Yes, that is a possibility - even in the U.S.

I remember once on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, I was chillin' in the dunes when a couple of cigarette boats came in and started offloading in the middle of the night. I suspect that they were delivering some coke or other drugs - and had I been found, it would have been all over for me. I flattened myself in the sea oats and sand and didn't breathe. This is also why stealth camping on the Mexican border carries higher risks.

Also, another potential problem with out-of-the-way places is that they may look secluded to you, but they might be a perfect hangout for people drinking or doing drugs. I'm no wallflower. I've done my share over the years. But there's some powerful stuff out there nowadays and some rather nasty people who have little regard for others - especially if they are seen as having a few spare dollars.

Remember, sociopaths seek out those who are vulnerable. A solo cyclist in the woods, far from home, with no possible help is an ideal target. Given the increase in "bashing" of homeless people, I think such concerns are not excessive. That is why I suggest choosing better spots that merely "stealth" - because your stealth may be someone else's hangout.

In the American and Canadian Wests, there are millions of acres of public land where you can camp for free. In the East there are national and state forests and wildlife management areas. I have camped at fishing access areas - usually a pullout by the river with a portable toilet. Even if camping is not legal is some states' fishing access sites, you can usually count on tolerance. There is the added element of safety in that the location may be patrolled occasionally and that fishermen tend to be kindly towards cyclists and have little use for partiers.

There are plenty of legal, random camping locations - provided you do a little footwork beforehand. In twenty years of touring, I have found that many of the awkward and unpleasant incidents involve less-than-successful stealth attempts. To make a long story short - - informed random camping is far preferable to stealth.