What You MUST KNOW About STEALTH Camping Before Living in a Van 👀 

I think this is a pretty good video. The theme is, “don’t worry about it.” I couldn’t agree more. I’m a retired cop who travels the country in my van. I almost NEVER worry about parking and sleeping. Unless the cops have been pressured by city council, they don’t care if you spend one night on the street. If you are worried,,,find a restaurant or bar and park in their lot. Most cops and private security will assume you drank too much and took an Uber home. As long as you are gone by noon the next day you are good to go.

Being stealth was much easier before van life became a thing. Now people know what to look for.

For me it's an age thing. I'm starting to ask the manager rather than just assume I can stay someplace because it's on iOverlander. I do this for a couple of reasons, both negating that I'm trying to do Stealth. The first reason is that should I get the knock in the middle of the night, I'll have a name to reach for - the manager that said OK. I'm not trying to hide, and I got permission. I'm not a vagrant, I'm a traveler. I'm an intinerantcraftsman. The other reason I speak with the manager is to give them my business card. It never hurts and maybe they are a silver person and would like my services. But the main reason is because I want them to know who I am out in their parking lot in case something happens. I don't want to be found nameless in a town where nobody knows who I am. Good video. Kent

Sometimes you just need to keep it simple. As long as you're in a legal parking spot, and nobody can see, or hear you, it doesn't matter being stealth. I love getting the knock, because I never answer it, because the person outside isn't 100% sure there's somebody inside. That 10% of doubt will keep them moving on.

Sleep by day travel by night...day parkers have more options and blend in better

I can relate to what you said about looking over a parking lot and picking out vehicles that people are living in. It has become a game for me whenever I visit WalMart. The easiest ones to pick out are the cargo vans that dont have any external modifications, but are parked way out on the extreme edges of the lot. Sometimes it isnt just what the vehicle looks like but also where it parks. I love your videos! Thank you for letting us have a view into your travel world!

For passenger vans with tinted windows, all you have to do is have a large $30 magnet sign to put on the front doors that read CHURCH of BLAH... Anyone can create a one-person church. Society tends to ignore church vans.

Hi Allison! I'm really glad that you won't be living in your van this summer. My heart went out to you last summer, as you dealt with the heat. ☺️❤️🙏🙋‍♀️

I've been living in my SUV for over 3 years now and I've never had a knock or bothered by the PD. I've always defined "Stealth" as The Art of Hiding in Plain Sight". You hit all the points on the head! If you're not a bother then people won't bother with you. Be kind and polite and most people will treat you the same way. Don't turn your vehicle into a Hoarder's Delight and keep it clean! And if someone asks you to move, make like Nike shoes and Just Do It!

I've never tried to be stealthy. I've always been honest about living in my VW Bus and I try and create good relationships with people who talk to me about vanlife. I get a lot of people stopping to tell me their VW bus stories from their hippie days! I also get a lot of tourists, or visitors to the town I live in, that take selfies with the bus. The neighbor's think it's funny. I've always equated "stealthy" with being dishonest - so I always thought it was weird that the newbie vanlifers are into it. I've lived on one street spot for years and I have a great relationship with all of my neighbors. I don't even try to blend in - but what I'm conscious of is my appearance (both mine and the bus') and how I treat people. I try to spread good vibes about vanlife. I hope other vanlifers do too!

I worked with LE for 25 yrs and everything you said is true. Just a couple of things. 1. Work vans rarely park overnight unattended at the work site. 2. Most box type work vans don’t have side doors in the box or a house style door at the rear. 3. Don’t stay in the same place for days on end. 4. DON’T leave out anything outside your van. A chair or bag or box of refuse is a dead giveaway. 5. Pets. A cat sleeping on a dashboard is rather a big giveaway or that dog that barks at every noise. Most LE will not bother you if it really looks as if your just overnighting. If they see you there the next night expect the knock. They may not tell you to move but they will want to know who you are and how long you are staying. Just for clarification van life and living in your vehicle are two very different things at least to the LEO they are

Great video, thanks Allison! We live in Syracuse NY, not sure about other parts of the city, but where we are people park all day or night and no one questions them or calls police, as long as there is no parking violation or trouble police here couldn't care less - but it is a large college city too. Worst state I have found for car resting/van life .. Rhode Island, I tried to rest in a fishing area there, police knocked on the window and told me "no rest areas in Rhode island, you'll have to drive to Connecticut to rest."

