25 Best Places to Sleep When Living in Your Car

This is a complete list of the 25 best places you can safely park to sleep if you’re living or traveling in your car. This is of course also good for van dwellers, RVer’s and everything else if your just looking for ideas on where you can park and sleep for the night.
I hope this video will help you and take away some of the stress worrying where should you park for the night.
PLEASE consider SUBSCRIBING & hitting the notification bell so you will be notified every time I post a new video. Cheers… Marmalade
PLEASE HELP SUPPORT MY CHANNEL:
Patreon: / mikelawrence
PRODUCT SPONSORSHIPS, GEAR REVIEW/TESTING OR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES EMAIL ME AT:
[e-mail]
ANOTHER WAY TO SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:
Buymeacoffee.com/Marmalade
ANY DONATIONS GREATLY APPRECIATED:
PayPal: paypal.me/marmaladeoutdoors
OR GO TO MY MERCHANDISE PAGE:
Teespring: teespring.com/stores/marmalad...
Amazon Affiliate Program
Electronics/Videoing Gear
iPhone 11 Pro amzn.to/33M03q6
Headlamp amzn.to/3hUFGfx
Tripod for Videoing amzn.to/2FXkw2X
Cell Phone Holder for Tripod amzn.to/3kwFDrY
Multi USB Charge Cable amzn.to/3iSttZW
Cell Phone Mount Adapter amzn.to/3cxMD5f
51” ultralight phone mount tripod amzn.to/2WULptw
Lavalier Microphone amzn.to/3kDWl8L
Portable Charger 10000 mAh amzn.to/3hTgLcd
Portable Charger 20000 mAh amzn.to/3iUPbwx
Anker USB Quick Wall Charger amzn.to/3izEjTC
Solar Charger amzn.to/32QqoUO
InReach Mini amzn.to/3hYD8g9
Card reader amzn.to/3kdX7eW
Clothing
Shoes amzn.to/2RREgHU
Hiking Socks amzn.to/2G1m0ZU
Hiking/Sleeping Socks amzn.to/3kGsJYw
Frog Toggs Men’s Xtreme Lite Rain Jacket amzn.to/3i36dJL
Larix Gear Trucker Hat amzn.to/3xvYydy
Camp Sandals amzn.to/364N8CB
Beanie amzn.to/3hXQlpE
Gloves amzn.to/3iZwmbu
Ultralight Hoodie amzn.to/3j7LqnH
UL Rain Skirt amzn.to/33LiQlo
Lindo Trucker Hat amzn.to/3clC7hb
Snow Gaitors amzn.to/3hVlfz5
Topo Gaitors amzn.to/32VuX09
Sleep Bottom amzn.to/3j0yos4
Sleep Top amzn.to/2ZYwocj
Water Filtration
BeFree Water Filter Cartridge amzn.to/35XIOop
BeFree Water Filter & 1L Bag amzn.to/3cojs4m
3L Water Storage Bag for Filter amzn.to/32YbQmd
Cook Kit
Titanium Spoon amzn.to/3kx6nbQ
Long Handle Plastic Spoon amzn.to/3pSgkUw
Current Stove amzn.to/2HprkXZ
BRS Ultralight Stove amzn.to/
2Ep5q61
Soto Amicus Stove amzn.to/3mQqJRh
Titanium Pot amzn.to/3036lke
Hot lips for titanium pot
amzn.to/3q8PPNo
Assorted Gear
Helinox Chair One amzn.to/3nLMscg
Trekking Poles amzn.to/2HnSFd4
UL Chair amzn.to/2S2Szd3
UL Poop Trowel amzn.to/2G1Hc1W
Ultralight Air Pillow amzn.to/3iUBTQF
Air Mattress amzn.to/2FQOCWe
Body Glide amzn.to/3i0LeoU
Wet Wipes amzn.to/32RNkms
Sit Pad amzn.to/2FXZJwb
Nalgene Canteen amzn.to/33RBSGU
Trail Crampons amzn.to/2RO5a3F
Canister Shifter amzn.to/3kITV92
Titanium Shepard Hooks amzn.to/2Kff4L5
Tyvek Ground Sheet 8’x4’ amzn.to/36xofPV
Tyvek Ground Sheet 9’x6’ amzn.to/30BJKLH
Tyvek Sheet 3’x7’ amzn.to/3nnOrTo
Follow me on Instagram: @marmaladeoutdoors
Music licensed with Epidemic Sound: www.epidemicsound.com/
1st Song:
CAR CAMPING/SUV GEAR LIST
Cooking/Kitchen
Propane Cylinder Base amzn.to/3mRUOQt
Collapsible cutting board/wash basin amzn.to/3wnBxcD
Camping stove adapter amzn.to/2YlMNd2
Cone coffee pour over
amzn.to/3kep71V
Stop Amicus Stove
amzn.to/3mQqJRh
Electronics/Video
Full size tripod for iPhone
amzn.to/3bNRfV9
Card reader amzn.to/3kdX7eW
Misc
Knee compression sleeve amzn.to/3EXpWEx
Car tire compressor amzn.to/3BRwAKq
Car window sun shades
amzn.to/3kfrKk9
Telescoping tarp poles
amzn.to/3BVsPn8
Fairy lights amzn.to/3woOa7t
4.9 gallon water container
amzn.to/3bOLpTu
Heavy duty suction cups
amzn.to/3GYmB9R

[@fuzzybwill75]

I lived in my vehicle from 2016-2022. My job has showers so that's a blessing for me. I used to rotate 5 different places ...1. job 2. UPS parking lot 3. FedEx parking lot 4. 24 hr gym. 5. Police station. I saved a lot of money over the 6 years. I miss car life since I'm a loner anyway

[@k-mac5511]

Great ideas! Why did you give it up if you love it?

