Otis Singleton
Rest stops are designed to give travellers a place to stop, use the bathroom, take a nap, stretch, and eat a snack or meal. While many rest stops are simply parking lots along the highway, some states have invested in better infrastructure to accommodate RV travellers, including electric hookups. Electric vehicle owners have expressed frustration about the lack of charging stations at rest stops, as these would be considered a fueling service, which is explicitly restricted at highway rest stops. However, some states, such as Ohio, Virginia, and California, are starting to add electric vehicle charging stations at their rest stops.
Characteristics and Values of Rest Stops with Electric Hookups
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| States | Ohio, Alabama, Louisiana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon |
| Conditions | Some rest stops in Ohio have electric hookups, but no overnight parking. Alabama allows overnight parking unless otherwise marked. Louisiana technically has a 2-hour limit, but it is not enforced. |
| Fees | Ohio charges $20 for electric hookups. |
| Other Amenities | Some rest stops in North Dakota offer free WiFi and water. Some rest stops in Nevada have dump stations. |
| Truck Stops | Flying J offers spots to RVs, not trucks. One Flying J location in Idaho Falls has electric hookups for RVs. |
| Laws | Federal law prohibits charging for electricity at rest stops. Fueling services are also restricted at highway rest stops. |
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What You'll Learn
Electric hookups at truck stops
For example, Pilot Flying J, a popular truck stop chain, offers RV-friendly amenities, but it is unclear if electrical hookups are provided at all locations. Some travellers have reported seeing electrical hookups at certain Pilot Flying J locations, while others have never encountered them.
Flying J, another well-known truck stop chain, offers RV parking and has been reported to provide electrical hookups at a few locations, including one in Idaho Falls, with plans to expand to other sites.
In addition to private truck stops, certain states in the US legally permit temporary overnight parking at rest areas with electrical hookups. For instance, Ohio allows overnight parking and provides electrical hookups at specific locations, which can be a convenient and cost-effective option for travellers.
When planning a trip that includes overnight stays at truck stops or rest areas, it is advisable to research in advance and identify locations that offer electrical hookups. This ensures a more comfortable journey without the need to rely solely on generators or other alternative power sources.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that truck stops are primarily intended for truck drivers to rest and park their vehicles. As such, it is recommended that RV owners consider staying at designated RV parks or campgrounds, especially if electrical hookups are required, to avoid taking up spaces intended for truckers.
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States with electric rest stops
When it comes to rest stops with electrical hookups, the United States has several states that offer this amenity for travellers, particularly those with RVs. While some states have limited options, others have more comprehensive facilities. Here is a list of states that provide electrical hookups at their rest stops:
Ohio
Ohio is one of the most RV-friendly states, offering a range of amenities at its rest stops. The Ohio Turnpike, in particular, provides designated RV parking with electrical hookups, potable water, and dump stations. The cost for using these facilities is typically $20 per night, and they operate on a first-come, first-served basis. These sites are conveniently located along Interstate 80, making them easily accessible for travellers.
North Dakota
North Dakota accommodates RV travellers by allowing overnight parking at its rest stops. Some of these locations also offer additional amenities, such as free WiFi and water. It is important to note, however, that there is a 48-hour limit on how long a vehicle can remain parked at these rest stops.
Pennsylvania
While information is limited, a rest area worker in Pennsylvania confirmed that overnight parking is allowed at rest areas on the state's Interstates. This makes Pennsylvania a convenient option for travellers seeking a place to rest without having to venture off the main roads.
Idaho
Although not widely discussed, Idaho does offer at least one rest area with electrical hookups. A traveller reported staying in a beautiful rest area in Idaho along the Snake River, showcasing the state's potential for convenient and scenic overnight stops.
Alabama
Alabama generally allows overnight parking at its rest areas, except in certain areas close to the coast and beaches. This makes Alabama a viable option for travellers seeking electrical hookups and overnight stays, especially in the northern parts of the state.
In addition to these states, others, like Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, permit overnight parking at their rest stops, although the availability of electrical hookups in these states is not specifically mentioned. It is always a good idea to check ahead or use apps to locate the nearest rest areas with electrical hookups and confirm their availability.
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RV parking at rest stops
While many rest stops are simply parking lots along the highway, some states have invested in better infrastructure to accommodate RV travellers. This can include on-site dump stations, water and electric hookups, free WiFi, snack bars or restaurants, and dedicated RV parking.
Many states allow campers to legally stay overnight at a rest stop for a night. However, it is important to note that staying overnight means parking and camping within your RV or vehicle—it doesn't mean setting up a full campsite or staying for an extended period of time. In fact, no states allow camping at rest areas.
Some states that allow overnight RV parking include:
- Arizona: Parking is allowed overnight, but no campfires are permitted.
- Arkansas: Sleeping within the confines of your vehicle is permitted, but no camping is allowed. Some rest areas offer RV dump stations.
