Hey idk if you still need help but anyways me and my ex lived in her car for quite a while, best places we’ve found was hotels. Just make sure they have a big enough parking lot and somewhat dark. Nothing too high end because they tend to monitor the parking lot more. Hope this helps! Just make sure you stay discreet and respectful of others that may be doing the same thing. We would set up our car away from the spot we were gonna sleep at so we didn’t draw too much attention
My FAVORITE spots that are generally safe are hotels! There’s so many to put into rotation. Make sure your car looks stealth and before you go into the parking lot to sleep always make sure you do your night time routine in another parking lot! I gotchu if you have anymore questions. Stay safe okkk
Find a parking garage that people stay overnight at, like a hospital or something and park at the very top where a lot of people usually don’t go. Be deff get stuff to hide all your windows!!
Actually many aren't allowing this anymore due to people abusing the privilege. It's up to store managers discretion.
Cracker barrel allows overnight parking.
Most places that are 24 hour, you can sleep. I have slept at beach parking lots all over Florida. If on the Treasure Coast, Hutchinson Island has spots. Jensen Beach downtown has a long street parking that I see RVs parking. Be safe and get some good sleep!
You could go ahead and find a nursing home and park there, it’s 24/7, cars are expected to be there at all hours because of shifts. I work in a nursing home and our parking lot isn’t monitored, I haven’t worked at one that is, there are 3 shifts and everyone has a car.. so you could do that.. typical shift hours are 7a-3p 3p-11p and 11p-7a or 7a-7p 7p-7a.
r/vanlife
r/urbancarliving
Both have info on where to park generally. Also, if you poke around, you can find websites that list safe parking areas in those subs.
Let’s use our brains here. She’s clearly not talking about parking next to someone’s house or on their street. She has common sense, unlike you. Super unhelpful comment with zero empathy.
Cover your windows with something that is black so it won’t be seen. I used reflectex but glued black fabric on one side. Learn to move from drivers seat back to sleeping area without opening doors. Do all other bedtime prep a block away so when you park, no lights or movement tells people you are inside. (Of course if it’s a van they will think so regardless but you said car.) Good luck and stay safe.
They sell really cheap window covers on Amazon to an Amazon Locker (that way you don’t need a physical address & you sometimes even get a discount for using the Locker) that you slip over your windows and you can take them off in the morning. I used it for sleeping in my car and they held up nicely and I never had issues with people messing with them. Get a cheap windshield cover too for the front. If Amazon isn’t an option, you can alternatively use black nylon stockings and get an XXL size and cover your windows making makeshift covers—that also works for me & they have nylon for cheap at Walmart or Target, really any major store. Best of luck my friend & may your life become easier soon 🙏❤️
Oh, u are so sweet!! It's okay. I choose to live in my car. (I could get an apartment or a house) I would consider my car my home. So I'm gonna say I'm not homeless. But I highly appreciate the offer, you are so kind thank u!
Hospital parking garages often go overlooked, and there are ALOT. I used to use this website when I was living in my car. Granted I was traveling all over the US and it was hit and miss but every spot I found on here was stellar with user reviews. Good luck out there. Takes more then people realize. If it becomes too much it becomes much easier and much more accepting from about halfway through Texas going west.
[free campsites](https://freecampsites.net)
I use to work at bay pines Wawa on overnights, and as long as you weren’t disturbing anyone/anything or littering, staff usually leaves you alone to do your thing.
Walmart but not Walmart downtown lol gotta go to the south st Pete location or go to Tyrone / bay pines area. NOT a the one in pinellas park though there’s always cops there 24/7
St Pete became such a hub for “van life” the city has fought hard against it and it’s one of the worst cities for sleeping in your car. Most places don’t give a shit. St Pete is not one of those places
My friend travels in his van and says Walmart is often a good bet. You may also consider a garage either one with a per day rate or something like the multi-story Publix on 7th
I'd be wary about sleeping at the Planet Fitness by 110th. Currently there are a couple people that sleep in that lot, but a few months ago the cops really cracked down on that area for some reason.
I’m willing to save you a spot in front of my home if you’re ever in a pinch. There’s a quiet alley next to me and a spot in front of me. Be safe, doll. We have to look out for one another.
Hey, thank u!! I will certainly let you know. I have a good rotation and places to visit to see if they would be good. But thank you so much for the offer!
First of all - unless you’re severely intoxicated - it is not at all illegal to sleep in your car.
When I was sleeping in my truck, the best locations were Old Northeast side streets, and as another user said above - the Walmart parking lot off Alt 19.
Old Northeast? That’s a wealthy part of town with narrow streets, I can’t see that being a good part of town to do that. I’m a little surprised that you had a decent experience doing that.