[@BakedNConfused]

​@@k-mac5511 "I saved a lot of money"

[@bageltv3489]

Did you work at Fedex and UPS or just use their lots?

[@Pshootz]

Us strays get no love except from ourselves. :/

[@destroystreets1023]

@@bageltv3489 i worked at a ups and you could live in their lot know one would know

[@horrorthroughhereyespod]

Marmalade...I just wanted to say how happy I am I found your channel. At the end of March of this year, I said F it and literally walked away from my life with what I could fit in my car. My rent was raised and I was barely making it before that, so I left BEFORE it became a problem. I have a college degree and work 2 jobs, but still struggle. Its just how it is nowadays. My kids are grown and its just me. One of the things Im really struggling with is the stigma. Like, one side of me says, good for you you've always been a nomad at heart, the other says, "You are 54 and living out of your car so OBVIOUSLY you are a complete loser?! How can you let yourself get to this point?" But then I ask myself, if you could go back, would you? And the answer is always no, but I have told about 2 people Im doing this...and well now all of KZbin lol. I dont want to tell my kids because I dont want them to worry for me. And I just dont want anyone else's judgement. But...despite the hardships that come with it, and really, its just trading one set of hardships for another, non-domiciled vs. domiciled, I am kind of having the time of my life. I work 2 jobs, both remote and there are a lot of "workshare" spaces opening up around and Ive been using those for work. Its a pretty cool idea and I believe you will see more of them as remote working becomes the norm. I am on a podcast too that records once a week and both of the workshare spaces I have used have podcasting booths so that's been great. Also, I'm doing all this in a Ford Fiesta, luckily I am only 5'1". I see so many people doing this with vans and SUVs and if people are reading this and seeing these posts and thinking, I can never do that with my car...chances are, you probably can. I have stayed at Walmarts, Pilot Truck Stops, Loves Truck Stops. Im in the Midwest. Walmarts have been the best, I find...just try to park away from the lights that I think are meant to land planes. And I've🚗 gotten a hotel room here or there, and AIRBNB to visit my kids last week. I also got the Planet Fitness Black Card...if you are going to do this, that is the BEST $27/month you can possibly spend. Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for making me feel like what I am doing is okay, or that others are also doing it. Also, I saw what you said about your luck on dating sites and those women are dumb, you are adorable. I think we are on the cusp and being renegades for those who will follow behind us. This stigma with change to some degree, but it will definitely take some time and probably never fully go away. I KNOW I am choosing this, but I have to get over feeling like a failure. Also, in case this helps anyone else...I am off all my anxiety medicine for the first time since 2005. At first i thought I was opening up a giant mental can of worms by leaping off this ledge...but it has had the exact opposite affect on me. "Letting go" is AMAZING. And there is something so soothing about that little cocoon of my back seat. Ok, if I keep going I will have to get my own KZbin channel. Best of luck to you, and thank you for being so vulnerable for the benefit of the rest of us. Just wanted to let you know you really helped someone feel better. I know from my podcasting that feedback, especially positive, reminds us why we put ourselves out there in the first place.

[@juliadawnyel3648]

Planet fitness membership storage that's what I did great

[@Todd41R]

I'm 54 and moved into a converted ambulance 4 yrs ago. I WISH I'd have done it sooner! SOO much cheaper! I'm in the process of building out an old 86 Ford van/truck cause ambo engine is shit but to me, vehicle living is the least stressful life!

[@Lifepashion]

Yep. Me too. Letting go has been so freeing. Living on the road 6 months now has been ultra healing

[@HeyokaCat_8]

Four Guidelines/Rules 1- Safety 2- Respectful 3- Stealthy 4- Bathroom/Restroom ------------------------- 25 Overnight Camping Spots 1- Hotel Parking Lots 2- Hospital Parking Lots 3- Campgrounds 4- Reststops 5- Walmart Parking Lots 6- Cracker Barrel Parking Lots 7- Industrial Park/ Commercial Lots 8- Welcome Centers 9- Car Dealerships 10- Parking Garages 11- Casino Parking Lots 12- BLM Land 13- Grocery Stores / Malls / Shopping Centers 14- Church Parking Lots 15- City Street Parking (after hours) 16- Residential Areas 17- Rent-A-Space (ads & apps) 18- Apartment Complexes (non-gated; visitor areas) 19- Truck Stops 20- 24-Hr Business Parking Lots 21- Safe Parking Programs 22- Friend's & Family Driveway & Parking Spaces 23- Park-N-Rides 24- Police Stations 25- 24-Hr Fitness Gyms

[@yellowbird5411]

I cannot tell you how much it bothers me that we pay taxes all our life, for city, county, state and federal taxes, in addition to "fees," and other mysterious add-ons, that ostensibly go for roads and infrastructure, along with many other things. We buy a car, we pay insurance, we pay taxes on that, we continue to pay taxes on the gasoline, and taxes on car repairs. Yet, in spite of all this, we are not allowed to stay in our car, on a public street or public space. If we are "caught" living in our car, we are told we are not allowed to do that. On what planet, and under what conditions WOULD we be able to? If we have paid for all of it ourselves, how does the government come along and say we are now not allowed to use it?? They are our streets. Our parks. Our recreational areas. We paid for them, and are STILL paying for them. The government has no money of it's own, yet it tells us we are not welcome on that for which we have paid dearly. Something is deeply wrong here. If you are in your car, bothering no one, parked on a public street, what is the harm? I could see it if you built a patio off your car and put out a grill, furniture, etc. as that is not what streets are for, or sidewalks, either. But simply being in a vehicle for as long as you want anywhere you want as long as it doesn't infringe on anyone else, should be allowed. To me, it is outrageous that people have to sneak around like criminals in order to "be" somewhere legally. Unbelievable.

