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Mon May 08, 2017 1:28 pm

Anyone know where is a good place to stealth camp around Napa? We have a last min wedding inviting on Memorial Day weekend. All the surrounding campground is booked and notel is just really expensive. I was looking into Walmart parking lot but google street view shows no camping allows. Any idea or place that is not too far from Napa(30min or less). PM if you don't want to let everyone know your secret :wink: . Thanks for all the help.

Mon May 08, 2017 2:06 pm

It is probably booked, but give Bothe-Napa State Park a try.

http://napavalleystateparks.org

Mon May 08, 2017 2:11 pm

Yeah i called that place already. Literally I said the weekend of 26-27 and they didn't even look it up and told me its full. haha.

Mon May 08, 2017 3:19 pm

"30min or less" makes it tough, that's a pretty populated and popular-with-tourists area.

Beyond that range you might find something stealth north of Calistoga either off 128, up near Mt St Helena or off Petrified Forest and/or Franz Valley Road. More legit but also beyond the 30 minute range is Sugarloaf Ridge State Park near Kenwood. You also might get lucky stealthing down near Mare Island in Vallejo but not having been around there in over a decade I'm not sure how built up/redeveloped the old Navy base is...

Mon May 08, 2017 3:23 pm

I will say this. Given the area and the types of crops out there, be careful where you camp. Not saying it can't be done, just try not to get too far of the road. Especially the further west you go.

Not as bad as i could have been a few years ago. You know, before legalization. But still. Some people up there just dont want to be messed with. Especially in the mountains.

Mon May 08, 2017 4:47 pm

Quote: I will say this. Given the area and the types of crops out there, be careful where you camp.
Doesn't sound like you're referring to the poison oak.

If memory serves, I thought Napa Fairgrounds had some type of RV camping. Generic perhaps but...
I haven't been over that way in many years.
Or Google up any Casino's. They usually have RV camping

Mon May 08, 2017 5:28 pm

There's a KOA in Petaluma, just a shortish hop from Napa to the west (I've made that drive a couple of times), and there's Sugarloaf Ridge SP in Kenwood, north of Napa a little more distant than Petaluma.

Mon May 08, 2017 9:13 pm

The KOA is full and I think sugarloaf only have group site. Thanks for all the help

Tue May 09, 2017 7:06 am

Worst case scenario, i think you could camp in town in Ukiah. Its a ways away, but hell, its all beautiful driving out there.
Theres lots of people that camp on the back side of the "airport". I fly over them fairly often.
Or, if you're feeling really adventurous, go hit 101 and head north. theres some great rivers in Mendocino county. they flow right near the highway and through large redwood groves.
I know thats kinda far from where you are, but, good lord do i ove that area up there. It would be a shame to miss it!

Tue May 09, 2017 7:14 am

You've probably already done this, but did you check the Van Alert app for people offering driveway space? I was really surprised with how many options were already on it when I looked.

Tue May 09, 2017 7:28 am

Yeah, I did check the van alert too but nothing. We camp along the pch near Russian River before. Too bad its not closer to Napa.

Tue May 09, 2017 7:40 am

Have you looked at Hip Camp? You might find someone there who will be flexible and allow you to camp on their property on your requested dates.

https://www.hipcamp.com/discover/california/bay-ar...a%20Valley

Tue May 09, 2017 7:55 am

I would re-consider the Walmart type lot if it's up to you. Just about all private lots have some type of signage regarding towing, camping etc. However, I seriously would not think you would get chased out of there. Walmart has always had had a history of people with their big trailers spending the night. Fred Meyers, up north, same thing.

I just returned from pulling our trailer down, and back up, from Oregon to San Diego. 2 nights, in each direction, we spent in private lots...Walmart, Best Buy, Outback Rest. & and a casino.

As your post's title mentions, "stealth" is the recipe. If you're busting out the BBQ with the awning dropped you may get asked to leave. If truly stealth, it's just another late night shopper's vehicle. Lastly, if ever asked I use the "too many drinks to drive right now, give me a couple of hours" line. Which is often true! Good luck.

Tue May 09, 2017 9:02 am

Yeah i have camp at walmart that don't allow overnight camping but I know that walmart pretty well and there is always campers park there overnight. Im just not sure how strict at the Napa walmart and I won't know until after 9-10pm and see who parks there. Thanks for all the suggestion. I guess worse come to worse, we can stay at my friends place in Berkeley.

Tue May 09, 2017 9:26 am

If you just want a stealth place to sleep with no facilities, any motel/hotel parking lot is usually pretty safe. I usually pull in after 10:00 pm, pull the curtains and sleep. No popping the top or anything. Done this many times and never been bothered.

Did you try this? http://www.skylinepark.org/camping-information

Many times I've pulled into places on crowded weekends and they offer overflow spots. Sometimes it's just a parking lot, but a lot of folks understand when traveling on holidays its crowded and they try to accommodate.

This says 45 minutes from Napa; http://www.royalelkparkmanagement.com/Lake_Berryessa.html

Tue May 09, 2017 9:34 am

Yup try the skyline campground, no luck. thanks

Tue May 09, 2017 10:13 am

X2 on hotel parking lots. I have done that many times. Don't use any lights in the bus at night.

Tue May 09, 2017 11:03 am

Try calling Sonoma Volkswagen & Import Repair in Glen Ellen, and ask if they'll let you park in their lot. 33 minutes from Napa on Arnold Drive.

Tue May 09, 2017 11:40 am

I'm local. Everything from hotels to camping will be booked, looks like you all have figured that out already. I'm not sure about the Wal-Mart, I drive by it all the time and see RVs there. Where's the wedding venue? Perhaps I can shoot you some ideas.

Tue May 09, 2017 12:10 pm

Thanks for all the help and suggestions. Love this VW community :D .