I worked in a hospital and my best advice is sleep in an ER parking lot . I used to fall asleep on my steering wheel all of the time from pure exhaustion. No one bothered me . If you want to step it up a notch buy a pair of cheap scrubs 😂❤
Plus so many people are in and out they don’t know whose vehicle belongs to who.. there are so many employees there they would just assume you work there and are getting a rest in before driving home. No one will bother you.
Fall asleep on steering wheel LMAO! My first knock by 5 cops at 2:30 am was at a brand new (90% finished) huge emergency room type hospital towards end of covid...hospitals seem to have security watching for troublemakers then... no fun! I think hospitals can be a good option, but don't be surprised if your kicked...cops also are going in & out of then for biz so...
Town library parking lots, it's public property I've asked the police in the area and as long as you're not there all the time, the local police are usually good with it
I just did that for the first time a couple of weeks ago. Called first to make sure and gal I talked to basically said as long your not dealing drugs or dumping stuff I should be ok. And I was! Except for getting woken up by the trash collector 5a next morning. 😒
I actually was parked in my local library's lot taking advantage of their WiFi after hours, just sitting at the wheel of my regular car, and got a patrol car coming over to tell me to move on maybe an hour after closing. Your milage may vary.
@@CritterKeeper01 if you explain your situation to them 9/10 times they'll let you stay there provided you just don't make noise or leave garbage anywhere
@@CritterKeeper01 I think the state you are in is a big factor. In Texas parks close at 10. I have stayed at a hospital one night then went back a week later and was told to leave after 30 minutes of being there. I was sitting in the front seat of my car looking at my phone in a Walmart parking lot 30 mins after purchasing some items (around 10:30/ they close at 11) a cop flashed a spotlight on me. My biggest issue is what time to get there and what time to leave. I have tried midnight to 5:30 but usually get there around 2am because I am afraid to park. I just feel so tired I end up sleeping during the day instead of doing food delivery.
When I see a lot of trace, I pick it up. Just to keep this attitude in check. I appreciate the places I park and want to keep using them! Too bad others r so crude! I see them thru my limo tint a lot! They think nobody sees them leaving their mess be hind! Ha!
That's basically the story of people. They're always a big group in any activity that screws things up for those who are discreet,considerate, and have a long-term perspective.
Some people never leave the parking lot. They defecate in the parking lot, throw trash out and act like they own the lot! These people are not nomads, they are homeless and low life people. I've seen all the above and am sickened by that behavior. They give those of us that are nomads get a bad name .
The comment you made about the "free breakfast" at hotels should not be taken since you are technically not "a guest". That is some sound advice. I hope people put there gets this message. Stay true, stay honest and stay humble.❤❤❤ You just got a new subscriber.🥰
Late to the party here, but regarding hotel parking lots, I've worked for multiple hotels in different hotel groups and the only time we'd check on cars is say we had a 100 room hotel, a 120 spot parking lot, and registered guests were complaining they continually couldn't find parking spots. Then we'd go and see which cars weren't ones we knew belonged to registered guests.
I just found you this evening while traveling in our van. I was looking for stealth camping in Yellowstone and stumbled into your channel. My husband and I have done this type of traveling for several years. Hotel parking lots. Walmart. Truck stops. Casinos. Beaches ( ahhh ) Rivers. State parks. Scenic pull offs. Unfinished subdivisions. Dennys. Trading posts. Behind businesses closed for the night. Cracker Barrel. Shopping center lots. Down lonely roads ( kinda scary though) A city park once but got a knock on our door during the night from a police officer.
Businesses that are closed .... Great idea, and i have seen many of these opportunities ... As a single male camping in a car, i pass them up because i always get the thought ... "they will think i am trying to break in and steal things"
I stopped at a Cracker Barrel that did allow overnight parking, but when I went in to use the restroom there was a sign on the door that for that particular night there was no parking because they were painting lines in the parking lot. I moved on to the next one several miles down the road. I would hate to have been awoken to leave. I'm glad I saw the sign on the door.
Another very safe place to consider is the police station parking lot. If you go in and tell them you're tired and need a safe place to sleep before you drive further, many of them will be happy to let you sleep in their lot, where they can keep an eye on you, rather than potentially becoming an official problem somewhere else! (And yes, it's sexist, but female solo travelers will probably have the best results with this one...)
@@theunaccompaniedsenior It's trespassing if you don't have permission. Do you know if there's a blanket policy forbidding them to give you permission if you go inside and politely ask?
I find a auto dealership the same make as my van and park overnight in the repair area. I found a Walmart vest and when I use Walmart I leave it on the seat and get a good nights sleep. YES hotel parking Iots just tried and it went well. Last year I parked on a street of row houses in a regular parking spot. I have never stayed in a construction site but will put it on my list. Most cemeteries lock their grounds I have picked a nice tree lined area and stayed knowing it woyld be locked and slept very well. The airport was iffy I was a little nervous but parked in a long term parking area with no problems I had to pay but that was ok I needed the rest..
Here's a suggestion that may work for some business owners but takes a bit of planning. I own a small business on the east coast and am able to basically live in any of my 3 office locations. I am almost to the point where my staffing at those offices allows me to run things without me being there for months at a time. My next step is to find a small office to start with on the west coast where I can do the same. Then I can use these offices as home bases and go on trips to basically anywhere I want for a week or two and use the other 27 methods on those trips. Because my business pays for the office spaces and I have no mortgage or rent, I can even afford on occasion to stay at a hotel of paid campground if neccesary without breaking the bank. Another suggestion is for musicians.
