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I stayed in the parking lot of an auto repair shop. Pulled in with vehicles waiting for service. Got there after close and left before they opened. No problems.
Where is the video taking place? I just found your videos but I can’t find what video you said you mentioned it ✌️💛 if you could link it That would be AWESOME
Please remember... When parking at a Truck Stop... These are about the only places we can go when we run out of driving hours. They are generally full by 5pm. Then we get creative with staff's permission to park around the edges. Note... Some of you have figured it out. However, most take up two or three of these spots because of the way you park. We can maneuver our rigs within inches of another rig. We won't do this around an RV, because if we lightly bump it, it will fold like a deck of cards [just imagine if your family was in it at the time!] several times we have to illegally park near a T/S [It can be a $1,000 fine for us.] because RVs have taken the edge parking (... And taken up 2-3 of these spaces because of the way they parked.) Same goes for Rest Areas [which are full early]... If you park a Class A towing a car, or 5th wheel in Semi parking, no problem. If you park a little car and small trailer, then Big Problem. We park in these areas (Truck Stops / Rest Areas) for safety reasons,and because there are very few places to park a Big Rig. Note... Even though we are very tired from driving 11 hours of our 14 hour day. We are friendly and have families and RVs our selves.
@P.RobertBranconi: For the reasons you state I do my utmost to only use Truck Stops as an overnight last resort & take up car parking when available. I have a truck camper. When at rest stops I use car/truck parking as well.
Some of these truck stops won't let people park in the front, where there's parking available, they either kick them out or tell them to park in the back with the trucks, which makes no sense to me.
1. Airports 2. Colleges & Universities 3. Marinas 4. Shopping malls 5. Hospitals 6. Convention Centers & Arenas 7. Churches 8. Movie theaters 9. Hotels with truck parking 10. Race tracks 11. Public library 12. Police Station or fire dept 13. Kmart 14. Sam’s club 15. Costco, sears and other big box stores 16. Bankrupt stores 17. Warehouses still under construction 18. Pharmacies ( CVS, Walgreens) 19. Food lion , or other grocery stores 20. Fair grounds and county parks 21. Planet fitness 22. Lowes, Home Depot and other large hardware stores 23. Bass pro shops, DICKS and other big sporting goods stores Great video! Thanks you!
I had an old friend (R.I.P. Larry) who used to travel on his motorcycle. He would park behind a church and throw a tarp over his bike as a tent and sleep there. He used to say, "The bad guys don't hang around churches." He said the only time he was ever woke up in the morning was by the church pastor who told him to come inside if he wanted some coffee.
Solo 60 yr old woman in a high-top van. I was in Asheville, NC. The city was packed due to a huge festival. At 10pm, exhausted, I pulled into a Baptist church and hid behind the building for the night. Slept great. Up at 6am to walk the dog and ready to roll. At 7am the pastor knocked on my door, handed me fresh coffee with sugar and creamer, and wished me a blessed day. I stayed there 3 nights and made a good donation to the church. I had the whole parking lot to myself.
We arrived at Williams AZ after dark in February without a reservation. Some parks had procedures for after hours with certain spots available for late arrivals, but everything was covered with snow. We went to the Dollar General (still open) and asked if they knew where we could park overnight and they invited us to use their parking lot. It was lighted and fine for the night.
Stayed at WalMart one night in Franklin TN but after that night moved for Sam's as it was WAY WAY quieter. Also they said we could plug into the power on the light pole which was a shock. Apparently they like the extra security the parking lot gets by having RV'ers supply. We did buy a ton of stuff from Sam's so it was a win win.
Wow, I haven't seen a light pole with power in a long run. I always wish there were more, since my jeep is diesel and plugging in would give me more sleep! 👍
The Sams Club in Gardner NC sent their security van out to circle our motor home and we weren't even staying there. We were just meeting up with a friend who was bringing our son back to us after he spent the day with them and we talked in the parking lot for quite a while. They circled us about 4 times. And both our sons were in the parking lot as well IN THEIR WHEELCHAIRS! Apparently we looked like real villains!
As a veteran, and a member of the VFW and The American Legion, I will contact the commander of a post and ask to spend the night. This is usually done by searching an area I want to stop and see if there are any VFW or American Legions nearby. If so, then a Google map search of the parking lot is in order. If it looks reasonable in size, then I contact the commander through email or a phone call. If they are still open when you arrive, go in and have a drink or two and meet some of the local veterans. It is a great way to support their post and have some fun too.
I had a trucking business for 16 years and have retired into a Class A Motor Coach that’s 42’ long and pull a 30’ enclosed trailer with extended tongue. When you do the math you can see that I’m as long as or longer than most semis on the highway. I purchase Diesel at any truck stop that I stay at, and ALWAYS park as far away from the building as possible so the drivers don’t have to walk as far. Truck Stop parking is always the last resort. We usually stay at Lowes or Jome Depo. I have had some amazing conversations with the truck drivers that park next to my rig. My RV has La Boheme in big letters on the windshield, so if you ever see me introduce yourself and I will offer you a beverage. ~Big Dawg~
Glad you mentioned the main point is Ask Permission. We stopped at a strip mall once and asked and was told No but there was a Sheriff Deputy there who said Go about 5 miles down road and stay at our sub station. Water and 30 amp was available.
Yeah, I've only ever been told "no" once and that was in a city that simply didn't allow overnight parking. Not sure if that would apply to RVs though... I travel in a van. Anyway, I was really tired so what I did was park at a bar that had a big parking lot. I never got a knock. My plates were for the same state so I think they figured I lived there and simply got drunk and took a cab home.
Permission makes for a good nights rest, good ideas there... but please only use hospital carparks as a last resort. Parking is a huge issue for some hospitals and a touchy subject for staff and patients. Xx
Couple of times we have stayed at larger RV dealerships. Talk about blending in!!! Knock on the door, we are waiting for the parts department to open. TP is a part right?
Very bad idea. Without permission it's called criminal trespass. If the dealership staff returns after hours or police see an RV parked at night that wasn't there earlier, they will investigate and call the owner.
I am a retired owner of a funeral home and it happened twice that someone asked to park in my parking lot. I said sure since we weren’t busy at those times.
Ski resorts in the “off season.” Outside of times when there is snow on the ground, there is usually plenty of room in the parking lots and as a bonus, you may end up at a place with great hiking trails, mountain biking trails, great views, and great swimming holes in summer months.
Yes that's a great suggestion, earlier this year we stayed overnight in a ski area car park (it was our off season). We sat outside for happy hour enjoying the magnificent view. Another advantage of these places in the off season is that they are so quiet. Downunda - Melbourne Australia
Went into a small grocery store and asked where there was camping available. The owner called the local mayor....he gave us permission to camp overnite in the down town public parking. Being from Alaska is always aa great curiosity to many
Your beginning statements is definitely ideal & highly encouraged, and I wish EVERYONE conducts themselves the same way to help insure there will ALWAYS be nice legal places to park overnight.
Stayed over night in a hospital parking lot for a colonoscopy early the next morning. We were way out in the back away from everyone and no one bothered us. Very convenient for the prep. Just rolled out of bed and checked in.
Funny as it may seem, I lived in my car next to the old police station for a year or so. I was only checked out once. I would move daily and, had other spots. People would give me shit like teasing but I was the only one that was 'ballsy' enough to kerp doing it. I was discreet and never did anything to arouse the police, never left garbage etc.I was homeless and always kept trying to get on my feet.
Hi Brandy.. not funny to me.. I'm from NYC and Connecticut.. been in Louisiana for about 7 years and lotta struggles.. I've been beyond resilient and have been way up and back down again... Can't wait to leave this sauna lol.. Better to be transparent with the police and confront them before they knock. Wish you all the best .. MIKE GERMANN FB...👉🤙 WHODAT 💙
We’ve stay at Bass Pro, Cabela’s, City and County parks, Camping World and Wildlife Fish & Game and National Forests. Campendium is our go to app for these.
In Florance Oregon the marina has a RV park and you can pull up to the river and look out and see the boats. Walk to the Old Town area and have some great food and live music. The rates are lower the the State Parks.
I think a great vlog would be about "How you respond when/if you get that knock on the door in the middle of the night" You could help others with the initial fear when someone knocks and the best way to cooperate and stay safe at the same time.
Consider some Casinos, they want you to come in to gamble, wind, dine, see a show but you don't have to spend much. Clubs like VFW, ELKS etc, 24 Fitness and Lifetime Fitness; these I've used MANY times but I was a member though. I'm also retired military; many bases offer dirt cheap camping.
One of our favorites is casino docking. We've stayed at some where they have a dedicated RV lot, and even one with power available. Even if you don't gamble, they generally have restaurants and entertainment you can use to make a courtesy purchase. Often they have 24 hour security patrols and shuttles to the casino from the satellite RV lot.
