Is Stealth Camping LEGAL? Should You Risk It?

Do you have questions about Stealth Camping? Should you risk it?? Here are tips, benefits, and helpful info about stealth camping in case you want to give it a try…

Stealth camping is camping without being noticed. Some people do this in urban areas, while some venture into wild locations. Sometimes stealth camping is legal, while other times it’s illegal (which we don’t recommend!).

For many, stealth camping is done with the mindset that it's easier to get forgiveness than permission. We won't judge. We're just reporting.

The key is arriving at the location late and moving on early in the morning, so you’re not detected. Plus, you don’t want to leave a trace that you were there.

Stealth camping is a terrific way to find spots that are free, secluded, or close to special attractions. If you do it right, you’ll get a good night’s sleep in a location that’s quiet and free of noise from traffic, animals, and other people. Or, that’s really close to a place you want to be, like a beach or amusement park.

Today we will discuss what stealth camping is and how to do it. We’ll give you some great tips that will help you succeed at stealth camping on your first try!

Why Would You Want to Do Stealth Camping?

Now, we understand that some of you may be asking why stealth camping is so alluring. The answer is different for different folks.

For example, there are communities of full-time van dwellers, and their presence isn’t always appreciated in larger cities and towns. So, stealth camping helps them go undetected.

Others travel full-time and want to be more inconspicuous when they’re in towns and the wilderness to enjoy some privacy and an added sense of security. And, take it from us; these things can be hard to find when you live in a vehicle full-time.

Is Stealth Camping LEGAL?

Yes, stealth camping is legal IF AND ONLY IF you are not trespassing and are abiding by local regulations. If done right, stealth camping is simply camping without being noticed and without disturbing others. It is illegal, however, and frowned upon if you pollute, disrupt, or take advantage of a location.

How Do You Stealth Camp?

There is a right and wrong way to stealth camp. Primarily, the wrong way is to do it illegally and/or disrepect the area and the people that live nearby.

Let's get into some more considerations. Here are our top 5 tips for stealth camping:

Choose the Right RV for Stealth Camping

Large RVs (towables, Class C, and Class A RVs) are fantastic, but they are very hard to disguise during stealth camping. Hence, it’s best to use a Class B RV or maybe a B+ if it is not too “RV-looking.” 

A small B or B+ RV means you have a comfortable sleeping area and your own restroom, fridge, and cooktop. If you close the windows, your small RV can resemble a delivery van on the street to passersby.

Avoid brightly colored paint jobs and signs. The vehicle should be as plain as possible to make it easier to blend into the surroundings. Some avid stealth campers make sure there are no decals, even going as far as to remove the awning so it doesn't look like an RV.

Also, try to keep the vehicle clean. Dirty vehicles draw more attention, as people are warier about things that are uncared for.

We've legally boondocked overnight for free in parking lots, in shopping centers, out front of 24-hour fitness clubs, in church parking lots, and in city parks. We have never had an issue or bad experience unless you count having a fitful night's sleep because of all the noise in some of the cities where we've overnighted.

Here's a video on how Jennifer and I found a place to… sort of… do some stealth camping late one night:

Act Low Key While Stealth Camping

The last thing you want to do is make a lot of noise and draw unnecessary attention to yourself. Don’t clank equipment, shout instructions to your travel mate, play the TV too loud, or let your dogs bark.  

However, you don’t want to be skulking around, either. If someone drives past you, don’t try to hide. Just smile and go about your business as if you belong there. The whole point is to appear as if you’re not there to interfere or cause any harm (which should be true!).

Don’t Make Yourself Too Comfortable

You don’t want to look like you’re settling in.

Passersby will notice if you start setting up a BBQ, chairs, and other larger outdoor items.

The goal is not to be noticed at all. But, if you are noticed, you want people to think you’re just passing through. You don’t want them to think squatters are moving in.

Rotate Spots When Stealth Camping

If you plan to stealth camp in one city for an extended period of time, it’s best to map out 7 to 10 locations throughout the city and rotate them. It's not a good idea to park in the same spot two nights in a row unless you have no other choice.

If locals express their disapproval for you being there, it's probably best to move on and not return. Above all else, you want to be respectful.

Manage Your RV Power Needs While Stealth Camping

Managing power is a crucial task! No matter what type of vehicle you’re in, there’s no way to charge your power source while stealth camping.

So, you’ll want to figure out just how long your power will last without a hookup. Then decide which features you can’t live without. This means conserving energy where you can.

The good news is that stealth camping generally only requires a bit of power for the night. Solar panels are great to have, but they may be unnecessary. You can run your LED lights, boil hot water for coffee, power the fridge, and even watch TV with just your coach batteries.

Alas, the AC needs more than your house batteries to run for any length of time so if it's really warm, you will surely need to have your windows open and a fan going… making you a little more visible (and “hearable”) to those walking past.

Speaking of batteries, though, I highly recommend you read more about Battle Born Batteries. They make boondocking and stealth camping much more doable.

Safety Concerns About Stealth Camping

Regardless if you choose to stealth camp on a quiet neighborhood street or an overnight parking lot, the most important thing is to remain safe.

We usually try to find places that are still well lit, and we always listen to our gut. If something doesn’t feel right, we keep moving. This is especially true when we’re staying in cities.

Most campers agree it’s a good idea to always leave your keys in the same spot and park in a place that you can exit quickly if needed. So, take the time to reverse into a parking spot if needed so you can pull straight out if required. We call this “tactical parking.”

If you’ve chosen a spot responsibly, the possibility of someone knocking is slim, but it does happen. Do not open your door right away. Look through a window, or call through the door to try to identify the person.

Cops will always announce themselves. If you’re not sure if they’re a real cop, ask for their badge number through the door, and they should be able to tell you without hesitation.

Once you determine that you’ll engage with the person, it’s best to climb into the driver’s seat and talk from there. Our rule is never to open the side door because you don’t want to allow anyone easy access to your living quarters.

Benefits of Stealth Camping

There are lots of benefits you can enjoy from stealth camping. As we mentioned, it’s a fun experience, but may not be for everyone.

For example, if you don’t like solitude and are looking to meet new people, this form of camping is not for you.

On the other hand, if you want to be alone, leave a smaller environmental footprint, and connect with nature, then it’s perfect for you!

Stealth camping is also beneficial to many people because it’s:

• convenient
• flexible
• saves money
• more efficient
• allows you to camp in new places and find unique adventures

It can also be a great way to find free spots on city streets which can put you near attractions.

Have you ever stealth camped? What did you think, and would you do it again? Comment below and let us know!

Want more RV resources and information on stealth camping and boondocking on federal and state land?

• Our Massive, Mega-Post on Free or Cheap RV Sites Camping
• Guide to Free Camping and Overnight Parking Apps and Website
• Free and Cheap RV Sites & Camping on State and Federal Land
• Beginner's Guide to Boondocking eBook

Want to learn how to boondock?

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