My city has this near downtown and right across from apartment complexes. Because of the apartments they allow overnight parking. But most of these multi-tier lots dont. Plus high roof vans are too tall.
1 Walmart 2 24hr business 3 24hr Gym 4 Casino 5 Truck Stops 6 Auto Dealer/Repair 7 Rest Area 8 Highway Pulloff 9 Park & Ride 10 Mid-level $ Hotels 11 Cracker Barrel 12 City Parks 13 Marina 14 Residential/Apts 15 Construction zone 16 Indistial Businesses 17 Cabela's BassPro Camping World 18 Home Depot Lowes 19 Trailheads 20 BLM 21 Church Parking Lot 13 Hospitals 21 Cemetary Funeral Homes 22 Hospitals 23 Cemetary Funeral Homes 24 Self Serve Car Wash 25 City Welcome Center 26 Tours 27 Your Job
have 30 to 40 places. turn up late, go to sleep, wake up early and move on. If you just sleep in you sleeping places, and don't try to live there, you'll have a lot less hassles, especially if you're only around there once a month. Wake up at like 5:30 and drive off. Do your morning routine somewhere else and if you get hassled or moved on, it's not from somewhere you feel safe sleeping. I have a home but I do a lot of road tripping and free camping. Not being there when the locals get up is the easiest way to go unnoticed.
Ive been watching van life vids now for almost a year in preparation for finally getting a chance to travel and see the US outside of NH,this idea was seemingly less and less of an option till i watched this video thank you. I know what with out a trace means theres always a handful of people who f it up others. NH is a very touristee state some people just dont care, Loud and obnoxious leave litter all over. Ill just need a few nights here and there till i get out west and can stay at national parks and blm areas will only be on the road for 5 or 6 months to get away for New England winters..liked and subed
I am going to be needing this information starting next week. I’ve already had some semi major maintenance on my vehicle this year (plugs & ignition coils replaced) and just got an oil change today along with a quick inspection. I have some cash as well as some investment assets that I know I’ll have to tap into. I’m definitely going to have to find work in the next month or 2 or 3. But I have a little room to take a break & clear my head while I figure out my next steps.
Yeah. I’m looking at finding some dispersed camping on blm land and just stay out for the max time. I’ve been looking at the rules for moving 25 miles away after & not returning to the same area for 30 days.
You assume that they're being constantly monitored. Which is the opposite of what happens. The cameras are there to provide evidence in case of an incident, which is then used to help prosecute a crime. You're not doing that
I always wonder why I’ve never heard a list include bars (in safe areas, of course). You’re encouraged to leave your car there and Uber or whatever if you’ve had too much to drink, so no one would question a car there overnight.
Bad idea. Park at a bar and what the cop is going to do when he does his patrols and see a guy sleeping in his car outside of a bar, is he's going to think that that person is drunk and trying to sleep it off.
@ I didn’t mean patronize the bar and then sleep there. I meant the usual… pull in just in time to sleep. If I’m only there to sleep, I won’t have been drinking, so as long as there’s no town ordinance, I won’t have broken any laws.
Hey. Great content about car and van camping ! I just found your channel. I need to live in car for next 3 months bcs of work. It is ski resort and i can't find anything to rent with resonable price. And i wanna work here. It is good money . Its going to be rough to live in car during the winter. Your channel is great. New sub
@@LolaIzKola I’m glad you’re able to stay at an RV park. Wish the whole parking thing wasn’t such a challenge in this lifestyle. Thanks for sharing, I pray you know Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, beloved ❤️ much love and stay warm. 🔥
@@LolaIzKola yes, rent is ridiculously high! But trust in the Lord and He shall provide ❤️ “Look at the birds in the air. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. And you know that you are worth much more than the birds.” (This scripture isn’t saying to not work of course. I like the KJV Bible but sometimes I share a more modern translation.) have a good day today 😊
She makes a good point. Parking at a hotel that’s not crowded is free, but the breakfast isn’t. Even if it says “free” it’s technically included with the cost of the hotel room. But the parking lot is free game. Plus you aren’t really stealing anything. That asphalt is still useable after you leave. These are such great tips! Also: I just looked it up and Florida where I’m from doesn’t have any BLM land. So van life is a bit harder here, but I’m thinking it can still be done.
BLM land is out west. Here in the east we have National Forests. In Florida, there are three National Forests - Apalachicola, Osceola and Ocala. In a National Forest you’re typically allowed to camp out for 14 days. Research dispersed camping in National Forests.
Love your videos they are awesome! My husband did long haul trucking weekly through the states from our home in Canada and he mentioned that some truck drivers have issues with people in regular vehicles other than a big rig taking up spaces that tractor trailers need. The drivers by law HAVE to stop every so many hours. Something to think about. Maybe stay out of those as the truck drivers really need the spaces. Thanks!❤
@@jeffnorbert1871 u do what ya gotta do! Back East, many places aren't kind to truckers. I've seen evidence why! They are leaving trash behind, having unsavory visitors, leaving pee bottles in grass or parking lots for something to roll over it and the bottle explode. Some truckers don't want to be caught up in a situation like that. So they park where they can. Plus it's a lot quieter than a truck stop and easier to get in and out.