Some of them even offer free play and other discounts in northern MI I heard or o e with full hookup and you can stay for 5 nights for free or really cheap
I found out that casinos in Las Vegas now charge for any parking... car, truck, RV... and if all they have is multi-layer parking, most RVs cannot go in due to low overhangs... my Roadtrek van lost it's roof vent cover due to me not realizing...
@@PalmdaleGal We've never tried it in Vegas or Atlantic City. We've stayed at Hollywood Slots in Bangor Maine, Mohegan Sun Pocono in Wilkes-Barre PA, Mohegan Sun in CT, Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack in Farmington NY, and the High Rollers lot for Turning Stone Casino in Vernon NY. They were all cheap or free.
@@PalmdaleGal In MN I can't think of one Casino that doesn't either have a dedicated RV and camping park or have a discount for a very nearby KOA or like Campground...just call the Casino first and ask...you will have to join their rewsrds program at some locations. (Disclaimer my Dad has done this at least once a summer for about ten years, instead of gambling he enjoy's their events/entertainment and relatively cheap buffet's while other family member's partake in gambling, bowling, and other amenities and it becomes a family reunion of sorts for meal and before bed times! Many Casino's acrossed the U.S. that are not in Vegas really are turning into more so a family safe resort/event center that also has a casino!
@@grandsea2 - You are fortunate. Las Vegas used to be known for cheap buffets, but those don't exist anymore. And most hotels charge a resort fee, even if they're not technically a resort. I've never been a gambler, so now there's almost no reason to go there because concerts/shows, parking, lodging and food make it prohibitive for me... the fun is gone... And with CA gas prices now $5.399 even at no-name stations, I can't even afford to drive my Roadtrek a few hours away to get outside CA to get to a desirable destination near cheaper gas...
1st time visiting your channel. I was finishing my last few days working at the hospital. My commute was 3 hours EACH WAY, including the ferry ride. I rented a room near the hospital and walked about 1 1/2 miles each way. I had already moved out of the room-rental but still had a few days of work left. I parked the rv in the annex building parking lot. I put a sign on the driver's window with my name, phone and where I worked. I spent 3 nights there. No problems.
Having run security at shopping malls, I strongly suggest talking with either security or the property management because they often DON’T allow overnight parking due to liability.
We spent 4 nights in the far end of an American Home Furniture store in Rockford, IL. It was our first boondocking experience and we enjoyed walking to nearby restaurants.
Appreciate your comment "leave it better than you found it". If we all lived like that, the world would be a beautiful place. Also appreciate your scene transitions. Very smooth.
Heck I use the Police Dept, for FB Marketplace or Craigslist Transactions, I make custom knitwear, and the local PD is more than happy to let me Use their lobby. I've even made a few items for the Officers, Navy Blue Knit headbands are a big hit with the Female Officers.
I have stayed in closed down Kmart and other closed down stores with no problem. I have had to stay at truck stops most recently due to blown tire and dead battery. I prefer truck stops I have no problem with the noise. My late husband was a truck mechanic so I feel more at home around the trucks.
@@AngelBaby11117 we’ve stayed at a few. Love there buffets and some have Italian bakeries! (That was out east) we’ve only stayed at large casinos I guess.
Las Vegas casinos no longer have free parking. And many have multi-level parking due to expensive land, which a normal RV (or even a Class B van) cannot go into, due to low clearance.
It's funny. My last job, I worked at a small airport and lived there. I lived in my RV and downsized to living in my car. Now I live in a sticks and bricks house with my husband. ❤️
We live on an island in Canada, actually our whole province is an island and we camp on marinas a lot, we have even had fisherman that use these wharves regularly come over and tell us to plug into their electrical outlet, how wonderful is that.
We just got home from a five week trip out west. We found that casinos on Native American reservation land were excellent. They all permitted us to stay overnight. Some offered just a parking lot. Some offered full hookups at a very reasonable price. One even had eight full hookup spots at no charge. All had security and excellent restaurants.
Oh yeah. I stayed the night at Twin Arrows casino an hour outside Flagstaff. Go get a players card. Then use that card for a small discount at the gift shop and buffet. In the morning, get your Starbucks before departure. Plus you have casino security looking out for you. Apparently, they have some regulars who stay for months.
It is much easier to blend in when there are other vehicles around and businesses are busy during the day. If you can work it out with your schedule, take a siesta during the day, and drive at night. Local police and store owners will be looking for vehicles overnighting illegally once the sun goes down and everyone else goes home. Most places make it illegal to park "overnight", but not during the day.
RV dealers usually have long curbs along thier fenced lots. I've stayed on the street at RV dealers over night and have had no problems. You fit right in and don't look out of place. I figured if asked what I was doing there, I would say I was waiting for parts or something like that. I've never been asked.
The joy of RVing for us is the freedom it provides - freedom from people, noise, strict planning, and especially schedules! Free and easy access to overnight stops enables this freedom. Thank you all for sharing your secret spots. We are retired Army Vets and have great luck overnighting at service organizations (VFW/Legions etc without memberships), and mom-n-pop cafes where we have had dinner (we ask after eating and paying the bill, and usually have breakfast there too). We've also had great luck staying in small-town church and post office parking lots. Sometimes, we just pull over on a back road where it is scenic or quiet and has a wide or double culvert entrance/gate to a field or not-so-obvious place. lol Then, if by chance someone does need to enter we aren't blocking access. Safe and happy travels to all.
Wow you guys rock … I’m a 46 yo medically retired 68w who enlisted in 2013 at 34 years .. been homeless since super bowl … and my greatest challenge is avoiding police (registration is expired and wallet stolen so minus photo copy of all ID I have no ID in addition to avoiding police is avoiding spots we’re I could be identified as a target … not sure which one is worse .. it sucks because honestly I’ve been hungry and a day or two short of getting paid I’ve been tired all that I really don’t even mind this experience would be quite nice if I hadn’t had and don’t have to worry about constantly being pulled over by police and potentially getting the car impounded getting the truck impounded I wish you were someway I have hundreds of photos of my VA card and my drivers license but I’m not sure how to get myself out of this situation I don’t have any friends or family so I don’t have anyone I can put an address on if you guys have any Intel or advice about how to get the truck street legal my whole world would open up and I would finally be able to breathe
Thank you! There's a lot of good free info right here, and dozens of ignorant people complaining about the way it's presented. It is possible to fast forward if your time is that limited. I'm heading to MN from NH and back again for Thanksgiving and will probably break it up into a few days travel each way. I'll try some of these suggestions! My problem is making firm plans, I like to wing it!
Hey Tom, here's a few additional favourites from Australia:- 1) Gravel Pits:- Found in rural locations these are graded, gravel surfaced roadside areas previously established by road maintenance crews for storage of their equipment when doing road repairs and upgrades. 2) Sports Ground Car Parks:- Typically found in country towns. 3) New Housing Estates:- We've stayed at a few of these where all of the roadways and infrastructure is complete but no houses there yet. 4) Industrial Estates:- Often these are quiet and pretty much deserted areas suitable for an overnighter. Thanks for your site , Downunda, Melbourne Australia
Gravel pits in East Texas are usually pretty busy very early in a.m. about 3-4 a.m. trucks are lined up to get their daily loads. I'd be a little nervous to park overnight there, afraid I'd be blocked in.
I see RVs (and other truck drivers) parked along the curbs of rest areas near truck parking. Please inform everyone not to do that. I mostly haul oversized and over length loads. Cannot count how many times I spent the night on the shoulder of the interstate because I have no other options. I am sure nobody intends to be rude. But you do not know what you do not know. Thanks guys happy travels.
The majority if the time when WalMart doesn’t allow over night is the city has ordinance against over night. WalMarts mostly want campers cause they will shop. It’s the cities that have the laws against it.
So why does the city not want RVs to park? Is it because of the hotel lobbyists or political? Or is it because some RVs just ruin it for the rest? Just wondering.
@@ronaldpigeon4713 Personally, I believe it's because if there are RV parks or campsites in the area, pressure is put on the city/village, to discourage Walmart allowing it, so you have to spend big $$ at their campsites or RV parks! We will usually choose to continue on down the highway, thinking they just don't want our business, as the Walmarts that do allow RV's, we always go in and fill our buggy with groceries! It's too bad Walmart doesn't have the clout to make sure they HAVE the ability to allow RVers one nights stay, prior to building their stores, and if not, say they will build elsewhere then.....a loss of their community of course, but it's nothing but a gain to Walmart having RVers who usually end up with large grocery bills, and of course many other things one needs off and on!
My town El Mirage AZ has an ordinance against overnight parking so our Walmart can not give permission. My guess is because the RV park owner lobbied for it but I do not know that part for sure, just a guess on my part. However you cannot legally park over night at our wally world. But a mile away I see semis parking going into a industrial area.
@@ronaldpigeon4713 Well, the cities I've seen this in the places looked like they probably had people that measured every blade of grass to ensure it met code. Kind of looked like one big gated/HOA community.
