Stealth in National Parks?

[waverider1987]

I wonder if anyone has tried stealth camping in the national parks, being as they are highly patrolled and only have pay sites for vehicles (i believe).  I read how one person does it at the hotel parking lots.  Was just curious if anyone has tried and if/where they had success...

 

[John61CT]

You mean like trying to hide the fact there's a vehicle there at all?

Usually stealth means the vehicle fits in with all the others so no one notices it.

Plus that premise? No, cheap permits for long periods may not be "100% Free", but nothing like per-night serviced site rates.

 

[waverider1987]

I mean stealth in the sense of blending in like you would urban stealth camping in a parking lot but you didn't want anyone to know you were in the vehicle

 

[travelaround]

You can drive through, but if you want to stay the night, make the reservation and pay the price. Just my opinion; these places are well-patrolled. If you don't want to pay the price, park outside the gate. That's what I did when I went to see Zion last year. I parked outside and slept in my car. In the morning I went inside and enjoyed the scenery.

 

[bullfrog]

This time of year with limited funding it is pretty much the honor system. Parks where consessioneers run the camp grounds as well as lodges and stores more so as they don't hire year round camp ground hosts and seldom even keep restrooms stocked or cleaned until the NPS does an inspection which they usually know when that will happen. Self pay machines go down or malfunction on a regular basis. It can be difficult to get cards , passes or permits because the machines don't despense them and good luck finding someone that can as most are layed off out of season. Trying to get a refund if you make a mistake using the machine will most likely require mailing requests and weeks. Honestly you are better off getting an yearly pass at an open front gate while someone is there and when in doubt about fees just don't pay until someone tells you have to and how. Day use with a yearly pass and staying in the campground is best as you may never be contacted. Trying to stealth will just get you a ticket as it is apparent and knowingly breaking the rules. Usually there are several BLM areas just outside the park in some cases minutes outside the gate. A yearly pass gets free use of all the facilites 24 hours a day. It is so easy to just sleep on BLM land and spend all waking hours in the park with no problems so why cause them? I have not seen a ticket given for someone failing to pay unless it was apparent they were trying to cheat the system or previously told to pay. I have seen vehicles in lodge parking lots over night and as no one knows who visiting a guest the consessioneer doesn't report them if they don't know it is occupied but it would have been easier to have just stayed in the campground with no host run by the consessioneer or park on BLM land for the night. There are better ways to meet Rangers.

 

[waverider1987]

Thanks all. I plan on getting the national park pass. I like the idea of free camping somewhere outside the park then going in to enjoy it during the day

 

[bullfrog]

Glen Canyon Rec Area at the north end of Lake Powell has lots to offer a lodge with free wifi and 110 outlets, flush toilets, usually hot showers that are free, dump station, potable water, a day use beach and a gas station and small store. PM me if you get this way, if the gate has a pretty southern lady working that would be this lucky man's wife and she can usually find me.

 

[MrNoodly]

I was visiting Grand Teton. I thought I was camped just outside the park, in the National Forest. A Forest Service ranger came by and said, "Um, you're camped about six feet inside the park. I don't mind, but the Park Service rangers will. You probably want to move to the other side of that stake over there."

 

[travelaround]

That was nice of him! When I slept outside of Zion, I was only about 300 feet from the entrance, in a turnout. I woke up kind of late that morning, and they were already working. They must have checked my car and seen me sleeping in there but nobody said a word against it.

 

[RoamerRV428]

be sure to check all parks about their free dispersed camping areas. Many are 'pack in tent' type sites etc that can't fit a van etc. but some might just suit you and work. Always check with rangers on where you might be able to access free dispersed camping, you never know what good areas you might just fall upon

 

[WanderingRose]

There are a lot of federal campgrounds that have no amenities and are free, or very low cost.

The AllStays app is a really good one, and allows you to apply filters to show up just what you are looking for.

In the Rocky Mountains, for example, outside the “Park”, there are lots of little rustic campgrounds that allow you to experience the beauty without the crowds.

Have fun.