Renegade Camping Part 2: Rest Areas?

[dmulk]

So....I know there are laws against this in some states, but I am wondering how many of you have actually pitched a tent in a grassy area in a rest area for a night's sleep?

What were your personal experiences?

Inherent dangers?

LEO problems?


I'm specifically interested in the western states...but let's hear them all!

Cheers,

<D>

[motomac]

Back in 1972, I had a '71 BMW R-75 and was on the way from PA to TX and stopped in a rest area and rode as far away from the civilized part into the tall grass that never got mowed and set up two shelter halves(pup tent), threw my sleeping bag on the ground and spent the night. Don't even remember what state it was and not sure it was legal, but I got a good nights sleep and was on my way early the next day for Ft. Worth.

[Highrider]

I have stopped and laid out on a picnic table back out of the way for a 5-6 hour rest. When the weather is nice I have had no problems, you need to find the right spot.

[BlaSTr]

At one time I would have said no problem but last year we had a family of 4 killed while they slept in their tent at a rest stop here in Florida. For me, I'd rather grab a cold hard bench near the door than pitch a tent where traffic is considerably less and so is the lighting. I didn't sleep well on the bench, and I probalby gave the cagers a laugh as I snored through the helmet, but I did get some sleep and I did wake up. In the western states it may be a bit safer but I'm not sure I want to save $15 that badly.

[Viggo]

I wouldn't pitch a tent at a rest area unless you're really out of sight. That would be begging to be bothered by a LEO since camping at rest areas is a no-no just about everywhere.

Open air in a sleeping bag only is easy to get away with if you're not too obvious. I've only done this a couple of times over the past 35 years but I know a guy who does it frequently. He claims he's been rousted out and told to hit the road several times but never got a ticket or anything worse.

[Raven]

Hammocks make for great stealth camping!

I've strung my hammock under a rest area picnic shelter on more than one occasion and not had any problems. By the same token, I grew up in Florida and those rest areas are notorious for problems so there's no way I'd ever stealth camp at a Florida rest area.

[BamaRider]

At one time I would have said no problem but last year we had a family of 4 killed while they slept in their tent at a rest stop here in Florida. For me, I'd rather grab a cold hard bench near the door than pitch a tent where traffic is considerably less and so is the lighting. I didn't sleep well on the bench, and I probalby gave the cagers a laugh as I snored through the helmet, but I did get some sleep and I did wake up. In the western states it may be a bit safer but I'm not sure I want to save $15 that badly.

Do what? A family of 4 killed in a rest stop sleeping in a tent?? A random act? Drug deal? I never heard about this. Do you have a link? I'm thinkin I ain't goin to Fla anytime soon, and I dang sure ain't stoppin in a rest area.

I did hear about sometihing at a rest stop on I-10 several years ago, but wasn't tha at single fatality? And that incident prompted round the clock security at these places. What were the rent a cops doin??

[jahoobob]

I never heard of the family of four being killed in a Florida rest stop but I do remember the killings (one on I-10 and another in south Florida) that prompted the 24 hour security.

[AZST]

I think pitching a tent at a rest stop invites too much curiousity.

At best, detriment to your sleep.

At worst, detriment to your life.

Just my .02

--Bryan
04ST1300A
:04biker:

[apopj]

As a retired LEO, thought I'd put my penny and a half in...

If I did a drive by in the rest area, I would never bother a rider sleeping on a picnic table or in the grass. I figured he knew his limits better than I.
However, if a tent was set up, they would be asked to move on. Too many vagabonds would setup camp and trash the area. Start campfires, drink beer and so on. Usually migrant workers, but sometimes just cheap travelers. It became a real problem and with the current non-discrimination laws, you can't let some camp and some not, so they all had to move on. If you are just "napping" on the table, it is safety related so we left you alone.
So, "iron butt" motel is fine, KOA at the rest area is a no-no.....

Just my opinion.... Jeff

[DAS]

did it years ago but now days there are way too many trucks that leave their engines running or have refer units or ac unit running. What a racket. I don't think I could sleep within a 1/2 mile of just about any rest area. Tried it one time a few years ago with my camp trailer (no generator or AC, just open windows) and couldn't sleep for all the noise. Used many Wal Mart parking lots after that - some noise there but not nearly as bad.

[Viggo]

Earplugs!!!! If you don't use them for the ride, you can just use them for the sleep. :grin: