Van Life | Overnight Parking 

As a person who sleeps in their vehicle on road trips very often, I have realized Planet Fitness parking lots are great if your a member. They are open 24 hours so no one cares if your parked there. Also you can shower and use the bathroom at any point. Never had an issue and they are safer than Walmart parking lots.

Thanks for this segment! It's heartbreaking and ironic that people go to pristine nature spots only to leave their trash behind and destroy the very thing they came to appreciate.

Excellent info Christian! Let me add my 2 cents worth: 1.) Christian has already mentioned this, but it bears repeating. Residental areas whether city, town or very rural -Always prepare your vehicle at another location before going to your parking spot. Just because you have your blackout window coverings up does not mean people know your inside. Your body movements shaking the vehicle will give you away to anyone walking not by you, but anywhere within eyesight or hearing which means looking out there house windows wondering what the strange vehicle is on their street that seems to be bouncing on it's shock absorbers ( if your a couple-that's understandable! 😇). 2.) When you stop for the night - Put your keys in the same location everytime and not left in a pants pocket. When you lay them down place them where they can be picked up as you are moving into the drivers seat. Arrange the keys so that the ignition key is sticking out separate from the others keys so picking them up and getting into the drivers seat is one fast easy motion without fumbling to get the vehicle started. 3.) Park with the vehicle aimed to move quickly without having to reverse to turn out of a parking spot be it campsite or street. 4.) When at a questionable campsite if you choose to stay the night leave nothing outside that you cannot drive off and leave it if you have intruders around the vehicle. 5.) Blackout window coverings using "Reflectex" Nothing says "stealth camping" in a residential area faster then seeing the silver Reflectex in the windows. No matter how dark your window tint is at night an experienced security guard or cop is going to see it through the window tint when their headlights hit your windows! 6.) Leaving windows cracked to prevent the condensation buildup- you can find the plastic "rain shields" that are inserted into the window channels to keep the rain out. These are a godsend not only for the rain, but the average passerby will not see your windows open at the top as they are hidden by the rain shield. Having a skylight air vent is better, but if you haven't got one this idea helps. 7.) Interior lighting - it's going to leak out if it is bright. What I have for stealth camping is dimmable lighting below the window frames mainly just to see things on the deck in my "living room" or read a book in my bed. 8.) I have the idea of installing bright white LEDS lights at or near the doors at eye level that can be flipped on from my bed. The idea is to momentarily blind a curbsucking lowlife scum trying to break open a door. The surprise effect can give precious seconds to get the engine started to drive away. If any of this helps anyone on the road then it was worth the time to write it.

100% respect your choice to keep locations private. As a wildlife photographer, there is nothing sadder than knowing a good location for a certain animal or bird, only to have it ruined by someone sharing it on social media. Also 10,000% you have to prioritize your personal privacy and safety.

I completely understand how you can get spooked by the sorts of late night encounters you described. I'm a guy, and I'm big enough and confident enough that nobody has ever tried to start trouble with me. But I've been tent camping a few times when people in trucks will pull up near my tent in the middle of the night and just sit there with their headlights shining on my tent. That freaks me out and there is no way to go back to sleep after that.

In almost two years of stealth camping, I got one ticket (fought it and won) and one knock. I’m still kinda shocked at how many park for the night without preparing at a different location first. They blow it for us careful types. Lots of good solid information here. Thank you.

We camped as kids growing up, my Dad stressed the importance of cleanup in an area we arrived at saying "Always leave a campsite or fishing spot cleaner than when you arrive....' as he helped us pick up trash to haul out. This left a life long lesson we should all strive to do. I was shocked to camp in Kansas, trash was everywhere. I filled a large trash can with garbage that I found all around the edge of a small lake, some aluminum cans had pull top style lids, so they had been there for over thirty years! such a shame. My kids helped me that evening, so they will follow my example. Love your candid videos Christian.

I think Christian' connects well here, because she is so on-point with her minimal lifestyle. it means she has clear answers to her own questions - a lesson learned.

I love the part about preparing to sleep in one place then driving to park for the night. I did the same back packing so I wouldn’t cook and sleep in the same spot; it kept animals away!

As someone who is slowly planning vanlife, I greatly appreciated this video. Where and not to park is a concern, which I realize I will have to discover as you said things can change year to year. I will find some spaces to park, show others I am respectful of nature and others around me and ask for good advice.

