Renegade Camping?

[dmulk]

So....planning this WeSTOC route.... Wondering how many of you stray from the traditional camp grounds and go "renegade"....pull off the side of the road, throw up a tent and go for it.

Any success / failure stories? Concerns? Best places to do it?

Thanks,

<D>

[ChipSTer]

I think BamaRider has done some of that... Most 'renegade' camping I've heard of consist of crashing on a picnic table at a rest area... :confused:
:cool:

[Saint Nut]

I try to never camp in campgrounds! Too many wahoos and too much noise. Why do these people have to go all this way just to drink beer and yell? Can't they do that at home? For me, it's either a motel, or somewhere off the beaten track.

I look for Forest Service roads, fisherman roads near rivers, or any kind of "unofficial" 2-track road that heads off into the woods. Then just look for a wide spot. Often requires riding a ways on unpaved surfaces. To avoid being noticed, I usually set up camp at sunset and I'm on the road by daybreak.

I've also camped in rural areas where I've seen a realtor's sign saying "Acreage" or "Land for Sale." There's always a driveway of sorts and a flat spot for the tent. Yes, technically it's trespassing, but I leave no trace other than tire tracks so I figure no harm no foul.

[DaBear]

I camp at the most private campgrounds in America. I just find a wooded place in the median of an interstate, and duck in there. In thirty years, I've never been disturbed a single time. You can almost always find one that the traffic can't see you from. It may be noisy, but shoot -- so's a rest stop!

[motomac]

I have been known to throw my tent up in non-campgrounds and the Bunkhouse also. Man, Gordon, I hate to stay at KOA's because of the noise, not sure I could handle the median!!!!!

[Tor]

I have thought about doing it many times,,,,,but I thought it was illigal,,,,maybe not....

[sandman]

Here's some information that might help find a few places.

http://rvbookstore.com/shop/detail.aspx?m=2&p=112

[Mellow]

I've never done it and it's rare that I find a campground full of drunk obnoxious campers... actually, that's never been the case. When I show up I typically go to the least inhabited area of the campground.

Most campers are pretty polite. The problem is when you get to some campgrounds that are too close to the city so they become a weekend get away for those folks and they tend to be more rude... again, I've really never experienced that as I'll ride another 50 miles to a different campground if the one I'm at is crowded with weekenders...

Also, keep the number to the ranger handy, if someone is gettng out of control, the ranger will ask them to leave, simple as that.

[mjhenne]

Not really renegade camping but I believe that you can camp free almost anywhere on BLM or National Forest land out west. There are some guidelines aimed to protect vegetation and manage fire rings. I'm not sure if this is OK back east.

I camped free a couple of miles up the Mt. Nebo scenic drive in Utah along a stream under a couple of trees. There were campers all along the stream but widely spaced. So quiet the stream noise seemed really loud.

I also camped at a small, quiet independent campground in Alpine, Wy for $10 even though I was only a few miles from a big chunk of national forest. Riding along at dusk and they had this sign -> Hot Showers, Tavern...

[Mark]

Camping in the median... not in the southwest! :)
Rocks... and creosote... and the cops would wake you up to ask what was wrong! :)

Forest camping in the National forest is legal in AZ.
Just be careful if you have a fire... we don't like them getting out of control...

Mark
P.S.
DO NOT try to this on an Indian Reservation! They confiscate stuff until you pay the cash fine and then they make you pay the shipping to get it back.
(The next door neighbor found this out the hard way.)

[E the B]

With gear still strewn about the floor of my abode following a three-day trek in Kentucky's Red River Gorge, I'll stake my claim as an avid wilderness camper.

But damn, Da Bear . . . on an interstate median ?!?!

Now that's real unconventional camping and quite ballzy, I'll hasten to add!!
Do you have any good (or bad) median camping tales to tell us?

You've captured my imagination . . .

[Viggo]

I've done it when I can't find a campground easily or if I'm just too tired to look for one.

That guide to free campgrounds is available at amazon for a much better price. I just might pick one up but I suspect it would get out of date in a hurry.

[Austin city limits]

Every year we yack about camping along the Blue Ridge Parkway in 1 of those Roads going off it,,, or a group of trees,,, or one of the pull offs... But,,, every year,,, we decide not too... :o:

[ChipSTer]

... and they had this sign -> Hot Showers, Tavern...
That'll do it for me EVERY time!!! :D
:cool:
P.S. I've also thought about doing the median camping before... I know some places where the lanes of traffic are a couple hundred yards apart... And if you don't mind the noise of traffic, then I imagine no one will even know you're there... Then again, you might also be a perfect 'target of opportunity'...

[dmulk]

Nice book recommendations!

Here are the amazon links. As stated, quite a bit cheaper. :)

http://www.amazon.com/Guide-Free-Campgrounds-West-13h-Campgrounds/dp/0937877492/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1201705943&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Wrights-Guide-Free-Campgrounds-Eastern/dp/0937877476/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1201705943&sr=8-2


It's interesting to hear about people's opinions on this. I have thought about it many times, but just thought I would somehow get in trouble....maybe I'll give it a shot during the WeSTOC trip this year. with ~18 days on the road planned.....I should have many an opportunity....