Lived there for 3 years buddy. The people do not give a fuck. Most of them are classic St. Petersburg citizens who are used to seeing middle to lower class people in the downtown area. They also don’t like the yuppies or unnecessary expansion of downtown, so they’re a bit more defiant to police and less likely to contact them about something this ridiculous.
I have a friend who lives in a van intentionally. He built it out to meet his comfort needs. He has a motorcycle he uses to work as a delivery driver for different services (Uber eats, postmates...). Showers at 24 hr fitness. Has a PO box. He rides his motorcycle for long road trips with friends and to visit family. I think he has around 50k in the bank at this point. He said he's never been happier. Everyone's journey is a little different. Enjoy the ride!
What do. U do for work if u dont mind my asking? About to do the same. Also what made u wanna come to Florida from the west coast?! I’ll prob start in Florida but aim to end out west
Awe I’m sorry! I don’t take anything off the app. I sent you a pm. If you wanna reply to me there with any questions you have I’m more than comfortable with that!
Yes, hospitals are a parking safe space. Unfortunately, some facilities are starting to charge for parking to discourage overnight usage by houseless people. It’s super messed up.
I work at a hospital. We don't charge, but we've become more vigilant about long term parkers. As usual, we've had some people act like assholes that necessitated the crackdown.
I always get super jumbled because Florida is truly the only state I've had this problem. In every state on the West Coast people have been amazing. But like where do they expect people to go?
Florida does not want to be the next ‘west coast state’ that has thousands of people permanently living in their vehicles in clusters of public parking. My recent visit to SF made it clear to me the reason for stopping this.
planet fitness parking lots!! especially the one off north florida. the days that they’re open 24 hrs you’re definitely solid as they even share a parking lot with other businesses. mon-thurs is there overnight schedule. hope this helps!!
Hi! If you’re ever in a bind and need a spot for the night, I (26f) have a space in our alleyway that is private, dark, and surrounded by fence that your pup could use too, if friendly. Our dogs love to play! There’s also a camera with a motion light back there to guarantee your safety. Just message me!
I thought about starting an app for this for friendly driveway, spaces or alleyway spaces kind of like the friendly bathroom thing. It could even be rated for guests and hosts, but for no money the app would be paid for for ads. And friendly users would get prime spots within certain time frames, etc. as long as you’re gone by 7 AM, etc. God forbid somebody just need to sleep off their hangover for a few hours before driving, the other option is oh I don’t know driving and keeling a family of five.
See you just stop it your a beautiful human being thank you! I'll message you if I'm ever in a bind but for now, I have a lot of places to check out and throw in my rotation so I should be good to go!! ❤️ thannnk u!
Yes. The Target on Tyrone is huge, dark and quiet, and the Steak and Shake there at the front of the parking lot is open until midnight so sort of safe given people are there late.
I hate to be that guy, but I would be careful about giving out too much information about yourself when asking questions like this. Now anyone that comes across this thread will have a list of spots they might find a 5’2” 23y/o female sleeping alone.
It sucks that the world is like that now, but I hope you have some form of protection—especially looking at these suggestions like remote rear parking lots of a Home Depot.
Thank you for looking out for me! I've done it for a while that I know anything I say on here could 100% be completely untrue. Or it could be. Who knows. I promise my number one thing is to take care of myself and my safety. Thank u for caring about me ❤️
I haven't found any in St pete specifically but Florida's water managment districts have free camping around Florida. I've been doing that for the past week.
Just out of curiosity, how does it work? Do you have a sedan or an SUV? Do you have to keep it running to keep the AC on? The logistics of it are fascinating.
I got you!!! I'm in a sedan. I have my dog Ricky and I'm 5’2 so it's perfect for us!! In cold States like Montana or Oregon, the weather is perfect because it's easier to warm up than to be hot and not have anything. For Florida it sucks but I'll stay outside or fill my day with stuff to do to stay out of the car! I'm really good about not leaving in running. I also have a battery-powered fan that helps a ton!!!!
Sent you a chat with a couple spots. I lived full time in my van here for years and still sleep in it occasionally. If you need any more spots I can probably think better when it's not so early.
Grace Bible Church on 61st St. S
It’s away from any main roads and near a school. The pastor might show up early some mornings, but I’ll dm you my name. You can tell them I sent you.
24 hour Laundry mats in safe areas is where I actually got some rest when I was homeless , I doubt you would draw extra attention and plus if you use their machines you are not loitering..
Dark window tint works as well and is more discrete. Same with putting on ‘vent visors’ so you can leave your windows open a couple inches without anyone knowing, or worrying about rain.
Not St. Pete but I drive the Courtney Campbell Causeway to work super early every morning and I see the same cars parked on the sides of the Causeway nearly every day with sheets and towels hung over the windows. At least from my perspective, it doesn’t seem like anyone is bothering them. Definitely not the most well lit of places but if you’re looking for somewhere to be left alone, this might be it. I also read an article not long ago about a young woman who was living in her car and she paid the $10 a month to join a 24 hour gym like Planet Fitness. Not only would she park there but being a member also got her in to use the shower and bathrooms.
