In this video I'm sharing more than ten safe alternatives to paid campgrounds on the east coast (or in general) when looking for a good spot to car camp or park overnight! From dispersed camping options in Florida to quiet parking options where you won't get hassled, these are great places you can count on for a restful night while on the road, traveling, or sleeping in your vehicle. What are your favorite options that I might have missed?? I hope you found this video helpful. Thanks for watching, and see you on the next adVANture!! === info on Florida's National Forest camping www.fs.usda.gov/activity/florida/recreation/camping-cabins ===== Safe Overnight parking spots I've solo car camped at: kzitem.info/door/PLoZ0vzM0yMpnwFY1LRYvvMfW-fxjg83wn&si=jh8s4YyPWvpua7qr Free camping in Florida: kzitem.info/door/PLoZ0vzM0yMplFVkuNSdYCidE1aURyiHmL&si=zCPtwzoiMJxASzMt ==== My setup details **As an Amazon Associate, I do earn a small commission for any qualifying purchases made using the links below, but this is at no additional cost to you, and I only recommend the items I personally use and love. Using these links is a great way to support my channel and ensure that I can continue to deliver quality future content, so thank you in advance for your support - I truly appreciate it! Product Links for Indoor & Outdoor Setup/Items Used: Jackery 240 Power Station: amzn.to/3wIiHgX Jackery 1000 Power Station: amzn.to/3lzmMyP Bluetti EB70S Power Station (800W inverter with 716Wh): amzn.to/3nhu0ft Shower bag: amzn.to/39LSDtM cup holder phone stand for watching TV: amzn.to/3Kk6veY disposable female urinals (Travel Jane): amzn.to/3EGHebl urinal/reusable no spill bottle: amzn.to/3Z3lWMM portable DVD player: amzn.to/3lLyZ70 string lights: amzn.to/3IxI3oW Luci Light inflatable solar lantern: amzn.to/3YXvJ6U set of mini cooking utensils: amzn.to/3IdBlTD Lunatec pressurized water bottle: amzn.to/3KBgXyX macrame fruit hammock/bag: amzn.to/3lOlwLT Koonie 8" blades rechargeable USB fan with clamp: amzn.to/3lHxBCl cup holder inverter: amzn.to/41bpluz USB mini fan with reading light: amzn.to/3EhsDCE bamboo breakfast tray: amzn.to/3GiXM8Q Hot Logic Mini: amzn.to/3YD1YbV glass Pyrex container: amzn.to/40MXfog Dash Mini Maker Electric Griddle: amzn.to/413y6qF low wattage (300W) BalBali electric kettle: amzn.to/3YD96EV Aeropress coffee maker: amzn.to/3lLFKG5 handheld battery powered milk frother: amzn.to/3kat7DV mesh window screens: amzn.to/3GiXSxe magnetic window curtains: amzn.to/3G8TqAW Alpicool C20 12V car fridge: amzn.to/3MHL9X1 metal utility shelf: amzn.to/3wF2tXp trunk storage unit: amzn.to/3wBFNXY Insulated cooler bag: amzn.to/38FK6IG ergonomic gel memory foam seat cushion: amzn.to/3wBLNjg boot scraper: amzn.to/3z1eaJc side slot cup holders: amzn.to/3wC6IS0 hands free phone cup holder stand: amzn.to/3sTLHS1 hands free phone dash mount: amzn.to/3G8Uvsu LED flameless chargeable lantern: amzn.to/3lE8EVf USB LED light bulb: amzn.to/3yVudZc stained glass "rainbow" decals: - phases of the moon: amzn.to/3WBaxm9 - mandalas: amzn.to/3hJXlfF magic mesh screen doors: amzn.to/41OXq3x mosquito netting: amzn.to/44aPhrU Outdoor rug: amzn.to/3yuV5Pv Folding camp table (aluminum): amzn.to/37GGGF2 Coleman Camp Chair: amzn.to/3L52sQg 1.5" memory foam topper: amzn.to/3EfMQZS Luci solar string lights: amzn.to/46mPF6X Mosaic solar lantern: amzn.to/3LDJpjb large storage hamper: amzn.to/3OVtO0S storage bins with bamboo lids: amzn.to/3oCcfbC chargeable hang led color change light amzn.to/41a5IUm
@janicehart5397
6 ай бұрын
I find it very easy to travel state to state camping over night at the casino parking lots. They are open 24/7, have bathrooms, restaurants and usually a small store for purchases.
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
I have heard some good things about casinos, thank you for sharing this, great resource!
@2jedismom
5 ай бұрын
I don’t know about casinos in Florida, but the Beach View casino in Gulfport said my friend (in a conversion van) could stay in the parking lot overnight but my Escape car camping setup was not allowed. Ended up in the Slidell Louisiana Cracker Barrel and it was awesome.
