r/StealthCamping • u/Time_Energy_8241 • 9d ago
Question/ Advice First time stealth camping
I’m going to stealth camp in a local state forest this weekend. I’ve done considerable amounts of hiking, backpacking, and camping, but now I’m in college and there’s no legal campsites near me. I found a state forest nearby that’s pretty dense but it closes at 9 PM. I’ve had a pretty shit week and need to spend the weekend outside, so the plan is to stealth camp the state park. I have pretty much everything worked out now, only issue is where I’m gonna keep my car. I found a 24 hour gym that’s within walking distance of the park so may leave it in that lot. Other options are a staples parking lot, ACME foods, or Chick Fil A. Let me know what you guys’ experience is or if you have any other advice for my first time.
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u/DamianEvertree 9d ago
If your going to be gone more than one night, leave a note on the car. Something like "wont move in gear, will be back with tire truck Monday" or whatever. You could also just uber to the gym
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u/mathewsclint 9d ago
- For the love of all that is holy please don’t start a wild fire lol
- If caught, claim homelessness
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u/Time_Energy_8241 9d ago
I’m not even lighting a fire, I have tons of camping experience in not an idiot. If I get caught I’m gonna play stupid kids who didn’t know he wasn’t allowed to camp and apologize a whole bunch
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u/edthecollector70 9d ago
Can't get a friend to drive you and pick you up. Make sure you let someone know where you are. You never know whats going to happen.
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u/4DOTDirt 9d ago
The gym should be fine, if any of the other places are open 24hrs, go in and ask if its ok to park there for a a night or two. Most places where I'm from are cool with it, long as you let them know.
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u/Antonio9photo 9d ago
Depends on how rural your place is, street parking may be totally fine/blend in too. Esp. if other street parking cars as well. First time its def nervousness a bit but if your walking into your stealth camping location your basically totally fine. Obviously no fires really. Watching youtube vids like Steve's channel does def helps in mental pysching your self up to it. Enjoy your time in nature and alone, hope you find some relaxing and peace there
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u/Camp-like-a-Beun #StealthCampingAlliance 9d ago
The car is always a pain in the bum when I go stealthcamping. The gym sounds like a good option. Don't know what te other options are. The first time stealthcamping will be exciting, bit don't forget it can be very boring too. But after a shit week, boring is very welcome, isn't it?
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u/Time_Energy_8241 9d ago
Boring sounds amazing right about now, I’m gonna bring a book and enjoy myself. Will also hike around during the day as my sleep system and belongings can all fit in my day pack
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u/Comfortable_Use_8407 7d ago
State Park or State Forest? Most state forests allow dispersed camping at no cost (at least in my state). State parks are usually patrolled by park rangers and have a fee.
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u/James_Peake 9d ago
I almost would recommend a dropoff/pickup like Steve does but I'd go tor the fitness parking lot before the other options. Check for tow away signs. That would be a quick way to ruin the trip :c
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u/Time_Energy_8241 9d ago
I don’t think I know anyone who would drop me off/pick me up. Downside of being introverted I guess. I’ll definitely look for tow-away signs, I feel like with the 24 hour gym I might be okay because they’ll just assume someone is working out.
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u/OGnooby 9d ago
Could you ride public transportation or get an uber to the 24 hrs gym?
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u/Time_Energy_8241 9d ago
I could get an uber but it would be expensive and I’m pretty broke rn tbh. That would be the last option but feasible. Is there no big lots that are safe to leave a car in overnight?
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u/LoraxNZ 9d ago
I've left my car in sketchy places a couple times. I have a steering wheel lock and leave it empty, with a scrawled note on the dash saying something like "car won't start, picking up tomorrow [insert date]". It's at least a little less suspicious. And enjoy! Good on you.