It
seems a little presumptuous to me that because one is or considers him
or her self a vandweller (despite the size and configuration of rig one
has) that we expect any special privilege or exemption from the standing
laws and rules of any jurisdiction. Vandwelling is a "chosen"
lifestyle, however, as I see it, the lifestyle doesn't come with "free
lunches." We may choose to live in way less square footage than the
average "bear" and, probably, we mostly own our "vandwellings" outright -
no mortgages or monthly rent bills. But, that doesn't mean that
property rights don't still apply.
There
are certainly lots of places where we can park overnight or even for
extended periods with full permission and invitation. Some of those
places are private property and we stay there at the pleasure of the
owners - Walmart, Cracker Barrel, Flying J, and Van Mom Karen's to
mention a few. The public lands let you know whether it's alright to
park and stay for a defined period of time or not. These are all good.
There are several networks of folks who are offering the opportunity to
"visit" with them and park on their property with a little advance
notice - they may be vandwellers or RVers who own property and sticks
and bricks houses and enjoy meeting fellow "travelers." There is a group
called Couchsurfing.org with about 3 million members around the world
who offer their couch (and possibly more often than not a private
bedroom) for travelers at no charge as they enjoy the same privilege
when they are traveling. Many of them have locations where they can
accommodate a vandweller for a night or two. Certainly, as mentioned,
stopping by the local police station or town hall and asking where you
might stay for a night without being obtrusive, breaking or bending the
law and not infringing on anyone else can often yield positive results.
The worst that can happen is that you are told there is no place and
you'll have to move on.
Again,
my thinking is, most of us have some idea of where we're heading, what
towns and jurisdictions we'll be passing through, what prospective
amenities exist there (Walmart, Camping World, etc.) and we can either
call or email ahead to see if OP is available there. If it isn't, then
alter your plans. I do my level best anymore to not set such strict
travel plans as to not allow me to modify them at will.
For
those who choose to urban vandwell and do so on either public streets
or private property, I guess that's certainly your prerogative and you
may get by with it just fine, but if you get caught or cited for it, I
don't think you have a leg to stand on or anything to whine
about. Some may be full or part time employed in a city or town and wish
to remain close to the job. Understandable. However, that doesn't
change the letter or intent of the law. It doesn't bend because one
chooses to live in a van. Remember, there are "no free lunches" in this
world. You're just getting caught up on some past due accounts if/when
you get caught. I guess there is always some thrill with feeling like
you're "getting away with something." But, sooner or later, the rubber
will meet the road and you may be tagged. While not as extreme, I would
liken it to someone who rock climbs, base jumps, does extreme sky diving
or wrestle alligators (to mention only a few extreme activities). One
may do very well for years, but it only takes one loose rock, one snag
in the parachute, one miscalculation on when to pull the rip cord when
you jump off the building or cliff or loss of grip on the alligator's
jaws and it all catches up with you real quick.
I
am not passing judgment, that's above my pay grade. And, I'm not saying
that I haven't taken a chance now and then during my lifetime, I'm far
from perfect. But, I choose not to make it a habit trying to get away
with something that has consequences I may not be happy to have to deal
with. We each have our own degree of risk tolerance. My intention is to
enjoy all the richness that life offers with no or the least amount of
personal risk. You may be different. Like the old saying about buying
things, "Buyer Beware." I simply suggest a modified version thereof,
"Vandweller Beware."
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