I also learned recently that most Home Depots and Lowe’s allow dogs inside. :) Our pup loves coming along. We’re just very careful not to let him near people who look uncomfortable around him, but most people want to pet him.
Some places open 24 hours in a plaza and the parking lot isn't theirs. And the parking lot manager might not allow overnight parking even if there are no signs up. Some parking lot managers allow overnight parking some don't. You might get a knock to vacate the parking lot. Just say okay I didn't know or I didn't see any no parking overnight signs and move on asap. Or they might give you a citation. Parking overnight means you parked there overnight till sunrise. If you leave before sunrise you technically didn't park overnight till dawn. You just parked there for awhile at night. Leave before dawn, sunrise. Don't set up camp there in the parking lot after sunrise unless it's okay to do so. Business Parking lots are not camp sites.
Missoula Montana. Indefinite parking for the most part, as long as people aren't littering beyond belief, being loud at night etc. Best to avoid during winters and forest fire season. Friends and I do Missoula for the warm months...Moab UT for the cool ones.
Not sure if anyone has mentioned this I worked at a hotel we only asked for the license plate #s in case the alarm was going off or they left the lights on. A lot of people had rental cars and didn't know how to use them or what rhe alarm sounded like. I park in hotel parking lots to use the wifi lol
@@juliadawnyel3648you can just do an ER . I used to fall asleep in my car before or after my shift all of the time no one bothers you. They will just assume you came off of the night shift
City parks are many times closed at night, which includes the parking lot. The problem is it’s usually not posted all that well. So scout out the entrance and parking lot for signs. If there’s not a sign, I highly doubt that a cop could give you a ticket.
I'm fortunate to have several parks in the town I'm in, all with clean bathrooms, water fountains, and free WiFi even! But all are only open from dawn to dusk, and have gated entrances that make sure no one thinks above staying later, sadly...
Question: a lot of people are mentioning a planet fitness sub for the showers but what about buying a 24/7 self storage unit for overnight parking? Like if you’re just doing this for short term needs rather than traveling.
I've found it to be a "catch-22" - if I'm in a Cracker Barrel parking lot overnight, I definitely make use of my sun visor for my front window and tarp to cover my side windows for privacy, as I know I'm allowed to be there. But in a hotel parking lot, I might use my sun visor, but think that using any window coverings, etc. would just draw attention to my car in a place that I'm technically not supposed to be overnight.
I prefer dispersed or primitive camping over Walmart cracker barrel ..truck stops...i have had a couple scary situations while at rest stops ..i avoid them
I'm not real comfortable with secluded spots unless it's in the woods. A car by itself sticks out and dishonest people may try and break in because there is no one around to see.
Amazing video!! Thank you. Since you are an experienced van lifer, are there options for 2-5 day visits? I know about the just overnight sleep options and boondocking for 14 days but is there any other options? Wonderful video. Thank you
Wow! You are absolutely brilliant. This is the most intelligent, creative, and helpful RUclips video I’ve ever seen for can life. 🎉 Bravo! Wow. You are amazing. Thank you so much.
If u don’t want to steal a free breakfast from a hotel, don’t mention you slept there, but ask if they have a price for just the breakfast. They just might
I stay in an industrial park and go there after work when everybody's gone home and it's a huge parking lot. There's a little place in the I just park against the fence and I'm good to go and nobody bothers me Even on the weekends if I want to hang out there's nobody there. 😅😅😅
In Tennessee, the truck stops and rest stops have to allow you 4 hours to nap if you claim you are too tired to drive safely. Truck stops are now hit or miss. Like with Walmart, assholes have ruined it. Now, some truck stops have security and they will check to see if your are either in a truck or have a CDL. I stayed out of some truck stops for a while, but one night got woken up after 4 hours by security asking to see a CDL or to vacate. Since he was rude about it, I made sure his security car could not be used before I left.
Courtesy and consideration toward others is critical when vanlife-ing! I certainly hope the last part of your comment was posted in an effort to seem in control and not in reality, because that kind of behavior is exemplary of why there are so many places cracking down on the rest of us.
@@dross24MA No, I really did it. Only time I've ever taken a measure like that, but I did it because this guy was going around smashing windows open and treating us like garbage. IF he had simply asked us to leave, then it wouldn't have been an issue. But to think he would go smashing people's windows in. And the law would've been useless and taken his side so I took the only way I could see to make him pay. To him he was just smashing a car window, but to us he was destroying our homes.
Thanks so much for your list to help us. Another idea you might consider is a friends tiny area and could visit for a while too . Or, a friend if a friend. A fast phone call and they might just say, " sure ."
A lot of the places can not be welcoming due to local ordinances that forbid overnight parking (includes the lots of these places = fined or towed) ☮️💟
From my understanding it's illegal to tow a vehicle with someone in it so if tow truck driver comes along and starts hitching you up he better have some sense and knock first make sure nobody's in there or he could be big trouble.
@@dianabanana6724 :: would that qualify for kidnapping? I would hope they would not tow with a person inside, but if you are a well hidden heavy sleeper - yikes!! ☮️💟
Sadly many businesses have signed up with tiwing companies who routinely patrol lots that have signed up with them....not sure how they can just try to tow your rig when somone is in it....maybe just the attempt to tow is enough for them to charge you for a tow? Idk but thats just evil! FYI there are tow truck scammers who will try to STEAL your rig too! That opens up lawsuits for businesses
Actually they may not tow with a person in the vehicle. However, once you leave the vehicle, they may tow it. Also, they can hook you up, but they may not move you any more than you may have people in a trailer.