Why does everyone worry about the knock ? If the police ask you move , just move . Thousands of other spots not far away... No big deal folks....

Ex truck driver here, not a good idea to use fake DOT numbers that would be a FED crime. You could just use a vehicle number however.

If this country hits a default with their finances and can’t come up with a resolution, to curb debt it will be well known abroad. That can lead to a dire impact on economy. I bet a even bigger chunk of the US population will jump On board with van life.

Thanks! This was Awesome! Ya, my neighborhood does not care if someone parks and crashes out for a night. But it is the ones that never leave. We call on. They usually leave a huge mess and spill their grey and dark matter tanks on our streets. If they just keep it clean less people would care. And ya, dont steal!

If it’s of any comfort to those of you who do this stealth camping thing: as someone who has never done this at all nor do I personally know anyone who’s doing the van life I’ve never once suspected anything when Ive seen a sprinter van or a van with a solar panel on top. I’m sure police and parking attendants may be observant to these things but as a fellow citizen it’s never crossed my mind. After watching this video I’m sure I’ve stayed at hotels where people were stealth camping in the parking lot but, just like everyone else, I’m focused on what I’m doing and where I’m going and am not concerned with whether someone is stealth camping or not.

Van life stealth camping has now been replaced by squatting.

Great advice and it didn't make me feel more nervous, it actually made me feel less anxious. My van is not stealth in that it has a raised roof and windows all around. I was worried it wouldn't blend in. Now, I'm glad to know I don't have to. Thanks, Allison.

For Me, Stealth describes the Ability to Sleep Undisturbed, by people seeking to Engage you in Conversation. So although your vehicle might look like a Camper, it also looks to be Presently Unoccupied .

Ok so theres Rv parks, campgrounds..why doesnt someone begin opening van/car parking? It could be maintained and monitored by attendents and people not able to respect the rules can be refused. This could be a potential goldmine because there can be potential in nearly any city and it could easily get the blessing of the city since it will keep them out of the residential areas and also importantly it can keep the van/car people alot safer. Just a thought..if i had the money i would do it

I love your posts and am proud of you. I will keep watching even when you are off the road.

Back in the days of my youth, the big thing was a pickup truck with a camper top on the bed, I'm not talking about the huge one with the thing that goes over the cab, but the small ones that is level with the cab and bed, with just a small lift top door, that meets up with the tail gate, because let's face it, the only main thing you need is the place to sleep, so with a mattress in the bed of your truck, concealed with a camper top is more stealthy than a van, you can always shower at truck stops, and you can use the restroom anywhere, because every place has restrooms, so bring back the old ways of stealth, just use a pick up truck with a camper topper on the bed, you still can have your cooler with food, and other essential in the bed of the truck as well, and you can put a sliding rear window in the cab of the truck that leads into the bed of the truck, so you dont even have to get out of the truck to go between the cab and the bed. 😁👍

Thank you lady. Great information. When I first started this journey, you were in the car! At a Walmart in deep snow! Trying to pee in a car. Lol I knew then, this was not going to be easy. You are amazing.❤

Ahaha, my van before was kind of stealthy, but now with the hi top its dead obvious. Like yours. I just got back from being all over the SW though, nobody cared, it's like they were thinking oh he's probably going to yada yada national park tmrrw. I figure I just look like some retiree traveling about.

Oh my goodness why do ppl care. I have a house and live in a small town near a beach, have great neighbors, and honestly I wouldn’t care if someone parks in front of my house who’s living in their van or car. They can even park there permanently. I’m fine with it. They can even use my shower and kitchen to cook. Sheesh i may even bring u food or some pie. Whatever happened to loving your neighbor as yourself. I will never understand the hate some ppl have for other ppl. We are all people. And one paycheck away from being homeless or living in our car ourselves. We came very close to it ourselves. I am thankful every day for my lil unfinished house .

