- Oregon does not have a blanket law prohibiting sleeping in your car, but the legality depends heavily on where you park and local ordinances.
- State rest areas allow you to sleep in your car for up to 12 hours within a 24-hour period. However, setting up camp or staying longer is prohibited.
- Sleeping overnight in your car along highways (outside of designated rest areas) is not allowed and may result in police contact.
Local City Laws and Exceptions
- Eugene: You may sleep overnight in a vehicle on private property (such as a business, religious institution, or vacant lot) with the property owner’s permission and if the site is registered with the city. Sanitary facilities and garbage disposal must be provided. There are limits on the number of vehicles per site (usually six).
- Albany: Sleeping in your car is only legal in approved RV parks, on private residential property with the occupant’s consent (limited to 7 days in any 90-day period), or in a public right-of-way for up to 48 hours for self-contained RVs.
- Roseburg: Vehicle camping is allowed only in specific, registered locations operated by non-profits, public, or commercial entities-not in residential zones. There are strict rules about facilities, supervision, and time limits.
National and State Parks
- In most National Parks (like Crater Lake), overnight sleeping in your car is not permitted unless you are in a designated campground that allows it. However, National Forests surrounding the parks often allow dispersed camping, including sleeping in your car, as long as you are a certain distance from the road and not violating other rules.
General Guidelines
- Always check local ordinances before sleeping in your car, as city rules can differ significantly.
- Do not park overnight on highways or in places without restroom facilities, as this is generally prohibited.
- If you plan to sleep in your car on private property, always get the property owner’s permission.
- In cities with vehicle camping programs, follow all registration and facility requirements.
Table
| Location Type | Car Sleeping Allowed? | Key Conditions/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State Rest Areas | Yes, up to 12 hours | No tents/camping gear; no more than 12 hours |
| Highways (outside rest areas) | No | Prohibited; police may intervene |
| Private Property (with consent) | Yes (varies by city) | Must have owner’s permission; local rules apply |
| National Parks | Rarely | Only in designated campgrounds |
| National Forests | Often | Dispersed camping usually allowed |
| City Streets/Public Lots | Varies | Check local ordinances; often prohibited |
Sleeping in your car is not universally illegal in Oregon, but strict location-based rules apply. Always check local regulations and seek permission where required to avoid fines or legal trouble.
Sources
[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/OregonCoast/comments/11skm2o/overnight_parkingsleeping_in_the_car/
[2] https://www.cityofroseburg.org/storage/app/media/CDD/Forms/Vehicle%20Camping%20Pilot%20Program/City%20of%20Roseburg%20Vehicle%20Camping%20Rules%20%20Information.docx.pdf
[3] https://travel.stackexchange.com/questions/31336/crater-lake-oregon-can-you-sleep-in-your-car-at-night
[4] https://eugene.municipal.codes/EC/4.816
[5] https://albanyoregon.gov/police/safety/vehicle