If you want to reverse your life and sleep during the day, you can still park at Walmart. The problem is that during the day you may be awakened by the noise of cars.
I don’t think it’s good idea to tell anyone you are living in a vehicle because it is look at by society as going against the norms. This can in some instances cause people to hate you. So better to keep it personal and live like that in secret. Human nature can be nasty and unwelcoming. Keep your personal life personal and don’t reveal too much of yourself and put yourself in vulnerable situations where others can exploit you. Learned from my own mistakes in past and have wise up since.
😂 I’m telling everyone that I’m doing this. Saving $3000 a month. Traveling, Showering at Planet Fitness. Working from my office. In about a year I’ll be looking for a house to buy. It’s becoming the norm.
Telling someone it’s none of their business is easier said than done especially for open people , but I get what you mean some people don’t like different and that’s sad people should be able to live how ever they want to live and if you don’t like someone then you can leave, where are not trees
Thanks for the information on parking. My husband and I are planning to buy a motorhome and driving to Florida (from Canada). We are retired seniors on limited funds so your information is useful. Thanks so much. Also, I’m a retired counselor and just started my own RUclips videos (lots of fun) highlighting the value of being creative (CounselorSue Creativity & Living Life). Right now it’s a kind of marrying of psychology with knitting, however I may change direction soon with our RV hunt and all the changes that will mean for us. We plan to live full time in our RV (motorhome). Cheers!
I worked in a hospital and my best advice is sleep in an ER parking lot . I used to fall asleep on my steering wheel all of the time from pure exhaustion. No one bothered me . If you want to step it up a notch buy a pair of cheap scrubs 😂❤
Plus so many people are in and out they don’t know whose vehicle belongs to who.. there are so many employees there they would just assume you work there and are getting a rest in before driving home. No one will bother you.
Hell some of the travel nurses live in their cars so they really won’t question it
That's bad advice. ER parking lots are usually crowded and busy. I would leave the spaces in ER for family.
What about ambulances with sirens?
Fall asleep on steering wheel LMAO! My first knock by 5 cops at 2:30 am was at a brand new (90% finished) huge emergency room type hospital towards end of covid...hospitals seem to have security watching for troublemakers then... no fun! I think hospitals can be a good option, but don't be surprised if your kicked...cops also are going in & out of then for biz so...
Town library parking lots, it's public property I've asked the police in the area and as long as you're not there all the time, the local police are usually good with it
Interesting never thought of that.
I just did that for the first time a couple of weeks ago. Called first to make sure and gal I talked to basically said as long your not dealing drugs or dumping stuff I should be ok. And I was! Except for getting woken up by the trash collector 5a next morning. 😒
I actually was parked in my local library's lot taking advantage of their WiFi after hours, just sitting at the wheel of my regular car, and got a patrol car coming over to tell me to move on maybe an hour after closing. Your milage may vary.
@@CritterKeeper01 if you explain your situation to them 9/10 times they'll let you stay there provided you just don't make noise or leave garbage anywhere
@@CritterKeeper01 I think the state you are in is a big factor. In Texas parks close at 10. I have stayed at a hospital one night then went back a week later and was told to leave after 30 minutes of being there. I was sitting in the front seat of my car looking at my phone in a Walmart parking lot 30 mins after purchasing some items (around 10:30/ they close at 11) a cop flashed a spotlight on me. My biggest issue is what time to get there and what time to leave. I have tried midnight to 5:30 but usually get there around 2am because I am afraid to park. I just feel so tired I end up sleeping during the day instead of doing food delivery.
A lot of places are not welcoming anymore because people don't understand what leave no trace means.
Yep I agree with this!
When I see a lot of trace, I pick it up. Just to keep this attitude in check. I appreciate the places I park and want to keep using them! Too bad others r so crude! I see them thru my limo tint a lot! They think nobody sees them leaving their mess be hind! Ha!
That's basically the story of people. They're always a big group in any activity that screws things up for those who are discreet,considerate, and have a long-term perspective.
There is a certain song title from Slipknot that sums things up pretty nicely. Well, crudely, but accurately.
Some people never leave the parking lot. They defecate in the parking lot, throw trash out and act like they own the lot! These people are not nomads, they are homeless and low life people. I've seen all the above and am sickened by that behavior. They give those of us that are nomads get a bad name .
I was the manager at a hotel, and we don’t care if you stop for the night there, but if you start living in the parking lot we will ask you to leave
The comment you made about the "free breakfast" at hotels should not be taken since you are technically not "a guest". That is some sound advice. I hope people put there gets this message. Stay true, stay honest and stay humble.❤❤❤
You just got a new subscriber.🥰
Late to the party here, but regarding hotel parking lots, I've worked for multiple hotels in different hotel groups and the only time we'd check on cars is say we had a 100 room hotel, a 120 spot parking lot, and registered guests were complaining they continually couldn't find parking spots. Then we'd go and see which cars weren't ones we knew belonged to registered guests.
It’s really sad how a small handful of reprobates have ruined things for everyone. This is a great informative video! Thanks Alison! 🙏👍😊
Unfortunately, it's now more than a handful.