A safety tip: always keep a hidden spare ignition key or fob in the front seat area (e.g., cup holder) so if in the night you need to quickly escape and drive away, you don't waste valuable time searching for your set of keys you misplaced in a pants pocket, or buried in a purse, etc.

Good advise on a number of topics. The end advise to be mindful and respectful can not be overstated. It's way to easy to be inconsiderate. When possible leave the camp spot cleaner than you found it. If most of us did that, there would be nothing left to clean up. Thanks for posting this!

Thank you for opening up so much in these past two videos. 💚 I completely agree with you and so respect why you wouldn't want to share camp site locations. You give enough information for us to do the rest of the research on our own 😊

Thank you for being a steward for nature and doing your part to spread awareness and help protect vulnerable ecosystems from the effects of over tourism. I've seen so many places get destroyed where I live and it makes me so sad. More social media influencers need to be responsible and stop sharing specific locations for views. They're driving so much traffic and these places just can't handle it.

I lived in a van before google maps and camping apps. Of course we used a road atlas, but also certain hard to find books like the Guide to Free Campgrounds, Hot Springs and Pools, and we had to obtain and read topography maps too. We also sometimes had to go into forest service stations and talk with the rangers. All of your nature footage makes me super nostalgic for my time on the road.

Hey Christian - I liked this episode. I am an old lady (about to be 69 in August) and am about a year out from selling most of what I own, including the house, and hitting the road. There is so, so much planning to do to enter this lifestyle, but I've dreamed of going on the road for years, and I refuse to die while staring at the same four walls. I currently have a Honda CRV, and have been scoping out some of the BLM and Forest Service sites in my area. I live in mid-western Oregon, and it's so beautiful that I'll likely hang out here most of the time and then take random trips to visit friends, attend events, etc. My sister lives about 20 minutes away from me on five acres, and I can park there occasionally and use her address as my home base (so lucky). I may dabble in RU-vid videos, thinking that there may be other old ladies who would find them useful. I'm looking at having a Ford Transit High Roof Extended base with AWD built out by Drifter. It will be expensive, but will have everything my dog, my cat, and I will need. I plan on 5-10 years on the road, or until I'm ready for the old folks' home. I appreciate your willingness to share your experiences, remind us to care for the planet, and to pay attention to our women's intuition. Thanks a bunch, and maybe I'll see you on the trail some day!

Seeing the trashed area you found is so heartbreaking and I hate that people who profess to care about nature do this. Thanks for sharing so many great tips!

Dear Christian, this video is a class for someone that is looking to start this journey. I had similar experiences in my previous job when I pickup and delivery motorcycles around the country. Some deliveries was on the Colorado mountains and in my case I wasn’t allowed to park my truck and enclosed trailer, permits only for RV’s and camper trailers. Thank you again for share your experience in this beautiful and challenging journey! Keep safe, positive and good energies and bear hug from your fan here.

I don't think I want to ever live in a van. I can may be just go for a 2-3 days trip in a van for the experience of it. But I love your awesome videos. I don't care if you don't give out the names of the places because I love finding places on my own, I just truly value your photography and the exquisite beauty of nature that you show...

Great job. Site selection has definitely changed for me over the last two years. Sadly, Walmart is rapidly becoming a hard no for overnighting. This is especially true in the popular states out west. I used to be able to use Costco but not anymore. iOverlander is NOT an option anymore. My rule of thumb - the closer you are to a larger / popular city the more likely I will not be able to stay there. It’s craZy, but some of the folks on this similar journey suck at being human beings. Many people have told me why they do not like van lifers. The stories justify the actions taken. For me, I find a site far away from anything. Arrive later in the evening ready to sleep. I make sure there is zero light projected from my van. To date, I have yet gotten the knock in the city or proximity to a city. Sadly, I was staying at a Walmart one night and a real RV pulled in for the evening. Before the night was over the generator was running, the sides were out and people had their chairs out watching TV. It seems the better stewards we are the less impact we have on communities.

Thank you for this I really enjoyed it, especially the storytelling at the end. I will leave now with a solemn promise to never dump a pee bottle in front of anyone’s house or indeed anywhere at all 😁

When I finally join y’all on the road. I’m going to want a list of those trashed places. part of my van life goal will be cleaning up those places

thanks Christian. I only lived in my car for about 6 months and it was in between many house/pet sitting gigs, but I got two knocks on my car during that time. one was on the blue ridge parkway in NC, which I knew was technically not allowed, but so many people were doing it and I was told by someone at an outdoors store that it was fine and not a big issue. but the cop came around late in the morning and told me there was no camping on the parkway. the other time was at a trailhead in new mexico, and it was because my car was parked in the wrong direction. i turned it around and the cop wished me a goodnight and moved on. it is definitely easier to find places to park overnight out west.

