Being a cheap bastard who travels a lot by car and occasionally by plane, I thought I'd share some websites and apps that help find places I can crash for free. Saving money is good! Note, these many not be overly comfortable without some preplanning.

On the Road - Websites
1. Interstate reststop sleeping rules: https://www.interstaterestareas.com/overnight-parking-rules/ Rules on sleeping at rest areas vary state to state, generally being prohibited of for just a few hours in the East and center of the US. As the states get bigger, the time allowed to stay increases up to 24 hours. The website offers a map of all US interstate rest areas to help in planning your trip.

2. Walmart parking lots: https://www.allstays.com/c/wal-mart-locations.htm About 50% of Walmarts allow RVs to spend the night in their parking lots. The more urban/suburban the Walmart, the less likely it is to allow overnight stays. The link allows you to search for them by state. Note though, things change and it's recommended that you call ahead and confirm with the store manager. Walmart sees this as an opportunity to make money. Also note, they don't want you to set up a grill, tent, or anything overly noticeable. Put the seat back, hang something in the windows, and go to sleep. The website https://www.walmartlocator.com/no-park-walmarts/ tries to maintain a list of Walmarts where overnight stays are NOT allowed.

3. Free campsites: https://freecampsites.net/ There are a number of free, public campsites available across the US. This website is community-generated and so the information isn't always exactly right, but it's still in my top three. These campsites are generally BLM (Bureau of Land Management) areas, WMA's (Wildlife Management Areas), and some local parks.

4. Boondocker's Bible: https://www.boondockersbible.com/ This is great for learning the sleeping/camping rules of state properties such as non-interstate rest areas and public lands. It includes maps and reviews.

5. Cracker Barrel restaurants: https://www.crackerbarrel.com/ many of these have RV parking but if you are careful (or better yet, polite and respectful) you may be allowed to stay at these locations. Having a meal there usually seals the deal but that cuts into the "free" aspects. YMMV

6. Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's: https://stores.basspro.com/ This is another business (they've merged) that caters to RVers but being inconspicuous can help a car stay there overnight. As usual, it's best to talk to the manager.

On the Road - Apps
1. iOverlander: http://www.ioverlander.com/apps I love this community-generated app as it even lists locations such as behind abandoned buildings and public parking lots. It's fun just to read people's reviews of locations. These reviews also list what amenities are available at the spots.

2. FreeRoam: https://freeroam.app/ This is another great source that lists most of the locations above but often also includes hazards of which one needs to be aware.

There may be other apps, but those two listed meet my needs.

In the Air
1. Sleeping in Airports: https://www.sleepinginairports.net/ - this one recently saved my wife and daughter a lot of headaches, allowing them to know they could stay overnight at the Newark airport. This website gives the rules for pretty much all major airports around the world, where the best spots are inside the terminals, safety precautions, and what services are available 24 hours a day at the airport.

In many of the public car-camping places it's a good idea to have earplugs, a sleep mask, and some baby wipes to sleep well and clean up some. You may consider keeping in your vehicle assorted male and female "travel johns" to handle urination. Also, vehicles can heat up or cool down very rapidly in hot or cold weather. In hot weather I have a DC voltage fan to blow on me, some mosquito netting to cover windows and the sunroof for ventilation, and a cooler of iced drinks. In cold weather I have blankets, at least one thermos of caffeine-free, hot herbal tea, and a good understanding of how long I can idles my vehicle with the heater running.

When flying, a lightweight, microfiber blanket doesn't take up much room but is great when needed. Earplugs and a sleep mask are a must, too. For security reasons, I use PacSafe luggage that is lined with cut-proof steel webbing and can be locked to immovable objects with its steel security cable. A backup battery and charging cable is important, but a multi-USB charger can make you a hero. Be sure to write your name on it with permanent marker so no one tries to walk off with it. Lastly, a deck of cards or Uno or other simple travel games is a great way to make friends with other stranded travelers...or suppress rambunctious kids.

Amazon Links to Gear (because Blast needs the money )
Microfiber travel blanket: https://amzn.to/3xP7ISm
Sleeping mask: https://amzn.to/2UQ70Wm
PacSafe backpack: https://amzn.to/36J9311
Emergency female urination: https://amzn.to/3zccsSs
Travel Yahtzee game: https://amzn.to/3wIF83G
Travel Boggle game: https://amzn.to/3Bg9Rse
12VDC car fan: https://amzn.to/36IKt0a

Okay, what have I missed?
-Blast

Thanks! Very useful! That's the first post I've ever printed and put in my sac lid.
Couchsurfers website has been good to me when on the road. And had some welcome guests. Though there was the one who's review said the place 'could be cleaner'. HELLO! You didn't notice I had an arm in a sling?
Then there was the aussie who gave me an 18 tin case of fosters lager. I think they all have to carry one by law. More surfers like that I can do with!
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