@@SurfingFLA true
Gymn shower stalls can give foot fungus. Spray first is best imo.
I've parked at Lowes many times with no problem, plus I enjoy the WiFi😊
Jajaha I was checking Loews I thought This would be a great place under a Tree. It seems there are people there working at night time
I just found you this evening while traveling in our van. I was looking for stealth camping in Yellowstone and stumbled into your channel. My husband and I have done this type of traveling for several years. Hotel parking lots. Walmart. Truck stops. Casinos. Beaches ( ahhh ) Rivers. State parks. Scenic pull offs. Unfinished subdivisions. Dennys. Trading posts. Behind businesses closed for the night. Cracker Barrel. Shopping center lots. Down lonely roads ( kinda scary though) A city park once but got a knock on our door during the night from a police officer.
Businesses that are closed .... Great idea, and i have seen many of these opportunities ... As a single male camping in a car, i pass them up because i always get the thought ... "they will think i am trying to break in and steal things"
@@ramfree27 Steal things from an empty business? Even the dumbest of criminals won't do that.
I stopped at a Cracker Barrel that did allow overnight parking, but when I went in to use the restroom there was a sign on the door that for that particular night there was no parking because they were painting lines in the parking lot. I moved on to the next one several miles down the road. I would hate to have been awoken to leave. I'm glad I saw the sign on the door.
I been staying between 3 different hotels for 2 weeks
Cemeteries!! Dunno why I didn't think of that! Thanks.
Another very safe place to consider is the police station parking lot. If you go in and tell them you're tired and need a safe place to sleep before you drive further, many of them will be happy to let you sleep in their lot, where they can keep an eye on you, rather than potentially becoming an official problem somewhere else!
(And yes, it's sexist, but female solo travelers will probably have the best results with this one...)
...and be sure to thank them an let them know when you leave =;^)
Here in Canada, parking at a police station is a crime (trespassing, I believe).
I prefer to park on the curb, across the street instead.
@@theunaccompaniedsenior It's trespassing if you don't have permission. Do you know if there's a blanket policy forbidding them to give you permission if you go inside and politely ask?
@@CritterKeeper01 The police are way more dangerous than most criminals 😉
Great Hair 😁
I find a auto dealership the same make as my van and park overnight in the repair area.
I found a Walmart vest and when I use Walmart I leave it on the seat and get a good nights sleep.
YES hotel parking Iots just tried and it went well. Last year I parked on a street of row houses in a regular parking spot.
I have never stayed in a construction site but will put it on my list. Most cemeteries lock their grounds I have picked a nice tree lined area and stayed knowing it woyld be locked and slept very well.
The airport was iffy I was a little nervous but parked in a long term parking area with no problems I had to pay but that was ok I needed the rest..
Here's a suggestion that may work for some business owners but takes a bit of planning. I own a small business on the east coast and am able to basically live in any of my 3 office locations. I am almost to the point where my staffing at those offices allows me to run things without me being there for months at a time. My next step is to find a small office to start with on the west coast where I can do the same. Then I can use these offices as home bases and go on trips to basically anywhere I want for a week or two and use the other 27 methods on those trips. Because my business pays for the office spaces and I have no mortgage or rent, I can even afford on occasion to stay at a hotel of paid campground if neccesary without breaking the bank. Another suggestion is for musicians.
Your wisdom so valuable; Your bloopers priceless!
😊 thank you
Your bloopers are awesome. It reveals how making these videos is not a cake walk.
casino shuttle bus parking is good also,cars come and go
My city has a 3 tier parking garage that's free at night...imagine some other cities are as well
My city has this near downtown and right across from apartment complexes. Because of the apartments they allow overnight parking. But most of these multi-tier lots dont. Plus high roof vans are too tall.
Lol...I have missed the bloopers. Thank you for adding it to this video.😂
You got it! 😁
Thank you for sharing your video. Tips are valuable & helpful.
1 Walmart
2 24hr business
3 24hr Gym
4 Casino
5 Truck Stops
6 Auto Dealer/Repair
7 Rest Area
8 Highway Pulloff
9 Park & Ride
10 Mid-level $ Hotels
11 Cracker Barrel
12 City Parks
13 Marina
14 Residential/Apts
15 Construction zone
16 Indistial Businesses
17 Cabela's BassPro Camping World
18 Home Depot Lowes
19 Trailheads
20 BLM
21 Church Parking Lot
13 Hospitals
21 Cemetary Funeral Homes
22 Hospitals
23 Cemetary Funeral Homes
24 Self Serve Car Wash
25 City Welcome Center
26 Tours
27 Your Job
Thanks! I read this list as she goes through them!
@@1stJohn3.9-10 thank you!
have 30 to 40 places. turn up late, go to sleep, wake up early and move on. If you just sleep in you sleeping places, and don't try to live there, you'll have a lot less hassles, especially if you're only around there once a month. Wake up at like 5:30 and drive off. Do your morning routine somewhere else and if you get hassled or moved on, it's not from somewhere you feel safe sleeping. I have a home but I do a lot of road tripping and free camping. Not being there when the locals get up is the easiest way to go unnoticed.
This is great.
Thank you for sharing.