I love your take on keeping our land beautiful. It's simple but so many people don't take it seriously. It really angers me sometimes, but keep the positivity going. Christian you are a gem. Love your videos.

Wow, legit mind blown. This has to be by far one of the best and most informative/educational videos I've ever watched about the lifestyle. Thank you for sharing! As someone who will slowly be attempting the lifestyle much like yourself with an SUV first, found this super helpful.

I agree with EVERYTHING you said, Christian! I travel mainly in France, as well as in the 8 countries around. Getting away from built-up areas, getting off busy roads, not encroaching on private property, being discreet, respecting places and regulations, trusting your instincts... and it's going well. I just shared, 5 days ago, my morning coffee with 3 gendarmes on patrol on the Franco-Spanish border ! Best wishes !

Oh Christian, what a blessing you are I'm a 78-year young new widow who has been watching you since 2020 the idea of purchasing a van of some type and working to save money by hitting the road My my hubby at 50 years decided to move to heaven before me I did a no-build build with our Honda Odyssey, did a four night-five day stealth parking, in Lincoln City. I felt so smart. Two funny things of my alarm going off when wanted to get out and after scramble d to throw my legs over the front seat and screwed down into my driver's seat only to have the alarm go off once I was in place to turn the key on and turn it off! The next morning because I had left the van unlocked because I was in a safe place so the alarm wouldn't go off but now the van door STILL wouldn't open.!... Reason? It was January or February... On the Coast and weather went down to the 20,s because it had rained night before... Yep... I was frozen in solid! So had to wait till I warmed the van up. Yet, cuz of my acrobatic training two nights before with the horn going off I now knew how to do it easier and Zippo fluid back into the driver's seat It made for some fun memories but I have asked myself am I getting too old for this type of adventure. And so this video gave me some more food for thought. I'm still leaning hard into just downsizing whole bunch more and going to try it for six months during the summer. But I would like some thoughts about issues in your van where you really can't stand up or getting a one with a pop-up roof so that I can stand up and I'll be a little bit easier on me I'm seeing more more videos of seniors and ones that are actually being able to save money by being on the road I have a feeling though that its government's going to start cracking down because of all the Lost taxes from homeowners and rentersmore than there are millions of campgrounds and I after being raised camping tend to enjoy the privacy of being out in the woods are on the beach hearing the quietness and be able have time with the Lord and hear His bird chorus sing songs in the night Thanks for your candidacy I too have had a couple of knocks or a right spotlight Shone in my face when I pulled in 10 church parking lot and the police officer was just making sure I was safe or is that I realized it really wasn't safe to park where I was. And the other was when I had pulled over off the side of the highway driving over mountain pass just because I was too tired to keep driving and police officer basically was making sure I was safe and said that it was okay for me to get a couple hours rest. So I've had nothing but positive with police officers which is really sad because the way our country has changed and the lack of respect to those that risk their lives every day Thank you so much I feel like it was a good thing that God had you pop up in the middle of my day keep up the good work and I'll be praying for safety for you as well 🌹✨💤

Such a great video, covering one of the most important parts of vanlife. So important to be respectful of where you park. Unfortunately in New Zealand the explosion of living and touring in vehicles has caused huge trash and overcrowding issues, and it is now illegal in most parts of the country to freedom camp unless you are in a CSC (certified self contained) vehicle - meaning bed, toilet, sink, wastewater and freshwater tanks, sufficient for three days. Hopefully the more we can educate people, the less we need to regulate!

In the UK - particularly during the pandemic - vanlifing went through the roof! I'd been around the community since 2014 but hadn't needed to actually do vanlife - it just looked a pretty cool thing to do. That changed with the masses. I lived/worked in the Lake District National Park and would meet many vanlifers. It all started amiably enough but the scene did change. Rubbish, broken equipment, burnt out pits all left on the shoreside. Soon CCTV came in on the carparks, then height restriction barriers at the entrances, the signs, the patrols. Apps were a double-edged sword like that. The UK as a landmass isn't that big and many regions were following suit. What I'm saying is; if people aren't respectful, we're going to lose this. Maybe already have. I know parts of Scotland already shut down to overnight/wild camping. By all means do it but do it right...

