I did stealth camping when I was young and very poor, and I didn't like it. I don't like having to worry if someone's going to object to my being there. I've camped at random spots in national forests where it's okay lots of times. I do like that.

On tour I try and camp, with motels as a backup. I prefer camping. I plan out my intinerary prior to the tour, but know that it's only a framework. I know I won't stick to it. When I'm actually out on the tour, I stay in the selected spots from my itinerary about half the time. I usually plan a couple days ahead. Often the choices you'll have on Tuesday depend on how far you ride on Monday, so you can't just think one day at a time. I often make up my mind at lunchtime where I'll camp that night. Sometimes I'll make my decision when I actually get to a spot: "This looks like a great place to stay; I'll stop here," or "This doesn't look all that great. I think I'll make some more progress today before I stop."

I don't like getting to a campground that's full and having to figure something out, so I try and get to the campground in the early afternoon if I think this might happen. On Fridays and Saturdays I'll try and get there by 3:00 at the latest, and sometimes even by 1:00. I'm on vacation, and riding a certain number of miles every day isn't my only consideration. I like camping in a good campsite. I like sitting around and reading. I like taking naps. I like eating. I like drinking coffee. If I stop at 1:00 in a nice campsite I've got more time for those things.