Now....do tell us more about this "Median Camping".....? :)

<D>

[CDNolddude]

The only times I've done that have been in the ROCKIES.. Used to be real easy to find a secluded spot close to the main road with great views.
I've also had mostly really good luck with campgrounds being fairly quiet with nice people. Absolutely worst ever was in Jackson Hole Wyoming.. Hundreds of LOUD DRUNK FIGHTING guys there. I have no idea if that campground is still there anymore, but I was told it was not the norm..just bad luck to be there that night.

[ST1300 Alicia]

If you park in the Center Median in Central California you might Wake Up Dead! About once a week an 18 Wheeler comes through the Oleanders and hits Oncoming Traffic! You probably wouldn't even wake up with an 18 Wheeler coming through Your Tent. I prefer WalMart Parking Lots, but they Frown on you driving Stakes into The Asphalt!.

[Diggers1300]

Absolutely worst ever was in Jackson Hole Wyoming.. Hundreds of LOUD DRUNK FIGHTING guys there.

Was skimming through this thread and had to slow down to re-read this post! :D

[STreaker]

My observation: any campground that caters to fisherman, and I am one myself, seems to attract as much beer as trout. In fact, most fisherman seem to think its the same thing. It just takes a few drunk boys and girls to get loud, curse and fight. To all those in the State of Washington, stay away from Mardon resort on the Potholes reservoir, unless you wear a badge and like to go one on one with drunks. My vote is the small State park in off-season, or pull off a gravel road 1/2 hr before dusk. Be sensible; if you see alot of recent car tracks, you may have company during the night.

[BridgeMan]

Back in my renegade camping days, "any port in a storm" would do. New Mexico has numerous isolated rest areas with concrete picnic tables (so the drunks don't cut them up for firewood), often under a lean-to tin roof and with a fire pit. Just don't forget that concrete retains heat for quite a while after dark, and the rattlers like a little heat now and then. My snoring probably kept them away!

[Finewest]

I call it Guerrilla Camping. But no tent! That's a bust for sure! find a spot and flop down in your bag. I've done it many many times, mostly during the 60's hitch hiking. One time in ice plant next to a railroad! What a rude awaking that was! LOL

[George]

I frequently do the renegade routine for over-nighters. No sense in dropping 10+ bucks for 8 hours of shut eye. I usually wait til dusk and find a wide spot out of sight. Never been bothered.

Try to avoid obvious teenage parking spots.

Once picked a spot that happened to be a long term camp for a homeless ex-con. Shared my beer and long conversation but ended up with a motel that night. He was there first. :D

[MidLife]

I call it Guerrilla Camping. But no tent! That's a bust for sure! find a spot and flop down in your bag. I've done it many many times, mostly during the 60's hitch hiking. One time in ice plant next to a railroad! What a rude awaking that was! LOL

Was forced to do it once after running out of gas at night. No tent either, just a blanket.

Woke up in the morning with a snake pretty close to my face. Not sure I want to try that again!

[DaBear]

But damn, Da Bear . . . on an interstate median ?!?!

Now that's real unconventional camping and quite ballzy, I'll hasten to add!!
Do you have any good (or bad) median camping tales to tell us?


My favourite: In '93, I was median camping, and had found the spot after dark. (I ALWAYS pick a place that can't be seen from the highway, and rarely use a light.)

The next morning, I stepped out of the tent, and about thirty feet away was a human corpse. Called the cops, and when they showed up, I explained why I was there, gave them my contact info, and went on my way. No problems!

For those of you who wonder about the availability of places (at least, here in the Midwest), start really looking at the median the next time you're out, either on your mighty ST or in your cage. You'll be amazed at how many places there are, when you really start to look for them!

[juddspaintballs]

my question is...do you park the ST along the highway when you median camp? i would feel safer if it were closer and out of harms (and thieves prying eyes) way.

[dmulk]

My favourite: In '93, I was median camping, and had found the spot after dark. (I ALWAYS pick a place that can't be seen from the highway, and rarely use a light.)

The next morning, I stepped out of the tent, and about thirty feet away was a human corpse. Called the cops, and when they showed up, I explained why I was there, gave them my contact info, and went on my way. No problems!

For those of you who wonder about the availability of places (at least, here in the Midwest), start really looking at the median the next time you're out, either on your mighty ST or in your cage. You'll be amazed at how many places there are, when you really start to look for them!


:eek:

[DaBear]

NEVER park where I can be seen -- either myself or my ride. I've nearly always found a spot that's either secluded by trees or is elevated above the level of the highway.

[VFR]

Interesting thread... I have wondered about this myself when riding or driving. Used to be you could crash in rest areas but I don't think it is allowed anymore - at least in CA. I used to run back & forth to NM over the weekend & would crash on a picnic table for a bit.

I grew up in NM & sharing a tent or bag with a rattler was not something I ever wanted to do. Don't want to see or be a dead body either. NOSIR, NO WAY!!!