I am so happy to hear you trust your gut when setting up camp for the night. One of my wife's biggest challenges has always been to trust her instinct. The worst part is her instinct 99.999% of the time is correct. There are too many bad people in this world looking to destroy beauty for someone like you to not trust your instinct. Thank you for your videos, your words of advice and encouragement. You are an inspiring woman.

I am with you Christian. I wish ioverlander was never invented. I do my backcountry vanlife in BC and most of my favorite spots that I enjoyed alone are now over run with people and garbage. I spend so much time packing out garbage now. Makes me very sad. Part of the adventure of boondocking is finding a spot just by venturing into the backcountry. No maps needed. Loved the video. Great tips for people starting out. Happy travels!

You’re a gem, Christian! Thanks for NOT giving out your campsites. People love to ruin everything. If only everyone was as respectful as you.

Interesting! I totally understand why you are reticent to share spots. Plus let me say I am hugely disappointed in my fellow humans for trashing places and being disrespectful. It ruins it for everyone. Good video!

Christian, another great episode, with so much good information! The last two videos should be on a playlist for any would-be van lifers. I have to say though, this one sounds pretty discouraging. How sad that remote camping areas have become so popular, disruptive and trashed that they’re getting closed. Maybe the van life thing will lose its appeal one day, and only people who really care about nature’s beauty and serenity will be able to enjoy the freedom again. Thanks sharing your travels and your experience.

Hi Christian - It’s hard to imagine a time when I wouldn’t be a fan of your work, and it’s safe to say I’m as far from the limits of my imagination as I ever have been! So good job! I suspected, but didn’t realize how new the van phenomenon was. Among my takeaways from this week’s edition (and last week’s for that matter), was the kind of commitment required of those who pursue the van lifestyle. It might be surprising to know, there are probably a few of us out there who are fans of yours because you are someone who lives your dreams: period! You just happen to do it from your van!

Wow, glad I clicked on this video, I'm 11 months out of getting out of military, building a van in the free time, but you are better, smarter than Wikipedia with such a easy and thoughtful english to listen to and you van looks so beautiful and you are dazling as well. Saving this video for future when figuring stuff out on my own will fail me :) ✌️

This video is brimming - nay...OVERFLOWING - with road life wisdom, spoken from experience by someone celebrating her five year roadiversary this month. "Vanniversary?" So much good info...so much insight and so clearly-presented. This is high quality content, and beautiful as always. Thanks Christian!

After viewing one of your videos, I always think you must be absolutely one of the nicest, kindest and most intelligent young women!!! Thank you for sharing your life😊.

I really appreciate you doing this video! I have a feeling that now that COVID is behind us, the problems will die down. People bought campers and took off without even knowing how to camp. Now they are selling their campers.

I watch your vlogs and I come to the conclusion that you are a very responsible, reasonable and cultured person, which is not so often the case for a person of your age. A pleasure to watch and listen to you. Good luck on your journey and live life on your own terms.👍😀

Great video Christian:) I'm with you on never staying in paid campgrounds, I think I've paid for camping 3 times the past 12 years lol! I feel like I should be able to sleep on the earth for free if I'm in a vehicle and self-contained. When I'm staying in areas where I might get "the knock", I make sure to arrive close to dark or after dark and be gone by first light. Cya out there!

Thank you for making this video. That campsite with all the trash digusted me. I don't know how anyone could think that was ok and good. I don't blame the areas for closing due to overcrowding and destruction but it just sucks. I just spent a week in Utah and I love how open the land is and easy to find BLM land. I was able to go down a dirt road in Escalante and camp in a canyon. It was amazing with no one else around. Even though I will not do vanlife, I have always car camped (or backpacked) for camping so I do plan on building out a Jeep or Tacome (probably the Taco) and using it on a drive from Alaska through the Yukon and down the Rockies. I will using Google Maps and Gaia to plan out my campsites. But I agree with you, the more blog posts and people talk about campsites, the more crowded they will get. I appreciate your candor and your perspective on the matter. Thanks for the content and keep on making beautiful art. ❤❤

I totally agree with you. I prefer to live with the Earth as apposed to just live ON the earth. 200 million years, the whole Earth belonged to us, no 'Borders', no 'Keep Out', no 'Trespassing'. I know it was a struggle, but I'm up for that. Loved this video immensely, not for the content alone, but for what the lifestyle represents. What you said "It's really important that we are respectful of the places we pass through and park for the night" is a wonderful statement on our brief life on this fantastic planet. I will place this on all my company literature..loved it.

