Guide to Apple Valley Charter Bus Loading and Parking

Charter bus parking in Apple Valley, California, is straightforward if you know where to look. Whether you’re bringing a school group for a field trip to the Victor Valley Museum, shuttling wedding guests to Sunset Hills Memorial Park, or arriving with a sports team at Brewster Park, our team can help you find the right bus parking options throughout the High Desert. Call 442-755-0920 anytime—we’ll walk you through logistics and help you reserve the perfect charter bus rental or minibus shuttle for your next big event!

Learn The Lingo: Staging, Loading/Unloading, Idling

Before we get into Apple Valley’s local rules, let’s define some key terms used when discussing charter bus logistics:

Staging: This refers to where buses wait “off-site” before picking up passengers. Usually, this means a remote lot, side street, or designated holding area. It keeps loading zones clear until your group is ready. 

Loading/Unloading: These are areas where passengers board or depart the bus. They’re often curbside pullouts near venues. Time limits (5–15 minutes) are common! Only move your bus here when everyone is ready to board or disembark.

Idling: This means letting the bus engine run while stopped, typically to maintain air conditioning or heating. But in California, idling is tightly regulated. Most places limit it to 5 minutes unless actively loading/unloading. 

These distinctions matter because parking enforcement in Apple Valley (and across San Bernardino County) will cite buses overstaying their welcome in loading zones, staging in unauthorized spots, or idling too long. Plan ahead and ask questions if you’re unsure about a site’s rules.

Staging and Unloading at Apple Valley Airports

If your group is flying into the region, you’ll most likely land at Ontario International Airport (ONT), about an hour southwest of Apple Valley. ONT welcomes charter buses but has strict procedures: 

Buses may not stage or idle curbside at passenger terminals. Instead, they must use the Cell Phone Waiting Lot on East Airport Drive. Once all passengers have collected luggage and assembled, the bus can proceed to the terminal’s commercial vehicle lane for quick loading. Curb time is enforced; expect 10–15 minutes max. If you need more time due to elderly or disabled passengers, call ahead to request an exemption.

Smaller groups might fly into Apple Valley Airport (APV), which handles private charters and general aviation. There’s ample free parking in the public lot off Navajo Road, suitable for minibuses and sprinter vans. For large motorcoaches, call the airport office (760-240-7000) to arrange temporary staging or to ask about overnight accommodations if needed.

Bus Parking at the Victor Valley Museum

The Victor Valley Museum in nearby Apple Valley is a popular field trip destination for schools and youth groups. Located at 11873 Apple Valley Road, the museum shares a large parking lot with adjacent civic buildings. There’s no dedicated bus parking, but plenty of space along the outer edges of the lot to accommodate full-size charter buses or multiple minibuses. When dropping off students, use the circle drive in front of the museum entrance for quick unloading, then relocate to the far end of the lot to park. The museum staff appreciates advance notice for large groups, so call ahead to coordinate arrival times and logistics.

Bus Parking at Brewster Park

Brewster Park is Apple Valley’s premier sports complex, hosting tournaments and games for soccer, football, baseball, and softball teams from across Southern California. The facility has multiple entrances and expansive parking lots on both the north and south sides. Charter buses should use the north entrance on Otoe Road, where there’s a designated bus drop-off zone near the main concession stand. After unloading athletes and equipment, buses can park along the perimeter fence or in the overflow lot on the east side of the park. On tournament weekends, parking fills up fast, so arrive early or contact the park office to reserve space for your team’s bus.

Bus Parking at Sunset Hills Memorial Park

Sunset Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary is a frequent venue for large funerals and memorial services, drawing hundreds of mourners who may arrive by charter bus. The cemetery has a spacious parking area at the main entrance on Waalew Road, with room for several buses to park during services. For processions or graveside ceremonies in remote sections of the park, coordinate with the staff to arrange temporary bus access on service roads or to shuttle guests closer to the burial site. Respectful behavior and adherence to traffic rules are expected at all times on cemetery grounds.

Bus Parking at Horsemen’s Center Park

Horsemen’s Center Park is a unique Apple Valley attraction that hosts equestrian events, trail rides, and rock climbing competitions. The park features a large gravel parking lot designed to accommodate horse trailers, RVs, and other oversized vehicles. Charter buses can easily park here during events, but be mindful of sharing space with riders and their horses. If your group is attending a private function or competition, check with event organizers about reserving a section of the lot for exclusive bus parking or arranging a shuttle service from a nearby hotel or park-and-ride lot.

Where to Sleep & Park Overnight

For multi-day trips or late-night events, you may need overnight parking and accommodations for your charter bus. Most hotels in Apple Valley, such as the Apple Valley Inn or Holiday Inn Victorville, offer free parking in open lots that can fit a bus or two. Always call ahead to confirm availability, especially if you need multiple spaces or have special requirements like electrical hookups for refrigerated coaches.

If your itinerary includes stops outside of Apple Valley, such as Barstow or Big Bear Lake, research hotel options with oversized vehicle parking or contact local law enforcement to ask about safe overnight parking in public lots. Some venues, like convention centers or fairgrounds, may allow overnight bus parking for a fee or as part of an event package. Never assume street parking is allowed overnight—Apple Valley and most High Desert cities enforce no-parking zones and may ticket or tow unattended buses left on residential or commercial streets after hours.

Reserve Your Apple Valley Charter Bus Rental

With proper planning and communication, finding charter bus parking in Apple Valley is manageable for groups of any size. Use this guide as a starting point, but always verify details with your destination, especially for large events or unusual vehicles. Our team at Charter Bus Rental Apple Valley is here to help! We’ve worked with schools, businesses, churches, and tour operators across San Bernardino County and know the ins and outs of bus-friendly venues and routes. Ready to book transportation for your next Apple Valley trip? Call 442-755-0920 to get a free quote on a charter bus or minibus rental tailored to your group’s needs.