Great video. You're always so informative. Safe travels😊

My first night i stayed at a casino, will try a hospital next.

Ok but why is it illegal to overnight sleep, specially if it's out of people's way ?

Love hearing from you and watching your videos.

Such a great vid. Thanks so much!

I love the Twins movie example! LOL!. Great recommendations, with a lot of common sense. 🥰😍

Thanks for really good tips . I'm sure you have put a lot of people's minds a little bit to ease. Don't park illegally. Be aware of your surroundings and live your "van life".

We’ve never had a knock or anything like that either. I think one of the most important thing is to be sure that you read the city ordinance that is generally found online. Lots of times street parking is forbidden between like 2 AM and 5 AM so you will have a problem. You also need to be careful about trespassing when you park. We have solar panels and an AC. Lots of time we have a bike on the back too. Worst case is that we don’t cover the front windows. We’ll leave the bathroom door open to block the view to the back. People/security just pass by if the front windows are not covered. Our plates even say “RV”. That said, if you do get the knock, don’t be a jerk. Be humble, and even ask for advice on where you might be able to park for the night.

Really enjoy your videos! Enjoy Las Vegas ❤ glad you have a friend there to enjoy it with. So much to see & do besides the strip, as you mentioned in last video. Red rock canyon is my fav place to visit near Vegas. Take care 😊

I enjoy these types of video. Good job!

Some great pointers and information! Great video! Keep making memories & adventure on! ~Karen & Shannon WOY

Great info. God be with you.❤❤❤❤

I plan on retiring in two years and will only get about $840/month Social Security. No way I will be able to live on that with rent. I will be 95% urban stealth camping. I have the money saved up in savings to buy a new/used 2023 E-350 14 ft. Cargoport box truck with pass-through ($60,000) + $40,000 for conversion with side door and plan on making it Uber-stealth. Standard plain white box truck with NO windows, black/gray/fresh tanks hidden under skirt, solar panels hidden behind roof edge lip frame so you can't see them from the ground. You would not be able to tell it was a camper without seeing from above the Solar panels and roof vent. I won't be able to afford costly campground fees on my meager monthly SS. So my plan is to park on side streets in industrial areas with my commercial looking box truck. I was also thinking of seeing if I can find a nice manager in an industrial or commercial area who will give me permission to park in the back part of their large parking lot. Always making sure I respect them by not leaving trash around to ruin it for me. What do others think? Am I being naive?

Thanks allison great tips hope you're enjoying yourself in you're new space never thought about looking suspicious with out of town plates on a van thanks again

Hospitals and smaller hotel/motel parking lots work well for me..but I’m a weekend warrior for now..

Your hair looks amazing 😊

This may not be your journey right now anymore, but our family knows of a parking spot in Philly that has your name on it if you want. 😉

Great video and good information.

Great video! Thank you!

I couldn't afford a place within 1 hours commute of my Seattle job, I only make a measly 90k per year, so I live in a minivan during the workweek and come back to my condo on the weekend. I am a construction worker so I have dirty boots/vest in my front seat. I suppose I could afford a place closer to work if I spent every penny on rent but my definition of affordable is being able to save 20% of you're gross pay 10% goes into a retirement account and 10% goes into a rainy day/vacation fund, this savings stratagey has gotten me through work slowdowns. After work I go to the gym to do a short and workout and shower then I spend most of the afternoon parked in a library or shopping center and I go to my sleeping spot around dusk. I prefer to sleep in quiet residential neighborhoods it seems alittle safer, it helps that I have a 6am job and leave the neighborhood by 5:30. I think its obvious to anyone who looks into my window during the day that it is a camper Van because there is a big privacy curtain behind the drivers seat. I'm hoping they just glance at the outside of the Van and don't look to closely. I debated opening the privacy curtain during the day but I figured it was better that theives didn't know what or who was behind the curtain and I work different shifts so I sometimes am in the Van during the day with the means to defend myself within easy reach. At night its not so obvious the curtain is black so it just looks like the dark interior of a vehicle. Still despite my best efforts I have heard a neighborhood walker or two say call the police although I have yet to get the knock. Summer can be alittle problematic because this far north it doesn't get dark until 10pm, I need to get up at 4:30 to get ready for work and in order to get enough sleep I have to go to my residential sleeping spot while its still light and the curtain is very visible. I think one of the things that gives me away is condensation I'm hoping the diesel heater will take care of that problem although it will make alittle noise. I also need to be better about only exiting through the drivers door. If the city makes it impossible for me to park I will have to move I couldn't take the 2 to 3 hour commute alot of my co workers have and the Seattle electrician shortage will get even worse.

