeps the rodents out.

2. Set Traps 

Many have traps all around the inside your RV is the way to go. Stops them the second they appear

3. Use ultrasonic devices 

 These devices emit high-frequency sound waves designed to repel rodents like mice and rats. Humans can't hear these sounds (young humans CAN hear them and is very irritating – so keep that in mind), but some pets can, so beware of that.

4. Mouse proof your food.

That means all food in sealed containers. That even includes the pet's food. If they can't smell a reason to enter, they are less likely to come.

5. Finally, the most important rule is to close up all entries.

Mice can squeeze in spaces as small as a pencil width. That means you need to really go around your rig and fill in even the smallest opening. Use steel wood and some have had luck with a foam installation. Just close it up so there is no way in.

RV QUESTION OF THE WEEK

QUESTION: I am planning on moving into an RV full time. Most RV parks in my area are pretty full. My question is… Can you just hear everyone else’s business? Seems most RVs aren’t well insulated, and I am a BIG prescriber to peace and quiet. Thanks!! – Chris

ANSWER: Then you are making a big mistake moving full-time into an RV, Chris. You clearly have not done your homework. RV spots in campgrounds are very close together. Your neighbors will be about 10-20 feet away from you, at best. And RVs indeed do have thin walls. If you want peace and quiet, get a cabin in the woods. Campgrounds are busy places. Very social. Your neighbors will have campfires. Some will watch TV. There will be kids and dogs. My advice is to change your plans. Full-time RV life in a campground is not for you.

MIKE & JEN’S STORYTIME:
The Perfect Boondocking Spot That Wasn't

Today we're sharing another bug tale from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula tale. It happened in early July a few years back when we thought we'd found boondocking paradise… until we discovered we weren't the only ones who thought so.

Mike: So there we were, deep in the Hiawatha National Forest, and I'm telling you, I was feeling pretty proud of myself. We'd been driving down this narrow two-track for what felt like miles, dodging branches and rocks, and I kept saying—

Jennifer: “Trust me, this is going to be amazing!” Yeah, I remember. You kept promising me this secret spot you'd researched online.

Mike: And it WAS amazing! When we finally pulled into that clearing just as the sun was setting, it was like something out of a postcard. Towering pines all around us, complete silence except for a gentle breeze through the trees, and not another soul for miles.

Jennifer: I have to admit, Mike was right. It was gorgeous. Deep wilderness, exactly what we'd been looking for after staying in crowded campgrounds all week. We set up our chairs outside and just sat there taking it all in.

Mike: For about… oh, what would you say? Three minutes?

Jennifer: If that! Because that's when we heard it. This high-pitched buzzing sound that seemed to come from everywhere at once.

Mike: Now, I should mention for our audience who haven't experienced the Upper Peninsula in summer – they don't call mosquitoes the “state bird” of Michigan for nothing. The UP is notorious for its mosquito population, especially in the summer months.

Jennifer: The research Mike did AFTER this trip would have been helpful BEFORE. Apparently, between April and October, a “plague of insects descends upon the Upper Peninsula of Michigan,” with mosquitoes having “a long season that lasts most of summer.”

Mike: So anyway, this buzzing sound kept getting louder and louder, and then suddenly it was like we were standing in the middle of a cloud. Thousands – no, millions – of mosquitoes just materialized out of nowhere.

Jennifer: It was like something out of a horror movie. The air was literally thick with them. Mike started doing this crazy dance, swatting at the air, and I'm grabbing our chairs trying to get everything inside the RV as fast as possible.

Mike: Hey, my “crazy dance” was a perfectly reasonable response! These weren't your average backyard mosquitoes. Summer floodwater mosquitoes can lay hundreds of eggs up to six times in their three-week lifespan, and apparently, they'd all decided our perfect little clearing was their personal buffet.

Jennifer: We got inside and slammed the door shut, thinking we were safe. Mike immediately went around checking every window, every vent, making sure everything was sealed tight.

Mike: I was like a man possessed, running around with a roll of duct tape, sealing up any gap I could find. Because here's the thing about RVs – they're not exactly airtight. There are always little spaces around slide-outs, vents, anywhere two pieces meet.

Jennifer: And we thought we had it handled. We made dinner inside, which was fine. We had our wine, we were laughing about our “wilderness adventure,” and then…

Mike: Then we started getting bit. Inside our own RV!

Jennifer: At first it was just one or two. I'd feel that familiar sting and slap at my arm. Then Mike got one on his neck. We figured maybe a few had snuck in when we rushed inside.

Mike: But they kept coming. Somehow, these tiny vampires were finding their way through seals and gaps we didn't even know existed. According to local experts, bug spray “does little to hold them back” and “you need to get creative” because “some bugs will bite through clothes.”

Jennifer: We were getting desperate. Mike was crawling around with a flashlight, looking for entry points, while I'm sitting there with a dish towel trying to swat them out of the air. We must have looked ridiculous.

Mike: The worst part was trying to sleep. Every time you'd start to drift off, you'd hear that telltale buzz right by your ear, or feel something land on your face. We both had bites all over our arms and legs.

Jennifer: By 10 PM, we'd had enough. Mike looks at me and says, “I think we need to surrender.”

Mike: I hate admitting defeat, but this was bigger than us. We packed up in the dark – which was its own adventure – and started driving back down that two-track road with our headlights cutting through clouds of mosquitoes.

Jennifer: It was like driving through a blizzard, except instead of snow, it was bugs. They were so thick they were hitting the windshield constantly. We had to use the wipers!

Mike: Fifteen miles later, we pulled into the parking lot of the Northern Waters Casino Hotel in Watersmeet. Even at 10:30 at night, that place looked like the Ritz-Carlton to us.

Jennifer: We got a room, and Mike spent the next morning going back to the RV, hunting down the stragglers that had made it inside. He found at least a dozen more just buzzing around our van.

Mike: The moral of this story, folks, is that sometimes Mother Nature wins. No matter how perfect a spot looks, no matter how much research you think you've done, sometimes you just have to know when to fold 'em.

Jennifer: But also, timing is everything. We learned later that from mid-July the mosquitoes “noticeably decrease in numbers,” and in “September and October – they are not much of a problem at all.”

Mike: So our perfect boondocking spot is still out there, waiting for us. We'll just be visiting it in late August next time, with a lot more bug spray and a much healthier respect for Michigan's unofficial state bird.

Jennifer: And maybe we'll spring for the casino hotel room first, just in case.

Mike: That's our story for today, folks. Sometimes the best adventures are the ones that don't go according to plan. Until next time, keep your windows sealed and your bug spray handy!

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The moral of the story: Even the most perfect-looking spots can have their own challenges. Sometimes the wisest thing you can do is recognize when you're outmatched and live to camp another day – preferably with better timing and more preparation.