Wallydocking

Boondocking: to camp with your vehicle in remote areas such as deep woods or desert locations, without power, sewer, or water hookups.

Wallydocking: to do this in Walmart parking lots :)

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I love Walmart. I didn't used to, since they all look basically the same and are all filled with identical cheap stuff from China. But let's face it. They have everything you need at an affordable price, and (best of all), they allow you to park overnight. At least most of them do. You can literally live at Walmart and make it your home if you want to, and that is just pretty darn cool.

Tonight I am parked in another Walmart lot, and I must say, I've gotten pretty used to it. It is nice to be able to use their bathroom in the morning (and at night), to know I am permitted to park here, to run inside and buy something if I need it, to not need my LED lights since their parking lot lights are so bright, to be camped out next to other vans & RVs doing the same thing as me, and to just feel safe. Almost every single Walmart that I've parked at has had a friendly security guard patrolling the lot & especially looking out for us overnighters :-) It makes Dan and I both just feel good to know that we are parked in a secure place and even being looked out for.

I definitely park at other places, too, like the occasional truck stop, 24-hr grocery store, friend's driveway, rest area, park, or forest. When I'm near an unknown city, though, and actually looking for a place to spend the night, I always check out http://www.parkfreeovernight.com/ first to see if there is a Walmart nearby. If there is, I go there. Walmart makes things easy, it is just a safe and easy overnight solution. If there isn't a Walmart nearby, my 2nd step is to check http://www.freecampgrounds.com/. If nothing there looks good, I check my "2008 The RVer's Friend: North American Diesel/Parking Directory" for nearby truckstops that allow vehicle overnight parking. If no truckstops are nearby, I check http://www.casinocamper.com/ for nearby Casino lots, I look in my road atlas for nearby rest areas, or I just drive around and find something that looks good. I must say, however, there is usually a Walmart nearby, which is why I could possibly be considered a regular Wallydocker.

Off the subject off Wallydocking, I do have 2 quick things to mention. I say "quick" because I'm typing this post on my little iPhone keypad again and my fingers are getting tired...

1. After getting my van back on the road and spending 2 marvelous days playing in the powerful tide of the Atlantic Ocean, get this: I drove 45 minutes north and my van wouldn't start again! I know I really did have a bad neutral safety switch, but now I think that I've also got a bad starter. Too bad "Park Avenue Motors" didn't check my starter as part of the 140.00 "no crank diagnose and check." oh well. This time it actually worked to beat on my starter with a hammer, so I'm not totally stranded again quite yet. I did order a new starter today at a local auto parts store & it will be in tomorrow (yay), although I will admit I'm starting to get discouraged about all these repair expenses. It is just a fact of life I guess that every home and vehicle needs maintenance, and maintenance always costs a pretty penny. I am blessed, however, that Dan said he'll install my new starter, free of charge... He is too good to me.

2. I've been getting lots of wonderful emails (and comments) lately!! Thank you all, I love hearing from you, young and old, vandwellers and dreamers alike, every single person that sends me a message... Someone recently told me that my site was just mentioned on the Vanagon Mailing List, which must explain my little downpour of fun emails lately from new people. I just wanted to let everyone know that I will answer each and every single email I have gotten, it just might take me a little time. I promise I'll respond as soon as I can. It takes me a little while sometimes since I am one of those people who likes to write personalized emails and be really thorough. So I'm not ignoring you if I don't respond right away. I just wanted to say that since I've fallen a little behind on my Internet to-do list (something that is very easy to do when you live in a van). I'm heading back into the woods tomorrow for an unknown period of time, but I won't forget about you guys. If you wish you were heading to the woods, too, then no problem! I'm planning to carry all of you out there with me in spirit.

Ok. Ciao Ciao for now!

It Has Been A Rough Day

This is the first night that I have ever parked my van overnight in a hospital lot, and I don't even have to be sneaky about it. That's right, it is perfectly legal for me to do so, because I am actually sleeping inside the hospital, on a little chair, next to Dan's hospital bed. I guess I am not really sleeping though since it is pretty much impossible to sleep in here. Nurses keep coming in, lights are bright from the hallway, and this chair is uncomfortable. It is midnight and we have been here since 4:30 this afternoon. About 4 hours were spent in the ER, And it was not fun. I'm feeling quite cranky and tired, to be quite honest.

Like I said, it has been a rough day.

It started out great, with lots of metal detecting along Clearwater Beach. We found about 80 cents worth of change and lots of small misc. pieces of metal. As long as my metal detector has beeped several times, it has been a successful search. I don't care what I find, as long as it beeps. Plus, the sand was INCREDIBLY soft on Clearwater Beach. The softest sand I think I have EVER felt! It felt like powder between my toes...