- California: Camping is prohibited, but you can park for up to 8 hours in any 24-hour period. Gas-fueled stoves are permitted, and some rest areas have dump stations.
- North Dakota: Overnight parking is welcomed at some rest stops, and some even offer free WiFi and water.
- Ohio: Eight service plazas on the Ohio Turnpike offer designated RV parking with electric hookups, available for a fee.
- Oklahoma: Overnight parking is allowed at rest areas.
- Oregon: No camping is allowed, but travellers can stay for up to 12 hours in the state's highway safety rest areas.
- Pennsylvania: Parking is allowed for 2 hours in a 24-hour period for rest areas managed by PennDOT, and overnight parking is allowed for 24 hours at service plazas and areas managed by the state's Turnpike Commission.
- Rhode Island: No camping is allowed, but overnight parking is permitted for safety and rest.
- West Virginia: Overnight parking is permitted in designated areas for RVs at travel plazas.
It is important to check local restrictions or any signs posted at the rest stop, as regulations and parking time limits vary between states.
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Rest stop amenities
Rest stops are designed to give travellers a place to stop, use the bathroom, take a nap, stretch, and eat a snack or meal. While many rest stops are simply parking lots along the highway, some states have invested in better infrastructure to accommodate RV travellers.
Some rest stops have amenities like bathrooms, visitor centres, dog runs, WiFi, dump stations, and restaurants. Some states have even started to install electric vehicle charging stations at their rest stops. For example, Virginia is adding fast chargers at its rest stops, and some rest stops on the East Coast toll roads have gas stations and Superchargers. However, it is important to note that fuelling services are explicitly restricted at highway rest stops, and charging for electricity at freeway rest stops is not allowed in the US.
In addition to the above amenities, some rest stops also offer overnight parking. This is a great way for states to help keep drowsy drivers off the road, as according to the National Safety Council, drowsy driving accounts for about 100,000 crashes each year, with most accidents happening between midnight and 6:00 a.m. States like Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Oregon allow overnight parking at rest areas, with some restrictions. For example, in Nebraska, vehicles can park for up to 10 hours, while in New Mexico, travellers can park for one 24-hour period every three days.
Ohio is unique in that it offers RV parking with electric hookups for a fee, although overnight parking is only allowed at the state's eight service plazas on the Ohio Turnpike. The RV lot is separate from the larger, busier car lot, providing a relatively peaceful environment for travellers.
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Electric vehicle charging at rest stops
Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at rest stops are currently few and far between in the US. This is due to a number of reasons, including federal and state regulations, market forces, and the evolving nature of charging technology. While some rest stops may have EV chargers, the availability and reliability of these chargers can vary widely. Some states, like Virginia, are taking steps towards adding EV charging stations along interstate routes, but the progress has been slow.
One of the main obstacles to installing EV charging stations at rest stops is the regulatory landscape. Federal regulations prohibit fueling services at highway rest stops, and while EV charging could be considered a necessary service, the decision to permit it falls to individual states. This has resulted in a patchwork of rules and regulations that differ from state to state, with some states being more amenable to EV adoption than others.
Additionally, the push for EV adoption has largely been driven by politicians, which has created a top-down approach that may not effectively address the needs of consumers or keep up with the rapidly evolving charging technology. The $5 billion government spending spree aimed at increasing EV infrastructure may not be enough to overcome the bureaucratic hurdles and market forces that are currently slowing down the process.
However, there are some success stories and glimmers of hope. For example, the Flying J's and Pilots east of the Mississippi have RV-friendly lanes for fueling, water, and dumping, although electrical hookups are not always available. Additionally, some rest stops on the East Coast, such as those in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, may have EV chargers as the rules for federally funded interstates do not apply to them.
In conclusion, while EV charging at rest stops is not yet widely available in the US, there are efforts being made to change this. The transportation secretary, Pete Buttigieg, has approved plans for all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia to support the adoption of electric vehicles. However, it remains to be seen whether these plans will be effectively implemented and whether they will be able to keep up with the rapidly evolving market and technology.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, some rest stops in the US have electric hookups. Six states allow temporary overnight parking at rest areas for RVers and other travellers. These include Ohio, Alabama, Louisiana, and North Dakota. Ohio's eight service plazas on the Ohio Turnpike offer electric hookups for a fee.
Some truck stops have electric hookups, but these are often designed for trucks to shut down their engines while maintaining heated or cooled cabs. Truck stops with electric hookups for RVs include Flying J, which has locations in Idaho Falls and other areas.
It is unclear whether Pilot Flying J locations have electric hookups. While some sources claim that they do not, others suggest that certain locations may offer electric hookups for RVs.
Yes, there are several alternatives. Some rest areas have amenities like dump stations, water, free WiFi, and dedicated RV parking, although they may not have electric hookups. Campgrounds are another option, although they may have check-in time restrictions. Additionally, some businesses, like Cracker Barrel, may allow overnight parking.