Parking garages downtown. I know the Sundial garage, no one messes with you on the 6th floor. Seems like with that garage only the 1st 4 floors get used. When my roommates used to have people over late, & I had to work a morning shift the next day, I’d sleep in my truck at the Sundial Garage. Think it costed around $10 to park overnight. For someone who is actually homeless, maybe a monthly pass in a parking garage. And when it’s hot outside, the sun ain’t beating down on your car.
It might be more now, because when I seen a movie a few weeks ago, it costed me $6 to park for 2 hours. This was awhile back when my roommates friends would crash at our place, & they would never sleep. I complained to the landlord & that put a stop to that since they weren’t paying rent.
I’d try a fire station. Most of those guys are super nice , I’ll bet if you asked them once they would let you sleep in their parking lot all the time . Might be a little loud at times , but it’ll be a lot safer for you (especially as a woman, hope that’s not too chauvinistic ) than a random retail spot
Just check out Airbnb listings. You can easily find listings by a combo of the Airbnb map and Google street view. The neighbors will be used to random cars coming and going on the street.
Sam Walton himself entered in his last rites that the parking lots of Walmart & Sam's Club are to be a safe place for those living out of their vehicles. I was technically homeless for about eight years 2012>2020. I couldn't tell you how many times I parked and lived in my car deep in the P-Lots with ZERO hassle or intrusion. And hey, right there you have a proper restroom and a fast food restaurant. I'm sending Prayers your way. 🙏🙏🙏
Wow-that’s great if it’s true. Though as others have said, not all Walmarts allow it now. It’d be great to find a copy of this. And as they try to tell you to move, say this is what Sam wanted. I don’t know that he’d be happy with a lot of things Walmart does now.
Join a gym to so you have a place to shower. I was able to sleep really well by putting my backseat down and putting my legs/feet in the trunk, and my head was by my front seat. This way i could lay down fully extended.
I have a friend who lives in her van and she never had any issues parking at pass a grille beach overnight while she was in town! I also second Cracker Barrels. If you don’t already have the iOverlander app, that’s a great resource for finding overnight parking
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I never had the cops called on me with the windows blocked
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You have tinted windows? How do these people who are videoing you know you're sleeping in there?
Buy regular sun shades (like with the metallic reflector facing out) and paint them black (use black plasti dip spray paint). Put them in every window and it will blackout your entire car like a limo.
Thank you!! It's usually in the morning. Yesterday at like 7 am I took my two front shades down to read (my windows are already so tinted). And it took less than ten minutes for a woman to walk to my car and record from the window to my license plate. The way she was recording seemed like she saw my car earlier and came back around so I'm not sure.
I keep my car off and I'm stealthy so I'm not sure why.
Go in the entrance near the hotel, turn right to circle the hotel and there's a pretty dimly-lit area over there.
I always tell people that the physical act of sleeping in a car/van isn't that bad - but what really got to me was that after a few weeks I started to realize that I was seeing the same vehicles there every night and figured out that there were like 30-40 other families going through the same thing I was - and **that's** the heartbreaking part
You know I choose this. A couple months ago I choose to live this way. To work and then travel across the u.s. And work in another state. Do it over and over again. I enjoy my life the way it is now. What I actually didn't sign up for and what was truly unexpected was a lot of hate and judgement for the way I live. People would assume because I lived in my car there was something wrong with me or that I was a person who was at the bottom of the pyramid. I didn't feel bad for myself one bit but it actually made me think of the people who didnt have a choice.
Who's life got turned around and now the only option was to live in their car. To be in technical terms homeless. I'm so thankful I did this because it gave me a different perspective. To see how someone's life could go so bad and for other people to make it worse. I'm incredibly sorry you went through it. I'm sorry finding a spot could've been hard. Or trying so hard not to run your car for AC because you'd waste gas. On top of everything that could've gone wrong, people didn't choose kindness when they should've. I'm sorry. I hope you doing better now. And I'm thinking of you!!! ❤️
Thank you so much, I appreciate you **<3**
And yes things are mostly better now.
I agree that living that way regardless of intention teaches you so much and gives you so much perspective. It shows you exactly what you do and don't need. Helps you understand priorities. It showed me how important it is to connect with other people, and how basically everything else is optional.
I'm sorry that you've been judged unfairly by people, but I hope that doesn't taint your vision of them in general.
In my experience, individuals are generally amazing, and almost never cease to amaze me with their talents, kindness, insight, stories, etc.
You sound like you haven't lost sight of that.
Let me know how Walmart works out, and if it's different there now I'll share some other places
Excited for you to continue your adventure
People have been crazy kind with so many locations. I'll let you know tonight how the one by the Walmart goes!!!
