Signs, signs, everywhere is signs, do this, don't do that, can't you read the signs....
There's enough federal land around here to find, I respect private property, probably more than the next guy.
Signs, signs, everywhere is signs, do this, don't do that, can't you read the signs....
There's enough federal land around here to find, I respect private property, probably more than the next guy.
While I have only been hanging as my primary camping method for about a year now, I have been stealth camping for at least 15. This includes such places as a grove of trees in the middle of a hwy intersection (the middle of the round part of one of those 4 leaf clover intersections), and various other nooks and cranny places.
In urban areas (and especially anywhere that has even relatively easy access), you are likely to find others living mortgage-free. Sometimes they are "unsavory characters", but I've found that to be true only half the time. When I have, I greet them and say I'm just passing thru, and keep going. No big deal really.
Otherwise, the people are just people; and like any demographic, there are awesome people, okay people, and the scum people that cling to the edges of the demographic barrel. As the saying goes, "It takes all kinds"; and every demographic (including the mortgage-free) has all kinds.
Every time I have done stealth camping I was traveling on foot. Thus, I don't have an answer to questions about what to do with your vehicle. It is true that unattended vehicles by the side of the road (and many other areas) tend to get broken into often.
Best of luck!
P.S. As a general rule of thumb, I avoid tons of trouble by only ever camping (even stealth camping) on public property, or private property with permission. It's just makes good sense not to trespass.
Last edited by Demitri; 04-09-2013 at 19:05. Reason: Added post script
Just park it off the side of the road with note saying you broke down and will be back in the morning. Obviously, it would have to be along a road where you won't get towed. In Virginia, people just hang a white shirt or plastic bag from the driver's door to show it's a disabled vehicle. I've seen cars sit for up to a week.
That's an awesome idea! Would love to see some pictures if possible
Just be careful. State laws usually determine whether or not it's legal to walk/hike on state or interstate highways. A NY state trooper educated me as I was taking a short cut from the trail back to my car a few years ago. I realize it's his job to keep people safe but he really didn't have to threaten me with jail time.
Adventure is sometimes too close to downright dangerous. Just because it seems like fun, hanging in a heavy-traffic area is just sleeping rough like a hobo. I wouldn't do it unless I had to and then I'd try to make myself as invisible as possible, and make my sleep as short as possible. Even taking a nap in a car on the side of the road these days is putting your life at risk.
I've tried it a couple times, but about half the time my sleep gets interrupted by the police or someone else telling me I'm trespassing. The last time I did it, the guy had a gun. I've don't do that anymore!
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