In my Town Lowe’s they told me know due to Insurance. I went down the street to Tractor Supply. They even said that they would check up on me to make sure I was safe 🤗
"Bigger they are harder they fall", whoduefuk said that stealthy migration message? Huge arrogance corporately crumbles into anti-insurances' dis-integrations.
My hospital I am at now is in midland/odessa, texas and we have a ton of travel healthcare workers that bring their rvs and we have rv parking long term in the back of the hospital.
Hi Tom. I’ve noticed Cheri hasn’t been in the past two or three videos. Is she ok? Thanks for the overnight tips, much appreciated. safe travels and God Bless.
A Boondocker host told us about parking at Casinos. Some have designated sites, some have hookups. There might be a fee, but the bonus is that there is security.
I am thinking about starting the RV life so I can actually retire. I realize there can and could be a lot of downside to the move, but I'm tired at 74, but I am in good shape and on no medications. I have an older 30 foot RV, am single but do need good advice and help in getting started.
Before you go all in full-time I suggest you do shorter stays in your RV, such as weekends and then work up to a week or two at a time, and maybe even to a full season. Not everyone is cut out for a nomadic lifestyle. Looking for a safe place to stay each night can be exhausting. So test it on a short-term basis before committing. That way you will also find the glitches and the things you will need and things you can do without. You may be able to compromise and keep some sort of home base to recuperte when you need it and travel the rest of the time.
Personally, when my ex & I spent a winter in her Saturn Sl200, we used to bounce around from different apartment complexes in our area & just park up. As long as there was no "No parking" signs, anywhere was fair game though. Tints make stealth camping so much easier, no matter where you go. & like you mentioned, we also had a membership at Planet Fitness. Where we were able to shower daily. Whenever we felt like it.
We parked for two nights at Camping World in Rapid City, SD, with power and water! They allow any Good Sam's members stay if they have space available. We could several others allowed it as well.
****Please make sure you have permission to park at a fire station!! Talk to a chief (usually wearing a white shirt). If approved make sure you park where you are told. Calls can come at any time crews might be arriving or departing at anytime. After an incident crews from other stations might arrive for supplies. Of all your suggestions this would be lowest on the list. And don't assume you could park at an "unstaffed" station. Volunteers will be in a hurry to respond and might not park all that well blocking you in or you could block their emergency vehicles.****
I’ve had mostly good experiences with City parks and they are quite, secure and with partial or full hookups. Most with hookups charged $10-$15 a night though.
Yeah, I've only run across a couple places in my travels that had free hookups. I travel in a van and never use hookups, but I do keep an eye out for them just out of curiosity.
Tom, you should have made it clear that the #1 reason for not being able to park at Walmart is local ordinances that are changing constantly. Last years regs aren't necessarily valid this year. Plan ahead more than just a few hours so plan b can be formed.
In my experience, local ordinances were not the #1 reason, it's usually up to the store manager, who hire security to watch their stores/lots, they like to use off duty police officers as security. After seeing some of the long timers in some Walmart lots I've been too, it's not a surprise to me that some managers want to clean up their lots and discourage the growing homeless population from taking up residence. We've asked permission at several that had signs saying 'No Overnight Parking', and were allowed. So there's nothing for Tom to make clear here. Some towns/cities where people are taking advantage and being a nuisance may put ordinances in place, but whether most places allow staying overnight are left to the store managers discretion.
@@roofdogblues7400 All of the following reasons, I have seen first hand. Very sad that humans do this to ruin it for all. The Number 1 Reason is of the Trash being left behind. #2...Homeless in rundown cars, RV's and tents or sleeping on the parkways and they do not want to leave #3 Leaky rundown vehicles being left behind, being repaired and just making the parking lot look unsafe for camping and turning away shoppers. I actually saw a very ugly car up high, on wood and concrete blocks with the engine on the parkway lawn with oil stains all over the place and running into the concrete rain water trough. #4 Makes it hard for the Parking lot sweeping/cleaning vehicles to clean at night when vehicles are still there.
Stayed at a fairgrounds rv park in Farmington, NM. There was a charge in 2017 (which is now $ 30 for water and electric sites). There is a dump station available. Nothing special as it was a gravel lot but it was fairly quiet, right along a fast moving river during the 1st week of May, security at night but only 2-3 other campers during a non-event week.
We parked at race tracks so many times and also at a Marina in New Jersey for a small fee. We could see the Statue of Liberty National Monument from our spot.
We stayed at a marina in Jersey City which sounds a lot like the one you are describing. You could get the ferry into NYC within a short walk! Tight spots on gravel - but a great stay!
@@my2cents2u it is the Liberty Landing Marina and RV Park in Jersey City. Our tour bus came to pick us up directly there as we were a group of 28 people.
I spent 4 days at an huge Expo Center in Louisiana it was built to accommodate RV's with elec. and water connections, was only $35.00 per night, not much else available near New Orleans under $100.00 Dog show one week prior to my stay then huge Country Music gathering ,lots of fun meeting the dogs and some of the people.
You are correct in regards to Universities! I have parked over night in front of PSU and you do get to use the WiFi! Kaiser has also let me spend the night if you have an appointment the next day. The local mall however did ticket me after 8 daytime hours, and we were at the mall the entire time. The restaurants were still open so it was a warning they are not okay with any long term stay. Thank you for the video! Jennifer
wow imagine if you went in for dinner and a movie and some shopping time. My family could easily spend 8 hours in a mall, especially if the weather is bad outside. Good information, thanks.
We've stated at a community fairground once, and found out the following day that they had 'power' sites, so we decided to stay an additional day, as there was a Rodeo going on the next day, so we moved into an area which had power! We've also stayed at the Cabela's on the south end of Salt Lake City, which has a place to dump your tanks and get water! The location where you can park free does have quite a slant to it...but it's free, so you just have to do some adjusting to get as level as you can, for the right price of course, which is free. We did patronize the location the next morning, and doing so I'm sure helps to alleviate any costs to Cabelas.
When i was living out of my car I would go to hospitals and sleep in my car when i felt unsafe . but now with the plauge not sure i would do hospitals much . Thankful to God I now have a real bed and bath. I do miss the ability and adventure to go anywhere .This country is so worth the effort to see it before we have to say our good bye . Get off the couch go .💖🤠💖
I stayed at Walmart a lot when I was homeless for 3 yrs. I would pick up trash and collect carts to do my part. I also spent nearly every dollar for food and supplies there.
North of Ft. Worth there is a Cabelas with a humongous parking lot. There is one part that is set aside for one night camper parking. I think I might have seen a couple of electric hookups. But look it up. I realize it's so much easier for me as a van camper than folks with looong RVs.
Something he didn't say, but its really the elephant in the room: clean up other people's trash as well as your own if you want RVs to be invited back. Don't feel resentful, feel gracious and grateful when you do this. Sorry to bring the bad news, but recently there's a new crop of homeless van dwellers. They don't want to be homeless, but have not considered their homelessness might be a long term. They may feel resentful, and be acting out of ignorance of etiqiuette. You are there voluntarily, are well mannered, have resources (and buy stuff from the store I hope). Try to make the less tidy ones aware that we are guests who are there voluntarily and will be blessed to continue have free RV places if we can keep them clean (and buy some stuff). As we don't cleanup after others, we are all being tarred with a bad reputation. Business has witnessed Walmart's ban, and they are taking heed. Desperate people don't buy stuff and leave an toxic and unhygienic mess they have to pay employees to clean up. The The workplace health act requires employees wear expensive gear when dealing with bio hazzards. Or even call an contractor. Towns don't even want truck-stops. But towns people like to eat food. Where are the truckers supposed to sleep after travelling all night across country to bring them dinner? Those who host strangers may be hosting angels without knowing it. I am a smoker. I've learned to pick up other peoples butts because no smokers think it was me. They don't care who put the butts there, they just want them gone, or they will insist on no more smoking there. Same with Wallmart, and the list of banned places will grow until all RVs get a bad rap. Like it or not, we are required to self police. They know we don't, its because we can afford to stay at an RV park for $75 a night
Hi Tom. I have camped in a tent at a municipal airport-OshKosh Wisconsin Airshow. We are taking our camper to an Airshow next month-Wings Over North Georgia airshow! Happy Camping!
here in Canada,British Columbia to be exact,we overnight on crown land,we've done hospital lots and a tip to out of country travellers,almost every town has a visitors info center and you can overnight in most of their lots depending on the size of your travel rigs.
You should not ever stay on private property without permission, that's called criminal trespass and you will be arrested. I lived and traveled in a van with my disabled son for three years and never paid to stay anywhere and never stayed on private property.
We were at Cabelas in Hamburg, Pa. yesterday and there were at least 7 RV's there when we left about 7:30 PM. They were parked at various spots neat the outer area of the parking lot.
