Here in Texas, if you think "park" also add "lake" into your thinking. A lot of the lakes around have parks associated with them that are pretty well unknown except for being near that lake. So you can camp at Lake Lavon, although I have no idea what that little park is called where the campground is. Also keep in mind that these parks are really busy on weekends in nice boating weather, but can be fairly empty otherwise.

I have not heard of this. Do you have a link to such an ordinance?

I was just checking in the Texas laws, and looks like it's "criminal trespass" if it's posted by signs or purple stripes on posts or if there's a fence or if you're asked to leave and don't, etc.

Obviously it depends on your jurisdiction. Just as different jurisdictions have varying definitions of trespassing on private property, differing ways of posting private property and different penalties, there are usually ordinances about urinating and defecating on private property.

For example;

If you're uncomfortable with the idea of being on private residential land, there is another strategy I use really often. Apartment complexes, strip malls, and office parks all often have a patch of woods behind them. No one really uses these spaces, and even if someone notices you, it's likely to be the Blockbuster employee or the apartment dweller who doesn't really care.

A stealty-colored hammock really does make things easy. Among other things, you can camp on very steep land, which I often find right next to the road. Nobody walks through those areas. Sometimes I camp within sight of the road, but no one has ever seen me because they aren't looking. One thought though; your bike itself is pretty reflective and can give you away if you're in an area where headlights will sweep. It's easy to be paranoid. Just remember that no one, even the most bored police, are driving around hunting for bike tourists sleeping on the cheap.

Vaguely relevant: I was recently in New England (I live in Australia), and ended up spending a night sleeping in the back of my rental car, on a private golf course (it was dark). Police arrived in the morning, questioned me, scanned my ID, sent me on my way (well, told me to go sleep 50 metres down the road in a "public" area).

Moral of the story: Even if you get found sleeping on someone's private property, and the police get involved, 2 years in jail is probably unlikely. This was Maine though, not SC.

Yeah, people barely notice cyclists when they are on the road, let alone hidden in the woods.

+1

Having a camouflage tarp to toss over the bike can be very useful at times.

I read this story and it made me think of stealth camping.

Be careful. In some states you can be legally shot for being on private property at night. In Texas for sure. I don't know what other states to which this applies.