Paul Barnard

That seems harmless enough, but I would be concerned that someone in the law enforcement community might view it differently. I wouldn't want to face breaking and entering charges for something like that. I'd have the same concern about using the Home Depot sheds.

ricrunner

I only tour in Australia, so just virtually camp anywhere, the thing being now though, is most listed Free Camping places are becoming Self Contained, so if you don't have at least a toilet on board, you cannot camp there. That makes it hard if you roll up on one late in the day, and you can't camp there and must move on. Riding on Australian roads at night is just not safe anymore, with inattentive drivers here. So more and more tourers, and RVer's that are not self contained are sleeping wild in the bush. Some of these people are grubs, and leave a mess where ever they go and this will eventually make it hard for Stealth, wild, and freecamping in the future.

travelinhobo

U-Haul is another interesting idea. But for both, you have the bathroom problem (I'm female) and while there would be no breaking laws broken, there would be the entering one. I'll definately keep these in mind for when it's raining (I usually don't have a tent with me).

saddlesores

depends on state statutes. there is often no requirement for physically "breaking" a lock or window when entering, and the entered space doesn't necessarily need to be a building.
you'll probably be safe from the burglary charge; i believe that requires "intent" to commit other crimes.
misdemeaners. regardless, if the owner presses charges, you could be setting yourself up for a fine or up to a year in jail.

autonomy

There's also trespassing. But it doesn't really matter. If someone (like the cop) doesn't like you being there, you can get charged with all kinds of things, like destruction of property, etc. Doesn't matter if you're innocent, you'd still have to deal with the fallout and go to court. Is that risk worth it?

cyccommute 

Both the dumb U-Haul idea and the dumb Home Depot idea require the "opening of doors". It may not be a store door but you are going into a closed area without permission or ownership.

tcs

"You might beat the rap, but you can't beat the ride!"

tcs

I'm not huge a fan of diddling around at the end of the day trying to find a place to camp, but for others that's part of the touring experience. It's all good.

Free is never refused, but I'm not going to route my tours away from points of interest or eschew riding scenic country lanes just so I can stop over at a known free campsite. I'm always only too happy to pay my way at a campground offering potable water, shade, peace & quiet after hours, toilets and even (gasp!) showers. At the other extreme, though, I'm not a fan of paying 'RV with electric and sewer hook ups' prices to roll out my bivy.

Or contact the Catholic or Protestant church in that small Midwest town. Or the VFW Hall. Or fraternal organizations (many of which have a sign as you enter the town limits).

indyfabz

Uncorrect, as usual.