I am planning a few trips this year, WestSTOC being one and will likely camp one or more days either or both ways. It will be the only way I can afford the trips.

Larry

[Finewest]

NEVER park where I can be seen -- either myself or my ride. I've nearly always found a spot that's either secluded by trees or is elevated above the level of the highway.

Ditto!

[CDNolddude]

Was skimming through this thread and had to slow down to re-read this post! :D

Yeh they were all having a good time.. I was just dead tired and wanted to sleep.

[Nevada]

I've done the "renegade" thing once, it wasn't planned. I was travelling from Nevada to Albuquerque via Southern Utah, had planned on stopping the first night at the National Park campground in Fruita, UH. Well, the campground was full. Even though I found some folks who wold share their space with me, the campground host was an absolute dick about it and wouldn't let me stay. It was already dark, I was sick, but had to move on. (I should have refused and forced the rangers themselves to move me on... they probably wouldn't have because of the safety issue with deer all about. Sigh. Anyhow, I moseyed down the road for about another 25 miles or so, pulled off at a BLM road, went about 35 yards around behind a small hill. Got out my air mattress, inflated it, climbed into my sleeping bag and went to sleep. No tent, just the jackalopes and stars for company.

When I got to Albooooookerkee the next evening, I was so sick that I basically slept for three days.

I've often thought about setting up my tent at churches, supposed to be a good renegade spot. Never had the courage to do it though. Also, did a "snooze and cruize" once at a truly dreadful state campground in Oklahoma. It was so bad that I felt justified in not paying.

[sparkinator]

On my trip last year, I met an older motorcyclist that gave me a tip on overnight camping. He said he knew guys that would camp in cemeteries. They never had any problems with any of the other inhabitants, and the town made sure it stayed mowed and clean. :eek:

If you look, lots of times you could find protestant on one side of town and catholic on the other (depending on your particular persuasion). ;)

[dmulk]

On my trip last year, I met an older motorcyclist that gave me a tip on overnight camping. He said he knew guys that would camp in cemeteries. They never had any problems with any of the other inhabitants, and the town made sure it stayed mowed and clean. :eek:

If you look, lots of times you could find protestant on one side of town and catholic on the other (depending on your particular persuasion). ;)


And you'd probably sleep like the dead..... :D

<D>

[t-bone]

any type of trespassing in michigan can get your bike and whatever used for the trespass confiscated and maybe never returned, lots of the moron trespass hunter made this possible

[DaBear]

I asked a couple of my local LEO friends about using a cemetery as a campground. Based on their response, I don't think I'd risk it.

"How would YOU feel if they were sleeping, or cooking, or peeing on your grandparent's grave?"

I thought about it. "What would you charge them with?"

The looked at each other like two guys exchanging a fraternity handshake.

"We'd think of something."

They pointed out that most cemeteries have posted hours, so that overnighting is trespass.

[George]

I've slept in church yards, especially down in the southern bible belt. _Lots_ of little country churches with _no_ movement except on Sunday morning. Usually well kept grounds, too.

I dry camped last night (Saturday) just west of Salton Sea off of CA state road S-22. Road closed sign, gravel and dirt about a 1/2 mile off the highway, 2 big RVs already squatting there. I pumped up my mattress and rolled out the bag. Slept real good til the wind picked up. Went back to sleep and didn't get get up til almost 7 this morning.

Renegade Camping: cheap, inexpensive, and don't cost much. :D

[Tor]

Man, Gordon, I hate to stay at KOA's because of the noise, not sure I could handle the median!!!!!

with someone stickin' their head in the tent at 4 in the morning shining a flashlight in your face: "Keep your hands where I can see them......License and registration please!!!!!!!"

[rbs]

WHAT, you guys don't bath?

[George]

WHAT, you guys don't bath?

Nope, it's hard on the skin. :D

[Finewest]

WHAT, you guys don't bath?

That's what rain is for...;)

[BlaSTr]

Here's some information that might help find a few places.

http://rvbookstore.com/shop/detail.aspx?m=2&p=112

or you could try here:

http://www.freecampgrounds.com/

A bit more current, and free! :D

[BlaSTr]

My favourite: In '93, I was median camping, and had found the spot after dark. (I ALWAYS pick a place that can't be seen from the highway, and rarely use a light.)

The next morning, I stepped out of the tent, and about thirty feet away was a human corpse. Called the cops, and when they showed up, I explained why I was there, gave them my contact info, and went on my way. No problems!

For those of you who wonder about the availability of places (at least, here in the Midwest), start really looking at the median the next time you're out, either on your mighty ST or in your cage. You'll be amazed at how many places there are, when you really start to look for them!

:crackup :crackup :crackup :crackup

That's be a great CSI story - biker finds dead body while camping in median.

[curtspivey]

Here's some information that might help find a few places.

http://rvbookstore.com/shop/detail.aspx?m=2&p=112

Thanks for the link. I ordered the Book. I do camping other than motorcycle camping. Sounds great.