Welcome to the 2021 USA Road Trip Expedition
This is another fully-equipped test trip. Visiting Los Alamos, NM. Pictures. Bandelier National Monument pictures.
Visiting Lake Tahoe, CA and NV. Sleeping in your car in Nevada: Allowed with a 24-hour limit, camping allowed. Potentially staying at:
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Zephyr Cove: A library, a parking lot with a dumpster, a day use area (with parking), and public toilets. Pictures. Douglas county (Zephyr Cove) is the only county in NV where you are not allowed to sleep in your car.
- Gardnerville: Walmart Supercenter.
- Mt. Tallac Trailhead
- Luther Campground (Forest Service) Pictures.
Visiting Crater lake, OR. Pictures.
Visiting Newport, OR. Pictures.
I am also testing the solar power for off-grid camping/kayaking.
Places to sleep for free
Walmart
Rest rooms and free WiFi.
Casinos
Restrooms and free WiFi.
Fuel Stops
Those serving truck drivers usually have showers available that are reasonably priced. Also, free WiFi and power inside. Many, such as the Flying J, Pilot and Love's are some of the truck stops that offer designated overnight parking for big rigs, RVs and cars.
Rest Areas
Many rest areas have restrooms open 24h.
Public Libraries and Bus Stops
These have an added advantage that they often have sockets outside to plug in power and also, free WiFi. Many large cities have started installing electrical outlets and solar chargers at public bus stops. New York City is converting old pay phones into phone charging stations.
Welcome Information Centers
Restrooms only available during open hours.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period.
Other government managed land
Wildlife Management Areas, Land Management Areas or Forest Service Land, National Park Service, but the most common is National Forests or any land managed by the United States Department of Agriculture, specifically the Forest Service. Parking at trailheads is rarely a problem as long as you don't overstay. Desolation Wilderness and Mt Tallac are well worth a visit.
Grocery Stores, Shopping Malls, and Fast Food Outlets
Restrooms only available during open hours. Also, free WiFi and often power inside.