After Clearwater Beach, we drove down Sand Key and stopped at a little county park in "Treasure Island." We were metal detecting and relaxing as usual when Dan's heart started acting up. He has had "SVT" since he was 14, and it basically makes your heart go crazy and beat uncontrollably fast. His heart was upto about 220 beats per minute... This has happened to him many times before, but this was the worst it has ever been, so we have to stay here overnight. Thankfully we weren't out in the middle of nowhere. I used the google map feature on his iPhone and found a map to the nearest hospital. I am actually not sure quite where we are, though. I think we are in St. Petersburg, but the map says Treasure Island/Pasadena. Oh well, it doesn't really matter. The important thing is that we are safe and sound. Thank you to the angels watching over us. I know you are there.

Overnight Urban Parking Tips

Here is my boyfriend's 2nd posting!

Overnight Urban Parking Tips

by Dan the Handyman

In more urban areas where police have been heavily subsidized by affluent homeowners it can be difficult to get a good night sleep without being harassed.  Wealthy homeowners don't typically put up with riff raff living in a van on the street in front of their house. As a van dweller, the worst thing you can do is get yourself noticed as such. You want to blend into the scenery as much as possible. The more you stand out with peace signs painted all over your vehicle you'll become a target. 

Plain white vans are the least noticeable. You want your vehicle to blend into the background. White cargo vans can blend in well in industrial areas, supply chain parking lots, etc... Cargo vans have no windows to let anyone see you inside eating a sandwich or watching a dvd.  The worst urban stealth vehicle you can get is a great big motorhome, 'cause you ain't foolin' nobody. Big stepvans (fedEX/UPS trucks) offer vast amounts of space. You can truly build a luxury home inside of one of those babies and be stealthy. The only problems with stepvans is they don't get the best gas mileage. There are lots of vehicles that can become a home. Adding window tint and blackout curtains help.

Don't park in the same spot all the time. When you find a town you like and you're hanging out there for awhile it's important to move around. If the locals see you in and out of your van all the time they will notice. If you're always parked at the end of the block, that is when the little old ladies start getting suspicious that you are a drug dealer or something, and then the cops come knocking on your window at 2:00 am.

One thing to remember is your vehicle is mostly a comfy place to sleep. An empty vehicle isn't really suspicious to the locals. It's only when you are in and around your vehicle that it becomes suspicious, especially parked late at night. Don't draw attention to yourself playing music and shining lights. 

Being able to park in hot spots like Key West without getting busted is something that old timers like to brag about. Some areas are keen to the idea that people like to come there and hang out without paying high rent. Urban stealth vehicle camping is a skill, I've been woken up by the cops more than once. It's good common sense not to be drunk, don't have drugs on you, and don't seem like a trouble maker. Know your rights and don't incriminate yourself. You don't have to let them search your vehicle. When you are on the road, and you are too tired to drive, you have the right to pull over and sleep. Cops will ask you questions trying to get you to incriminate yourself. You don't have to tell them anything, you always have the right to remain silent.

Here is a picture of one of my old vans, an obvious example of how not to blend in :-P

Overnight Parking Locations

I have made an extensive list (with additional information & pointers) of possible overnight places to park. I have tried many of them, but there are also some that I have only heard about people parking at. For your convenience, clicking on several of the stores listed will take you to a page of that store's locations. Here are three sites in particular that are valuable resources for parking overnight:

www.parkfreeovernight.com & www.freecampgrounds.com (includes parking lots!) & http://freecampsites.net/. Also, if you are near California, check out http://desertdutch.org/ (Free Campgrounds in Southern California).

If you are interested in staying somewhere long-term, check out the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) - Their site contains information about Long Term Camping on Public Land!

In populated areas, always remember to be as stealthy and inconspicuous as possible. You don't want to get busted living in your vehicle - Your goal is to blend in and be left alone.

OVERNIGHT PARKING POSSIBILITIES:

Walmart - a very popular place to park overnight! Join yahoo group: walmartrving for lots more specific info or if you have questions. Not all Walmarts allow overnight parking, so here is my advice: Call 1-800-walmart and type in the zipcode of a town you are thinking about staying in. It will give you the phone number to that Walmart - use it to call the store manager and ask if that particular store allows overnight parking.

Many K-mart, Sam's Club, and Camping World stores allow overnight parking, but it is always best to ask the specific store to make sure.

