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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Campgrounds and RV Parks -> Urban boondocking
Post Info TOPIC: Urban boondocking
TK


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Urban boondocking
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Fulltiming is still in the planning stage for me, but I have a question about boondocking in urban areas. One of the things I want to do is to experience some of the great cities around the country that I haven't been to before. I know there aren't a lot of good, inexpensive campgrounds around most cities. Are there ways to boondock in and around cities?

Thanks for any input,

Tom.



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TK
Still dreamin'
"Things turn out best for people who make the best of how things turn out..."
thebearII


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Some of the things we've done or heard of are, (always with permission of the owner or manager):

Stay in a parking lot of a 24hr grocery store, shopping center or Walmart with management permission, although some cities now have laws against this so you have to be careful about the legality.

Stay at a repair facility. We've stayed at larger gas stations/repair garages again with permission and offer to reimburse for electric. Usually have to move your RV during the day and return just before closing. Maybe RV dealers for a quick overnighter.

I've heard of folks staying at big construction sites.

Some of the Camping World stores have overnight RV parking.

Hospitals, Colleges, some city or county parks allow overnight parking.

I heard of one couple that went to a local police station with a large parking lot and were given permission to stay for a few days while visiting a large city near LA.

Another option, if a city has a good transit system is to stay outside the city at a campground and ride the metro train or bus into town. For example, San Diego has the red car trolley that goes all the way to the Mexico/ US border. There are several campgrounds along it's route. Another example is San Francisco's BART system, it travels out to outlying communities with campgrounds or RV resorts nearby.

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Sushidog


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Yes, many Walmarts, Home Depots, Flying J's, Camping world, casinos, and interstate rest stops allow free overnight parking. Here's a good link: http://www.freecampgrounds.com/index.aspx

If you are talking about "stealth camping," here's another good link:

http://www.cheaprvliving.com/StealthCargoTrailer.html

-- Edited by Sushidog at 15:33, 2009-03-02

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Speedhitch


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Don't forget about Casino parking. Many Casinos allow overnight in special areas. They have nice restaurants and intertainment if you like.

Joe and Sherri

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Racerguy


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Just remember that most of these places are for quick overnight stays.They are not camping spots.This means no lawn chairs and barbeque grills with your awning out.Park as far out of the way of normal business traffic as you can and don't overstay your welcome. I usually stay hooked up and try to arrive just before dark and leave first thing in the morning.Get permission and buy something.

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