Overnight stay in residential area

[ESCAPE POD]

We are traveling from So-Cal to the Grand Canyon in the fall, and there are few places listed for free overnighting that aren't off the beaten track (Barstow Walmart won't allow it). Yet many interstates bypass nearby residential areas. Assuming there are no warning signs of a high-crime area, or parking signs that prohibit overnight parking of RV's and TT's, has anyone parked in a residential neighborhood - again, just until dawn - with any trouble?

[azflycaster]

I would expect a visit from the local police if you park in a residential area.

[2airishuman]

the days of bank lots on sundays, church lots on mondays and school yards in the summer...

are mostly over.

really depends on the community size and who ya know.

some forum members offer parking as do folks in the wb'...

randomly pulling onto a residential street without knowing the home owner would be foolish...

along with trees, driveways, sidewalks, REALLY uneven slopes, vandals and folks who will call the police.

a 3-4 am rap on the door is never fun, and the BEST outcome is that it's the fuzz...

much easier to park at the flying j or other fuel stations.

why not post your route and solicit suggested spots to dry dock?

many small towns have a city park or fairgrounds near an exit that allow rv'ers.

i've got a great list with a variety of options, and use it often...

but it's a bit like that favorite fishing location and highly classified.

cheers
2air'

[n2916s]

Lots and lots of BLM and USFS spots between those points. Much more better than a residential area.

Also try:

Free Campgrounds for RVs

mike

[Goin camping]

What towns do you want to stop in?

I have a list of spots I use and may be able to help you out.

[eubank]

If you're WBCCI, you might want to give a try to the member courtesy parking opportunities!

Lynn

[ESCAPE POD]

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

randomly pulling onto a residential street without knowing the home owner would be foolish...

along with trees, driveways, sidewalks, REALLY uneven slopes, vandals and folks who will call the police.

a 3-4 am rap on the door is never fun, and the BEST outcome is that it's the fuzz...

much easier to park at the flying j or other fuel stations.

why not post your route and solicit suggested spots to dry dock?

cheers
2air'

You all make good sense. OK, following 2air's advice, I will be driving east through Barstow on I-40, bypassing Daggett (which has a municipal airport), Minneola, Newberry Springs, Essex, and then Needles (which is a bit far for us to travel on the first day). I know there is some BLM land 16 miles north of Essex, off of I-40, but I'd like to avoid a 32 mile trip just to dry dock for the night. If anyone knows of friendly truck stops up to Essex, or the feasibility of using the Daggett airport for such a use, I'd welcome that info.

Thanks,
Jerry

[smccollister]

We spent the night at Blake Ranch RV Park in Kingman AZ - right off I-40 on our way from So-Cal to Grand Canyon. Will set you back ~$25 for the night. There is also a truck stop at the same exit where you can get a nice breakfast before you hit the road.

We went in Sept - and were "treated" to the most spectacular monsoon-al lightning show in Kingman - one of the hightlights of the trip!

[Goin camping]

Check your map East of Newberry and West of Needles and you'll find Kelbaker Rd.

Exit Kelbaker and turn right at the end of the ramp. (South)

Go approx 1mi. and you'll find a dirt road crossing Kelbaker. It's the first road that will actually cross Kelbaker. There are steel pipes sticking out of the ground. It is the gasline road.

Turn left and go approx 60 yards and you'll find the first turn on your left.

Turn in there and you'll find a mostly level clear area to park in and sleep.

No more than three miles roundtrip off hiway 40.

We've stayed at Blake's RV Park and it is nice but it's farther than you want to go.

[ESCAPE POD]

Originally Posted by Goin camping

Check your map East of Newberry and West of Needles and you'll find Kelbaker Rd.

Exit Kelbaker and turn right at the end of the ramp. (South)

Go approx 1mi. and you'll find a dirt road crossing Kelbaker. It's the first road that will actually cross Kelbaker. There are steel pipes sticking out of the ground. It is the gasline road.

Turn left and go approx 60 yards and you'll find the first turn on your left.

Turn in there and you'll find a mostly level clear area to park in and sleep.

No more than three miles roundtrip off hiway 40.

We've stayed at Blake's RV Park and it is nice but it's farther than you want to go.

GREAT TIP! After some unsuccessful Google searches, I also found a truck stop (?) in Newberry Springs: Wesco Fuel & Food Texaco, 48158 Memorial Dr., Newberry Springs, CA. Take the Fort Cady exit north from the I-40 to Memorial Dr., and it's right there. The lady who answered the phone said they have plenty of room for overnight parking. If we don't make it to Kelbaker Rd, then at least we have a closer choice.

As usual, this forum rocks!
-Jerry