As always, such a great video! As someone who is about to embark on a similar journey as a solo woman doing vanlife - my biggest anxiety is where to sleep. Also, I am so disheartened by the amount about people who simply don't know how to respect the places they stay. Thank you for shedding light on this - I don't want this life style ruined because of the bad apples. Anyway - thanks for sharing! 💖

Very informative segment, cheers for that! Re: stealthy-overnight-parking, I have safely done so in my overt overlanding 4x4 near employee parking areas at big box stores that have overnight crews area eg: Home Depot, Lowes, Walmart, etc. Depending on the locality, some of the larger Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops allow overnight parking, call ahead and politely ask. Cracker Barrels are my least favorite spots but I am grateful they are around. I have overnight-parked in Flying J locations in a pinch but rarely slept well. There are just so many more options generally, west of the Mississippi. In states like Montana and Utah, many locals have their own weekend rigs, so respectfully overnight parking in residential areas in Bozeman or Salt Lake City you can easily blend in, especially in younger demographic (hipster) neighborhoods.

While I haven't done a lot of van camping yet, I have never had anyone knock or tell me I couldn't park overnight. You are quite a resourceful young lady and I applaud what you are doing. Hugs from Texas!

Excellent video!. As a fellow nomad, this video hits the mark!. Yes, fr525 is mostly closed to dispersed camping, for a multitude of reasons, 1 is local politics and the jeeps tour companies. What they've done is to create about 10 or so, so called designated camps along 525, which are nomore tha. Parking lots along side of the road, craming everyone on them. Don't think I'll be back there,maybe in the off season.😪

Keep your favorite spots yours alone. You share so much and give general locations which is enough. Your videos are wonderful and you give such good advice to anyone traveling. Be safe and thank you for share such beautiful scenery.

I love hearing about your experiences. I’m on the east coast. Once I’m done exploring the beauty here I’ll head west. You’re right,we don’t have the free boondocking lands, but the state and national parks rock. They often don’t have hookups so you don’t get the awful parking lot big rig vibe. And the beauty… I’m on assateague island right now, surrounded by sand, ocean and wild horses roaming free!

I love your style. This shot sitting and talking by the sink is great.

OMG the pee bottles in front of someones house is crazy! I don't understand how someone could do that...Wow! Great points in this video! We feel the same way you do if we couldn't wild camp we wouldn't do van life. Also, we were in Sedona in March and SOO many places have sadly been shut down :( Honestly a lot of places recently we have found shut down....darn pee bottle people...

A tool I have found very helpful in the process of finding a great place to camp is my mountain bike. When there's an area with lots of places to camp it's hard to stop at all the open sites to check them out. The bike makes that easy and also makes it easy to stop and talk to other campers.

I so appreciate you sharing the one thing I feel is the most important, leaving the wild better than you found it. I grew up in CA, going backpacking and rarely seeing anyone. Those same places are now not only over camped but are literally dumping grounds. My last visit home, I spent most of the time cleaning up my USED to be favorite spot. So again, thank you for speaking on this.

I totally feel you on the mixed emotions about sharing apps. There's an overwhelming sentiment in some segments of the vanlife/car-camping ground that you are basically a crappy person if you don't share your spots with everyone else. I appreciate the apps when you're between a rock and hard place, but no way am I going to put my favorite secret spots on blast to the entire world because the jerks of the world will then go and utterly ruin a good thing for all the reasons you stated. I'm not trying to hoard anything, but I am also not going to be party to getting things ruined for myself and others. I will quietly share my secret/fav spots with people I know and like and whom I KNOW will be good stewards and not trash the place or put it on blast to the hordes who WILL destroy it and get it closed.

Wow! This is the most balanced and levelheaded information on van life and I’ve watched a LOt of RU-vid lol. I completely understand how nature is amazing to appreciate until people, people ruin everything. Thank you for sharing.

Woo hoo for the Oregon rest stop shout out you gave us down here hahaha! (Although totally agree... undeveloped sites are worth the effort and the 'stillness' is worth it's weight in gold). Safe travels as always Christian :-)

Thanks for another timely video, Christian. I'm planning to do a fair amount of travelling in the coming months with my van. Places to sleep overnight is my biggest source of anxiety.

As a person that has been van dwelling for the last 10 years I applaud your efforts to break down what van life is all about and all of the Do's and don'ts of van life Etiquette! Sadly people are ruining it for us by not being respectful and just being trashy human beings! I see it all to often.