Great Video! Awesome information Allison

Good video. Thanks for posting it. Just ignore it if you get any haters!

While in enjoy your videos, you are great. Have loved seeing you evolve

Here in EU it's kinda illegal to sleep in the car in the urban areas, there for been stealth is a must. No stickers, no solar panels on the roof, heavy tinted vindows and best type is a minivan basicly only to sleep in during the night. With minivan you can blend in any neighbouhood because it's know as mother's cars and used to transport kids to school. In EU most of the countries have national car plates so you don't know if they're from the city or from other county which is plus.

Excellent video!

Hi love your info , im starting full-time, and a channel, scared to death your videos are helping with both

Very helpful. And by the way, your hair looks great.

Hey Allison!! I know everyone has your best interests, but at the end of the day you know what’s best for you. Always Love. ❤ Newark Jersey ❤❤

Very helpful! Thank you!

I've known people who have work vans and there is a constant worry that the van will be broken into to steal tools since they are so expensive, mainly likely specialized items, not really hammers and ordinary items. 🛠🪚🧰🗜🪛 Thanks for the info. Your jingle is professional sounding, very catchy and fun! 👏🎶🎵

Good video, as always.

@sophietucker Why is it differently for van lifers and vehicle campers? I'm a retired veteran with a very nice VA pension and SSA pension as well, and I chose not to get a van to camp in. I took the seats out of my Camry a couple years ago, put drawers, a mattress, a Jackery, refrigerator and luggable loo in, got custom Weather Tech shields, and I'm very happy traveling around in my Tiny House on Wheels Camry Condo, but it annoys the heck out of me that car campers are considered "homeless," while Van dwellers are not, and are considered "Van Lifers." There's actually no difference, except the size of our vehicles!!! BTW I park in Walmart, Planet Fitness or Cracker Barrel parking lots, and LE never bothers me there.

Good tips. How bout, take care of your trash properly, (try to leave your areas better than when you arrived)💚 ... Proper places/areas, to dump your urine, not in a parking lot/area you just used to park/sleep/move on, proper stealth dumping lol🍋🏕🌄 'keep it clean'🍃

Park on a street with lots of apartment blocks and you will never get bothered. Assuming you make no noise or let out light in the evening.

Putting words and numbers on your van, making it look business, means cops will pull you over and ask for a CDL license. I don't recommend putting that on your van! It is far better to have a van with no windows in back, but no markings either. And if you have a door between the front drivers-passengers area and the back area, the better.

Great video ❤

Hi. Im glad you have time to relax in a place of your own, free from the heat. And still doing VL content. You are a smart cookie. Just fyi, I hit the ❤ on a particular app. And never heard from you. Haha. You seem fresh and rested. God, keep blessing Allison. In Jesus name. 😊

My Astro stays in 1 spot no more than 3 days then I rotate the location I know the landscapers & security schedule so no snoopers and I have backup transportation if I do get towed but never have I been stealth for over 5 years

I’m glad I watched this video. Great advice. I’ve been trying to figure out what to buy, and I was going to go stealth, but maybe it doesn’t really matter.

