Graveside Boondocking?

[Joe_Glidewell]

I'd like to know the opinion of others on this subject, as my co-workers and family have varying viewpoints. I see many post about boondocking. Some in very public parking areas such as Wal-Mart parking lots and some on the side of mountain road. Has anyone ever rested in the parking area of a rural cemetery or graveyard? I've seen several back country graveyards in my travels and some of them seem like a quiet out-of-sight place to rest for a night. Most have signs posted indicating hours are from daylight to dark. But does that apply only to the fenced in grave sites or to the parking area as well? Now I'm not talking about setting up shop with generators and tiki torches. Just a brief stop and rest.
So if a person isn't spooked by the idea of the location, would it be considered disrespectful to the deceased or frowned on to occupy a parking spot for a night? In my neck of the woods lots of back roads country churches also have adjacent burial plots. When I ask, people seem fine with staying at that type of church parking lot. But for some reason people cringe when I say "now what if the church wasn't there?" Thoughts??

[lakeside013104]

I go to my parents grave site, which is next to my brother's grave and mow the grass, water the flowers, eat my lunch and take a nap in the TC. No one has ever bothered me. Very quiet and peaceful there and very dark at night. Yes I have overnight-ed here several times, without issues.

Worst comes to bare, I will show any inquiring souls my headstone and tell them I am just 'sampling' the environment, you know, just checking things out for this will be my resting place sooner than I wish!!!

Sometimes it is better to ask for forgiveness than ask for permission. I would not hesitate to overnight in any cemetery that is not posted against the act.

Lakeside

[kohldad]

If the area is posted dawn to dusk, I would take that to mean the parking lot also and wouldn't stay there out of respect. If it isn't posted and wasn't where you would have to worry about the local kids coming out at night, especially Friday/Saturday night I would consider it.

IF there is a nearby church I would try to ask permission, as with any place with someone nearby.

But yes, I've seen some very small quaint cemeteries in areas that I would be consider camping at and don't think I would give those a second thought.

[54suds]

steelhunter wrote:
In the 1970s after I finished my time in the Army I wandered around on my motorcycle.
Small town cemeterys provided a clean, quiet place to camp for the night. It seemed like every one had a giant old oak or maple tree for shade and shelter.

I was absolutely carefree...

I did similar after I got back in 67 from( Nam usn ,cam rahn bay 65-66) spent all most 6 months on the road back to TJ on a ( 1966 Bridgestone 175) I survived mostly by odd jobs & handy man jobs , some of my greatest ever memories !!!!

[54suds]

with todays sickos rurning around destroying headstones ect Id expect police to have a strong intrest in you !!

[the_bear_II]

X2 Church parking lots with permission.

[northshore]

I am from a small MN town there are a couple of cemeteries that fit your description, quiet, rural, off the beaten path. I know that each of them are checked on frequently by the Church maintenance person. There have been .... well I won't say problems but kids seem to like the idea of hanging out and they are discouraged from being out there after dark. If you were observed parked there even in a camper I would not be surprised if you were asked to move along. Now the church parking lot... if you asked to park over night, Ive never seen anyone turned away. I think in our church they will string out an extension cord and a hose for you. With that being said we do have a small camping area at the city park, I think there are 3 spots with electric and water, they do get filled up on occasion. The city Cemetery gate is locked, the outside parking area is right next to the busiest street we have, so it would not make a good place to stay.

[steelhunter]

In the 1970s after I finished my time in the Army I wandered around on my motorcycle.
Small town cemeterys provided a clean, quiet place to camp for the night. It seemed like every one had a giant old oak or maple tree for shade and shelter.

I was absolutely carefree...

[jimh406]

Not something I’d do. Why don’t you look at camping places to camp?

[Eric_Lisa]

I guess I am not familiar with any cemeteries which are not on private land of some sort. Just because there is no gate, lights, or groundskeeper does not mean it is public property. Even though the residents are quiet, it seems like it would still be trespassing to me. And the presence of an RV would certainly capture the scrutiny of any law enforcement driving by.

I could see a maybe, for rural cemeteries that are partially abandoned and out in the boonies. But if I am out in the boonies already, there are plenty of spaces to go camping without seeking a cemetery. So even then I don't see the point.

-Eric

[2oldman]

Perhaps this is just for truck campers.

[BobsYourUncle]

Never boondocked at a cemetery but I once did a garbage dump, totally by accident.

Late, very late one night I couldn't drive any further, pulled into a nearby town, drove through looking for a place to crash for the night.

Turn here, turn there, found a road leading away from residential streets, pitch black, not a light in sight. Dead tired... Pulled into an open area, couldn't see much around, good enough. Climbed into the TT and went to sleep.
Woke up the next morning, hmmmmmm, smells a little funky here...
Stepped outside, we were in the middle of the local garbage dump!

[Kayteg1]

Most of such places have some kind of maintenance worker on the premises, or phone number to the office.
Why not call them and ask? Cemetery is mostly private property. Would you like somebody to boondock on your yard without asking?

[Joe_Glidewell]

Most rural cemeteries are not well lit. That's kind of why it appeals to me more than a Wal-Mart parking lot type set up. No people = no lights & noise.

What's the safety concern with seclusion? For the most part, I doubt anyone would come around after dark to a cemetery looking for trouble. I know there are exceptions, like that poor couple in TX last year, but I would be more concerned about vandals in populated areas vs rural areas.

[Yosemite_Sam1]

Someone posted a photo of a child with a doll in a cemetery in the middle of the night being surrounded by deer.

I guess it's alright. If it's a child, she's harmless.

[VoodooMedicineM]

church parking lots are also a good place.