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9 new of 46 responses total.
gull
response 38 of 46: Mark Unseen   Jan 30 15:21 UTC 2004

Re resp:36: This varies a lot from state to state.  I'm not sure where
you can find out whether it's legal if it's not posted.  It's not always
safe, either -- the scum of the earth travels the Interstates.  A
station wagon, at least, has the benefit of not looking blatently like a
camping vehicle.
mdw
response 39 of 46: Mark Unseen   Feb 1 07:06 UTC 2004

The local law enforcement people are almost certain to be up on the
state rules, and are more likely to be friendly if you ask up front.
Ohio and Pennsylvania have lots of rules which they post very visibly -
but of course that varies by state as well.  The local tourism people
are another possible resource - although they're likely to be friendly,
they may not be as up on local rules, and they may be unduly influenced
by local motel interests.  They'll probably know about state parks and
such however.
keesan
response 40 of 46: Mark Unseen   Feb 1 14:39 UTC 2004

We got permission from the local police once to sleep in a city park in a
small town in IL, and they even stopped by to check we were okay and that the
local kids were not bothering us.  In small towns in the west city parks
invite people to camp in them and even supply free electricity.  Anything to
bring in a few tourists.  One time we were offered free showers at the fire
station, and the local eating establishment offered to leave their bathroom
door unlocked all night.  That is the town where we discovered in teh morning
that what looked like a downtown park was a John Deere sales lot.  
slynne
response 41 of 46: Mark Unseen   Feb 1 18:04 UTC 2004

I have slept in rest areas a lot. Even when they say "no overnight 
parking" I will pull in and park overnight while I sleep in the car. I 
always figure that if I get caught, the only thing the cops are likely 
to do is ask me move on. I have never been asked to move on. 

I just put the seat all the way back and get some shut eye. It sucks 
though because it isnt very comfortable. A station wagon would be very 
comfortable with a futon in it or something and maybe some curtains for 
the windows for privacy. 
rcurl
response 42 of 46: Mark Unseen   Feb 1 20:21 UTC 2004

Some time ago on a caving trip into upstate New York we looked for a place
to camp late on Saturday and chose what seemed like a small-town park.
We woke up Sunday morning on a church front yard. 
gull
response 43 of 46: Mark Unseen   Feb 2 16:27 UTC 2004

People who do "stealth camping" in vans have remarked that church lots
are often good places to sleep.  If you can figure out where the
parsonage is, ask permission first.  Wal-Marts also allow overnight
parking except in areas where it's prohibited by law, but you'll need a
mask or good curtains to get any sleep under those parking lot lights.

Places to stay away from include schools, police stations, and upscale
residential areas.
keesan
response 44 of 46: Mark Unseen   Feb 3 14:36 UTC 2004

Unused fair grounds are good for camping.  One time we tented in a horse stall
with a roof, in the rain.  Made it a lot easier to put up the tent.
omni
response 45 of 46: Mark Unseen   Aug 24 11:17 UTC 2008

  A rest area nestled between 2 trucks is very nice.

  I drive a rusty 1987 Toyota Tercel. God only knows what that says about me.

  My sister has joked that I could leave it running in downtown Cleveland with
a 20 on the dash and all I'd get would be a note saying "no thanks."

  I'm thinking of starting a car club. The Rusty Japanese Car Society.

  It has to qualify by having at least 100,000 miles on it. 30% of the car
must be rusty. It must be Japanese. I'm thinking of including VW bugs since
I saw a '56 bug with tons of rust on it, but it started right up. 

  Mine starts in 40 below weather. It also can go from Zanesville to Toledo
on one tank. Of course I was on fumes when I got here. 

  I'm inspired by Queen Elizabeth. She drives a 71 something. She intends to
drive it until it dies. The Queen is a truck mechanic. She did it during WWII.
That car is really gonna run forever.
keesan
response 46 of 46: Mark Unseen   Aug 24 12:31 UTC 2008

Our Toyota is 1986.  Jim worked on the rust.
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