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Hey Lynn, I was deeply humbled by what you said and literally couldn’t agree more. The amount of taxes we are REQUIRED to pay yet it is deemed illegal to use them is truly crazy. As you said we pay for these streets and even pay for the cops salaries yet they forget they are our employees and in turn many times keep us from using the vary things we have paid for. It’s alarming how fast and high everything is going up including actual food at my grocery store. It feels as if almost every single time I go into the store to buy the things I always buy, the price has gone up and not just a little. Is very disheartening… this is why I want a small cabin in the woods… to disconnect from all the crap. Our country is going downhill fast…

[@ripvanrevs]

The government doesn't like things that make controlling people more difficult. They don't like people being self-employed either. They are okay if you are homeless living in the streets in a big city because they know where you are and can make money from "helping" you.

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Definitely true

[@lamonthamilton667]

ALL so VERY True. But that's the REAL Issue They can not collect TAXES from you IF you do that and Worst Constantly being in Control of your life and Mindset. Big Brother wants your Compliance.

[@cchoi108]

It's not really the government. It's the neighbors and the business owners and etc. They're the ones that call the police. They're the ones that pass ordinances not allowing us to sleep on the street in our cars. My condo association has signs inside our condo and they send out a newsletter telling us to call the police if we see people parking and living on the street. I never do that but other people do. They hate people living on our street. Some of the people litter and break into the building to use the water.

[@pamelavalente3731]

Most major, and even some smaller, airports have Cell Phone Parking Lots where you can park while waiting for an incoming plane to land (instead of constantly circling the pick-up area). Taxis, limousines and just regular everyday people make use of these lots. No one keeps track of how long you've been there, and, they're usually free and open 24 hrs.. Love your list, thanks! 💗

[@donttrip4912]

U can always park and sleep at the airport. If u dont want to pay at all. Just get behind a car right before they pay. Once they pay and the stick pulls up follow right behind em. U will go right through!

[@lucianachriz]

@@donttrip4912 isso é desonesto

[@karinhart489]

Not a good idea at airports in SF Bay Area because the lots are small, not enough parking spots, & security does constantly patrol.

[@faithrada]

​@Don’t trip That's just asking for trouble. Imho... poor advice.

[@briantodd4887]

National Forests

[@joannejohnson6393]

I did think of police stations. I had not thought of hospital parking lots! Thanks for a great list of ideas for upping my parking game when I am urban.🖤

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Hey thanks so much I hope it helps!

[@lorrie5881]

I slept in a hospital parking lot. I had no data on my phone, but was able to sleep and use thier WiFi..I was actually waiting for the ER line to go down.. and fell asleep..

[@thehouseofgraellc5111]

As a female that loves to do car life I thank you soooooo much for this list.

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Hey there, thank you and I’m so glad it gave you some good ideas!

[@suzannepharr7869]

Someone mentioned airport cell phone lots but even better is the airport Uber/Lyft lot. I live in the Atlanta area, and drive for Uber for a while. There were always some drivers sleeping there overnight, and no one ever checked. I met an Uber driver who lived in his car, had a small storage space for his stuff, and used Planet Fitness for showers. He slept at the Uber lot every night.

[@kym1988]

Im an Uber driver and this is a great idea

[@margaretpulsipher2581]

Shhhh, don't let that out !

[@JesusGarcia-WP1-4786]

Hospitals usually have a license plate/ticket reader guard.

[@FranfromFL]

I read a suggestion to park at a tire dealer or mechanic's place. Pull in after they have closed and leave early. All kinds of vehicles parked there waiting for service the next day so you will blend in.

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

That’s a great suggestions thanks so much!

[@kimberlywood7783]

I'd be concerned about a video CCTV alerting the owner of an unauthorized vehicle. I don't want police lol

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

@@kimberlywood7783 true, I guess you’d have to scout it out a little to see if they have cameras

[@daviddeborde2542]

I used to park at a student driver school only because my car looked similar to theirs.

[@johnfake2739]

One tip I've learned in my own travels. If you sleep at a rest stop on a toll road that uses tickets, you might get asked when exiting the road/paying the toll where you where and why it took so long. This, for instance, can happen on the New York State thruway. It has to do with monitoring for drug traffickers, who sometimes do meet ups at rest stops. This has happened to me twice and in neither case was it a problem. But just be aware that you might get asked and if - like many people - a suspecting inquiry can make you feel guilty, it makes sense to be prepared for the question, lest they hold you up for further questioning.

[@mmccreedy]

I've had many times to park just on side streets here in Hawaii... The only 2 times the police knocked on my window I explained that I had been out drinking with friends, and I couldn't drive safely yet... They always (actually they pretty much have to) then just tell me to be careful and they take off....

