Alabama Rest Areas

[Dan_Frisbie]

I did a search for this, but didn't find much recent info.
We are headed to East Tennessee from Pensacola, FL in the Spring. Lenior City is about 8-9 hours with a stop or two, just a little too much for one day of travel.
In the past for overnights, we have stopped in campgrounds, but I am considering staying in an interstate rest area for the night instead of finding a campground.
Specifically, the I-59 Northbound rest area north of Birmingham, AL.
Any ideas, experiences?

 

[sheridany]

Get there by 3 pm, or you won't find a spot. Some are better than others—lots of idling trucks typically. Know the state rules regarding rest areas and how long you can stay. Most are 8 hours, it seems. I use IOverlander to see my options for an overnight stay or HH if you are a member. Rest areas can be tight and packed, and getting out early can be challenging in a 45-foot coach with a toad, along with some of the undesirables that show up there.

 

[rv4travlin]

If you have Harvest Host, Hodges Vineyard has 4 full hook up sites with no charge. It may be a stop sooner than you wanted. It's southeast of Birmingham.

Hodges Vineyards & Tasting Room​

230 County Rd 71, Camp Hill, AL 36850​

 

[Wemustrv]

Use Harvest Host. Join if you are not a member it is well worth it we have been using for over 5 years

 

[BGMAC]

Each state is different about overnight parking in rest areas. As you probably know Florida does not allow it, but Alabama does. When I looked on google maps I only saw 1 rest stop. You do have a better selection of Walmarts.

 

[Texas Clodhopper]

We've stayed at Bass Pro Shop in Leeds.

 

[AuntieDodo]

Our friend is a big burly fellow who drives 18 Wheelers for a living and he states he would NEVER stop at a rest area overnight.

 

[AbdRahim]

Have been sleeping in rest areas all of my life -mostly on the east coast, out as far as the Midwest, south as far as Ga. Never asked to leave. I always stay the entire night.

 

[Neemer]

The DC snipers were arrested in a rest area. Just sayin’.

 

[Dan_Frisbie]

The DC snipers were arrested in a rest area. Just sayin’.

In DC.
No one’s gonna get away with that kinda crap in Alabama. That car would have been shot by a redneck with a sniper rifle after one incident.

(Ever notice that communities that love firearms and freedom seldom have these type of problems?)

 

[sheridany]

 

[lahad1]

Have you looked at Cracker Barrels in the area? Not all allow overnight parking, so you need to call to check if you find one in your route.
Best of luck with your travels

 

[sheridany]

Cracker Barrel is a great option if you can fit in their lots which tend to be small. You won’t leave hungry.