Ive been watching van life vids now for almost a year in preparation for finally getting a chance to travel and see the US outside of NH,this idea was seemingly less and less of an option till i watched this video thank you. I know what with out a trace means theres always a handful of people who f it up others. NH is a very touristee state some people just dont care, Loud and obnoxious leave litter all over. Ill just need a few nights here and there till i get out west and can stay at national parks and blm areas will only be on the road for 5 or 6 months to get away for New England winters..liked and subed
Thanks allison those were a lot of great places recommended. Thanks for sharing I hope things are going well for you ❤
I am going to be needing this information starting next week.
I’ve already had some semi major maintenance on my vehicle this year (plugs & ignition coils replaced) and just got an oil change today along with a quick inspection.
I have some cash as well as some investment assets that I know I’ll have to tap into. I’m definitely going to have to find work in the next month or 2 or 3. But I have a little room to take a break & clear my head while I figure out my next steps.
I bet I will reference this video again. Thanks for making this one. I want the free stuff!!!
Yeah. I’m looking at finding some dispersed camping on blm land and just stay out for the max time. I’ve been looking at the rules for moving 25 miles away after & not returning to the same area for 30 days.
This is the best list I’ve seen from RUclips. Thank you!
Wow, thanks!
Great video once again!
Thank you 😊
A lot of dealerships and repair shops have cameras outside.
You assume that they're being constantly monitored. Which is the opposite of what happens. The cameras are there to provide evidence in case of an incident, which is then used to help prosecute a crime. You're not doing that
Hi Allison! Wishing you a great weekend. ☺️🙏
Thank you, you too!
Nice list of places! Great to share with everyone! Keep making memories & adventure on! ~Karen & Shannon WOY
The bloopers, especially Warmalt 😂
Great suggestions! Added to my notes
Love the hair and makeup! You look beautiful in blue💙
Thanks!
I always wonder why I’ve never heard a list include bars (in safe areas, of course). You’re encouraged to leave your car there and Uber or whatever if you’ve had too much to drink, so no one would question a car there overnight.
Definitely trying this one
Interesting thought...
Bad idea. Park at a bar and what the cop is going to do when he does his patrols and see a guy sleeping in his car outside of a bar, is he's going to think that that person is drunk and trying to sleep it off.
@ I didn’t mean patronize the bar and then sleep there. I meant the usual… pull in just in time to sleep. If I’m only there to sleep, I won’t have been drinking, so as long as there’s no town ordinance, I won’t have broken any laws.
@@ChrisW228 It wouldn't matter if you patronize the bar or not. If you're sleeping in a bar parking lot, you're a heat score for the cops.
Great video👍
I tried sleeping in my car in my local casino and got a tap on my window from security saying I can't sleep here
Hey. Great content about car and van camping ! I just found your channel. I need to live in car for next 3 months bcs of work. It is ski resort and i can't find anything to rent with resonable price. And i wanna work here. It is good money . Its going to be rough to live in car during the winter. Your channel is great. New sub
How’s it going?
@@MirandaHeARTsYAHshua im in Rv park. Tired of searching for parking every night
@@LolaIzKola I’m glad you’re able to stay at an RV park. Wish the whole parking thing wasn’t such a challenge in this lifestyle. Thanks for sharing, I pray you know Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, beloved ❤️ much love and stay warm. 🔥
@@MirandaHeARTsYAHshua i hope so i will take off in April. I hate paying any rent
@@LolaIzKola yes, rent is ridiculously high! But trust in the Lord and He shall provide ❤️ “Look at the birds in the air. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. And you know that you are worth much more than the birds.” (This scripture isn’t saying to not work of course. I like the KJV Bible but sometimes I share a more modern translation.) have a good day today 😊
Great info! This is the best video I have seen about where to park.
I want to live in a van down by the River !
Very informative thank you
College towns offer great apartment parking and are generally flexible.
This is a very informative, thank you for your efforts 😊
Thanks for watching!
SO HELPFUL. some were on my radar [I'm a noob] but this was eye opening and made me feel safer getting started..somehow. ty
She makes a good point. Parking at a hotel that’s not crowded is free, but the breakfast isn’t. Even if it says “free” it’s technically included with the cost of the hotel room. But the parking lot is free game. Plus you aren’t really stealing anything. That asphalt is still useable after you leave. These are such great tips!
Also: I just looked it up and Florida where I’m from doesn’t have any BLM land. So van life is a bit harder here, but I’m thinking it can still be done.
BLM land is out west. Here in the east we have National Forests. In Florida, there are three National Forests - Apalachicola, Osceola and Ocala. In a National Forest you’re typically allowed to camp out for 14 days. Research dispersed camping in National Forests.
What an excellent video with lots of great tips! ❤ I subscribed. 😊
One good way is sleep in the daytime. Parking lots have cars going in and out constantly so you won’t be noticed.
Like an ER parking lot. I used to fall asleep in my van at work all of the time . No one bothered me 😂
@@weekendnomad5038 except for the ambulances screaming sirens lolz
No to emergency hospital parking. Space is limited at the hospitals close to me.
The touch of curl with your hair looks great! Perfect length is brushing halfway on the honks.
Great video!
Thank you 😅😊
Great tips!
Love your videos they are awesome! My husband did long haul trucking weekly through the states from our home in Canada and he mentioned that some truck drivers have issues with people in regular vehicles other than a big rig taking up spaces that tractor trailers need. The drivers by law HAVE to stop every so many hours. Something to think about. Maybe stay out of those as the truck drivers really need the spaces. Thanks!❤
Every day I see trucks parked right next to signs that say "absolutely no truck parking at any time".
