Sleep in your vehicle rather than 3 hr drive at 3:30 a.m.?

[ToyotaKev]

Have a handful of lakes that I love to fish that are 2.5-3 hour drive to get to...for last 4-5 years I have just set a very early alarm and hit the road...while I haven't often minded it too much (easy driving at that time/listen to fishing podcasts), I'll be 58 this year and I think I'd like to alter that habit...have a 4Runner and started last fall at looking at foam/inflatable mattress to lay in the back and start driving to destination the night before and sleeping in vehicle...I think it's a very realistic option for early spring/summer (before the heat/humidity kick in) and late summer/fall to do it somewhat comfortably...curious how many of you have chosen this as an option...if I do, I'm trying to come up with a plan for WHERE to park and sleep...have alway heard about the Walmart parking lots being an option but don't know if that's true...truck stops scare me...see truckers use off ramps...rest areas safe?...use a campsite near lake (but might be dark when I arrive/tight quarters for parking vehicle/trailer...gimme your thoughts...and any good mattress/memory foam options you've tried...TIA

[PJ-Rohlf]

I've overnighted it at boat ramps before, but walmart honestly isn't a bad option if you can find a spot under a security camera.

[Dave A]

I believe a motel room would be a lot more comfortable.

[RANGER487]

I tried to stay at a boat ramp some years ago and got booted out by game wardens. I guess if it's a State Park they close at a certain time but when I was young did not think about that. Ended up going to the closes truck stop not far away.

[Rip Bass]

I’ve driven Suburbans since the mid nineties and have spent many,many nights on a foam mattress in the back. I used a 2-3” thick egg shell mat and a sleeping bag on top. I’d only do it for one night though, more than that and I’d get a room. I never felt safe at a boat ramp so I’d stay at a rest area close to the rest room if there was one nearby. But I’d usually rent a site in a camp ground. I and a buddy would split the cost of a site and sleep in our own vehicles. I never once had any problems doing this,maybe I’m just lucky?

[bassmastermatt]

I have thought of this many times as well. Have been tempted to just try sleeping at the ramp in northern MN, but wasn't sure on safety either. If I had someone with me I would feel fine, but by myself I wasn't so sure.

[DaveBrabec]

Rather go to bed early and get some sleep and get up early.Wont sleep near as much in the truck.

[BoatBuggy]

We overnight in our 5th wheel at Walmart and casino parking lots. Not all Walmarts allow overnighting but we have yet to find a casino that doesn't allow it.

[CatFan]

Steer clear of an air mattress. If it’s cool, you’ll freeze. Memory foam gets hard when cold and can freeze. Self inflating camping mattresses are warmer than most other portable options.

Do you have a shell on the truck or drive an SUV?

I’ve done it a lot for hunting, but not having a boat makes it much easier to pull in to a business lot and blend in. Truck stops aren’t bad, just noisy. Crowded now too with electronic logging. Rest areas are generally fine as well. In spite of signs prohibiting overnighting, nobody wants to send a sleepy driver out on the road. But they are crowded with truckers needing a rest as well.

[Philly]

I grew up in Chicago and most of the lakes that I fished for fun and for tournaments were all at least 2 hours from home, so I have spent a lot of hours sleeping in my truck at boat ramp parking lots. I would much rather arrive at midnight and grab 4-5 hours of sleep.

[MichAngler]

Rather go to bed early and get some sleep and get up early.Wont sleep near as much in the truck.

I agree

You always sleep better in your own bed

[FES313]

I utilize state park campgrounds to do this. I have a cover on my truck and use a XXL dog bed to sleep on. When overnighting I will try to get a site next to the bath house for those purposes. The added benefit of staying in the campground is power hookup, whether it is charging batteries or running a fan or heater in the back. I have also taken a hot plate to make coffee and heat up a can whatever is for dinner. I have done as many as 3 days doing this.

[nicapopolis]

Rather go to bed early and get some sleep and get up early.Wont sleep near as much in the truck.

I have done both. Never do it for fishing but have done it for hunting a lot of times.

I usually sleep as much as I can at home and then just wake up early and drive.

I generally do not get tired on my drive to where I am going because I am well rested. If I get bad sleep (if sleeping in the truck) then I tend to get tired on my drive home. Especially if the sun is hitting me. This can become dangerous as my body wants to start dozing off.

[djb750]

I lived out of my 4runner in the summer of '94 out west. I had mastered the art of "dirtbag" and back then it was easy to pull off the "in late, out early" approach to free camping. Hit Gros Ventre campground in the Tetons hard that summer.

But I've never intentionally bivvied in a vehicle while towing a boat. You setup is key: In my 4Runner, I popped up the sunroof and lowered the rear glass about 3-4" for good airflow and you can hear out the back. all other windows were rolled up and doors locked. Once the rear seat(s) are laid down flat, you should be able to nearly lay flat and straight. If you can get a 4" Thermarest or imitation it would be comfy. After that it's all about finding a low-key spot, or a spot where others are doing the same (safety in numbers, etc). that's the hardest part if you have a boat in tow.

Good luck!!

[JJohnSind]

For just the reason of having a clean, private bathroom, hotels for me.

[Lightning 6]

Nothing good happens at public boat ramps after midnight!!

[Bassooka]

In addition to Walmart, Cracker Barrel is another option. I’ve not done it, but apparently lots of folks do this with their campers.

[Mechanic Bob]

Had an Aluminum shell for my Truck. Rained hard that night and I swear I could not hear for the next day. And then we did get the boot, by the Game Warden about mid-night.

[LTZ25]

I'd find an a 24 hour gas station and go inside and pay for gas and ask if I could pull out of the way and get a nap .

[plbass]

Tried sleeping in my truck once but the coffee I had earlier wasn't letting me sleep.