On the late night headlights: about six weeks ago I camped for a night at the lovely micro BLM site at Fisher Towers, where you can see all the way down to the Colorado River a few miles away; the site is right beneath a towering wall. No one was there; I'm alone, sleeping in my Jeep, Reflectix on the windows. At about midnight I peep out and spot headlights coming up the long dirt road from the river; eventually I hear a grinding noise - not a usual car sound. I'm spooked and my heart is pounding. Turns out it's an old diesel Vanagon containing a couple and two small kids. Lovely people. Good video. Good stuff. Thank you. When I do stuff like this - just occasionally - I've been using Gaia. I like that I can overlay Verizon coverage, MVUMs, and public lands on the same overlanding base map. Handy. I've started using iOverlander as a way of avoiding places rather than finding them. Mostly.

I can see why it’s a tough choice on whether to share specific locations, but I think you really struck the balance well here; give people the tools so they can find their own places, without actually telling them where to go. Excellent 👌🏼

love these recent vids packed with good info and advice, thanks!

At 😢he young age of 75 I have fond memories of ‘camping’ in a Shasta trailer that was maybe eleven feet long. Dad was in the Air Force in Roswell, NM. We saw White Sands, Cartlsbaf Caverns, Bottomless Lakes, Taos, LosAlamos and so many other places.

Great advice, like always. I am still in the process of collecting all the info I can get regarding overnight stays during my Norway trip with my dog. Obviously the rules there are quite different in the sense of being much more camper friendly, however even in the "Camping-Heaven" nordic countries, the so-called "everyman's right" everyone has the right camp anywhere in nature for at least a day, but - what many people don't know - this does NOT officially include camper vans. So, same principle - it still has to be decided by common sense and consideration of the circumstances when making "the overnight decision". Of course, when you want to be filming in nature during the best hours - dusk and dawn - you are so grateful if you can overnight right at the spot...so, I'll just have to try my best to "blend in".

Howdy, greetings from Europe. Being a van lifer for 5 years I can only concur with everything you say in this video. Thank you for putting the van life challenges into words in this fine way! You Rock🙂🚍👍 Cheers, Ulrik

This was a good and very informative video. For the life of me, though, I cannot fathom why people think it is ok to trash an area and even to put graffiti on the rocks (let alone anything!). I have a lot of respect for the way you protect the places where to stay and I agree with you completely! Also, I understand your reluctance, but if you ever come east, I live near the Great Smoky Mountains and would love to hear what you think about my neighborhood.

😅 we tow an 8 metre caravan, so not exactly stealth, but have parked in residential streets in New Zealand cities for up to a week over the last 3 years when we needed to. If I see the residents i say hello, and tell them we are staying for a couple of days, but definitely not moving onto their street 🙃. Have had lots of friendly encounters, offers of water etc. Went back to one street a year later, she remembered us and she showed me all the changes she'd made to her garden!! Lots of older people come out to reminisce about their caravan adventures. So far, so good 👍

this was incredibly informative and helpful!!!!

I have a sticks and bricks home in SoCal but have been traveling the country the last few years in my van. This is the most accurate video I’ve seen on RU-vid that explains and illustrates what the day-to-day basics are when it comes to finding and choosing a place to sleep/camp. As she explained, it can be somewhat challenging and stressful when you first start. It takes some trial and error to feel comfortable enough that you can enjoy the many wonders of traveling without stressing over where you will spend the night. I would suggest most peeps steer clear of Walmart and choose a Cracker Barrel (mostly in the South), or REI, Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shop, even Home Depot or a gym that is open 24hours over Walmart. Thank you Christian, this is a very informative and helpful video.

Thank you for sharing all of this info!! I'm in my second week on the road in my SUV, currently exploring Washington, and while I did extensive research on stuff like this before leaving, it's still nice to hear from someone who's been at this for years. I very much appreciate it. Honestly, regardless of topic, any video is also a nice reminder that I'm not the only solo woman around my age out on the road. Like I know that there are others, but I've never actually come across them when traveling. I haven't exactly felt lonely yet (on this journey so far or on other trips I've taken), but I have felt rather alone in this endeavor, if that makes sense? Anyway, thank you for sharing content in general; it makes me feel a tiny bit less crazy for being out here on my own.

These just reminds me that there has to be a lot of planning and thought to do it effectively and less stress. People think that one you have a van youre set, not really because one has to oversee other things. This video has provided more clarity, that you so much sis.