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
5 ай бұрын
Thanks for the tips! I'm definitely gonna take note of both those places to try when I finally get that way!!
@angelfujiyoshi6937
6 ай бұрын
Just an FYI, most hospitals have seperate parking lots for the main entrance (which is where you'd park to visit someone in the hospital) and for the emergency department. I'd avoid the emergency department parking lot and park in the main one. Visiting hours are usually strictly enforced and end at 9pm, at least here in Oregon. Also, just wanted to throw this out there, this law varies from state to state but rest stops here are limited to 12 hours. And here, it is ill3gal to sleep in a vehicle on neighborhood streets and the people in most of the neighborhoods in my town, will call police if they see a strange vehicle parked near their home. It's because the homeless problem has gotten super bad here and homeless encampments are popping up on city sidewalks all over the place. Our city just did a sweep and towed over 200 vehicles in the past 2 months (some of them were just travelers passing through and happened to stop in the wrong place).
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for your feedback! I did mention many of the points you brought up, but it never hurts to reinforce them for everyone - especially those not as familiar - and the fact that it def varies in certain regions (tourist, coastal, and urban areas are the toughest in Florida). My experience has been with Florida and other southeastern states so far, so I wanted to share from that perspective. Thanks again for watching!
@TravelingGamer_
6 ай бұрын
I was luckily about to not be noticed when I was stealth camping in The Keys. Great tips Heather!
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
You were!! I feel like I've seen enough tips and success stories that I could do it, but I'm a chicken!!
@ukulelebutterfly
6 ай бұрын
I L❤️VE YOU for This! Thank you! Even with my discount, campgrounds are out of my budget. I'm in SWFL. Some of these options are not options, like street parking. Wildlife and Water Preserves sound interesting. I'll explore your channel more. Happy Sunday! 😊✌️❤️ ~ 🦋
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
Ooh, you should def check out my playlist on free Florida campsites! So far all the ones I've stayed at have been in the Southwest Florida Water Management District!! They're great!!
@ukulelebutterfly
6 ай бұрын
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures I plan on it. I even emailed this video to myself so I don't forget. I'll check tomorrow if time provides. I'm city parking tonight. No internet tonight. When I go stealth, it's lights out and paint it black! Thanks for the follow-up! ~ Mary 🦋
@AussieVanMan
5 ай бұрын
Love the shirt lol!
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
5 ай бұрын
Thank you! I couldn't resist it, lol
@deborahhuckaby4623
6 ай бұрын
You gave some great ideas for areas to park overnight I never thought of. I haven't gotten to the point in camping to do that yet, but it's good to know about. I've heard that most Rest Areas don't allow overnight parking, but it seems like 18-wheelers get away with overnight stays. Then again, I've never timed any of them, so I'm probably wrong. Lol
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
Thank you, I'm glad you found it helpful!! Hope you get to utilize some of them!
@kirstenstrobel4387
6 ай бұрын
Once again, a thorough look at options. You have the heart of a teacher and a researcher! Great flow to the info you present. I know Florida is a challenge in the winter, but your review should give anyone a good start in finding free camping places. (I still have crossed fingers on your health issues and hope you are making progress.)
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
Thank you so much, I really appreciate that. A wonderful compliment! And thank you for the well wishes!
@birdingtrip7101
6 ай бұрын
Tomorrow I am heading to another St. Johns Water District camp. I loved the Hal Scott by Orlando Wetlands, hopefully this will be as good. (I didn't see the Cockaided Woodpecker but heard one. ) I tried to get even a tent only site at Paynes Prairie, not one campsite available, so this is the next option. It is frustrating not being able to find a free space in our parks, so if this turns out good, and very near, it will be great since that is my favorite area. I hope you are feeling better, thank you for the suggestions.
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
Ohhh good luck, I hope you like it! I'll have to check out Hal Scot! I haven't been back to Orlando Wetlands in a while and I know the spoonbills have been gathering! I need to get my legs and the rest of me working again darn it!
@birdingtrip7101
6 ай бұрын
@@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures I couldn't resist sending this. It sets a high high camping bar!
@DeezRoads
5 ай бұрын
Love the motivational shirt!! LOL. Thank you for the tips, I'm considering heading to FL in a couple weeks. Haven't been there since 2013. 😞As always, cost is a huge part of where I go...and don't go. You've given me some "food for thought". Girl YASSS to Cracker Barrel...lol. Adventure during daylight... Cracker Barrel at night! lol.
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
5 ай бұрын
Love me some Cracker Barrel!! (But I have to resist temptation going the gift shop lol! I hear you on cost! It's tough having such tight time and budget constraints trying to plan stuff, thank goodness we save on lodging at least!! 💚
@elsathal7359
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for sharing 🌹
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
💚
@JayneW911
6 ай бұрын
All the 24 hour fishing piers have police patrol and if they catch you sleeping in your car it’s a $500 trespass ticket. So do not sleep in your car at a fishing pier you could hang out there all night as long as you’re Wideawake, and you better have a fishing pole and a fishing license because they check at Fb I’ve been to six of them and everyone does the same thing no matter what city you’re in and I’m a resident and they hassle me!
