I was just thinking about new spots to boondock (potentially) and thought i would ask if anyone uses a 24 hours fitness place to boondock. The locations around here would not ask twice about parking in the lot overnight and you could take a dip in the pool, sauna, whirlpool and a long hot shower. Thoughts? TIA-zippy

Never tried that. Sounds like a good idea.

Haven't thought about that. Have stopped at a hospital which was close to the interstate. I figured they were open all night. Made a phone call to security asking if OK and the guy was super nice. He told me he used to drive an 18 wheeler and understood finding a place to stop. He even directed me as to which entrance would put me in a lot on the far side of the hospital from the ER.

I liked the sound of this idea so much I went to the 24hour website and did a map search of their western states locations.Answer: if you like camping in large metropolitan areas this might be a good solution. I expected to find far more locations in rural exurbia, for example Bend, Oregon--and similar small-to-medium pop centers near to outdoors attractions. To me, free camping doesn't mean much if it's 200 miles from where I want to be.Another problem is that most locations seem to be in regional shopping malls where the mall policy will determine whether you get hassled for parking overnight. Doesn't matter how much 24 hour would love to have you visiting the facilities at three in the morning. Mall security will be driving the lot and rousting you.

I was also disappointed with western locations. I know the location near me would not care, but they own that parking lot themselves.

Problem is some cities have enacted restrictions on sleeping overnight in business areas, public streets and parking lots. Even if the 24 fitness manager says it's OK the police may ticket you for violating this ordinace.The goal is to cut down on the homeless sleeping in vehicles/cardboard boxes of all shapes and sizes.

new place to boondock? | Good Sam Community

2oldman
Explorer II
Nov 30, 2014
zippyphil wrote:
.. 12mid to 5-6am in the lot. This sounds worth the expense, as i can get some exercise in then hit the hot showers, take a nap, and be off. maybe there does need to be an official name for this type of parking!
Need-more-sleep docking.
SuzzeeeQ2012
Explorer
Nov 30, 2014
Francesca Knowles wrote:
zippyphil wrote:

maybe there does need to be an official name for this type of parking!
Gymdocking! :B

there ya go! I have a memebership with Anytime Fitness. I'm going to ask them :)
SuzzeeeQ2012
Explorer
Nov 30, 2014
MrWizard wrote:
well..where i came from "tailgating" was riding the bumper of the vehicle in front of you

NOT a party in the football stadium parking lot

language changes, digresses..

but one thing is true

the words have to mean the same thing to everybody in the conversation

and over nighting in the parking lot is NOT Boon docking a long ways from civilization...woods...mountains...desert etc..

even Quatzite is Not boon docking
it dry camping with 100,000 other people about 10 minutes from the nearest store ..fuel and food

I consider where I am boondocking. I can barely see any other campers and we're not hooked to electricity lol we're 7 miles from the nearest store lol I'm not on pavement.
SuzzeeeQ2012
Explorer
Nov 30, 2014
Wallydocking :) the one in Yreka California is AWESOME! Quiet. very quiet and close to pretty trees.
BoonHauler
Explorer
Nov 16, 2014
Francesca Knowles wrote:
I like "blacktopping".

I'll second the "blacktopping", good call Francesca! ... :)
Francesca_Knowl
Explorer
Nov 16, 2014
zippyphil wrote:

maybe there does need to be an official name for this type of parking!
Gymdocking! :B
zippyphil
Explorer
Nov 15, 2014
Well I talked with anytime fitness. they only offer contracts 18 months i think i heard him tell me on the phone. $38/month + $40 for key fob (one time fee). the one in my location told me they would not see problems with staying from 12mid to 5-6am in the lot. This sounds worth the expense, as i can get some exercise in then hit the hot showers, take a nap, and be off.

maybe there does need to be an official name for this type of parking!
Francesca_Knowl
Explorer
Nov 10, 2014
I like "blacktopping".
Artum_Snowbird
Explorer
Nov 10, 2014
Perhaps boondocking should not include any site that is paved?
profdant139
Explorer II
Nov 09, 2014
Or maybe pavedocking?

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