Hey Christian, nice presentation......after having just gotten back from a trip circumnavigating the Rockies (17 nights at various places on the road in my ProMaster van) the critical "variables" you mention remain the same: weather, and timing. Having a plan is essential when traveling from Point A to Point B, regardless if it's going to be five hours or five hundred miles later, but it can be even more important when nature wants to play with you: wind is hard driving in to, cross winds and rain even more so, and wind with rain, hail, thunder showers, lightning, ice, and diminished visibility can make your drive a white knuckled hell or worse.......you need to know when to "trust your gut", call it a day, and modify your schedule. So, having a backup plan for "what ifs" helps.

I love the fact that you are generous with your experiences yet secretive about the gems you've discovered.

All great advice, Christian. I have been on the road for two years. I received one $52 parking ticket in San Diego...only because I neglected to read a nearby sign. So walk around the area and read the posted signs. Use your gut feeling in all areas of parking overnight. In residential areas I'll look for long fences and park. I stay in cities mostly because I love to restaurant hop trying different cuisines. Talking to other "vehicle dwellers" will build up your reference book on safe places to park. I use Planet Fitness to work out and shower. Not all 24 hour PF gyms allow overnight parking (like here in Washington state). Great video!

The joy of the adventure is exploring.

Amazing download of great tips! TY

I've always avoided the crowds at campgrounds and overnight at state and federal lands around Michigan. will be retiring in about a year and plan to spend 6-8 months a year photographing the us as part of my bucket list and your advice has really been helpful in my quest and your photography skills an inspiration. Thank You Christian!

What a great explanation of theory and reality. You are a trooper. All the best.

As much as I would like you to share your overnight parkings gems, I totally understand why you are not. There is so much people not respecting the environment, it's sick. Good work, keep the video's coming!

You gotta be careful, young lady. One disadvantage of camping remotely is that no one sees anything where no one is around. I've been stealth car camping for about 4 years now, 2 to 3 week trips every few months, and I go where my car "blends" in, so as to not stand out, where there are many other vehicles parked overnight, so that's certainly not out in the sticks. I prefer tourist beach areas because tons of people park at hotels near beautiful beaches and security cameras are common. I think it's safer than down some dirt road all alone at night, and I'm a military dude with survival training! I put up my window shades, work on my computer, maybe eat a bit, then get a good nights sleep. I've traveled all over America and believe safety should be the number one priority - now more than ever. Take care!

This was great--thank you, Christian! Lots of great ideas and experience-borne advice. It was comforting to hear all the safety precautions you take and to know that you listen to your gut (that will never fail you)! I love to listen to your experiences/adventures on the road while still being able to see snippets of the gorgeous footage you have taken along the way. Your videos always bring me great peace. Thank you for that, Christian. May God always bless and keep you safe, happy, and at peace on your journeys. Happy Trails! 😊❤~Russ

Thank You, This video's timing is perfect for me, I am starting my new adventure in my van, tomorrow. I take what you say to heart, again, Thank You!

Always love your openness and honesty, thanks for sharing!

Over sharing has definitely caused an issue with a lot of these places, and some people don't need to be campers if they're not a clean person and keep their areas clean also. It's an unfortunate down side to camping.

Thank you for being who you are and doing what you do! Great information and very important!

Always love all your content and the scenic ones give me that little fix of nature when I've not be able to physically get out there! But these last few have been so helpful as I prep for van life...thanks for everything you share of your adventures ❤️

Such great information! Thank you for sharing. Love your videos (as usual :)

I actually greatly appreciate that you don't post all the places where you stay. I'm very much big into finding remote places and camping. But over the years, I've noticed that my pristine "secret" hide-aways have become trashed up, overpopulated, and noisy. "Spreading the word" about great places just wrecks those places in the long term. I'm often tempted to share pics of where I've stayed on social media for friends to see, but the past 5 or 6 years I've stopped doing this too. It's very tempting to think that there's no harm if you're not spelling out where you are. But for anyone decently familiar with areas, just even a mountain peak or two in a photo can be a huge tell. I generally am not worried that those sorts of individuals will be a problem themselves. But if they decide, "hey, that looks like a great spot" and then they hang out there and are not as discrete or cautious as I am with sharing locations, word will get out. It is so unfortunate that others don't give a second thought about trashing a place up. And it frustrates me endlessly as someone who lives in a noisy city how, when I try to get away from the noise for the peace and quiet of some place remote, it just takes a less considerate individual blaring their radio or whatever. They might think they're remote. They might be miles away from me even, but they're perhaps only on the other side of a broad canyon and the sound carries. Conversations carry too. (That's shocked me occasionally.) Anyhow, I appreciate what you do. Your photography is stunning. Your videos are immensely enjoyable to watch. But also, I sense the caution in what you share and how you share your adventures. Keep up the good work and spread the word about respecting our outdoor spaces and our neighbors, when stealth camping.