People need to stop and sleep every so many hours too. Might not be a law but definitely an endangerment to others to drive while sleepy.
I agree. Some people feel so privileged!
@@jeffnorbert1871 u do what ya gotta do! Back East, many places aren't kind to truckers. I've seen evidence why! They are leaving trash behind, having unsavory visitors, leaving pee bottles in grass or parking lots for something to roll over it and the bottle explode. Some truckers don't want to be caught up in a situation like that. So they park where they can. Plus it's a lot quieter than a truck stop and easier to get in and out.
Truck stops I frequent usually have marked spaces - [long spaces for trucks] and [shorties for others] with larger RVs being a problem area.
I also learned recently that most Home Depots and Lowe’s allow dogs inside. :) Our pup loves coming along. We’re just very careful not to let him near people who look uncomfortable around him, but most people want to pet him.
@@ChrisW228 I was at Lowes a couple of days ago and got to pet a gorgeous poodle😊
Great ideas.. there's a few more..😅 😊
Factories with an overnight shift should work also.
Ohh that's another good one for the list. Thanks!
Here in MI, rest stops are becoming popular.
I love your hair
Really great info. Thank you.
Thanks Beautiful 🙏🌞👍🌞
Great video
Glad you enjoyed it!
My favorite part is the bloopers! 😂
Great video ❤
Thank you!!
Some places open 24 hours in a plaza and the parking lot isn't theirs. And the parking lot manager might not allow overnight parking even if there are no signs up. Some parking lot managers allow overnight parking some don't. You might get a knock to vacate the parking lot. Just say okay I didn't know or I didn't see any no parking overnight signs and move on asap. Or they might give you a citation. Parking overnight means you parked there overnight till sunrise. If you leave before sunrise you technically didn't park overnight till dawn. You just parked there for awhile at night. Leave before dawn, sunrise. Don't set up camp there in the parking lot after sunrise unless it's okay to do so. Business Parking lots are not camp sites.
Missoula Montana. Indefinite parking for the most part, as long as people aren't littering beyond belief, being loud at night etc. Best to avoid during winters and forest fire season. Friends and I do Missoula for the warm months...Moab UT for the cool ones.
❤❤❤Awesome list❤❤❤
Not sure if anyone has mentioned this I worked at a hotel we only asked for the license plate #s in case the alarm was going off or they left the lights on. A lot of people had rental cars and didn't know how to use them or what rhe alarm sounded like. I park in hotel parking lots to use the wifi lol
Try assisted and independent living facilities. No one ever looks in the parking lots.
Excellent addition to the list!
Where do you find these
@@juliadawnyel3648you can just do an ER . I used to fall asleep in my car before or after my shift all of the time no one bothers you. They will just assume you came off of the night shift
Cemeteries were great before 9-11. In fact pretty much any place was easy to patk before then.
City parks are many times closed at night, which includes the parking lot. The problem is it’s usually not posted all that well. So scout out the entrance and parking lot for signs. If there’s not a sign, I highly doubt that a cop could give you a ticket.
I'm fortunate to have several parks in the town I'm in, all with clean bathrooms, water fountains, and free WiFi even! But all are only open from dawn to dusk, and have gated entrances that make sure no one thinks above staying later, sadly...
have you tried sound machines
Question: a lot of people are mentioning a planet fitness sub for the showers but what about buying a 24/7 self storage unit for overnight parking? Like if you’re just doing this for short term needs rather than traveling.
What about window coverings? Don't they draw attention? Probably not if they're blackened though.
I've found it to be a "catch-22" - if I'm in a Cracker Barrel parking lot overnight, I definitely make use of my sun visor for my front window and tarp to cover my side windows for privacy, as I know I'm allowed to be there. But in a hotel parking lot, I might use my sun visor, but think that using any window coverings, etc. would just draw attention to my car in a place that I'm technically not supposed to be overnight.
I prefer dispersed or primitive camping over Walmart cracker barrel ..truck stops...i have had a couple scary situations while at rest stops ..i avoid them
Construction areas? I see flat tires from stray nails and screws.
I'm not real comfortable with secluded spots unless it's in the woods. A car by itself sticks out and dishonest people may try and break in because there is no one around to see.
Hospitals in Canada charge $18-30 for parking.
I was at a graveyard and I swear something was knocking on my window at night.
😂
Y would u park @ a graveyard 🪦???
That's pretty scary 😳
@@AnjuanWilliamsone of the 27 places to park listed in this video is parking at cemeteries.
@@rosemcgough360I used to live in the middle of nowhere and had to go thru a graveyard to get home.
Amazing video!! Thank you.
Since you are an experienced van lifer, are there options for 2-5 day visits? I know about the just overnight sleep options and boondocking for 14 days but is there any other options?
Wonderful video. Thank you
1 Wally's
2 24-hour grocery/restaurant
3 Planet Fatness
4 casinos
5 truck stop/gas station
6 car dealership/mechanic/auto parts shop
7 rest areas
8 highway pull-off
9 Ride Share lots
10 hotel lots
11 Crack Barrel
12 city parks/boat ramps
13 marinas/small cruises
14 residential/apartments
15 OOB/construction
16 business/industrial areas
17 Cabella's/Bass Pro/Scamming World
18 Home Depot/Lowe's
19 Trailheads
20 BLM/NF land
21 Churches
22 hospitals
23 cemetery
24 self-serve car wash lots
25 welcome centers
26 tour/activity lots
27 your job
@@cathunter3042 I'm weak. Planet fatness...