[@arweninnj]

I have read about people who have been arrested for DUI when they have been drinking and were sleeping it off in the car. The theory is even if you are not actually driving, you *could* potentially drive at anytime. Ridiculous I know! If you do try this just make it very obvious that you are not in a position to be driving,l ike you are in the back and your keys are in the glove box, etc.

[@kenpresley3346]

Storage rental facilities, especially if you rent a space large enough to park your car inside.

[@lawrencefox563]

Walmarts been great but I understand why some locations closed it down,I've seen the behavior.

[@gapeach51170]

I'm in the South and I have often thought that car repair places would be a great place to sleep. There are typically lots of different vehicles parked around and they don't open super early :)

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Right I think that would be a gray place. The main thing with those kind of places is don’t be there a super long time. Park after they close and leave early

[@sundriesmarket4341]

Just keep in mind that quite a few repair places use security cameras.

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Very true, I feel if you pulled after they close, crawled in the back, slept then left early even the cameras wouldn’t know you stayed there. Also as long as you’re not bothering them or there during business hours I would think you make it work?

[@tranceeffects4490]

Great idea. Just don't use the dumpster, there r cameras on almost every dumpster.

[@patriciaanndemello4652]

I never considered a hospital for parking. Very intriguing.

[@LEVS5100]

Yeah I stay in an industrial park myself. And it's right by a small airport so there's a lot of security on the other side of the gate and they never bother me.. I've had cops drive through there and flash me but I have black out windows so they can't see inside and I've never had anybody knock on the window ever and I've been doing it for about 3 years. I'm like the only one in that parking lot after 6:00 in the afternoon. And weekends it's totally empty.

[@jojosjoyfuljourney]

I parked in a Toyota dealership as I have a Toyota sienna and they locked the gate at night and when I went to leave in the morning I couldn’t get out was there till 11 AM and I’m pretty sure they knew that I wasn’t one of the their vehicles

[@intsagiggig-ue5gd]

😂 glad they bother you !

[@marthahackett8967]

Hi I recently was in a large city in a community with row houses. I first drove past around 7pm but thought this main street would fill up late at night. To my surprise 10:30 pm there were a lot of empty parks I pulled in and had a good nights sleep the passing cars didnt bother me at all. I also love to stay in hospital level parking and park where the workers park. I do shift parking and Ive always remained stealth. I park around 45 min before a shift starts and leave within 45min after a shift ends. In bad weather or when I dont feel like moving I park as if Im doing a double. Inside Im completely blacked out and have never been discovered. I have everything I need in my minivan. During a big snow workers were out cleaning off snow from the cars and plowing the driveways. Only thing is that you cant turn your engine on. So I have enough power to last. i often heat water for hot water bottles. The daylight if sun is strong it heats up a vehicle just be prepared with warm clothing and bedding. I love my life

[@betsyross2.065]

Hotels, they're getting hip to this,so enjoy this while it lasts...

[@ripvanrevs]

Hotels have always been a bad place to park. Lot of theft and security checking the lot often as all cars of guests are registered.

[@onewomanandherdog5219]

I don't live in my car, though I have overnighted in it, but one place near me I would definitely choose would be the local cemetery, they don't lock the gates, it's quiet(!) and they have really clean toilet facilities on site. The other thing I've often wondered about is multi storey car parks. In the UK the top level often has no roof so your solar could still be charging but in bad weather you could choose a lower floor with some shelter from the elements.

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Thank you those are great ideas.

[@JustanotherLiz]

We don’t have that in the US. They lock cemeteries here coz of vandals who destroy the place. Every cemetery I’ve seen is locked and patrolled . As always bad ppl ruin it for decent ppl

[@brokensoulministries4534]

Good information. Nice

[@justinedwards1671]

Great advice , thank you 😊

[@gthomas4real499]

Great information!

[@Crimepaysaskapolitician]

I realize the advantages of living in a vehicle no mortgage, utilities,homeowners insurance, home maintenance etc. But in my opinion living in a vehicle is a lot of work, mostly planning and constantly moving. Then you have weather conditions to contend with. It can get mighty hot and cold. This is just a small part of the inconveniences. More power to you for pulling it off.

[@KingsterLovey]

People who live in cars aren't lazy.. all the changes everyday is the beauty of it.. Couch pototoes live in Sticks and Bricks..

[@Crimepaysaskapolitician]

@Wonderful Life people that live in vehicles are one tenth of one percent of the population, maybe not even that much.

[@seanoleary1979]

It's about 10 times easier when you're in a small RV or a van that's outfitted with power, heat & ac.

[@k-mac5511]

That’s part of the great adventure!

[@terryanderson4779]

If #2 comes up you need what wr called the pontoon toilet.5 gal bucket, line with a 13 gallon trash bag then split a pool noodle around rim, ( holds bag in place and acts like a consigned seat. When finished remove bag, tie it u and throw it inside dumpster.

[@m.sandradhee998]

Walmart/Amazon sell a toilet seat made for 5 gallon buckets. Also, consider using pine nuggets for liquid waste

[@sharonlutz1046]

NICE VIDEO!

[@user-hv9ks2hf6f]

Very helpful 🙌

[@Random-Wanderer232]

Thanks 👍🐾

[@dazedanconfused34]

Thanks for all the information you share, very helpful!