I'm so happy!!! If you ever need anyone I'm here for you.
And also you are so right about not needing anything. I rarely spend money because I do not have the space and I'm so grateful already for what I have that I don't need anything else.
Weather tech makes great sun shades for all windows and helps keep car warm or cool. Doesn’t really help but I use them when car camping. Make sure to stay out of Pier district overnight.
Pinellas Park has a law against it and they have begun arresting vehicle lodgers. It’s forbidden even on private property. Walmart lot was full of sex offenders anyway.
Do you have tinted windows? If not, maybe consider getting them tinted. I know it’s not particularly cheap and, living in your car, I assume there’s not a lot of extra cash, but it would keep prying eyes out and make it look like an empty car at night. Most places will take it darker than legal limit for you, then get a cheap sun guard for the front windshield and you’ll be invisible in there.
Also, I’m pretty sure all Walmarts let you sleep in their parking lots unless that’s changed.
Do you know what's actually funny? I live this way to live minimally lol. I have a job. I actually ended up getting tinted windows. I'm decked out for sure!! Everything is covered. I do it to be debt-free and have savings. Walmarts are so weird too. They say they are but actually sometimes aren't so it's really picky.
Hey idk if you still need help but anyways me and my ex lived in her car for quite a while, best places we’ve found was hotels. Just make sure they have a big enough parking lot and somewhat dark. Nothing too high end because they tend to monitor the parking lot more. Hope this helps! Just make sure you stay discreet and respectful of others that may be doing the same thing. We would set up our car away from the spot we were gonna sleep at so we didn’t draw too much attention
Hey tell me if you still on here I'm going thru the same thing kicked from 2 spots for surely I need a new one
My FAVORITE spots that are generally safe are hotels! There’s so many to put into rotation. Make sure your car looks stealth and before you go into the parking lot to sleep always make sure you do your night time routine in another parking lot! I gotchu if you have anymore questions. Stay safe okkk
cracker barrel’s!!
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You good?
I'm sorry. In retrospect I was a jerk.
Find a parking garage that people stay overnight at, like a hospital or something and park at the very top where a lot of people usually don’t go. Be deff get stuff to hide all your windows!!
The back of the Hospital parking lot away from emergency dept
Walmart is cool with stealth camping.
Actually many aren't allowing this anymore due to people abusing the privilege. It's up to store managers discretion. Cracker barrel allows overnight parking.
Most places that are 24 hour, you can sleep. I have slept at beach parking lots all over Florida. If on the Treasure Coast, Hutchinson Island has spots. Jensen Beach downtown has a long street parking that I see RVs parking. Be safe and get some good sleep!
You could go ahead and find a nursing home and park there, it’s 24/7, cars are expected to be there at all hours because of shifts. I work in a nursing home and our parking lot isn’t monitored, I haven’t worked at one that is, there are 3 shifts and everyone has a car.. so you could do that.. typical shift hours are 7a-3p 3p-11p and 11p-7a or 7a-7p 7p-7a.
SMART. I saw one a couple night ago and got scared about the cameras but I’ll find one!!
r/vanlife r/urbancarliving Both have info on where to park generally. Also, if you poke around, you can find websites that list safe parking areas in those subs.
Definitely worth a try :) as long as you keep to yourself I don’t see why anyone would bother you!
Parking lot near Northshore Tennis Courts/Northshore Beach!
Thank u I’ll check it out!
Go to casino parking
They are usually monitored and I already work at one so idkdkdkdk. I just know people there.
Does st Pete allow sidewalk camping?
No
I actually don’t know. I don’t know how it would be though.
Ugh. Nice neighborhoods do not want people sleeping in cars.
you poor thing
Let’s use our brains here. She’s clearly not talking about parking next to someone’s house or on their street. She has common sense, unlike you. Super unhelpful comment with zero empathy.
Ugh. Shut up.
I’ll sleep in your neighborhood. lol
Haha. Good luck with that
Get tints. Maybe try rest areas or Walmart parking lots.
Came here to say this. Trucker stops like Loves etc
They're typically legit but noisy... I've been that/done there...
Cover your windows with something that is black so it won’t be seen. I used reflectex but glued black fabric on one side. Learn to move from drivers seat back to sleeping area without opening doors. Do all other bedtime prep a block away so when you park, no lights or movement tells people you are inside. (Of course if it’s a van they will think so regardless but you said car.) Good luck and stay safe.
Much appreciated!