I love Casinos and Crackel Barrell
Hey good evening
Hey good morning do you have a email addy
Wow! You are absolutely brilliant. This is the most intelligent, creative, and helpful RUclips video I’ve ever seen for can life. 🎉 Bravo! Wow. You are amazing. Thank you so much.
If u don’t want to steal a free breakfast from a hotel, don’t mention you slept there, but ask if they have a price for just the breakfast. They just might
I stay in an industrial park and go there after work when everybody's gone home and it's a huge parking lot.
There's a little place in the I just park against the fence and I'm good to go and nobody bothers me
Even on the weekends if I want to hang out there's nobody there. 😅😅😅
Springfield IL. cops pestered me everywhere I tried sleeping.
In Tennessee, the truck stops and rest stops have to allow you 4 hours to nap if you claim you are too tired to drive safely. Truck stops are now hit or miss. Like with Walmart, assholes have ruined it. Now, some truck stops have security and they will check to see if your are either in a truck or have a CDL. I stayed out of some truck stops for a while, but one night got woken up after 4 hours by security asking to see a CDL or to vacate. Since he was rude about it, I made sure his security car could not be used before I left.
Courtesy and consideration toward others is critical when vanlife-ing! I certainly hope the last part of your comment was posted in an effort to seem in control and not in reality, because that kind of behavior is exemplary of why there are so many places cracking down on the rest of us.
@@dross24MA No, I really did it. Only time I've ever taken a measure like that, but I did it because this guy was going around smashing windows open and treating us like garbage. IF he had simply asked us to leave, then it wouldn't have been an issue. But to think he would go smashing people's windows in. And the law would've been useless and taken his side so I took the only way I could see to make him pay. To him he was just smashing a car window, but to us he was destroying our homes.
@@jacegallagher8589 us?
Thanks so much for your list to help us.
Another idea you might consider is a friends tiny area and could visit for a while too . Or, a friend if a friend. A fast phone call and they might just say, " sure ."
YES! That's another great option.
#15 I'd be kinda cautious about possibly getting nails in your tires.
You mentioned some apps, can you provide the links
@@chrisaustin6255 iOverlander Campendium park4night
You look absolutely gorgeous in this video. Your make up, your hair. This hair color is the best for you by far.
A lot of the places can not be welcoming due to local ordinances that forbid overnight parking (includes the lots of these places = fined or towed)
☮️💟
From my understanding it's illegal to tow a vehicle with someone in it so if tow truck driver comes along and starts hitching you up he better have some sense and knock first make sure nobody's in there or he could be big trouble.
@@dianabanana6724 :: would that qualify for kidnapping? I would hope they would not tow with a person inside, but if you are a well hidden heavy sleeper - yikes!! ☮️💟
I worked security at a hotel and we never checked license plates. We never even saw the list.
Sadly many businesses have signed up with tiwing companies who routinely patrol lots that have signed up with them....not sure how they can just try to tow your rig when somone is in it....maybe just the attempt to tow is enough for them to charge you for a tow? Idk but thats just evil! FYI there are tow truck scammers who will try to STEAL your rig too! That opens up lawsuits for businesses
Actually they may not tow with a person in the vehicle. However, once you leave the vehicle, they may tow it.
Also, they can hook you up, but they may not move you any more than you may have people in a trailer.
If you want to reverse your life and sleep during the day, you can still park at Walmart. The problem is that during the day you may be awakened by the noise of cars.
I don’t think it’s good idea to tell anyone you are living in a vehicle because it is look at by society as going against the norms. This can in some instances cause people to hate you. So better to keep it personal and live like that in secret. Human nature can be nasty and unwelcoming. Keep your personal life personal and don’t reveal too much of yourself and put yourself in vulnerable situations where others can exploit you. Learned from my own mistakes in past and have wise up since.
😂 I’m telling everyone that I’m doing this. Saving $3000 a month. Traveling, Showering at Planet Fitness. Working from my office. In about a year I’ll be looking for a house to buy. It’s becoming the norm.
Telling someone it’s none of their business is easier said than done especially for open people , but I get what you mean some people don’t like different and that’s sad people should be able to live how ever they want to live and if you don’t like someone then you can leave, where are not trees
I'm thinking with all the attention to vans . Maybe cars are better .
DOWN TO EARTH-HUMAN TO HUMAN-LOVE IT-thanks for not being a fake click bait diva-ALSO LOVE THE BLOOPERS
😂😂😂.... Bloopers
😊
Kentucky it's illegal to sleep in your car, cops in paducah love this law, expect to get a fine payable by mail.
Thanks for the information on parking. My husband and I are planning to buy a motorhome and driving to Florida (from Canada). We are retired seniors on limited funds so your information is useful. Thanks so much. Also, I’m a retired counselor and just started my own RUclips videos (lots of fun) highlighting the value of being creative (CounselorSue Creativity & Living Life). Right now it’s a kind of marrying of psychology with knitting, however I may change direction soon with our RV hunt and all the changes that will mean for us. We plan to live full time in our RV (motorhome). Cheers!