24-hour Businesses - grocery stores, restaurants, health clubs, laundromats, manufacturing companies (that have a night shift), department stores, etc. My favorite 24-hr. spot to park has been Meijers. If the store lot you would like to park in isn't open 24 hours, I have heard about parking there with a "For Sale" sign (with a random local phone number) in the front window. Pretty unique idea! Just make sure that nobody can see you inside thru the windows, in case they come to check out the sign.

Casinos - a great place to park overnight! You can always rely on parking in a Casino lot, I've done it several times. They are 24-hours and you can blend right in if you are living in a car or a van. If you are in an RV, go to CasinoCamper.com to find "RV Friendly" Casinos. You can also read tips there about Casino parking "etiquette."

Highway Rest Areas & State Welcome Centers - fairly good spots (plus you can wash your hair in the sink...). You may find the Interstate Rest Area Guide to be a handy resource, since it lists rest areas & welcome centers, organized by state.

Airport Terminal Parking Areas - I haven't done this, but I know that it is a possibility. Be aware that there might be a fee, depending on the size of the airport.

Some Shopping Malls/Plazas - look for signs regarding parking regulations

Hospitals - (good every once in a while, but I don't recommend parking at them very often)

Parking Garage - parking here will cost you something, but it might still be handy in a busy metro area that has limited parking. It would be a good option if you want added security. I've done this overnight in South Beach Miami and Chicago.

Apartment Complexes - look to see if people have parking permits or passes hanging in their vehicles. If not, these can be an excellent place to park overnight. It is best to park off to the side of the lot, but near other vehicles. Try not to be near the main entrance or windows. Don't stand out like a sore thumb, and park in a direction so that people aren't as likely to see in your front windshield. The IDEAL parking place would be a combination parking area, near both a 24-hr. store AND an apartment complex... It would look like you could either be living or visiting someone in an apartment, or working in the store.

Hotels (medium sized) - larger hotels may do frequent license plate security checks, and tiny motels could easily notice that you are there. Pick a medium sized one and feel it out. Hotels are not always recommended, but I have parked in several hotel lots with no problems. I like them quite a bit actually, but I only stay in them for one night and then move somewhere else.

City Streets - some cities allow overnight parking on their streets. Look for signs. People do tend to wonder about unknown vehicles parked outside their homes, so I'd recommend usually only doing this if there is an apartment complex nearby or if you know someone that lives on that street. If neither of those are the case, and you'd still like to park on a street in a residential neighborhood, try to get there pretty late and leave early in the morning. (just go move your vehicle into a grocery store lot and go back to sleep) Also try to park between two houses so it would make it more unclear as to whom you may be "visiting."

Parks/Campgrounds/RV parks - parks can include county parks, city parks, state parks, or national parks. Any of these options will probably require a fee, so they are fine if you don't mind paying for a few luxuries. Every once in a while they are nice. If you are car/van/RV/or even tent camping, definitely check out the U.S. National Forest Campground Directory. It's very informational!

County Roads/Scenic Overlooks/Natural Areas - free, but a little more risky. Not always the best, but definite possibilities. If you are a little ways off a main road they can be pretty nice.

"Dispersed Camping" on National Forest Land - this is free, but you will pretty much be in the middle of nowhere. If you are interested in doing this, look up a national forest in your area. Ask a local ranger where the dispersed camping area is located. Here are 3 sites to help you find a National Forest - U.S. National Forests and Forest Service Guide, US Forest Service, and Find a Forest by State

Federal Wildlife Refuges - (not "Wilderness Areas," which is where vehicles aren't allowed). I haven't parked at one, but I've heard of people doing so.

College/University Campus - there may be a visitor parking area near the student dormitory lots or somewhere else on campus. The best spot would be in a combination lot between the campus library and the student dorms. Campus libraries typically stay open really late and open pretty early in the morning. It could then look like you were either studying/working in the library or working/living in the dorms.

Friend or Relative's Driveway/Yard/Property - by far the best option for overnight parking! Not very possible, though, when you are traveling.

some "Cracker Barrels" - I've never parked at one, but I've heard that some Cracker Barrels do allow overnight parking. If they do, I guess it is usually behind the store, where there are long, designated bus/RV parking spots. Certain "Cracker Barrel" highway billboards have a tiny little bus silhouette in the lower, right-hand corner, which means they've got the designated parking spots. Check them out! They are pretty cool. My recommendation? Always ask a Cracker Barrel first.