When not camping somewhere, I'm normally traveling in stealth mode between camping destinations. My stealth van is actually a 34 foot long Limo Bus but most stealth factors apply to all vehicles. My bus has Limo Tint windows down both sides so the inside blackout screens, when in place, are not noticeable. I have cut no holes, added no vents. plugs, or solar panels of any kind to the outside. So the only non bus item that can be seen outwardly is the hitch receiver just below the back bumper, added cause I sometimes need to tow a car or trailer. My batteries charge while I'm driving, see little use when stealth parked at night. When camping have a plug hidden under the bus for plugging in my portable solar panels, the added bonus here is I can park in the shade and still have the panels in the sun for charging. When not towing/camping, the outside looks like any other business owned shuttle bus. As such it will never be invisible, so the most important thing for stealth is to look like I belong where I choose to park for the night. No matter what you drive, this should always be a top consideration for stealth, look like you belong where you're parked. I also keep the bus clean, a major factor for fitting in rather than sticking out. And driving what I do, wearing a nice business or Hawaiian shirt while driving, completes the official work look. Plus I do everything that will need to be done before sleep, before I park at my night location. So no sights, sounds, smells that would hint that someone is inside once I'm parked. Doing this, I have never had The Knock. But I did wake one time to some noise and the feeling of my bus moving. Some guys were jacking it up to steal my wheels/tires, glad I was there to stop what would have been a very costly loss. Also, that was the last time I tried to overnight in a city. Times have changed and cities overall have become very unsafe, do my best to avoid them all now. And when camping, now try not to isolate myself far away from the sights/sounds of others, again for safety reasons. Male or female, if you're isolated/alone these days, you can quickly become a target of opportunity for bad people wanting to do bad things. A dog is your best early warning devise, alerting before possible trouble reaches you door or window.. Giving you those precious added seconds to wake and grab your self defense items, which should always by at the ready. Remember it's better to have and not need, than to need and not have. To be a survivor, not a statistic. And sorry, but no I will not share my best stealth parking, go to locations here. If to many people use/abuse them, they too will be lost. Find what stealth areas work best for you, always treat them and any people you encounter there, with respect.

I would like travel in Spain in a van but heard there are many vans being broken into to steal stuff. Would be my biggest worry.

I’m from California and we used to Vanlife we don’t care❤❤

Hi Allison You give such good advice. In 5 years I have never gotten the knock. I love emergency room parking lots plus If I am staying a few days I like hospital multi level parking near the elevator no higher than the 2nd level. In residential areas I park on a main St the passing cars dont bother me. I often park during a shift and leave on weekends I have stayed as if i am doing a double. My favorite was when the city was on lockdown because of a snow storm I spent 5 days In the same spot discovered the van next to me were nomads. We have remained friends over the years. One tip my bedding is always black. Abd security comes around cleans snow off the car and plows the driveways. Plus highway rest stops have not been a problem during bad weather I park under a light and have never had a problem.

Insightful, and relevant to European experience too. Subscribed 👍

Hey good evening and how are you. Great channel 💯

I’ve gotten the knock multiple times even staying legitimately in a hotel as a paying customer. Car-camping, when done correctly, can be more private and feel safer.

This is awesome I’m currently 24 in the military showing people how to budget I get out at the end of this year and I need to know these things Hope anyone who sees this follows my journey wether u want to save money or see my future van

I have dark windows the vehicle came like this but I definitely need a trailer for my stuff. I left a relationship, and partially is my dream to do this but when I started out for a month, I did kind of kept myself because people are busy bodies.

Love your tips and points - good ideas. (But - couldn't watch very long because of all the handwaving.) Enjoy your van life, Allison.

Great video Good advise In my opinion Just keep things simple Some people tend to go above and beyond More like a hobby Not that that's bad

Wonderful post! You’re a real peach. Keep going 💪🏾✨ 3:06

I’ve not done Vanlife yet, but I’ve watched a lot of RU-vidrs. I think by and large your average person as your out and about doesn’t care, people don’t pay as much attention as you’d think. People are usually in their own world. The biggest thing isn’t to be too obnoxious and obvious. It’s easier to park in apartments and hotel parking lots than in front of somebody’s house in a residential neighborhood. I heard Bob wells mention this once, but I hadn’t heard it too much-if you’re in a vehicle that looks too commercial you may run the risk of being pulled over for not having commercial looking license plates. Kind of does the opposite of trying to not bring attention to yourself. Lol.