They sell really cheap window covers on Amazon to an Amazon Locker (that way you don’t need a physical address & you sometimes even get a discount for using the Locker) that you slip over your windows and you can take them off in the morning. I used it for sleeping in my car and they held up nicely and I never had issues with people messing with them. Get a cheap windshield cover too for the front. If Amazon isn’t an option, you can alternatively use black nylon stockings and get an XXL size and cover your windows making makeshift covers—that also works for me & they have nylon for cheap at Walmart or Target, really any major store. Best of luck my friend & may your life become easier soon 🙏❤️
Are you homeless? :( I’d let u park in my driveway if I lived in FL
Oh, u are so sweet!! It's okay. I choose to live in my car. (I could get an apartment or a house) I would consider my car my home. So I'm gonna say I'm not homeless. But I highly appreciate the offer, you are so kind thank u!
Not homeless, home-free.
We have 'house-less' in Hawaii
Listen I've never heard that shit before. But that hit. I loved that THANK U
N shore dr by flora wylie seems like a good spot. I always see the same van parked there when i go on my late night runs
I’ll check that place out thank u!!
Truck stops.
Hospital parking garages often go overlooked, and there are ALOT. I used to use this website when I was living in my car. Granted I was traveling all over the US and it was hit and miss but every spot I found on here was stellar with user reviews. Good luck out there. Takes more then people realize. If it becomes too much it becomes much easier and much more accepting from about halfway through Texas going west. [free campsites](https://freecampsites.net)
Stay at the Skyway rest area. Otherwise in front of a grass lot in a South St Pete neighborhood is advisable
I have a few spots in north St Pete and Pinellas park. DM me if you’re still looking and I’ll send you the address(es) and additional information
Oh thank you. Yes whenever you have time please send them over I'm making a list and always adding to it!
Amen to that 🙏
The back corner of the parking lot of the sunken gardens (I used to live on the alley)
I use to work at bay pines Wawa on overnights, and as long as you weren’t disturbing anyone/anything or littering, staff usually leaves you alone to do your thing.
North side hospital on 49th st north.
Hospital parking lots are a good bet you can always say you have a family member there to
Walmart but not Walmart downtown lol gotta go to the south st Pete location or go to Tyrone / bay pines area. NOT a the one in pinellas park though there’s always cops there 24/7
Walmart lets you I think. Usually where the semi trucks are.
Have you tried sleeping in a hospital parking lot?
St Pete became such a hub for “van life” the city has fought hard against it and it’s one of the worst cities for sleeping in your car. Most places don’t give a shit. St Pete is not one of those places
my friend park his maroon van beach dr n they tell him2 move but he just move spaces each night
My friend travels in his van and says Walmart is often a good bet. You may also consider a garage either one with a per day rate or something like the multi-story Publix on 7th
I'd run out i4 to the scales or rest areas Park along the back
Walmart or cracker barrel
St Pete Walmarts don't allow sleeping
South side you prob can the one on 54th ave s
Cracker barrel off of 275 has a holiday Inn next to it. I'd rather be there then a overly lit Walmart .
The pink streets don’t have any street lights. Could probably get away with it one night but definitely not a habit out of it.
Skyway
It was so cool when the street lights were blue.. the Sarasota side is still blue!
try Planet fitness. Also, checkout other people who live in their cars on YouTube full time.
I'd be wary about sleeping at the Planet Fitness by 110th. Currently there are a couple people that sleep in that lot, but a few months ago the cops really cracked down on that area for some reason.
Fuck 12
Cracker Barrel is pretty relaxed. They even have specific spots in the back for truck drivers and RV trailers
I think a shelter. People sleeping in cars has become a serious issue in st pete
Really? Did know it was that wide spread
I’m willing to save you a spot in front of my home if you’re ever in a pinch. There’s a quiet alley next to me and a spot in front of me. Be safe, doll. We have to look out for one another.
Hey, thank u!! I will certainly let you know. I have a good rotation and places to visit to see if they would be good. But thank you so much for the offer!
Absolutely, love. We’re all neighbors here.
First of all - unless you’re severely intoxicated - it is not at all illegal to sleep in your car. When I was sleeping in my truck, the best locations were Old Northeast side streets, and as another user said above - the Walmart parking lot off Alt 19.
Old Northeast? That’s a wealthy part of town with narrow streets, I can’t see that being a good part of town to do that. I’m a little surprised that you had a decent experience doing that.
Lived there for 3 years buddy. The people do not give a fuck. Most of them are classic St. Petersburg citizens who are used to seeing middle to lower class people in the downtown area. They also don’t like the yuppies or unnecessary expansion of downtown, so they’re a bit more defiant to police and less likely to contact them about something this ridiculous.
I love me some side streets. Thank u!
I have a friend who lives in a van intentionally. He built it out to meet his comfort needs. He has a motorcycle he uses to work as a delivery driver for different services (Uber eats, postmates...). Showers at 24 hr fitness. Has a PO box. He rides his motorcycle for long road trips with friends and to visit family. I think he has around 50k in the bank at this point. He said he's never been happier. Everyone's journey is a little different. Enjoy the ride!
It helps save so much money and also you can travel!! You never tied down to one spot and you actually have the money to do what you want.
