Where are safe and free places to park overnight?

[Bruce H]

In a small town just find the police station and ask if you can stay in their parking lot or on the street by the station. They figure since you ask you are probably not a criminal from out of town plus the real criminals are not too likely to bother you.

I have occasionally stayed at all night convenience store gas stations. I just ask the third shift clerk if it is ok if I sleep in my trailer for a little while. They never say no. Overnight clerks have a frightening job. If they are going to get rolled it is going to be when there are no customers. I believe it is reassuring for them to have a non threatening customer on the lot even if he is asleep. It is not reassuring for criminals to have a potential witness.

[cpaharley2008]

On the other hand, if all night convenience stores are more likely targets, as you suggest, I would try to avoid being at the scene of a crime. Has anyone ever asked to park at a hotel or motel overnight parking lot, without incurring a fee?