I've seen at least one race in every state, and every province in Canada, and you can camp at most, but not all, race tracks, and ON RACE NIGHTS ONLY. Some may even have a campground. Some charge but most do not, and some can't because of city ordinances. As a matter of fact, if it's a major race you may not have room because the spots have already been taken by the race fans who camp. I usually call or email ahead to check, and remind them when I get there, mainly because they may have a gate to lock at the end of the night. It can happen. By all means, go in and see a race. It's always great to see more people in the stands, and sometimes the food is outstanding. For me, I don't take up much room, because I'll be on my motorcycle and use a tent. Maybe I'll see you there.
We have had success with cafes/diners with large lots. We pull in have a late dinner and ask (managers) if we could spend the night. So far it is a yes unless the town has an ordinance against it.
Not only DOT parking lots but they will have stock piles near bridges that will cross over interstates or smaller roads. Also there are roadside parks . That are not as big as the travel centers . They usually have just trash cans and picnic tables . Road side parks for traveling are usually on Us highways or smaller roads . I know in Texas it is allowed overnight .. I would check with each individual dot. Dept of transportation
I've used Hotel parking lots, churches, parks, fairgrounds, convention centers (some have full hookups). Some cities in Texas offer free parking for a couple of nights with hookups.
Thank you for sharing these tips however, not sure some of them would make use of them all as do not feel comfortable to even ask a church or park in an abandon store parking lot.
My son spent 2 weeks behind a church in Ft. Worth. They knew that he was there, and didn't mind the night watch. Twice recently they had lost the AC plumbing to scrap vandalism.
We camped at a city park that allowed overnight camping. It was adjacent to a rail line, and there was a crossing nearby. Turned out it was a busy rail line during the night, and all the trains blew their horns as they approached the crossing. Live and learn!
I’m just looking into getting my large family an rv for my family and I wanted to be sure I proceed respectfully and comfortably so I really appreciate this video especially the rv manners at the beginning lol
Love all these suggestions! We have stayed in a Marina Parking Lot. They need room for large boats on trailers...and there was plenty of room for us. (Tahoe with a 20ft TT) Also stayed in a grocery store parking lot. Lots of room. Church parking lot on Sat, provided a worship opportunity on Sun! YES...we asked in advance about staying, and when possible, supported the business!
I have parked at 24 hour stores like Walgreens and grocery stores, and on the street between a couple of motels. I also parked at a 24 hour IHOP. I'm in a van and find it easier to blend in to the surroundings.
Some of the parking lots you mentioned, (arenas, stadiums, universities, et al) are fenced and you can't get in. Although sometimes there is an unfenced area where busses and rvs park. The. Best luck I've had is small towns. Churches, funeral homes, some hospitals have a designated parking lot just for this purpose. Always ask permission if there is a business. I've run into a huge empty church lot where there were no acticities, but MI sister said no. Hmmpf! If you are iffy about where to go in a small town, and it's a weekday, a quick visit to the Sheriff's, Constable's, or police station can guide you. A neat thing to do is visit the mayor's (or some have a City Manager) office, compliment the town and ask for a suggestion. Also there is usually a central cafe where everyone eats. Waitresses and patrons there are always helpful. I stopped watching to write this before I forgot, so this might be a repeat. I'll watch the rest now.
* Unusual spots to camp at, very helpful info. While not free, I stay at a 'city park' campground each Summer. In the off season it's where boaters store their yachts & boats, for the Winter. It opens up to RVers & tenters in the Spring as they move their boats off the property & allow camping per reservation, but again not free. Similar to Sam's Club is BJ's, a big box store system in Massachusetts. There are lots of large Lumber/hardware facilities here too.
When I had my sprinter I was recognizable I stayed at a hospital one night and about a month later I tried it again and got a knock by security they recognized me from before so I don't attempt hospitals anymore. I have a plain chevy express now . I stay at hotel parking lots, walmarts, planet fitness, apartment complexes . I have about a dozen I switch around. You don't want to spend more than one night at a time. And as famous Bob has mentioned arrive when you need to sleep and leave as soon as you wake up. Being stealth is very helpful. And never leave trash whatsoever. I work full time in my city I don't travel so my situation is different
In California, Arizona and Texas I have parked my 18 wheeler on the road beside big warehouses. Some of those roads are extremely wide and other trucks will park there. Also warehouses that are for sale or lease are good places to park. Casinos are good for parking also.
This year, Texas, in its infinite wisdom, banned overnight parking on all public roads statewide. This is Texas' strategy for eliminating homelessness.
So where was that campground at with the membership you mentioned would really like to know love your rig and fifth wheel and love everything you share lots of great tips keep up the great work
Little by little these towns, villages and cities are passing ordinances that prohibit camping in parking lots due to zoning. A lot of it has to due to rif-raf associated with homeless encampments.
Last year we stayed in a closed K-Mart parking lot - right next door to Walmart in Deming, NM. Since it was an empty parking lot we were not the only RVers overnighting there. Even truckers overnight there. A police car drove through a couple times while we were there. In fact a police car was sitting in the lot when we entered and parked.
Good video,but here in Long Island NY we have many signs saying no overnight parking or you will be towed. As I do have a 37ft toy hauler myself I stick with Cracker Barrel and bass pro shops/Cabelas.stay safe all RVers….
I worked at a Sam's Club and overniters were allowed, the rvs had to park in a designated place. You will get woke up pretty early when we start showing up at 3-4 am LOL This was in Castle Rock, Co
I have woken up on many mornings, found myself alone. A dozen or so semis, long gone. Never heard a thing. I call falling asleep to the sound of running trucks my 'Diesel Lullaby"
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I stayed in the parking lot of an auto repair shop. Pulled in with vehicles waiting for service. Got there after close and left before they opened. No problems.
Where is the video taking place? I just found your videos but I can’t find what video you said you mentioned it ✌️💛 if you could link it That would be AWESOME
Hi the coupon code for the dyrt 90 day free trial comes up invalid. Did the offer expire? Thanks for the info you share!
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Please remember... When parking at a Truck Stop... These are about the only places we can go when we run out of driving hours. They are generally full by 5pm. Then we get creative with staff's permission to park around the edges. Note... Some of you have figured it out. However, most take up two or three of these spots because of the way you park. We can maneuver our rigs within inches of another rig. We won't do this around an RV, because if we lightly bump it, it will fold like a deck of cards [just imagine if your family was in it at the time!] several times we have to illegally park near a T/S [It can be a $1,000 fine for us.] because RVs have taken the edge parking (... And taken up 2-3 of these spaces because of the way they parked.) Same goes for Rest Areas [which are full early]... If you park a Class A towing a car, or 5th wheel in Semi parking, no problem. If you park a little car and small trailer, then Big Problem. We park in these areas (Truck Stops / Rest Areas) for safety reasons,and because there are very few places to park a Big Rig. Note... Even though we are very tired from driving 11 hours of our 14 hour day. We are friendly and have families and RVs our selves.
Good point.
@P.RobertBranconi: For the reasons you state I do my utmost to only use Truck Stops as an overnight last resort & take up car parking when available. I have a truck camper. When at rest stops I use car/truck parking as well.
I’m not a truck driver, RTT actually. I wish your post would get pinned. You workers have an important job and down/sleeping time is important.
Some of these truck stops won't let people park in the front, where there's parking available, they either kick them out or tell them to park in the back with the trucks, which makes no sense to me.
Yup the majority of the public has no understanding of the parking shortage for big rigs. Keep truck parking clear folks.
1. Airports
2. Colleges & Universities
3. Marinas
4. Shopping malls
5. Hospitals
6. Convention Centers & Arenas
7. Churches
8. Movie theaters
9. Hotels with truck parking
10. Race tracks
11. Public library
12. Police Station or fire dept
13. Kmart
14. Sam’s club
15. Costco, sears and other big box stores
16. Bankrupt stores
17. Warehouses still under construction
18. Pharmacies ( CVS, Walgreens)
19. Food lion , or other grocery stores
20. Fair grounds and county parks
21. Planet fitness
22. Lowes, Home Depot and other large hardware stores
23. Bass pro shops, DICKS and other big sporting goods stores
Great video! Thanks you!
God bless you!
Construction site trespass is a FELONY!
Colleges pffttt… if only, I’m on this video because my girlfriends college charges $10 a day to park as a visitor
Thank you... Bro is rambling on and on
I had an old friend (R.I.P. Larry) who used to travel on his motorcycle. He would park behind a church and throw a tarp over his bike as a tent and sleep there. He used to say, "The bad guys don't hang around churches." He said the only time he was ever woke up in the morning was by the church pastor who told him to come inside if he wanted some coffee.
Solo 60 yr old woman in a high-top van. I was in Asheville, NC. The city was packed due to a huge festival. At 10pm, exhausted, I pulled into a Baptist church and hid behind the building for the night. Slept great. Up at 6am to walk the dog and ready to roll. At 7am the pastor knocked on my door, handed me fresh coffee with sugar and creamer, and wished me a blessed day. I stayed there 3 nights and made a good donation to the church. I had the whole parking lot to myself.
