Originally Posted by JoeyBike

...Others wake up late, leave camp late, and bike until it gets dark. With the last few moments of light they find a spot to hide - most often on private property. Another issue is that many parts of the USA close up their state parks and campgrounds after Labor Day. For those who can't afford hotels there is often little choice but to hide out at night.

So if by "poor planning" you mean that every bike tourist should be rich and only tour at times of the year when there are ample services open and available, then you are correct. For those on a budget or trying to stay on the road for months or years, the allure of a FREE spot to hide out is very tempting. Yes, they are breaking the law. So long as they don't burn the woods down .....