[@manie9689]

Thank You. Light & Love 💕

[@TheINFP_Diary]

i loved this video, it's comforting too

[@thomassvec3771]

Good advice.....😊

[@yolandakirtley8546]

Just found your channel. Thank you for sharing. Your give the best information. Then most others do😊

[@hayleyfinley1652]

Such a great video, Thankyou so much for this. Hitting that subscribe button forsure!

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Thanks so much for the sun and glad it was helpful

[@jmathco]

Great ideas! This was very, very helpful. Thanks for taking the time to make this video!

[@johnknox4293]

Thanks for the tips

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

You’re welcome glad I could help

[@skpjoecoursegold366]

thanks for the tips. I did subscribe.

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Hey thanks a lot and glad you enjoyed it

[@kathleenbradley6383]

So helpful, clear, and concise. Thank you.

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

You’re welcome and thank you For watching

[@kathleenbradley6383]

Is there a chance you could discuss what you do to create a PNW travel route while being mindful of fires breaking out along the way. I want to book ahead, but then fear that while on the drive up..I’ll be rerouted to avoid a fire or other hazard and then the booking becomes problematic.

[@lg5510]

College campuses have lots of green space, bathrooms, and most have visitor parking, I live near Purdue and their permit parking is only from 7 to 5 I think, so outside those hours anybody can park there. They also typically have lots of indoor places to just hang out on a crappy weather day.

[@diamonddaveadventures4377]

Hey brother! Some great ideas! I have been road tripping since the beginning of August and have boondocked a number of places with out problems. You have a few places that I haven’t thought of. Thanks for the suggestions! DD

[@bazerkly907]

#1. Don't leave your garbage!!!!

[@karynreed8936]

Going on my maiden voyage during my spring break! Colorado to Arizona. This was very informative information! TY.

[@destinysisco3142]

Great comprehensive list, best I have heard and I have been checking out stealth video's for months. So, thank you for sharing! I'm a new subscriber.

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Hey thanks Destiny that’s really nice to hear and I’m glad it will help you. Good luck out there!

[@DaveCollierCamping]

Awesome video.

[@RLFriedberg]

Thanks!

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Thank you so much!

[@user-mk4zc8ji8m]

Great video... There are definitely cracker barrels in southern California. Tbe one in Victorville California is closest to me

[@williampisano7573]

You forgot one BARs yup if your to drunk to drive home sleep in your car over night. I have never done it but they tell you Uber or sleep in vehicle over night

[@jackjr1]

Good ideas. I have stopped at a hospital to take a nap for a few hours on long road trips.

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

I have too

[@shaggy9900]

Awesome ideas👍 Thanks!

[@fredcollari4400]

I love your attitude towards the way you live, I am just starting to live in my Honda CRV so I have some space, I am 56 and 6ft tall, when I find the right place I get some of the best nights sleep, I am currently living in NH and believe me when I say it gets cold lol, its way to expensive because people are greedy and are blowing up the rents, some have gone up 2 to 300 per month, I worry about safety, because if anyone comes up to my car I set up booby traps lol, I just started watching some of your videos and plan on watching more, learn something new every day, maybe I will keep a little journal, be safe and happy trails!

[@plutoplatters]

I always tripped on this one .... If someone worked "graveyards" ( yuck done em done with them) and had their rig "sound proofed" ..black out windows too... one could sleep anywhere ! NO one would think someone was sleepin in the daytime ...

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Very good point, funny how cars with people sleeping in them tend to stick out more at night than in the day. I agree, graveyard shifts suck haha

[@jaymcdowell214]

I drove Uber for few years and used many of these. City streets, apartments, parking garages, Walmart, and shopping centers. Also restaurants like IHOP-Dennys-etc, I live in Dallas and drove in fort worth texas many weekends and was too tired to drive that 45 minutes to go home and back out to Fort worth so I've done this. I crawl in back with blanket and pillow from my storage cubby and dozed off. Safety is number 1 concern with respectful of the area you're a guest in

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Thank you and you’re completely right. You have to feel safe or move on to another spot until you do

[@215father]

Where I live not much nomading. So Walmart here is a good spot. Thanks good advice.

[@karenanderson9221]

I really like this video. I do not live in my suv but plan to do so in the summer when I travel for a month at a time. Thank you so much for giving me ideals!!!

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Hey Karen thank you and I’m glad it will help you possibly save some money when you’re traveling during the summer

[@johnfake2739]

In my experience, truck stops welcome car travelers sleeping overnight. I traveled for four months all around the country sleeping almost exclusively at truck stops. I preferred Loves, particularly for the $11 (in 2015) clean shower rooms for rent. Truck stops are great because you have proximity to food, drink, supplies and bathroom facilities. There is no hassle whatsoever. I found that Loves tended to have almost no shady activity going on, although sometimes you will see an escort show up and jump into the cab of a truck. But I never had any problem or any hassle sleeping at truck stops during my 22k mile road trip around the U.S.

[@dhmoss75]

I just did a 3 week trip from DC to Seattle and I mostly slept at truck stops. Never had a single problem.

[@johnfake2739]

@@dhmoss75 Interesting. My 22k trip was the reverse: Seattle, eventually ending in DC. I'm curious where some of your favorite spots were. I spent a lot of time in Idaho, northern Utah and western Montana. The other thing I liked about sleeping at truck stops was how quickly I could get on the road after waking up.