He's lucky. Most churches would throw you out, and they have space to put up several tiny homes. It's disgusting!
We arrived at Williams AZ after dark in February without a reservation. Some parks had procedures for after hours with certain spots available for late arrivals, but everything was covered with snow. We went to the Dollar General (still open) and asked if they knew where we could park overnight and they invited us to use their parking lot. It was lighted and fine for the night.
Stayed at WalMart one night in Franklin TN but after that night moved for Sam's as it was WAY WAY quieter. Also they said we could plug into the power on the light pole which was a shock. Apparently they like the extra security the parking lot gets by having RV'ers supply. We did buy a ton of stuff from Sam's so it was a win win.
Wow, I haven't seen a light pole with power in a long run. I always wish there were more, since my jeep is diesel and plugging in would give me more sleep! 👍
Good info
The Sams Club in Gardner NC sent their security van out to circle our motor home and we weren't even staying there. We were just meeting up with a friend who was bringing our son back to us after he spent the day with them and we talked in the parking lot for quite a while. They circled us about 4 times. And both our sons were in the parking lot as well IN THEIR WHEELCHAIRS! Apparently we looked like real villains!
Wow the power source is invaluable for some of us
Franklin Tn had hoodlums at WM??
Wow that crazy
As a veteran, and a member of the VFW and The American Legion, I will contact the commander of a post and ask to spend the night. This is usually done by searching an area I want to stop and see if there are any VFW or American Legions nearby. If so, then a Google map search of the parking lot is in order. If it looks reasonable in size, then I contact the commander through email or a phone call. If they are still open when you arrive, go in and have a drink or two and meet some of the local veterans. It is a great way to support their post and have some fun too.
FABULOUS IDEA!
I had a trucking business for 16 years and have retired into a Class A Motor Coach that’s 42’ long and pull a 30’ enclosed trailer with extended tongue. When you do the math you can see that I’m as long as or longer than most semis on the highway. I purchase Diesel at any truck stop that I stay at, and ALWAYS park as far away from the building as possible so the drivers don’t have to walk as far. Truck Stop parking is always the last resort. We usually stay at Lowes or Jome Depo.
I have had some amazing conversations with the truck drivers that park next to my rig.
My RV has La Boheme in big letters on the windshield, so if you ever see me introduce yourself and I will offer you a beverage.
~Big Dawg~
Glad you mentioned the main point is Ask Permission. We stopped at a strip mall once and asked and was told No but there was a Sheriff Deputy there who said Go about 5 miles down road and stay at our sub station. Water and 30 amp was available.
Yeah, I've only ever been told "no" once and that was in a city that simply didn't allow overnight parking. Not sure if that would apply to RVs though... I travel in a van. Anyway, I was really tired so what I did was park at a bar that had a big parking lot. I never got a knock. My plates were for the same state so I think they figured I lived there and simply got drunk and took a cab home.
@@101perspective highway myway loves non-alcoholics' drivers
@@101perspective - Or were sleeping it off.
Permission makes for a good nights rest, good ideas there... but please only use hospital carparks as a last resort. Parking is a huge issue for some hospitals and a touchy subject for staff and patients.
Xx
Nice!
Couple of times we have stayed at larger RV dealerships. Talk about blending in!!! Knock on the door, we are waiting for the parts department to open. TP is a part right?
Hahaha ! Good one
TP is a very important part .. for a better quality of life.
@@MaryOKC Definitely!
Very bad idea. Without permission it's called criminal trespass. If the dealership staff returns after hours or police see an RV parked at night that wasn't there earlier, they will investigate and call the owner.
I love Harvest Hosts. Nothing like waking up to a view of the alpacas or a lovely winery.
I am a retired owner of a funeral home and it happened twice that someone asked to park in my parking lot. I said sure since we weren’t busy at those times.
Would not have thought of that! Thanks!
Ur an awesome biz owner!
Pretty quiet clientele too.
Just be quiet and don't wake the dead... ;-)
Thank you!
Ski resorts in the “off season.” Outside of times when there is snow on the ground, there is usually plenty of room in the parking lots and as a bonus, you may end up at a place with great hiking trails, mountain biking trails, great views, and great swimming holes in summer months.
Yes that's a great suggestion, earlier this year we stayed overnight in a ski area car park (it was our off season). We sat outside for happy hour enjoying the magnificent view. Another advantage of these places in the off season is that they are so quiet.
Downunda - Melbourne Australia
Nice.
@@davidofcoburg9279. I would love your info
Snowbird Utah
Went into a small grocery store and asked where there was camping available. The owner called the local mayor....he gave us permission to camp overnite in the down town public parking. Being from Alaska is always aa great curiosity to many
Your beginning statements is definitely ideal & highly encouraged, and I wish EVERYONE conducts themselves the same way to help insure there will ALWAYS be nice legal places to park overnight.
Stayed over night in a hospital parking lot for a colonoscopy early the next morning. We were way out in the back away from everyone and no one bothered us. Very convenient for the prep. Just rolled out of bed and checked in.
That’s actually a legitimate reason to park at a hospital. Good idea!
Was there a fee for the hospital parking?
@@projet2907 No, and we didn't ask permission either. We just showed up, parked way out of the way near a nearly empty section. No one bothered us.
@@DisabledNomads Awesome !!
@@projet2907 you have to be here at work right at nine
Funny as it may seem, I lived in my car next to the old police station for a year or so. I was only checked out once. I would move daily and, had other spots. People would give me shit like teasing but I was the only one that was 'ballsy' enough to kerp doing it. I was discreet and never did anything to arouse the police, never left garbage etc.I was homeless and always kept trying to get on my feet.
Hope you're doing better now. Prayers for you.
Hi Brandy.. not funny to me.. I'm from NYC and Connecticut.. been in Louisiana for about 7 years and lotta struggles.. I've been beyond resilient and have been way up and back down again... Can't wait to leave this sauna lol.. Better to be transparent with the police and confront them before they knock. Wish you all the best ..
MIKE GERMANN FB...👉🤙
WHODAT 💙
We’ve stay at Bass Pro, Cabela’s, City and County parks, Camping World and Wildlife Fish & Game and National Forests. Campendium is our go to app for these.
Thanks for sharing❣️
i love bass pos i always try to get to feeding times so fun
In Florance Oregon the marina has a RV park and you can pull up to the river and look out and see the boats. Walk to the Old Town area and have some great food and live music. The rates are lower the the State Parks.
Do you have to be in an actual RV or do they allow things like conversion vans?
Another good place is pop up carnival locations and fairs. You can blend in as a Carnie
Jal, New Mexico, has 6 free, fully serviced camping sites in a town park, 3 night maximum stay. We love it!
what are they called ? 👀
@@danieljackfrancis338 Jal Lake Park. It's municipally owned.
I think a great vlog would be about "How you respond when/if you get that knock on the door in the middle of the night" You could help others with the initial fear when someone knocks and the best way to cooperate and stay safe at the same time.
My 2 cents, I think a Ring type doorbell would be a good idea to see who's outside and be able to communicate without opening the door.
"Excellent idea Watson..."
Our Ring and Blink cameras all require wifi.
@@easyrider4x just got a wireless truck 12v camera and monitor system, no wifi required
@@sixstrings1063 Is it made to use at the camper door if someone knocks?
Consider some Casinos, they want you to come in to gamble, wind, dine, see a show but you don't have to spend much. Clubs like VFW, ELKS etc, 24 Fitness and Lifetime Fitness; these I've used MANY times but I was a member though. I'm also retired military; many bases offer dirt cheap camping.
I’ve tried an Elks lodge and been told they have RV full hookups in a lot of cities but ONLY if you’re an Elk
One of our favorites is casino docking. We've stayed at some where they have a dedicated RV lot, and even one with power available. Even if you don't gamble, they generally have restaurants and entertainment you can use to make a courtesy purchase. Often they have 24 hour security patrols and shuttles to the casino from the satellite RV lot.
Some of them even offer free play and other discounts in northern MI I heard or o e with full hookup and you can stay for 5 nights for free or really cheap
I found out that casinos in Las Vegas now charge for any parking... car, truck, RV... and if all they have is multi-layer parking, most RVs cannot go in due to low overhangs... my Roadtrek van lost it's roof vent cover due to me not realizing...
@@PalmdaleGal We've never tried it in Vegas or Atlantic City. We've stayed at Hollywood Slots in Bangor Maine, Mohegan Sun Pocono in Wilkes-Barre PA, Mohegan Sun in CT, Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack in Farmington NY, and the High Rollers lot for Turning Stone Casino in Vernon NY. They were all cheap or free.