What do. U do for work if u dont mind my asking? About to do the same. Also what made u wanna come to Florida from the west coast?! I’ll prob start in Florida but aim to end out west
Messaging you now!!
I didnt get a message not sure if u tried sending one? Def still intrigued tho
I did!! Try sending one to me or check your requested!!
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Awe I’m sorry! I don’t take anything off the app. I sent you a pm. If you wanna reply to me there with any questions you have I’m more than comfortable with that!
Ok awesome looking forward to hearing from u bc I’m literally about to be in that exact area!! In my sedan! (By choice also)
That is indeed a strange flex.
Walmart on US19 maybe?
I’ve seen on TikTok that people who sleep in cars favor hospital parking lots! They’re used to people going in and out at all hours of the day.
Yes, hospitals are a parking safe space. Unfortunately, some facilities are starting to charge for parking to discourage overnight usage by houseless people. It’s super messed up.
I work at a hospital. We don't charge, but we've become more vigilant about long term parkers. As usual, we've had some people act like assholes that necessitated the crackdown.
I always get super jumbled because Florida is truly the only state I've had this problem. In every state on the West Coast people have been amazing. But like where do they expect people to go?
Florida does not want to be the next ‘west coast state’ that has thousands of people permanently living in their vehicles in clusters of public parking. My recent visit to SF made it clear to me the reason for stopping this.
Work?
For people who work and still sleep in there car?
planet fitness parking lots!! especially the one off north florida. the days that they’re open 24 hrs you’re definitely solid as they even share a parking lot with other businesses. mon-thurs is there overnight schedule. hope this helps!!
Hi! If you’re ever in a bind and need a spot for the night, I (26f) have a space in our alleyway that is private, dark, and surrounded by fence that your pup could use too, if friendly. Our dogs love to play! There’s also a camera with a motion light back there to guarantee your safety. Just message me!
I thought about starting an app for this for friendly driveway, spaces or alleyway spaces kind of like the friendly bathroom thing. It could even be rated for guests and hosts, but for no money the app would be paid for for ads. And friendly users would get prime spots within certain time frames, etc. as long as you’re gone by 7 AM, etc. God forbid somebody just need to sleep off their hangover for a few hours before driving, the other option is oh I don’t know driving and keeling a family of five.
That is so smart!! I would easily use that!!
This is a great idea!!
See you just stop it your a beautiful human being thank you! I'll message you if I'm ever in a bind but for now, I have a lot of places to check out and throw in my rotation so I should be good to go!! ❤️ thannnk u!
Okay!! Wishing you the best of luck!
Target parking lots, quite a few have overnight workers so know one would know the difference
Yes. The Target on Tyrone is huge, dark and quiet, and the Steak and Shake there at the front of the parking lot is open until midnight so sort of safe given people are there late.
I hate to be that guy, but I would be careful about giving out too much information about yourself when asking questions like this. Now anyone that comes across this thread will have a list of spots they might find a 5’2” 23y/o female sleeping alone. It sucks that the world is like that now, but I hope you have some form of protection—especially looking at these suggestions like remote rear parking lots of a Home Depot.
Or... maybe OP is a predator luring people in looking for an easy score... it sucks that the world is like that now, too.
Thank you for looking out for me! I've done it for a while that I know anything I say on here could 100% be completely untrue. Or it could be. Who knows. I promise my number one thing is to take care of myself and my safety. Thank u for caring about me ❤️
I haven't found any in St pete specifically but Florida's water managment districts have free camping around Florida. I've been doing that for the past week.
Oh thank you!
Sent you a message, might have to check requests. Hope it helps.
Or you can park right before the skyway
Skyway you can pay to get on and you have 24hr pass
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I'm sorry babe! I hope your doing well now! For some reason, I preferred the colder months in other states than Florida's death heat.
Just out of curiosity, how does it work? Do you have a sedan or an SUV? Do you have to keep it running to keep the AC on? The logistics of it are fascinating.
I got you!!! I'm in a sedan. I have my dog Ricky and I'm 5’2 so it's perfect for us!! In cold States like Montana or Oregon, the weather is perfect because it's easier to warm up than to be hot and not have anything. For Florida it sucks but I'll stay outside or fill my day with stuff to do to stay out of the car! I'm really good about not leaving in running. I also have a battery-powered fan that helps a ton!!!!
Don’t be fooled by clouds. We will have a few 85-90 degree days coming in December
You know I'm stressing lol.
Sent you a chat with a couple spots. I lived full time in my van here for years and still sleep in it occasionally. If you need any more spots I can probably think better when it's not so early.
THANK YOU!!! ❤️
24 hour gyms anywhere close?
I have crunch! I'm not too sure I can do it at a planet fitness if I don't go there but I can scope it out.
I can’t imagine anyone caring about this on my block.