Your Job - will they let you park there overnight? It never hurts to ask (unless it will get you fired)

Private Property - if you have permission to do so, it is definitely very safe to park on private property. I read about a guy that lived in his vehicle, traveled a lot, and had excellent references. He would ask real estate agents about opportunies for house-sitting/farm-watching/commerical-sitting/"caretaking" (outside, just "keeping an eye" on people's property). Every once in a while I guess he found a place to act as a temporary property "security watch." Plus he got paid! I wonder how likely of an opportunity this would be.

Large Farms/Ranches - I probably wouldn't do this, but it is similar to the last one I wrote about. I have read about people who ask large farms or ranches in the west if they could just park there for a night...

Truck-Stops - I HIGHLY recommend truck stops. They aren't just for truckers anymore, as RVer's give them lots of business. This is why many truck stops have changed their names to "Travel Centers" or "Travel Plazas." Truck stops can provide all sorts of services... laundry, showers, food, gas, ATMs, Wi-Fi internet, etc. When you are on the road, here are the top two sites I have found for locating truck stops (with phone numbers listed!):

American Trucker Truck Stop Directory & America's Independent Trucker's Association

MANY truck stops have a designated auto/RV parking area - and if they do, you don't have to ask to spend the night. Don't park among the truckers or in their designated area! Park in the auto/RV area only. Here are the Truck Stops that are most well-known for welcoming RVer's and smaller vehicles...I have personally read MANY positive reviews about various vehicles parking overnight at both Flying Js and T/As. I personally LOVE parking at Flying J's, Pilot Travel Centers, and T/As. They are great.

Flying J Travel Plaza

Always welcoming and friendly to any vehicle. #1 Recommended Truck Stop.

Travel Centers of America (T/A)

They "have RV parking spots at locations from coast to coast"

AmBest Truck Stops, Love's Travel Stops, Pilot Travel Centers, & Petro Stopping Centers

These four also often have auto and RV parking.

Petro's site specifically mentions separate auto parking.

If you wonder EXACTLY which truck stops are RV/auto friendly (or what services they have available) without clicking around on the net, I HIGHLY recommend buying this book somewhere: "The RVer's Friend," (by Trucker's Friend). Click Here for some info about that particular book.

Staying Put vs. Not

It gets pretty comfortable just staying in one place for a while.

It really gets you into a nice routine and makes you feel like you aren't such a wanderer. I mean, you still have to be stealthy and move your vehicle around a bit. But the more you are in a single area, the more you are able to learn about it.

The roads become more familiar, you can discover more businesses & activities that are available, you can get a steady P.O. Box, and even get yourself a gym membership. The longer you are in a place, it really can be nice. You can actually make a few friends, which may bring you additional places to shower, hang out, and even park. You can even get a pretty solid job for a while if you want. That is definitely easier when you are not headed out of town right away...

I've really enjoyed being in Northern Michigan. I've been using a great gym for several months now (excellent showers!) and had an address to get mail at. I've had the luxury of bouncing my van around to different driveways, spending quality time with different people, and even using their showers (thank you!). But as you know, soon I will be off again. Then I will have to improvise a little bit more and be on my toes yet again. 

The area I've been staying in has been really terrific for parking. There just aren't that many people up here, so you hardly have to worry about getting caught living in your vehicle. Not only do I have friends here, but there are several Casino, Walmart, Sam's Club, and Meijers parking lots nearby. Anywhere that is open 24 hrs. is a friend of mine :) There are tons of hotel lots for a change, and parking is also allowed overnight on city streets in many nearby towns. I have even found free camping at a few Natural Areas around here that are part of the North Country Trail. They are truly beautiful and peaceful spots. 

After a while, though, it is true - Any single place can get a little tiring and it's good to have change. Having a van then makes life easy because you don't even have to pack your things. Just say goodbye to your new found-friends, get their addresses so you can become a "pen-pal,"  head on out, and get cozy somewhere else. It really doesn't even take that long for a new place to feel like home. Just find a handful of good parking spots, find a library, use the internet, spend some time scoping out the area, get yourself a gym membership, read the posting board at a local supermarket, and ask questions to people (smile, be nice, they will help you, they live there). Ride your bike around or pick a cheap one up at the local salvation army. Pick up a free phone book at a local grocery store or head to the Chamber of Commerce for some info. Don't know where it is? Ask at a gas station.. Buy a newspaper, read it out in public, go get a cappuccino, and talk to some people at the beach or a nice park somewhere. Find out about where you are and you'll feel like you belong there. 

And don't think it has to cost much money, going out and about, either. There are lots of free things to do, just ask around. I personally enjoy free disc golf courses, swimming at the beach, going to libraries, cruisin' on bike paths, metal detecting for coins, and finding hidden geocaches. Those things are always fun, but they are definitely more exciting when they happen somewhere new.