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
5 ай бұрын
I'm sorry that's been your experience. It does vary by area, but there are quite a few in Florida where you can. Hopefully you have better luck in another area. Thanks for sharing!
@JayneW911
6 ай бұрын
Loves in Brevard county on the East Coast of Florida switch to only 4 HOUR parking! And so did some of the pilots and the flying Jay’s unless you have an RV or a tractor trailer you cannot spend the night on the East Coast so check for signs before you get kicked out in the middle of the night. Yes I know from experience.😢
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for sharing your experience! I had heard a few of the Love's were starting to do that. Some even with 1 hr parking limits. Luckily (knock on wood) I haven't run into that yet 🤞🤞
@annaroberts3976
6 ай бұрын
Great video, Heather! Very informative and well done. Sending positive thoughts your way.🙂
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
Thank you Anna!
@maddygvanlifer435
6 ай бұрын
Thank you Heather. Also your minivan looks wonderful and cozy....I live in Texas, LOVES & BUC-EES are perfect for overnight camping.
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
I've heard TX has some really great rest stops for travelers too!!
@cinnamon--girl
6 ай бұрын
Thanks, Heather! Always great content. 😊I sometimes stay at the Suwannee River Water Management campground, 'Goose Pasture' in Perry. If you have not been there, check it out.
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
Ooh, I'll definitely add that to my to-do list. I plan to do more exploring of that area this year!! Thank you!
@terrilane2973
6 ай бұрын
Great information Heather. You are looking lovely and in good health. I hope your helth holds for you.
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
Thank you so much!!
@NomadicNannie
6 ай бұрын
Great ideas! I stayed at a rest stop last night & tonight I’m at a Cracker Barrel. Heading to Florida for the dispersed camping. But another great video!!
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
Thank you!! I'm still hoping I can meet up with you while you're not too far from me. Hopefully I know more what's going on with all my crap next week! It's beautiful weather here the next few days - I hope it cooperates while you're here! 🤞🤞
@NomadicNannie
6 ай бұрын
@@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures oh I hope so.
@Myyt6908
5 ай бұрын
Good safe places to stay. Thanks for putting this together!
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
5 ай бұрын
Thank you!!
@dianealexander315
6 ай бұрын
Great video and thank you. Can you do a video on how to get your vehicle ready when it’s time to sleep, specifically how to get the window coverings on without anyone noticing you. I saw a video where the camper guy got bounced from a hotel parked lot when the security guard saw him putting up his window reflectics for the night. Thank you.
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
Can do!! I did show a bit of the window covers in my recent cracker barrel video, but I can def do one on how I get ready for night in a campground vs a stealth spot!
@dfros1957
6 ай бұрын
Wow so much info! Thank you Heather. Just to give you a heads up, I have had to resubscribe a few times. 🤔Great video and thaks again 😊
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
Thank you! And oh gosh, that stinks, but I so appreciate you resubscribing!! Idk why KZitem does that sometimes!
@virginiawedell9715
6 ай бұрын
Girl, when you said rest stops I had an urge to say NO if traveling alone. I drove from Florida to Rhode Island several times and I only stayed at one rest stop that really felt creepy. I didn’t get much rest because their were too many sketchy looking people wandering around. It was somewhere in New York, and I wouldn’t do it again.
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
I think it depends a lot on region... some of the ones I've stopped at have been really nice and well lit and safe, but others I wouldn't want to linger at!!
@1951Roy
6 ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing. Happy trails. Question: those people that do a day trip to the beach off of the Skyline bridge do they overnight at the free rest stop off the new bridge?
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
Thank you!! That's actually one of the rest stops where the 3 hr max is pretty strictly enforced unfortunately. It's such a beautiful rest stop though! There's a spot btwn the rest stop and the actual fishing pier where people sometimes have luck boondocking (I did a couple years ago!) but last time I was over there, they had a bunch of construction materials blocking most of it, so I'm not sure how it is at the moment!
@johnpeddicord4932
6 ай бұрын
Enjoyed
@heberbelles916
5 ай бұрын
Another option to do is sleep at these places during the day and travel at night
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
5 ай бұрын
That's a good tip for travel days if you don't mind driving at night! You'd avoid most of the traffic that way as well!
@virginiawedell9715
6 ай бұрын
Oh, by the way, you’re looking pretty cute! Hope that means you’re feeling better. ❤
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
Thank you!
@tammy9162
6 ай бұрын
Great info & insight. My thoughts are Always positive in your Health Journey. 🩷🩷🩷
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