@@PalmdaleGal In MN I can't think of one Casino that doesn't either have a dedicated RV and camping park or have a discount for a very nearby KOA or like Campground...just call the Casino first and ask...you will have to join their rewsrds program at some locations. (Disclaimer my Dad has done this at least once a summer for about ten years, instead of gambling he enjoy's their events/entertainment and relatively cheap buffet's while other family member's partake in gambling, bowling, and other amenities and it becomes a family reunion of sorts for meal and before bed times! Many Casino's acrossed the U.S. that are not in Vegas really are turning into more so a family safe resort/event center that also has a casino!
@@grandsea2 - You are fortunate. Las Vegas used to be known for cheap buffets, but those don't exist anymore. And most hotels charge a resort fee, even if they're not technically a resort. I've never been a gambler, so now there's almost no reason to go there because concerts/shows, parking, lodging and food make it prohibitive for me... the fun is gone... And with CA gas prices now $5.399 even at no-name stations, I can't even afford to drive my Roadtrek a few hours away to get outside CA to get to a desirable destination near cheaper gas...
1st time visiting your channel. I was finishing my last few days working at the hospital. My commute was 3 hours EACH WAY, including the ferry ride. I rented a room near the hospital and walked about 1 1/2 miles each way. I had already moved out of the room-rental but still had a few days of work left. I parked the rv in the annex building parking lot. I put a sign on the driver's window with my name, phone and where I worked. I spent 3 nights there. No problems.
Having run security at shopping malls, I strongly suggest talking with either security or the property management because they often DON’T allow overnight parking due to liability.
Just stayed over night at a shopping mall by delware water gap and was told we had to move. So double check be4 you do
We spent 4 nights in the far end of an American Home Furniture store in Rockford, IL. It was our first boondocking experience and we enjoyed walking to nearby restaurants.
In Rockford? Yikes, Rockford is a high crime city. You must have been in one of the few nice areas.
Appreciate your comment "leave it better than you found it". If we all lived like that, the world would be a beautiful place. Also appreciate your scene transitions. Very smooth.
Cabela's has rv parking for free. They even have a dump station. The only problem I had was the amount of money I spent in the store.
Not all.
Heck I use the Police Dept, for FB Marketplace or Craigslist Transactions, I make custom knitwear, and the local PD is more than happy to let me Use their lobby. I've even made a few items for the Officers, Navy Blue Knit headbands are a big hit with the Female Officers.
That's an excellent idea! Thanks!
awesome thank you i do not wat to go to someones house or have them at mine great idea
I have stayed in closed down Kmart and other closed down stores with no problem. I have had to stay at truck stops most recently due to blown tire and dead battery. I prefer truck stops I have no problem with the noise. My late husband was a truck mechanic so I feel more at home around the trucks.
We’ve stayed at casinos. Some have a special area some just tell you where to park. Free!!
Hey, Madeline, aren't the casino lots noisy all night?
@@AngelBaby11117 no cause they have you park in an outer lot. Or for a small fee, 10-15 dollars some have campgrounds with electric, water an sewage.
Thank you, Madeline. I guess the casinos in my area are really small with just regular parking lots.
@@AngelBaby11117 we’ve stayed at a few. Love there buffets and some have Italian bakeries! (That was out east) we’ve only stayed at large casinos I guess.
Las Vegas casinos no longer have free parking. And many have multi-level parking due to expensive land, which a normal RV (or even a Class B van) cannot go into, due to low clearance.
It's funny. My last job, I worked at a small airport and lived there. I lived in my RV and downsized to living in my car. Now I live in a sticks and bricks house with my husband. ❤️
We live on an island in Canada, actually our whole province is an island and we camp on marinas a lot, we have even had fisherman that use these wharves regularly come over and tell us to plug into their electrical outlet, how wonderful is that.
We just got home from a five week trip out west. We found that casinos on Native American reservation land were excellent. They all permitted us to stay overnight. Some offered just a parking lot. Some offered full hookups at a very reasonable price. One even had eight full hookup spots at no charge. All had security and excellent restaurants.
Oh yeah. I stayed the night at Twin Arrows casino an hour outside Flagstaff. Go get a players card. Then use that card for a small discount at the gift shop and buffet. In the morning, get your Starbucks before departure. Plus you have casino security looking out for you. Apparently, they have some regulars who stay for months.
How about casinos. Have stayed at casinos in a number of places. 24 hour food and facilities.
I have used casino’s as well. Some can get expensive tho depending on how much time you spend in the casino. Lol
It is much easier to blend in when there are other vehicles around and businesses are busy during the day. If you can work it out with your schedule, take a siesta during the day, and drive at night. Local police and store owners will be looking for vehicles overnighting illegally once the sun goes down and everyone else goes home. Most places make it illegal to park "overnight", but not during the day.
Right. Thats what I do.
NOBODY will shoo you away in the daytime.
Ya, but then you miss all the scenery
RV dealers usually have long curbs along thier fenced lots. I've stayed on the street at RV dealers over night and have had no problems. You fit right in and don't look out of place. I figured if asked what I was doing there, I would say I was waiting for parts or something like that. I've never been asked.
The joy of RVing for us is the freedom it provides - freedom from people, noise, strict planning, and especially schedules! Free and easy access to overnight stops enables this freedom. Thank you all for sharing your secret spots. We are retired Army Vets and have great luck overnighting at service organizations (VFW/Legions etc without memberships), and mom-n-pop cafes where we have had dinner (we ask after eating and paying the bill, and usually have breakfast there too). We've also had great luck staying in small-town church and post office parking lots. Sometimes, we just pull over on a back road where it is scenic or quiet and has a wide or double culvert entrance/gate to a field or not-so-obvious place. lol Then, if by chance someone does need to enter we aren't blocking access. Safe and happy travels to all.
Wow you guys rock … I’m a 46 yo medically retired 68w who enlisted in 2013 at 34 years .. been homeless since super bowl … and my greatest challenge is avoiding police (registration is expired and wallet stolen so minus photo copy of all ID I have no ID in addition to avoiding police is avoiding spots we’re I could be identified as a target … not sure which one is worse .. it sucks because honestly I’ve been hungry and a day or two short of getting paid I’ve been tired all that I really don’t even mind this experience would be quite nice if I hadn’t had and don’t have to worry about constantly being pulled over by police and potentially getting the car impounded getting the truck impounded I wish you were someway I have hundreds of photos of my VA card and my drivers license but I’m not sure how to get myself out of this situation I don’t have any friends or family so I don’t have anyone I can put an address on if you guys have any Intel or advice about how to get the truck street legal my whole world would open up and I would finally be able to breathe
Thank you! There's a lot of good free info right here, and dozens of ignorant people complaining about the way it's presented. It is possible to fast forward if your time is that limited. I'm heading to MN from NH and back again for Thanksgiving and will probably break it up into a few days travel each way. I'll try some of these suggestions! My problem is making firm plans, I like to wing it!
Hey Tom, here's a few additional favourites from Australia:-
1) Gravel Pits:- Found in rural locations these are graded, gravel surfaced roadside areas previously established by road maintenance crews for storage of their equipment when doing road repairs and upgrades.
2) Sports Ground Car Parks:- Typically found in country towns.
3) New Housing Estates:- We've stayed at a few of these where all of the roadways and infrastructure is complete but no houses there yet.
4) Industrial Estates:- Often these are quiet and pretty much deserted areas suitable for an overnighter.
Thanks for your site , Downunda, Melbourne Australia
Gravel pits are great on the Alcan Hwy to Alaska.
Gravel pits in East Texas are usually pretty busy very early in a.m. about 3-4 a.m. trucks are lined up to get their daily loads. I'd be a little nervous to park overnight there, afraid I'd be blocked in.
I see RVs (and other truck drivers) parked along the curbs of rest areas near truck parking. Please inform everyone not to do that. I mostly haul oversized and over length loads. Cannot count how many times I spent the night on the shoulder of the interstate because I have no other options. I am sure nobody intends to be rude. But you do not know what you do not know. Thanks guys happy travels.
The majority if the time when WalMart doesn’t allow over night is the city has ordinance against over night. WalMarts mostly want campers cause they will shop. It’s the cities that have the laws against it.
I noticed over half of the time of curse depending on location do not enforce their no overnight parking
So why does the city not want RVs to park? Is it because of the hotel lobbyists or political? Or is it because some RVs just ruin it for the rest? Just wondering.
@@ronaldpigeon4713 Personally, I believe it's because if there are RV parks or campsites in the area, pressure is put on the city/village, to discourage Walmart allowing it, so you have to spend big $$ at their campsites or RV parks! We will usually choose to continue on down the highway, thinking they just don't want our business, as the Walmarts that do allow RV's, we always go in and fill our buggy with groceries! It's too bad Walmart doesn't have the clout to make sure they HAVE the ability to allow RVers one nights stay, prior to building their stores, and if not, say they will build elsewhere then.....a loss of their community of course, but it's nothing but a gain to Walmart having RVers who usually end up with large grocery bills, and of course many other things one needs off and on!