[@dhmoss75]

@@johnfake2739 I started in DC with just plans of making it to Yellowstone with my 15 year old son. We ended up north of Seattle but stopped all over on the way, then we drove home. We slept in my car every single night. We started every single day with “what should we do today…?” I was surprised with Illinois. It was a lot quieter than I expected. I have a lot of family in CO, ID, and Utah so we did quite a lot of that. We DID make it to Yellowstone too! I took him when he was very young but he didn’t remember any of it. I’m taking my older son this summer and we are going to travel mostly in Canada. Same thing, in the back of my Outback… I LOVE to people watch, I love to watch the bustling of an evening in a truck stop. Real life. It’s humbling sometimes.

[@OriginalviralGospelMusic]

love this content I sub to your channel be safe

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Hey there thanks for the sun and welcome aboard

[@Soldier9478]

Good video, my rotation wasn't too diverse, but I'm a natural follower of these guidelines.

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Hey Jose, yeah I think I’m general most people follow similar places… would love to find somebodies driveway or curb outside their house so I would have to worry about anything. Someday perhaps. Thanks for watching

[@lahayahkreations]

This was a great video because some people just don't know ❤

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Thank you and yeah it’s just to help people that might be new to it and not sure what their options are… thanks for watching

[@marionwallsten7507]

Walmart has always been the greatest option. They want you to park there because you are likely to buy something before or after your long nap 😆😆😆

[@greer2402]

Yeah but after a few days they will call the cops on you and they will ask you to leave

[@davidleigh443]

If local ordinances prohibit overnight parking you can't park over night.

[@donnafletcher5386]

Like he said check it out because I have ran into some places have ordinances against overnight parking cause you could get a cop knocking on your window.

[@leahgordon2945]

Yea! 100.00 ticket for me once.

[@wolfeadventures]

👌🏻👌🏻Some great information here as always!

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Thanks bud…. I’m surprised you watched this one! Haha

[@wolfeadventures]

@@MarmaladeOutdoors I watch ‘‘em all. 👍🏻

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

@@wolfeadventures I appreciate that brotha! Have you watched my video I uploaded yesterday of the Joshua tree hike? Was wondering what you thought? Didn’t se a comment so was wondering

[@andradeb2695]

Hotel Parking Lots are great

[@shelleyclarke9325]

I used to work across the street from our local police department and there were always campers parked overnight at the station.

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Wow wonder why they let them camp out there? Very kind of them

[@johnfake2739]

Some travel/welcome centers have guards. I slept at one of these in Vicksburg, Mississippi. I actually asked the guard if I could stay there and he was perfectly fine with it. On the flip side, rest stops in that area of Mississippi have posted warnings about crime at night. When you sleep at a rest stop, you really have to be aware of the probability of crime and how alone you might wind up being in the middle of the night.

[@Comedy-Goat]

Modern day battle at Vicksburg

[@cherannretiredgran68]

Great information if I should ever need it. And I am sure there will be a few times when I will. I'm a newbie. I haven't got my van together yet. It has some of my sister's belongings in it right now that need to go in storage. But, I am writing supply and gadget lists. And graphing/sketching/ sizing up the floor plan for furnishings/belongings. In case I lose/ have to sell my home quickly.

[@Lott0Jay]

Rest stops and gas stations are cool

[@johnspooner4128]

I'm driving out there in may for a week to ride the bike trails on the beach and I want to just crash in my car hopefully in an area where I'm less likely to get robbed and you have given me the best advice! I like the hospital idea best Thanks!

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Oh that’s great, also in the parking lots of 24 hour gyms because there’s people going in and out all night. Good luck!

[@JonnieShipbaugh-dc9wk]

To use a gym you have to have an annual membership which is very expensive if you are going to just use it for occasional trips. A better idea is to use truck stop showers for an occasional shower. Walmart only has one L. Car dealership is a bad idea. Truck stops are excellent with 24 hours open with bathrooms.

[@tamarabrackett5768]

I have stayed in my car long ago..i parked ina casino parking lot..i live in Oklahoma..plentyof casinos 😊

[@Darknscary13]

I appreciate the video. Watched it last year before I did a long, slow 3 month wander across the country living out of my vehicle. Rewatching it now as I prepare to do something similar again. 😅 If you don't have a remote job delivery apps like doordash can do a lot to help pay your way. I've slept a lot of places but cracker barrels and truck stops have been my go-to. Make sure to check the state laws on sleeping in rest areas before you bunker down. Most states let you but some don't.

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Thanks so much and glad it helped! That’s a great tip for everyone thanks!

[@Madlou]

Good ideas. I've never lived in a car or van but I think the subject is fascinating and who knows, I might find myself in such a situation that I need to do just that. In looking at these videos about living in vehicles I never hear anyone talk about trying to make your sleeping body stealthy instead of the vehicle. Wouldn't this be less obvious? In other words, instead of putting up window panels and/or a blanket (which where I live and shop would definitely attract nosy neighbors or cops in a second) maybe somehow attaching lots of trash, old boxes or whatnot to a black blanket or bed spread and covering yourself completely with it in the back seat when you sleep? That way when someone looks inside your car at night they just see what appears to be a pile of junk in the back seat and not someone sleeping. Just a thought.

[@allthingsnu4673]

I'm fascinated by this subject too. I own my sticks & bricks house but for some reason I am drawn to these kind of videos. Who knows, maybe one day our society will get to a point where more and more people are living this way, then everything I've learned will come in handy either for myself or people I care about.