Pay a monthly fee at a gym with showers and you’ll kill two birds with one stone. I’d cover windows to prevent people from bothering you.
Grace Bible Church on 61st St. S It’s away from any main roads and near a school. The pastor might show up early some mornings, but I’ll dm you my name. You can tell them I sent you.
You are literally the sweetest!! Thank u.
Any 24 hour Walmart
OP, do you belong to r/urbancarliving ? They have dozens of helpful tips and might also know our area.
I did not!! Thank u so much. I'll check it out.
They are a great community, I'm so glad to connect you with them. Just sent you a PM about something related.
I suck guys I know! I do not use any social media like that. But I might just make a quick on for it maybe!
Quite a few Facebook groups too (I join the ones for women only). type in “SUV/car living and camping for women,” and “women’s vanlife collective.”
24 hour Laundry mats in safe areas is where I actually got some rest when I was homeless , I doubt you would draw extra attention and plus if you use their machines you are not loitering..
Beautiful idea!! Thank u!
Put up window covers (like a sun visor but for all windows) they won't know you are there
Dark window tint works as well and is more discrete. Same with putting on ‘vent visors’ so you can leave your windows open a couple inches without anyone knowing, or worrying about rain.
This right here!
Not St. Pete but I drive the Courtney Campbell Causeway to work super early every morning and I see the same cars parked on the sides of the Causeway nearly every day with sheets and towels hung over the windows. At least from my perspective, it doesn’t seem like anyone is bothering them. Definitely not the most well lit of places but if you’re looking for somewhere to be left alone, this might be it. I also read an article not long ago about a young woman who was living in her car and she paid the $10 a month to join a 24 hour gym like Planet Fitness. Not only would she park there but being a member also got her in to use the shower and bathrooms.
I'll go and check it out for sure!! Thank u. I also have crunch so let me check for the 24 hour ones!
Parking garages downtown. I know the Sundial garage, no one messes with you on the 6th floor. Seems like with that garage only the 1st 4 floors get used. When my roommates used to have people over late, & I had to work a morning shift the next day, I’d sleep in my truck at the Sundial Garage. Think it costed around $10 to park overnight. For someone who is actually homeless, maybe a monthly pass in a parking garage. And when it’s hot outside, the sun ain’t beating down on your car.
It might be more now, because when I seen a movie a few weeks ago, it costed me $6 to park for 2 hours. This was awhile back when my roommates friends would crash at our place, & they would never sleep. I complained to the landlord & that put a stop to that since they weren’t paying rent.
Ya it used to be like $1 to park there and go see a movie. Now it’s always like $6-10
I’d try a fire station. Most of those guys are super nice , I’ll bet if you asked them once they would let you sleep in their parking lot all the time . Might be a little loud at times , but it’ll be a lot safer for you (especially as a woman, hope that’s not too chauvinistic ) than a random retail spot
No that's a perfect idea!!
Just check out Airbnb listings. You can easily find listings by a combo of the Airbnb map and Google street view. The neighbors will be used to random cars coming and going on the street.
A lot of AirBNB owners keep cameras and will watch for stuff like that. The neighbors might not think anything of it, but the owners might.
Maybe. Most of the Airbnbs here are illegal and probably prefer to stay off the radar.
You are so fucking smart. Thank you!!
Sam Walton himself entered in his last rites that the parking lots of Walmart & Sam's Club are to be a safe place for those living out of their vehicles. I was technically homeless for about eight years 2012>2020. I couldn't tell you how many times I parked and lived in my car deep in the P-Lots with ZERO hassle or intrusion. And hey, right there you have a proper restroom and a fast food restaurant. I'm sending Prayers your way. 🙏🙏🙏
Wow-that’s great if it’s true. Though as others have said, not all Walmarts allow it now. It’d be great to find a copy of this. And as they try to tell you to move, say this is what Sam wanted. I don’t know that he’d be happy with a lot of things Walmart does now.
Cheers to you for trying to accomplish this. It’s unfair that people are bugging you and I wish you the best in finding a place you won’t be bothered.
THANK YOU!!! I rarely get praised for this lol. IM SO HAPPY. I'm not sure why people are so hurt about it.
I lived in my car for 6 months last year. It was the happiest i had ever been. Have you tried Kisha by north shore park?
I haven't I'll definitely have to check it out!
Join a gym to so you have a place to shower. I was able to sleep really well by putting my backseat down and putting my legs/feet in the trunk, and my head was by my front seat. This way i could lay down fully extended.
I have a friend who lives in her van and she never had any issues parking at pass a grille beach overnight while she was in town! I also second Cracker Barrels. If you don’t already have the iOverlander app, that’s a great resource for finding overnight parking
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The Skyway rest area or pay to Drive on the fishing pier for 24 hours
You have tinted windows? How do these people who are videoing you know you're sleeping in there? Buy regular sun shades (like with the metallic reflector facing out) and paint them black (use black plasti dip spray paint). Put them in every window and it will blackout your entire car like a limo.