Another excellent "inside baseball" video! You're doing the right thing by not sharing specific locations while still sharing the methodology you use to find a good spot. Looking forward to your future uploads!

As always, it's my most joyful moment watching your new vlog. It's just like long waited holidays coming true. Hope you can update your vlogs more often ❤

Great well thought out summary Christian!

That was one of the best amount of info I have ever heard! Thank you!

Thanks so much for a great, informative video! I totally agree with you protecting your locations. This is my biggest fear as I hope to hit the road in a few months…finding safe places to sleep. So thanks again for the taking the time to help!

I guess one of the more challenging things about overnight parking are areas with signs where parking rules are not enforced. Of course everybody should closely pay attention to all signs and follow all local ordinances, however I've noticed quite a bit of non-enforcement. Last year, I pulled into a rest stop in New Jersey that was marked on iOverlander and there were "2 hour only" signs up, yet there were over 20 people clearly sleeping in their vehicles. I gave it a little while, but then left after I saw a tow truck roaming the lot. To this day I'm still not sure if you can overnight there, but if you're not going to enforce parking restrictions, then take the signs down. I know it's to discourage people from staying, but a frustrating thing to encounter when you're tired. One thing I've noticed with Walmart is that "No RV Parking" doesn't always apply to vans, so if you see that sign it's still worth it to ask. With the lack of BLM land on the east coast, you have to look for national and state forests. Don't know about other states, but in Florida there are also water management districts that offer some pretty good boon docking spots. Enjoyed the video. Thanks.

Really helpful, useful information. Thanks!

When I went on a cross country trip in my car many years ago, I split my overnights between cheap motels, staying with friends and family, and camping, usually the car kind, in public campgrounds. Every now and then though I couldn't find a decent affordable motel that had any vacancy, didn't know anyone nearby, and campgrounds were either full or not very appealing, so I had to wing it and find some spot just off the road to park and pitch my tent, usually pretty late at night. I did this maybe three or four times, and always felt a little nervous, both because I was all alone in parts of the country I wasn't familiar with, and because I worried about being woken in the middle of the night by a trooper telling me that I couldn't camp there and had to leave. It never happened, but I tried to avoid it as best as I could. Plus it was dark and I also had to cook dinner without drawing attention to myself. Looking back, though, I realize that this was part of the adventure that is any true extended road trip, and that if you play it safe all the time, it's not really much of an adventure. You just have to know where that line is where adventure crosses over into reckless, dumb and dangerous. Of course you can't really know until you've done this for a while and develop a feel for it, which I didn't have at the time. By the way, I watch a number of vanlife channels, and yours is the one I keep coming back to when I want to see something relaxing, beautiful, centered and substantial. There are other kinds of vanlife channels and they are enjoyable to watch for different reasons, but yours is easily the most "grown up" of the ones that I watch, and just feels so genuine and from the heart. No gimmicks, clickbait, gratuitous you know what, etc. Just a really nice and mindful person giving us a slice of how she experiences life at this point in her life.

christian, for how beautiful and serious your videos usually are, you really have a great sense of humor. the muzak overdub bit with the question marks (30 x $40) made me laugh so hard. i had rewind, watch (and laugh) again. :) also, thanks for covering the safety part - i have always wondered about that, and wow, you have had some scary situations. i can't even imagine what that would feel like in the moment.

Thank you for a very informative video. I have followed you for awhile and you always present such interesting videos in a very professional way. I know that doesn’t just happen so a very sincere “thank you” for your efforts. Look forward to your future endeavors and stay safe.

Thank you. Love this video. Love your vibe.

Good video, Christian. It's a trip to me when people enjoy places, yet always complain about others (I'm not talking about trash and stuff) yet don't want others to get a chance to enjoy those places. Like tourist that always whining about "hey, there so many tourist here, how dare they!" I do understand the safety things. Also, I understand safety and trash issues but otherwise nature is for everyone. I live in my minivan and I use a lot of these tips. Also Christian is right about being respectful of nature and if in the city of residents is a big key.

I gotta admit: you are a rock star to me! I started watching your channel because I thought about going to van life, but I just don't feel safe here in my country. We have a lot of restrictions to van lifers. It's almost discouraging. I admire your bravery and your immense skills to live alone on the road. Oh and of course your photography is to DIE for!!!!