[@sylviavega-ortiz3006]

Looking like you have stuff in your car is unfortunately an invitation for a break in especially in a city environment.

[@thecoldglassofwatershow]

@@allthingsnu4673oh it’s happening

[@krisandbrandyblomquist3364]

Here's a thought: Build a false floor a couple feet off the real floor in the back of your car and use a bunch of 'obvious garbage' (maybe you can get a few unused wrappers from various fast food joints that you can kinda wad up along with their bags, maybe rinse out some potato chip bags, maybe use some slightly crumpled old sale flyers from grocery stores, etc and glue them to the top of your false floor... so it looks like the back is just full of trash. You can make a section that you can lift on a hinge even so you can enter from inside without going outside. Under your false floor is your 'bedroom.' You could make it as nice as you want in there make it raised in the center a bit for more space if you want.... even install a couple USB rechargeable lights and 2 little USB fans for airflow (one blowing in to your 'bedroom' and one blowing out at the other end, and hide the holes with a couple large plastic soda cups on their sides with a hole cut in the bottom that's glued down with the open ends about an inch away from the interior walls so no one could possibly see in). Use black caulk or weather stripping to seal around the edges to be sure no light escapes at night. Small enough to keep warm easily on cold nights. Anything valuable or living-related is hidden and it just looks like a really messy car so no sense in breaking in to steal a bunch of wrappers and old newspaper and junk. 🤷‍♀️ Then as long as you climb into your bedroom when no one is watching, no one would have a clue if the walk past and look in.

[@susierosenquist3920]

Truck Stops ~~ I don’t live in my car but I have family all over the western states ~~ I feel safest in those travel plazas (the nice ones) ~~

[@DGK284]

I would avoid overnighting at highway rest stops; you make yourself a convenient target, especially if you're the only vehicle there at 3am.

[@mickbator6979]

Could you please share with us your typical nightly routine? I am so intrigued! 🙏👍❤

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Thanks Mick, yeah I can make a short video on a normal afternoon/evening what I do. I work two jobs so it’s usually what after I do when I’m off

[@genewilkerson8528]

I tried sleeping in my car in my local casino and I got a tap on my window. It was security who told me I couldn't sleep there.

[@coristendel7601]

One thing to add about truck stops and rest areas. Please be considerate of the Semi driver who has been on the road for 11 hours and needs to sleep but can't just pull in any where. I have often seen four wheelers parked in Semi parking spots.

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Thank you great point!

[@Webshari]

Great list! Not sure about the dealerships. A lot are patrolled at night for thrives and some are gated. At least near here they are. You’d have to be super stealthy to park and stay without them noticing. Maybe I missed it but what about school and/or community college parking lots? After hours I don’t think a lot of places would require a pass. I would totally go with the churches. Especially if you go in on Sunday, you’d probably get a week or two out of it.

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Thanks a lot and yeah it’s definitely depends on where people live and whether it’s a safer or sketchier area…

[@birdsofprey3312]

City parks can be a option, but a lot of them technical have hours so you might get a knock of windows by the police. The ones that I encountered didn’t care and left me alone but you never know

[@juliadawnyel3648]

How you can end up living in your minivan is after house fire before Christmas lost everything home dog and car now in sons car while he's doing chemo welcome to my world

[@reneeglickman9524]

There is a Cracker Barrel in Camarillo which is part of Southern California

[@okmmauh]

16. Residential (units) 17. Rent a spot (ad) 18. Apartments (not gated)(visitor) 19. Truck stops 20. 24 hour business (employee) 21. Safe zones (living) 22. Driveway (care) 23. Park and rides (commutes) 24. Police station (tired) 25. 24 hour gym (shower) 26. Airport 27. Train station 27. Cemetery 27. Rent a car space in the city 28. Outside University grounds 28. Laundromat 29.

[@andradeb2695]

Hotel Parking Lots

[@Miclantechupi]

Truck stops and casinos. Yeah. I've seen 'From Dusk To Dawn' thanks. 😂

[@nataliepierce-shult1052]

Suggestion as a truck driver if you wanna park your car at a truckstop, do not take up any of the truck parking spots. We as truckers have legal hours that we can run and if we violate those hours it can cause us to lose our license so we have to be able to have parking spots, y’all people that are homeless and just you know on road trips and stuff have a little respect because you can park anywhere and we can’t for every truck that’s on the road there’s 11 trucks to one parking spot so it’s very difficult for us to find safe parking

[@verasilva]

Great info! Thanks so much. Definitely some options I would have never thought of. As a woman, I like the police station idea.

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Thanks Vera and yes I would of never thought of a police station but it probably can’t be any safer than that!

[@itorIamop]

👍👍 but at 8:29 and the car dealership my car wouldn't blend at all!! Kind of an old rusted chevy malibu from the east coast! No chance!

[@melanielee7454]

One thing I see happening because of the rise of people turning to living out of there vehicles, and sadly the ones that are not respectful and leaving garbage around, is crack downs on laws and enforcement on no overnight sleeping/parking. I can see finding a place to park for the night becoming more and more difficult with the popularity of this alternative style of living growing. .

