Very helpful information, but color me stupid (and a newbie), but what is
WalMart's policy on overnight parking in their parking lot?

TIA ...

----- Original Message -----
From: "pensioner" <al_knoll@PACBELL.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2001 10:03 AM
Subject: Enroute Camping

> Based on the premise that if you look and act like the rest of the sheep
...
> they'll think you're just another sheep.
>
> Much has been written on the list regarding "stealth" camping over the
> years.  The advantage of the vanagon is that it doesn't look like an RV
> unless of course you have the top up.  We all know about the Wal-Mart
policy
> regarding overnighting in the parking lot.  BPOE (elks club) often will
let
> one overnight at in  a lodge parking lot.  In smaller towns, asking
politely
> at the local constabulary (sheriff or police station) regarding permission
> to overnight on the street or in a parking lot will illuminate the local
> customs.
>
> One very important aspect is that you will just be staying the night,
sunset
> to sunrise, and then moving on.  Make this clear in your inquiries.
>
> National Forests often have an "enroute" camping philosophy that will
allow
> you to "overnight" in any area that is not specifically marked as "No
> Camping".  These philosophies change with the fire danger situations.
Check
> locally.
>
> Bureau of Land Management areas are literally "your land".  Overnighting
and
> "camping" is generally allowed anywhere in the area.  Check with your
local
> BLM folks to ascertain the local guidelines.  Depending on conditions,
they
> may have some restrictions.
>
> Church parking lots are often just fine too, but you should inquire.
>
> On many state highways and even interstates there are vista points that
are
> not marked "no camping" or "no overnight parking"  After dark in, before
> dawn out, generally presents no problem.
>
> Official truck stops or truck plazas usually have parking and overnighting
> areas where the professionals park their offices.   Your CB will help you
> find the good ones.  They also have hot showers for use, usually at no
> charge.
>
> Be as inconspicuous as you can.  Nothing outside the van.  Curtains drawn
> but front curtains not installed.  I leave a 6-8 inch gap in the rear
> curtain.
>
> Your choice of personal protection and a bright flashlight should be
easily
> at hand.  Lock all the doors.  Do not open any window or door except to a
> uniformed L.E.O. who has shown you their photo id at your polite request.
> If asked to move on by anyone else, politely do so. Do not open doors or
> windows, just power up and drive off.  (remember, the top is down).
> Minimize any conversation, politely and quietly move on.  Assemble your
kit
> and thoughts somewhere down the road.
>
> If asked to allow a search of your vehicle, politely refuse and ask why
such
> a search is necessary.  Ask if you are suspect in a crime.  If the answer
is
> no, you might politely state that you are not inclined to discuss your
> affairs with a  peace officer at this time, accept whatever citation is
> written and move on. (illegal parking is an infraction and does not
justify
> a search).
>
> Do not overnight in any "rest area" under any circumstances.  Kristin
taught
> us a heavy lesson.  If you don't feel "safe" in your intended overnight
> location, you aren't.
>
> cheers,
>
> pensioner

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