My town El Mirage AZ has an ordinance against overnight parking so our Walmart can not give permission. My guess is because the RV park owner lobbied for it but I do not know that part for sure, just a guess on my part. However you cannot legally park over night at our wally world. But a mile away I see semis parking going into a industrial area.
@@ronaldpigeon4713 Well, the cities I've seen this in the places looked like they probably had people that measured every blade of grass to ensure it met code. Kind of looked like one big gated/HOA community.
In my Town Lowe’s they told me know due to Insurance. I went down the street to Tractor Supply. They even said that they would check up on me to make sure I was safe 🤗
"Bigger they are harder they fall", whoduefuk said that stealthy migration message? Huge arrogance corporately crumbles into anti-insurances' dis-integrations.
My hospital I am at now is in midland/odessa, texas and we have a ton of travel healthcare workers that bring their rvs and we have rv parking long term in the back of the hospital.
Hi Tom. I’ve noticed Cheri hasn’t been in the past two or three videos. Is she ok? Thanks for the overnight tips, much appreciated. safe travels and God Bless.
I wonder if Cheri might be off visiting family? Often things crop up where the health of a family member is paramount, so that's a possibility.
In Missouri, lots of State conservation areas allow free camping. Also, many listed river access areas allow camping.
A Boondocker host told us about parking at Casinos. Some have designated sites, some have hookups. There might be a fee, but the bonus is that there is security.
I stay at Indian casinos frequently. I even found one in El Reno, OK that had full hookups, free, up to 4 nights!!
Some public utilities have overnight parking or even 3 day stays for free and most City Waste Water Treatment plants will have a free RV waste dump.
I am thinking about starting the RV life so I can actually retire.
I realize there can and could be a lot of downside to the move, but I'm tired at 74, but I am in good shape and on no medications.
I have an older 30 foot RV, am single but do need good advice and help in getting started.
Before you go all in full-time I suggest you do shorter stays in your RV, such as weekends and then work up to a week or two at a time, and maybe even to a full season. Not everyone is cut out for a nomadic lifestyle. Looking for a safe place to stay each night can be exhausting. So test it on a short-term basis before committing. That way you will also find the glitches and the things you will need and things you can do without. You may be able to compromise and keep some sort of home base to recuperte when you need it and travel the rest of the time.
Personally, when my ex & I spent a winter in her Saturn Sl200, we used to bounce around from different apartment complexes in our area & just park up. As long as there was no "No parking" signs, anywhere was fair game though. Tints make stealth camping so much easier, no matter where you go. & like you mentioned, we also had a membership at Planet Fitness. Where we were able to shower daily. Whenever we felt like it.
We parked for two nights at Camping World in Rapid City, SD, with power and water! They allow any Good Sam's members stay if they have space available. We could several others allowed it as well.
****Please make sure you have permission to park at a fire station!! Talk to a chief (usually wearing a white shirt). If approved make sure you park where you are told. Calls can come at any time crews might be arriving or departing at anytime. After an incident crews from other stations might arrive for supplies. Of all your suggestions this would be lowest on the list. And don't assume you could park at an "unstaffed" station. Volunteers will be in a hurry to respond and might not park all that well blocking you in or you could block their emergency vehicles.****
We actually stayed in a closed Shopko parking lot last night in Wetmore Michigan. Free and we were the only ones here. Perfect! Thanks 🙏
Shopko's, eh?
I’ve had mostly good experiences with City parks and they are quite, secure and with partial or full hookups. Most with hookups charged $10-$15 a night though.
Yeah, I've only run across a couple places in my travels that had free hookups. I travel in a van and never use hookups, but I do keep an eye out for them just out of curiosity.
Tom, you should have made it clear that the #1 reason for not being able to park at Walmart is local ordinances that are changing constantly. Last years regs aren't necessarily valid this year. Plan ahead more than just a few hours so plan b can be formed.
In my experience, local ordinances were not the #1 reason, it's usually up to the store manager, who hire security to watch their stores/lots, they like to use off duty police officers as security. After seeing some of the long timers in some Walmart lots I've been too, it's not a surprise to me that some managers want to clean up their lots and discourage the growing homeless population from taking up residence.
We've asked permission at several that had signs saying 'No Overnight Parking', and were allowed.
So there's nothing for Tom to make clear here. Some towns/cities where people are taking advantage and being a nuisance may put ordinances in place, but whether most places allow staying overnight are left to the store managers discretion.
@@roofdogblues7400 All of the following reasons, I have seen first hand. Very sad that humans do this to ruin it for all.
The Number 1 Reason is of the Trash being left behind.
#2...Homeless in rundown cars, RV's and tents or sleeping on the parkways and they do not want to leave
#3 Leaky rundown vehicles being left behind, being repaired and just making the parking lot look unsafe for camping and turning away shoppers. I actually saw a very ugly car up high, on wood and concrete blocks with the engine on the parkway lawn with oil stains all over the place and running into the concrete rain water trough.
#4 Makes it hard for the Parking lot sweeping/cleaning vehicles to clean at night when vehicles are still there.
We have never been rejected at a Wal-Mart. Lucky I guess
Stayed at a fairgrounds rv park in Farmington, NM. There was a charge in 2017 (which is now $ 30 for water and electric sites). There is a dump station available. Nothing special as it was a gravel lot but it was fairly quiet, right along a fast moving river during the 1st week of May, security at night but only 2-3 other campers during a non-event week.
Yes that was my first thought was fairgrounds.
We parked at race tracks so many times and also at a Marina in New Jersey for a small fee. We could see the Statue of Liberty National Monument from our spot.
We stayed at a marina in Jersey City which sounds a lot like the one you are describing. You could get the ferry into NYC within a short walk! Tight spots on gravel - but a great stay!
Do you recall the name of the Marina, or the city at least? : )
@@my2cents2u it is the Liberty Landing Marina and RV Park in Jersey City. Our tour bus came to pick us up directly there as we were a group of 28 people.
As retired veterans we have stayed at VFW parking lots. American Legion’s and Fleet Reserve Association. Just let them know that you need to stay 👍
Thanks for sharing!
I spent 4 days at an huge Expo Center in Louisiana it was built to accommodate RV's with elec. and water connections, was only $35.00 per night, not much else available near New Orleans under $100.00 Dog show one week prior to my stay then huge Country Music gathering ,lots of fun meeting the dogs and some of the people.
There's a pretty. Nice one out by the lake, and Fouberg Brewery allows I THINK 1 to 2 nights, if not assuredly one night. Pelican RV Park
That's right! If one is not willing to pick up after themselves, then they have NO business there. PERIOD!
Great tips, thank you for sharing!
You are correct in regards to Universities! I have parked over night in front of PSU and you do get to use the WiFi! Kaiser has also let me spend the night if you have an appointment the next day. The local mall however did ticket me after 8 daytime hours, and we were at the mall the entire time. The restaurants were still open so it was a warning they are not okay with any long term stay. Thank you for the video! Jennifer
wow imagine if you went in for dinner and a movie and some shopping time. My family could easily spend 8 hours in a mall, especially if the weather is bad outside. Good information, thanks.
We've stated at a community fairground once, and found out the following day that they had 'power' sites, so we decided to stay an additional day, as there was a Rodeo going on the next day, so we moved into an area which had power! We've also stayed at the Cabela's on the south end of Salt Lake City, which has a place to dump your tanks and get water! The location where you can park free does have quite a slant to it...but it's free, so you just have to do some adjusting to get as level as you can, for the right price of course, which is free. We did patronize the location the next morning, and doing so I'm sure helps to alleviate any costs to Cabelas.
When i was living out of my car I would go to hospitals and sleep in my car when i felt unsafe . but now with the plauge not sure i would do hospitals much . Thankful to God I now have a real bed and bath. I do miss the ability and adventure to go anywhere .This country is so worth the effort to see it before we have to say our good bye . Get off the couch go .💖🤠💖
I stayed at Walmart a lot when I was homeless for 3 yrs. I would pick up trash and collect carts to do my part. I also spent nearly every dollar for food and supplies there.
If I owned a big NASCAR type racetrack, I would open up my outside the track campgrounds on non race weeks just to make some extra money
North of Ft. Worth there is a Cabelas with a humongous parking lot. There is one part that is set aside for one night camper parking. I think I might have seen a couple of electric hookups. But look it up. I realize it's so much easier for me as a van camper than folks with looong RVs.
Something he didn't say, but its really the elephant in the room: clean up other people's trash as well as your own if you want RVs to be invited back. Don't feel resentful, feel gracious and grateful when you do this.
Sorry to bring the bad news, but recently there's a new crop of homeless van dwellers. They don't want to be homeless, but have not considered their homelessness might be a long term. They may feel resentful, and be acting out of ignorance of etiqiuette.
You are there voluntarily, are well mannered, have resources (and buy stuff from the store I hope). Try to make the less tidy ones aware that we are guests who are there voluntarily and will be blessed to continue have free RV places if we can keep them clean (and buy some stuff).
