My Tips on Stealth Camping

An incredible feature of travelling in a van is the freedom to park in unconventional locations and make them your home for the night. From beaches and waterfalls to parks, there’s nothing quite like waking up to stunning views right outside your van door.

When I asked my Instagram followers what they wanted to see in this travel guide, many requested information on free campsites. However, for travelling in Australia, the best resource is the app WikiCamps. It lists thousands of free sites with ratings and detailed reviews, making it more efficient than listing them all here. For a one-time fee of $12.00, you gain access to a comprehensive database of camping options.

That said, on the East Coast and in more crowded areas, free sites can be scarce. In these cases, stealth camping becomes a valuable option. While it might feel daunting as a newbie to van life, you'll grow more comfortable with the practice and learn to identify good spots versus bad ones.

Stealth camping is not only cost-effective but also offers flexibility when free sites are hard to come by. It became my go-to solution for saving money and adapting to various locations while on the road. However, it's crucial to be aware that rules and regulations vary by state and council. 

For example, in Queensland, it's technically illegal to sleep in a vehicle, which is so ridiculous and dumb. It doesn't really deter many people but it's important to take extra precautions and be mindful of local regulations.

Here are some essential tips for stealth camping in your van:

1. Car Parks Are Key: Car parks are often your best friend for stealth camping. To find a good spot, search for "Car Park" or "Park" on Google Maps. Look for areas with plenty of trees and shrubs for natural cover, and avoid spots that are too visible from residential houses. Just to clarify I mean park car parks, beach car parks, community hall car parks, public car parks, etc. Try your best to avoid private properties.

2. Avoid No Camping Signs: While many van lifers, including myself, have ignored "No Camping" signs, it’s best to steer clear of them, especially in popular tourist areas. The risk of fines or disturbances is often not worth it, so look for locations without such signage whenever possible. The further you get from big cities and towns the more likely you will be able to get away with this.

3. Arrive Late and Leave Early: For riskier spots, aim to arrive after dark and leave early in the morning. Rangers typically start their shifts around 6-8 am, so leaving before then minimizes the chances of encountering them.

4. Keep Your Vehicle Looking Empty: Once you’ve chosen a stealth camping spot, keep your lights off and make minimal noise. Your goal is to make the van appear unoccupied. It’s a good idea to cook and complete your nighttime routine elsewhere before heading to your sleeping spot. Investing in privacy shades can also help prevent others from seeing inside.

5. Minimize External Clues: Keep any camping gear, folding chairs, or outdoor equipment inside the van. The less your van looks like a camper, the better. If you have rooftop storage, make sure it’s secured and doesn’t make your van stand out as a camper.

6. Blend in with “Normal” Vehicles: As tempting as it might be to paint your van a funky colour or add large stickers, aim to camouflage your vehicle as much as possible. The more recognizable your van, the more likely it is to attract attention, which can create safety and drama issues.

7. Find Safe Spots in Cities: In larger cities, consider parking near churches, 24-hour gyms, or mechanics. These locations are less likely to attract attention from law enforcement, as a vehicle parked at a mechanic is seen as getting service, and 24-hour gyms blend in with usual activity.

8. Use Industrial Areas: If you can’t find suitable spots, try industrial areas. While residents might be suspicious of unusual vehicles, these areas are usually quieter after business hours. You might get woken up early, but you’ll avoid potential issues with residents.

9. Leave No Trace: Be respectful and tidy up after yourself. Dispose of your rubbish properly and avoid leaving any signs of your stay. Many previously unrestricted spots have become off-limits due to past misuse by travellers, so your consideration helps keep these options available for everyone.

10. Limit Your Stay: To maintain discretion and safety, try to stay only one night at each spot. Short stays reduce the likelihood of complaints from locals and minimize the chance of drawing unwanted attention.

Handling Encounters with Rangers: If you’re woken up by a ranger, it can be a frightening experience. You might find yourself in a "fight or flight" response. You can either choose to stay hidden, in my experience after a while rangers will give up and you can sneak away once they leave or you could decide to face the situation. If you opt to show that you are in your car and take the fine, it's a good idea to move to the front seat and lower the window from there to ensure your safety, as you never know if the person knocking is a ranger or someone else.

Despite what you might see on social media, stealth camping isn't always about luxury or stunning views. It's often more about practicality and safety. You're better off sleeping in a plain car park without a special view than risking a hefty fine or other issues. Prioritizing a discreet and legal spot will ultimately ensure a more stress-free experience.