One spot that doesn't get enough attention, I think, is big 24-hour truckstops like Flying J or Love's Travel Centers. They have TONS of people coming through, and a lot of them stop for eight hours at time, there are cameras everywhere, and I generally feel quite secure there. As a bonus, if you wake up when the place is reasonably busy, you can ask around for a trucker's shower pass, and someone will always give you one. (Truckers tend to amass more than they can use.) And truck stop showers are AMAZING. I've never had one that didn't have great pressure, clean towels, and a heated interior. It's the experience of a hotel for only $15 or so. Sometimes I even pay for it.
The downside is that they're fairly busy and you do hear people come and go. But if you're like me and find the sounds of a city soothing, it's a really good option.
Hi Dave! ❤️😊 I knew you would appreciate this post! I don’t consider the truck stops or walmarts stealthing because they are upfront about allowing overnight parking there. I guess I would categorize those under established campsites even though they aren’t campsites technically. Same with rest areas, which are more for passing through on long hauls or if you are in a pinch. But yes I agree the Loves and such are pretty great especially with the showers. 🚿
Love this article April! We “stealthed” for a week in Vancouver, BC last summer and it was a wonderful experience. There was a dog park across the street, a good coffee shop just down the block, and Kitsilano Beach a short drive away which is where we spent our days!
I’m a lifelong stealth motorcycle tent camper and have found the white cargo van is much easier in urban environments. I agree with your insights and enjoyed the article.
My buddy farmer Jim slept in a lawn chair with an umbrella @ Loves truck stop next to his bike in a storm. Full rain suit and helmet. I’m more likely back of cemetery or under a bridge. Bivy bag. Van is much easier and more comfortable. Cat company is the best bonus.
Great article, and your info is right on! Good luck with your book. I’m sure you’ll find lots of interested readers. Recently, I was nomading around western states for 7 years, but much more on public lands than stealth camping. Sometimes I still feel the itch to go. I also wrote some books for people looking for great cheap and free places to camp. In case you want to take a look:
One spot that doesn't get enough attention, I think, is big 24-hour truckstops like Flying J or Love's Travel Centers. They have TONS of people coming through, and a lot of them stop for eight hours at time, there are cameras everywhere, and I generally feel quite secure there. As a bonus, if you wake up when the place is reasonably busy, you can ask around for a trucker's shower pass, and someone will always give you one. (Truckers tend to amass more than they can use.) And truck stop showers are AMAZING. I've never had one that didn't have great pressure, clean towels, and a heated interior. It's the experience of a hotel for only $15 or so. Sometimes I even pay for it.
The downside is that they're fairly busy and you do hear people come and go. But if you're like me and find the sounds of a city soothing, it's a really good option.
CANNOT WAIT for your book! <3 <3 <3
Hi Dave! ❤️😊 I knew you would appreciate this post! I don’t consider the truck stops or walmarts stealthing because they are upfront about allowing overnight parking there. I guess I would categorize those under established campsites even though they aren’t campsites technically. Same with rest areas, which are more for passing through on long hauls or if you are in a pinch. But yes I agree the Loves and such are pretty great especially with the showers. 🚿
Love this article April! We “stealthed” for a week in Vancouver, BC last summer and it was a wonderful experience. There was a dog park across the street, a good coffee shop just down the block, and Kitsilano Beach a short drive away which is where we spent our days!
April, this is a really excellent guide to one of the trickiest aspects of vanlife. Thank you!
I’m a lifelong stealth motorcycle tent camper and have found the white cargo van is much easier in urban environments. I agree with your insights and enjoyed the article.
Thank you! So cool that you 🏍️⛺️.
My buddy farmer Jim slept in a lawn chair with an umbrella @ Loves truck stop next to his bike in a storm. Full rain suit and helmet. I’m more likely back of cemetery or under a bridge. Bivy bag. Van is much easier and more comfortable. Cat company is the best bonus.
You are a true inspiration, so much so that I'm going to link this article to my Artist Way group on Signal :) keep writing! excited about your book!
Thank you for always seeing me 💗 Your group sounds cool? I love that book. I do morning pages every single day.
Great article, and your info is right on! Good luck with your book. I’m sure you’ll find lots of interested readers. Recently, I was nomading around western states for 7 years, but much more on public lands than stealth camping. Sometimes I still feel the itch to go. I also wrote some books for people looking for great cheap and free places to camp. In case you want to take a look:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GR86J995