I usually just lay it down next to my tent. Never camped anywhere I didn't feel safe doing that although I'm touring through Yellowstone next month and am rethinking that approach. If I have my Carradice rain poncho with me I'll lay that over it like a tarp. Makes it less conspicuous and shelters it a bit from weather (especially important if you leave your bags on the bike).

What route are you taking to Samuel P Taylor? I was thinking of camping near there too this weekend via Old Railroad Grade, Ridgecrest, and the Bolinas Ridge trail (with my dirt touring bike). I think I'm gonna have to postpone for a week though.