STEALTH OVERNIGHT IN SAN FRANCISCO???

[PADDLENUT]

I’ll be attending the Indycar race at Sonoma Raceway (just above San Francisco) on Sept. 17. I have campground reservations for Sunday night (after the race) – but everything is reserved out for Saturday night (before the race). I’ll arrive on Saturday eve in my camper van, and just need a place to park for the night.

I’d like to be under an hour’s drive to the race track so that I can get up early, grab breakfast nearby, and then join the queue waiting for the gates to open. I think this means that I should be in Novato, Sonoma, Napa or Vallejo. ‘Trouble is – I’ve little experience as a “stealth camper”, and I’ve never been to that area. The web says that the nearby casino and Walmart’s all forbid RV overnighting. Looks like I’ll be really doing the stealth thing to make this go smoothly.

I know some of you must know this area. Any suggestions?

[garyhaupt]

Petaluma..just up the road..a Wal Mart and a Home Depot over by In N Out Burgers.


Gary Haupt

[c_traveler2]

Google Earth 38.155657 -122.403240 a possibility? about 3 miles from the racetrack.

38.403240 -122.37584 a pullout about 4.5 miles from the racetrack.

[TxGearhead]

Yeah, I'm very familiar with Opelousas, LA., and Winnie TX., both are as far removed from San Francisco culturally as is possible. And I haven't been to San Francisco in 30 years.
All that said I would give it a go.
When you say "camper van" are you meaning a Class B RV, or a home made Ford Econoline camper?

[obgraham]

I'm not so sure I'd place San Francisco in the same category as small town America for the purpose OP is enquiring.

[darsben1]

and it depends on the city park.
The city park in Opaloosas, LA and Winnie, Tx are very nice at all time. Same of most small towns but YMMV

[garyhaupt]

3oaks wrote:
garyhaupt, apparently you haven't seen what prowls around in some city parks at night. And I'm not referring to the animals with four legs.

I am assuming you are not a fan of urban camping? Fair enough. It's not for everyone. There is a skill one has to develop in finding good places. As for whether or not I have seen? I have. I refuse to let fear prevent me from exploring the places I want to.


Gary

[3oaks]

garyhaupt, apparently you haven't seen what prowls around in some city parks at night. And I'm not referring to the animals with four legs.

[garyhaupt]

A city park or a school or a church..all of these are in quiet neighborhoods. Go looking...scope out a nice quiet area..and if a city park is not 'signed'...you are home for the night. Wherever you park..don't try to stealth it out, unless it is already dark....open your door...say hi to people on the sidewalk...if you see a cop? Go say hello..tell them why you are there. Cops love to know who's who in the zoo...if they don't know, they get all police-like.

If you are afraid of doing what I mentioned? You shouldn't be 'docking' in any city.


Gary Haupt

[Lwiddis]

I believe the Petaluma KOA mentioned above still has a large overflow lot. Call or email them.

[F-TROUP]

Look for a Walmart, if it's allowed then enjoy the night without worry. All you have to do is go inside and ask.

[time2roll]

I seem to remember a good number of RVs parked along Great Highway along the coast just south of Golden Gate park. My thought was they must be stealth camping. Maybe I was wrong, it was a couple years ago. Watch the signs and permits.

[azrving]

Find a house that looks like no one is home and park in front. If someone comes out or police show up tell them you felt tired and just need some rest and politely move on.

[jmtandem]

There is a KOA in Petaluma. There are many campgrounds in the Delta area. Most would be around an hour or so from the race track. You need to do a little more homework or if that is not your thing, then just tuck in somewhere and be sure no lights are visible from outside of the van.