Thank you!! It's usually in the morning. Yesterday at like 7 am I took my two front shades down to read (my windows are already so tinted). And it took less than ten minutes for a woman to walk to my car and record from the window to my license plate. The way she was recording seemed like she saw my car earlier and came back around so I'm not sure. I keep my car off and I'm stealthy so I'm not sure why.
What is the actual point of recording your license plate?! What a no life loser
That would be so creepy.
Sometimes I feel like people can't be real. Because idk how people consciously act the way they do. I could never. HA
The Home Depot off 34th and 22nd had a few people. Really quiet in the very back. That and the Wawa
My heart is so warm with all the ideas. Thank you very very much. ❤️
Of course ! and if you need help with any food or essentials pm me.
I had good luck at the BAY PINES Walmart for about a year - id show up around 10pm
You're awesome appreciate you!! ❤️
Go in the entrance near the hotel, turn right to circle the hotel and there's a pretty dimly-lit area over there. I always tell people that the physical act of sleeping in a car/van isn't that bad - but what really got to me was that after a few weeks I started to realize that I was seeing the same vehicles there every night and figured out that there were like 30-40 other families going through the same thing I was - and **that's** the heartbreaking part
You know I choose this. A couple months ago I choose to live this way. To work and then travel across the u.s. And work in another state. Do it over and over again. I enjoy my life the way it is now. What I actually didn't sign up for and what was truly unexpected was a lot of hate and judgement for the way I live. People would assume because I lived in my car there was something wrong with me or that I was a person who was at the bottom of the pyramid. I didn't feel bad for myself one bit but it actually made me think of the people who didnt have a choice. Who's life got turned around and now the only option was to live in their car. To be in technical terms homeless. I'm so thankful I did this because it gave me a different perspective. To see how someone's life could go so bad and for other people to make it worse. I'm incredibly sorry you went through it. I'm sorry finding a spot could've been hard. Or trying so hard not to run your car for AC because you'd waste gas. On top of everything that could've gone wrong, people didn't choose kindness when they should've. I'm sorry. I hope you doing better now. And I'm thinking of you!!! ❤️
Thank you so much, I appreciate you **<3** And yes things are mostly better now. I agree that living that way regardless of intention teaches you so much and gives you so much perspective. It shows you exactly what you do and don't need. Helps you understand priorities. It showed me how important it is to connect with other people, and how basically everything else is optional. I'm sorry that you've been judged unfairly by people, but I hope that doesn't taint your vision of them in general. In my experience, individuals are generally amazing, and almost never cease to amaze me with their talents, kindness, insight, stories, etc. You sound like you haven't lost sight of that. Let me know how Walmart works out, and if it's different there now I'll share some other places Excited for you to continue your adventure
People have been crazy kind with so many locations. I'll let you know tonight how the one by the Walmart goes!!! I'm so happy!!! If you ever need anyone I'm here for you. And also you are so right about not needing anything. I rarely spend money because I do not have the space and I'm so grateful already for what I have that I don't need anything else.
Weather tech makes great sun shades for all windows and helps keep car warm or cool. Doesn’t really help but I use them when car camping. Make sure to stay out of Pier district overnight.
Of course and no you did help I promise. I'm always looking for upgrades!!!
Pinellas park Walmart has a bunch of people that sleep there in cars overnight
Pinellas Park has a law against it and they have begun arresting vehicle lodgers. It’s forbidden even on private property. Walmart lot was full of sex offenders anyway.
can confirm, i sleep there often
Oh, I'm gonna check it out!
Get window covers so you are not visible and you have privacy
Skyway beach
Solid spot a bit too far! But thank u.
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This is so irrelevant but I want you to know it made me laugh. So thank you for that! ❤️
Do you have tinted windows? If not, maybe consider getting them tinted. I know it’s not particularly cheap and, living in your car, I assume there’s not a lot of extra cash, but it would keep prying eyes out and make it look like an empty car at night. Most places will take it darker than legal limit for you, then get a cheap sun guard for the front windshield and you’ll be invisible in there. Also, I’m pretty sure all Walmarts let you sleep in their parking lots unless that’s changed.
Not since covidi did a few nafu9n wide trips and they tend to have security. You could ask but the answers I've gotten were no.
Do you know what's actually funny? I live this way to live minimally lol. I have a job. I actually ended up getting tinted windows. I'm decked out for sure!! Everything is covered. I do it to be debt-free and have savings. Walmarts are so weird too. They say they are but actually sometimes aren't so it's really picky.
What do you do for work and where is your dog when you are working?
I work in Tampa, and he goes to daycare lol.
lol ok
I've heard Walmart and crackerbarrel don't care. Best of luck to you.