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

I agree Melanie, most of our laws and rules are for that 1% who are disrespectful and inconsiderate. Great example I’d Wallmart starting to not let people stay in their parking lots anymore. It was for people on the road who needed to sleep for the night not people to set up residency and live in their parking lots. It’s a shame that the other 99% have to pay for the few idiots who ruined for the rest

[@markbajek2541]

@@MarmaladeOutdoors Our tourist town has gone as far as outlawing any on street habitation for fear that someone might plow into the car/rv while someone is sleeping or inside it. Our snow plows have been known to cut corners a bit too closely or sweep too widely and hit cars on the street. And the city also have voted against anyone sleeping in driveways and even sleeping in an RV parked in a side lot or backyard.

[@marie7734]

​​@@markbajek2541 Are you saying if someone owns an RV they can't park it on their side lot of their own home or even the back of their house if they have land?? Where is this??! Wow.

[@marie7734]

​@@MarmaladeOutdoors Yep, that 1% that ruins it for everybody else. Just too sad.

[@markbajek2541]

@@marie7734 you can't park it on a public street, for more than a day (loading unloading) , you can't string an extension cord to it. IF it's off the street on your own property assuming the lot is large enough to park it then yes you can park it there BUT you can not occupy it. Zero habitation of any kind. So you can't have cousin eddy park his RV in your driveway or back lot and sleep overnight in it.

[@kevinquinn1993]

Be aware some apartment complexes are now requiring visitors to register online or be towed at owner's expense. Cool video.

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Thank you & thank you!

[@elliemay3147]

New to this. Question…when using an apartment complex, 24 hour place do you put up all you window shades? Or just the rear rear windows and pull a curtain across the back? Is it better for people to think you’re in the 24 hour place? I have blacked out window shadows but sometimes feel it’s still obvious to people since all the windows are blacked out.

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

I’m the same way, I feel having every window blacked out is too obvious so I block out my back window and the four back side windows as well as my windshield but I leave my to front side windows normal so it doesn’t stand out and just try and find a super dark spot to park

[@matthewross1756]

Safe parking programs are tough….Most require you to have a permit…..In LA they meet with you first to offer services…

[@JW-dj7nf]

I have found large apt complexes to be decent. Lots of cars, usually not patrolled like some hotel lots

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Great suggestion

[@marciachandler2129]

Right I used to live in an apartment so true .

[@AmboyChamblis]

Found all the best spots in the whole Palm Springs & surrounding cities plus all the blm land close by. Great place to live in your car vehicle for 9 months out if the year then back to Orange County for the hot three months, I do a rotation in my 27 favorite spots and have never had one issue!. Just blend in...I wear my old work uniforms and it works out so well!

[@theresaangelo3879]

There is a Cracker Barrel in Rialto, CA.

[@stevewang1447]

3 types of people you have to be mindful for when looking for a suitable spot for the night. But, 1st & foremost, completely block out your windows. So, 1 is the security guards that patrol the parking lots or the people manning the CCTV. If they happen to see you pull into the parking lot & see you never get outta your vehicle, they'll kick you out. 2 is like the people from #1. It's the resident that happens to see you park on the street & see you never get outta your vehicle, they'll either confront you or call the cops on you. 3 is the worst. It's the criminals that break into cars to steal stuff. If they're violent also, you could be in danger.

[@jiffijoff9780]

What also works quite well are cementary parking lots. Great video, thanks for sharing 👍

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

Wow never thought of that one thank you! Glad you Enjoyed it!

[@michaelssali9353]

I would be too scared to sleep at a cemetery.

[@bazerkly907]

Cemetery's are "GREAT"..... the people who live there Never Complain and they don't drink your beer!

[@indycharlie]

@@bazerkly907 :D

[@caroleanne8529]

@@michaelssali9353 My grandmother once told me that it is not the dead you need to worry about. It is the living.

[@skibbydogg]

Please don't park cars in RV spaces at Cracker Barrel. They can fill up fast at times. A lot of car dealerships usually lock up at night. Watch you don't get locked in.

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

I think I said that, you should never take rv spots anywhere

[@RafaelGonzalez-gd5sr]

I, just star living on my car and got plant fitness! Austin Tx thanks for your info!

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

No worries and glad it’s helpful!

[@maggie0285]

I do a truck stop every night month after month lol. There are truckers that drop there cars off for the week and come back to get them. So I figure if that doesn't bother the manager than I'm good. I show up about 1am and I'm out by 11am to go to work and stuff

[@seanoleary1979]

AWESOME!!!!!!

[@kevmodee1866]

I wouldn't recommend staying in a residential area uf you wanna save in gas and maintainance costs for your vehicle, be ause that's constant moving around daily!

[@dechinta]

#20 is a good idea! I used to live in Tampa and I worked at a medical lab and there was a huge parking lot and I don't think I would have paid attention to any car in the lot. I was always trying to find the closest parking spot to the door and was always in a rush to hit that time clock. The only thing I could think of in that situation is if there was a security guard who walked around. But if you find, out of the 25 places, one place to park every night, then you'd only be in that one spot once a month. In my area, there are 3 hospitals, about 4 Wal-Marts, and tons of churches. I might start checking out places I might want to park if I ever end up living in my car again. Right now, my car is in the shop and I'm having to walk, which is killing me, but thankfully I have a house even though it has its own issues....plumbing, roofing, etc. I'm always hanging by the edge of my seat. The biggest issue I can think of in my situation NOW is that I have a 65 lb dog and he wouldn't take to my asking him to not bark. And he can bark LOUDLY.