Rest Areas

["EZ"]

Since we (a) live and travel primarily “in the West and (b) have posted some cautions regarding “rest areas,” let me provide a little context. First, very few rest areas in the West have staffed “travel centers” or “attendants” as we have seen in the Midwest and East. They are simply parking lots with a set of restrooms that get maintained once a day (if that). And, they are usually not overly large, so we find the truck side is frequently full. Not many have the “tour bus” spaces mentioned.

Then, there are the distances involved. People who have not traveled in the West just don’t understand how big it is and how separated towns can be. Very few rest areas out here are located immediately adjacent to cities and towns, so the only law enforcement presence is the state patrol/police. And, they are not staffed to regularly patrol rest areas (except for one rest area we know of in Washington state that is located adjacent to the Washington State Patrol office ). Some of these rest areas are well-lighted, others not so much. Basically, you are on your own at them. And, the “homeless” epidemic out here has many rest areas packed with barely running or broken-down RVs inhabited by less-than upstanding folks.

Our law enforcement contacts tell us that the “rest areas” along major interstates in the West are frequently used for drug deals between major suppliers and distributors. These “deals” are usually between parties (at least one frequently being from out-of-state) exchanging large amounts of drugs for large amounts of cash. That can be (and has been) a recipe for trouble!

We have really appreciated the “travel plazas” in the Midwest and East that are combined with fuel stops, restaurants, etc. I think that approach helps make things safer and we would probably overnight at one of those. The ones out here in the “Wild West,” not so much.

TJ

Exactly as I thought. Thanks for confirming my fears. I'll know better now if I'm travelling out West. Like I said most of our rest stops or Welcome Centers down here in the South are really pretty nice! This is the State owned rest stops too, not a commercial travel center like a Loves or T/A truck stop either. Guess we're lucky in that regard.

 

[turbopilot]

The ones out here in the “Wild West,” not so much.

Agree with all you said. Out West Oregon does the best job with rest areas. Rogue River on I5 is a good example. Also French Prairie Rest Area South of Portland on I5 is large and well done. Watch out for rest areas on the I5 in California. A lot more happening in those areas than "rest".

 

[MapNerd]

Since we (a) live and travel primarily “in the West and (b) have posted some cautions regarding “rest areas,” let me provide a little context. First, very few rest areas in the West have staffed “travel centers” or “attendants” as we have seen in the Midwest and East. They are simply parking lots with a set of restrooms that get maintained once a day (if that). And, they are usually not overly large, so we find the truck side is frequently full. Not many have the “tour bus” spaces mentioned.

Then, there are the distances involved. People who have not traveled in the West just don’t understand how big it is and how separated towns can be. Very few rest areas out here are located immediately adjacent to cities and towns, so the only law enforcement presence is the state patrol/police. And, they are not staffed to regularly patrol rest areas (except for one rest area we know of in Washington state that is located adjacent to the Washington State Patrol office ). Some of these rest areas are well-lighted, others not so much. Basically, you are on your own at them. And, the “homeless” epidemic out here has many rest areas packed with barely running or broken-down RVs inhabited by less-than upstanding folks.

Our law enforcement contacts tell us that the “rest areas” along major interstates in the West are frequently used for drug deals between major suppliers and distributors. These “deals” are usually between parties (at least one frequently being from out-of-state) exchanging large amounts of drugs for large amounts of cash. That can be (and has been) a recipe for trouble!

We have really appreciated the “travel plazas” in the Midwest and East that are combined with fuel stops, restaurants, etc. I think that approach helps make things safer and we would probably overnight at one of those. The ones out here in the “Wild West,” not so much.

TJ

Context always helps. I might not stay at one out west either considering what you’ve outlined. It’s always a judgement call. Don’t stay any place you feel unsafe.

 

[MemoriesByTheMile]

We haven’t been out west with the coach yet. Good to hear about the differences from what we are accustomed to on the east coast and Midwest, will help set expectations of how we will overnight while in travel mode.

 

[AbdRahim]

Since we (a) live and travel primarily “in the West and (b) have posted some cautions regarding “rest areas,” let me provide a little context. First, very few rest areas in the West have staffed “travel centers” or “attendants” as we have seen in the Midwest and East. They are simply parking lots with a set of restrooms that get maintained once a day (if that). And, they are usually not overly large, so we find the truck side is frequently full. Not many have the “tour bus” spaces mentioned.

Then, there are the distances involved. People who have not traveled in the West just don’t understand how big it is and how separated towns can be. Very few rest areas out here are located immediately adjacent to cities and towns, so the only law enforcement presence is the state patrol/police. And, they are not staffed to regularly patrol rest areas (except for one rest area we know of in Washington state that is located adjacent to the Washington State Patrol office ). Some of these rest areas are well-lighted, others not so much. Basically, you are on your own at them. And, the “homeless” epidemic out here has many rest areas packed with barely running or broken-down RVs inhabited by less-than upstanding folks.

Our law enforcement contacts tell us that the “rest areas” along major interstates in the West are frequently used for drug deals between major suppliers and distributors. These “deals” are usually between parties (at least one frequently being from out-of-state) exchanging large amounts of drugs for large amounts of cash. That can be (and has been) a recipe for trouble!

We have really appreciated the “travel plazas” in the Midwest and East that are combined with fuel stops, restaurants, etc. I think that approach helps make things safer and we would probably overnight at one of those. The ones out here in the “Wild West,” not so much.

TJ

Thanks for the perspective - two different worlds.