I’ve got a white Toyota Sienna minivan. It doesn’t stand out at all and is very stealth. I don’t have solar panels on the roof or anything else to give it away. I can park overnight in cities. For free dispersed camping, I use a tent in addition to the van to give another place to hang out.

Thank you.

That's why minivans with tinted windows are the ultimate stealth van

You neex to go full "Hyperstealth". This is when you are a tradesman with the most popular typical traddie van. Nothing changes in terms of the outside appearance but you put a queen sized bed in and storage compartment with completely minimalistic set up

Late to the party but just about to start my fulltime minivan life and now hearing places like Walmart's and planet fitness are stopping overnight parking. I feel very nervous. I need to stay around Denver for about a month wrapping up doctor's appointments, dentist, etc. I hope vanlife/nomadic life will become more accepted.

Again another important video. Too often other videos downplay many of the things you talk out. Other times people seem so afraid that they can come across as overly paranoid.

Also if you're van looks like a work van it can be targeted by thieves looking for tools!

Great vido/chat. I've been doing research on this. What about also researching the locations of state fairgrounds and large sporting events? These tend to have travelers for their various sports and pasttimes who travel in trailers and large vehicles. Seems like a good place to blend in. Also I wondered about airport parking, or remote lots, maybe even large hospitals. Thoughts?

The main thing I did to be stealth is pack very light so that I can have, for the interior of my SUV, a “car mode” & a “sleep mode.” This way, during the day & when I’m driving it just looks like a regular car inside. Nothing on any of the seats and it’s a dark interior. I have a few things on the floor but it’s all dark so nothing stands out (I hope). My biggest problem with being stealth is at night because I didn’t make those window coverings with cloth and reflictix. I just bought the Heat Shield ones. I’m not sure exactly how stealthy those are. I think the front windshield is fine but if I’m under a light I think you can probably see something even though it’s the black side out. I’ve mostly just been at truck stops or hospital parking lots so far though. But this may be something hat I revisit

Interesting.

In short, be as inconspicuous as possible and stay alert to your surroundings.

did you get a knock even when parked in a walmart parking lot?

Try to park in industrial areas warehouse type places

Good video

My take on the whole "stealth" concept is that so long as people are doing what they can to be stealthy they are being as unobtrusive as possible. Which is what every van lifer should be doing. Obviously anyone who is relatively intelligent can tell that the sprinter or promaster van with solar panels and window covers is being lived in. But so long as that person isn't dumping their grey water tank and putting up an awning most people won't care. Its when an RV from the 80s that spews smoke and has a missing bumper just sets up and doesn't move for weeks that it starts causing problems for people.

Back in the 60's and 70's the hippie vw van's were normal, no one said or had issues with them..

If your parked on a public road that your allowed to be on not much the cops can do..I mean ya they can ask you to leave and I can ask them to message my feet lol they can ask anything they want it doesn’t mean you have to leave…if your parked in a area where your not supposed to be parked in all they can do is give you a parking ticket unless of course it’s an area where they can tow you but for the most part they can’t do poop or give you a ticket..if they knock don’t even answer them….ya you notice people live in there vehicle but a lot of people who don’t know what to look for and if they see that they won’t even know what it is you can still blend in…don’t be afraid you pay for these public roads your allowed to use them how ever you see fit..imagine paying for something and being told how you can use it lol…but let’s just say your state doesn’t allow it ah um ok best of luck proving it just don’t admit to it what are you doing in your van i’m knitting a sweatshirt for strangers lol it doesn’t matter im doing what ever I want in my legally park vehicle….great video thanks for making it

You in UK 🇬🇧 or USA 🇺🇸? UK 🇬🇧 is difficult to camp in a car or van . Everyone is interested 😅

Funny, my van has a sort of fancy grandkid type thing on it, so people would probably just think I am a soccer grandma. 😂 And those solar panels? Excellent for keeping the sports drinks cold. 😉 Anyway, I only go for a couple weeks at a time. So far, so good.

Thank you, Allison. Great video with great tips even if you don’t do van life. ❤

EVERYBODY has tinted windows these days.

Good info...thank you❤