Free Parking (“Squatting”)

One big advantage of driving a micro camper van is the ease of obtaining free parking. As I mentioned in my #1 Tip for Out-of-state camping vehicles video…a washed, clean van will blend in better than a dirty one with out-of-state plates. Due to employee shortages during the Covid-19 pandemic, a cost savings advantage took place; a reduction in manufacturing state license plates. American bureaus & departments of motor vehicles saved money by issuing only the rear plate for new registrations in 2020 & beyond. Use this to your traveling advantage! I had fun choosing a front plate that conveys a personal message. If you back into parking spaces, only your front “message plate” will be displayed. This gives you more stealth protection. Locals can’t easily identify you as a traveler from a far away location. Too many van lifers have been targets of vandalism & theft. Thieves know it’s easier to target travelers passing through than locals. Many travelers don’t have the luxury of sticking around to check out local pawn shops. Any damage done to a broken-in vehicle will receive the victim’s (registered owner) top priority getting the van repaired and back on the road again.

Funny thing is many people think my “Bubba” plate is one I officially purchased from Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). I found it online and designed it using the optional Ohio state template. I don’t have to pay extra money to BMV each year for a vanity plate; another advantage for van campers. Bubba is my daily driver when I stay in Ohio. Bubba is a Chrysler Town & Country minivan with 125K miles that I use for local trips & camping. I’m currently converting it to a DIY camper that can be quickly changed back to a passenger or cargo van.

SQUATTING

I discovered a new Van life term called squatting. This is when you don’t ask permission and squat at a location to achieve free parking or access to a fantastic view. When staying more than 24 hours, the more known term is Dispersed Camping with no hookups available. All trash, and waste products are the responsibility of the camper who is usually limited to 14 days only. You bring it in, you take it out. Unfortunately, some people are abusing the camper/squatter etiquette rules. Dispersed camping is becoming more limited this year. RVers are now complaining online about their favorite boon-docking spots being permanently closed.

Class A & B recreational vehicles don’t have the flexibility of parking on city streets in most residential communities. Some are squatting for 24 hours or less in store parking lots. More wealthier RV owners buy rural land for their private campsites. They are tired of waiting six months or longer for State & National Park camping spots with full hookups. https://rvlifestyle.com/own-rv-property/

Walmart & other stores are restricting free overnight parking across America

At a Super Walmart in Arkansas, they installed a metal barrier that restricts vehicle heights to 13 feet and shorter. This eliminates big rig cabs from parking inside their lot. There is a gas station across the street. So it must have been an ongoing problem before the barrier was installed.

A clever RV owner named Video Bob aired down his Class A suspension and cleared the Walmart barrier in Arkansas. Bob & I both like to park at Super Walmart’s when traveling because they sell almost everything to include camping supplies & groceries. Most Super Walmart’s are open 12 hours per day. Some even keep their doors open 24 hours. And they have free-to-use restrooms inside the stores.

After moving to a North Carolina coastal town in 2021, I was surprised to see they’re now charging to park year round ($5 hour, $25 day) by installing electronic meters everywhere! Even the local McDonalds at Kure Beach has a 30 minute limit parking sign!

If you want easy walking distance to North Carolina beaches on the Atlantic coastline, expect to pay for parking in 2022 & beyond. Local residents & businesses are very upset their beachfront cities have no free parking during the off-season (November 1st thru end of February). https://www.wect.com/2021/12/07/carolina-beach-parking-decision-comes-under-fire-residents/

Paid parking trends are generating new revenue for towns & cities. “Pay where you park” by the hour or day is going to increase across America, especially in popular, tourist areas. As for my own squatting experiences, I hope to find off-the-beaten roads, free parking opportunities as long as they last!

This summer, I installed a single carrier Kuat Sherpa bike rack on my camper van. It weighs 29 pounds & holds one bicycle. And my lightweight, foldable Dahon bicycle creates little wind drag behind the van. I use green furniture wrap to keep the foldable handlebars & seat protected against the wind & rain. I’m still averaging 28 miles per gallon driving my Ram Promaster City camper van with bike & carrier attached. Now I can cycle several blocks to local beaches, marinas, & parks if I cannot find free, available parking nearby.