As we don't cleanup after others, we are all being tarred with a bad reputation. Business has witnessed Walmart's ban, and they are taking heed. Desperate people don't buy stuff and leave an toxic and unhygienic mess they have to pay employees to clean up. The The workplace health act requires employees wear expensive gear when dealing with bio hazzards. Or even call an contractor.
Towns don't even want truck-stops. But towns people like to eat food. Where are the truckers supposed to sleep after travelling all night across country to bring them dinner? Those who host strangers may be hosting angels without knowing it.
I am a smoker. I've learned to pick up other peoples butts because no smokers think it was me. They don't care who put the butts there, they just want them gone, or they will insist on no more smoking there. Same with Wallmart, and the list of banned places will grow until all RVs get a bad rap.
Like it or not, we are required to self police. They know we don't, its because we can afford to stay at an RV park for $75 a night
He mentioned it at the very beginning of the video. But it’s common sense to clean up after yourself 😁
Hi Tom. I have camped in a tent at a municipal airport-OshKosh Wisconsin Airshow. We are taking our camper to an Airshow next month-Wings Over North Georgia airshow! Happy Camping!
here in Canada,British Columbia to be exact,we overnight on crown land,we've done hospital lots and a tip to out of country travellers,almost every town has a visitors info center and you can overnight in most of their lots depending on the size of your travel rigs.
I’ve stayed overnight at a used car lot. Pull to back row and park in line with the other cars fsving forward. Be gone early with no problems
Lol, what's early? 5? 6?😏
Where I live, most car dealerships are closed on Sunday's so at least you know you have a place to park every Saturday night.
You should not ever stay on private property without permission, that's called criminal trespass and you will be arrested. I lived and traveled in a van with my disabled son for three years and never paid to stay anywhere and never stayed on private property.
@@flowerchild777 5 am is usually good!
We actually stayed two nights, near the beach, in Gulfport, Ms. at City Hall parking lot. It was New Years weekend and of course no one was around.
Thats hilarious 😆
If you do be careful with your dogs. It's illegal to have dogs on the beaches and will fine you.
We were at Cabelas in Hamburg, Pa. yesterday and there were at least 7 RV's there when we left about 7:30 PM. They were parked at various spots neat the outer area of the parking lot.
I've seen at least one race in every state, and every province in Canada, and you can camp at most, but not all, race tracks, and ON RACE NIGHTS ONLY. Some may even have a campground. Some charge but most do not, and some can't because of city ordinances. As a matter of fact, if it's a major race you may not have room because the spots have already been taken by the race fans who camp. I usually call or email ahead to check, and remind them when I get there, mainly because they may have a gate to lock at the end of the night. It can happen. By all means, go in and see a race. It's always great to see more people in the stands, and sometimes the food is outstanding. For me, I don't take up much room, because I'll be on my motorcycle and use a tent. Maybe I'll see you there.
We have had success with cafes/diners with large lots. We pull in have a late dinner and ask (managers) if we could spend the night. So far it is a yes unless the town has an ordinance against it.
Thanks for the suggestion. 🚐
Not only DOT parking lots but they will have stock piles near bridges that will cross over interstates or smaller roads. Also there are roadside parks . That are not as big as the travel centers . They usually have just trash cans and picnic tables . Road side parks for traveling are usually on Us highways or smaller roads . I know in Texas it is allowed overnight .. I would check with each individual dot. Dept of transportation
I've used Hotel parking lots, churches, parks, fairgrounds, convention centers (some have full hookups). Some cities in Texas offer free parking for a couple of nights with hookups.
In texas, most beaches allow overnight parking. No matter rvs trucks, whatever.
Thank you for sharing these tips however, not sure some of them would make use of them all as do not feel comfortable to even ask a church or park in an abandon store parking lot.
My son spent 2 weeks behind a church in Ft. Worth. They knew that he was there, and didn't mind the night watch. Twice recently they had lost the AC plumbing to scrap vandalism.
We camped at a city park that allowed overnight camping. It was adjacent to a rail line, and there was a crossing nearby. Turned out it was a busy rail line during the night, and all the trains blew their horns as they approached the crossing. Live and learn!
This was SUPER helpful!! Thanks!
Greetings from the crown prince of Dubai Arab Emirates
Greetings Prince Hamdan! Have a blessed day 😊 🍀 🐦
I live in my 94 f150 for few years now in Canada and I always respect earth and signage
Had no idea there were so many possible location ! Thought Cracker Barrel, Walmart or Rest Stop were it 🤔 Safe Travels ❤
I’m just looking into getting my large family an rv for my family and I wanted to be sure I proceed respectfully and comfortably so I really appreciate this video especially the rv manners at the beginning lol
Love all these suggestions! We have stayed in a Marina Parking Lot. They need room for large boats on trailers...and there was plenty of room for us. (Tahoe with a 20ft TT) Also stayed in a grocery store parking lot. Lots of room. Church parking lot on Sat, provided a worship opportunity on Sun! YES...we asked in advance about staying, and when possible, supported the business!
I have parked at 24 hour stores like Walgreens and grocery stores, and on the street between a couple of motels. I also parked at a 24 hour IHOP. I'm in a van and find it easier to blend in to the surroundings.
I am a over the road Trucker and when out in the midwest/west, I like to stay at the casinos. Plenty of parking!!!!
Often wondered if construction company's would pay an RV to camp at job sites to lend nite security present on site ...mite come with utilities .
They often do...
Have stayed at Home Depot, Albertson's, Walmart, a church a couple times, vacant abandoned restaurants along interstates.
Some of the parking lots you mentioned, (arenas, stadiums, universities, et al) are fenced and you can't get in. Although sometimes there is an unfenced area where busses and rvs park. The. Best luck I've had is small towns. Churches, funeral homes, some hospitals have a designated parking lot just for this purpose. Always ask permission if there is a business. I've run into a huge empty church lot where there were no acticities, but MI sister said no. Hmmpf! If you are iffy about where to go in a small town, and it's a weekday, a quick visit to the Sheriff's, Constable's, or police station can guide you. A neat thing to do is visit the mayor's (or some have a City Manager) office, compliment the town and ask for a suggestion. Also there is usually a central cafe where everyone eats. Waitresses and patrons there are always helpful. I stopped watching to write this before I forgot, so this might be a repeat. I'll watch the rest now.
* Unusual spots to camp at, very helpful info. While not free, I stay at a 'city park' campground each Summer. In the off season it's where boaters store their yachts & boats, for the Winter. It opens up to RVers & tenters in the Spring as they move their boats off the property & allow camping per reservation, but again not free. Similar to Sam's Club is BJ's, a big box store system in Massachusetts. There are lots of large Lumber/hardware facilities here too.
When I had my sprinter I was recognizable I stayed at a hospital one night and about a month later I tried it again and got a knock by security they recognized me from before so I don't attempt hospitals anymore.
I have a plain chevy express now . I stay at hotel parking lots, walmarts, planet fitness, apartment complexes . I have about a dozen I switch around. You don't want to spend more than one night at a time. And as famous Bob has mentioned arrive when you need to sleep and leave as soon as you wake up.
Being stealth is very helpful. And never leave trash whatsoever.
I work full time in my city I don't travel so my situation is different
In California, Arizona and Texas I have parked my 18 wheeler on the road beside big warehouses. Some of those roads are extremely wide and other trucks will park there. Also warehouses that are for sale or lease are good places to park. Casinos are good for parking also.
This year, Texas, in its infinite wisdom, banned overnight parking on all public roads statewide. This is Texas' strategy for eliminating homelessness.
So where was that campground at with the membership you mentioned would really like to know love your rig and fifth wheel and love everything you share lots of great tips keep up the great work
Casinos are great for rv parking. Some even have rv parking at no charge.
Little by little these towns, villages and cities are passing ordinances that prohibit camping in parking lots due to zoning. A lot of it has to due to rif-raf associated with homeless encampments.
Last year we stayed in a closed K-Mart parking lot - right next door to Walmart in Deming, NM. Since it was an empty parking lot we were not the only RVers overnighting there. Even truckers overnight there. A police car drove through a couple times while we were there. In fact a police car was sitting in the lot when we entered and parked.
Hello! I live in Deming, NM. This lot is now closed. Not sure why, but probably because it was not being taken care of.
Good video,but here in Long Island NY we have many signs saying no overnight parking or you will be towed. As I do have a 37ft toy hauler myself I stick with Cracker Barrel and bass pro shops/Cabelas.stay safe all RVers….
I worked at a Sam's Club and overniters were allowed, the rvs had to park in a designated place. You will get woke up pretty early when we start showing up at 3-4 am LOL This was in Castle Rock, Co
I have woken up on many mornings, found myself alone. A dozen or so semis, long gone. Never heard a thing.
I call falling asleep to the sound of running trucks my 'Diesel Lullaby"
We haven't done it, but what about Costco?
If you stay in a library parking lot, you may be able to use the library internet.
Go in during the day, and get the password...