Newbie Full time in Van
Wife and I just purchased a class b van. We are going to fulltime in it. We will keep our day jobs and only be in the van at night. We have a trip coming up next week in Los Angeles. Since we are new ...
Forum Discussion
bikendan wrote:
What's your definition of "stealth" camping?
Mine involves parking illegally overnight, for free.
If that's your intent, i doubt many will help you.
Stealth camping and illegal camping are by no means the same thing. Stealth camping means keeping a low profile when you stay overnight. I do that a lot even when staying is legal.
When I stay in a residential area I do not get out the BBQ grill, set up the lawn chairs and look like a gypsy wagon. Instead I am careful about selecting a parking area. I don't take parking that is typically in short supply and used by the local residents. I good option is a church parking lot during the week, but check first.
In a majority of areas, the police has some leeway in dealing with issues. Often overnight parking is allowed but camping is not. Is sleeping in the vehicle the same as parking or as camping? Usually no one actually knows, but if you make a nuisance of yourself law enforcement is likely to tell you to move. I have even had issues like this in National Parks. Several times I have gone to the park office to ask about staying in a parking lot overnight so I could do night or sunrise photography. Sometimes I have been told no way. Typically I have been told that camping in a parking lot is not allowed, but I could show up later in the evening and park overnight. When in doubt check with police or other law enforcement, keep a low profile, don't make a nuisance of yourself and you will be allowed to stay in a great many places outside of official campgrounds.
