Check the local laws to see if it’s legal to sleep on public property. Many cities have laws that prohibit overnight loitering or sleeping on public property. Visit the city government’s website or contact the metropolitan police department to find out if you would be breaking the law by urban camping in that city.[1] X Research source You can usually get in touch with the police department by calling the non-emergency telephone number located on their website. Note that some cities may permit urban camping on public property, but also require that all tents be disassembled by morning. Call charitable organizations in the city to ask to sleep on their property. If you’re not allowed to sleep overnight on public property, you may be able to sleep on land owned by a church, philanthropic foundation, or other charitable organization. If you’re unable to contact these organizations by phone, you can also try to talk to someone onsite once you’re in the city. Homeless shelters and homes for victims of domestic violence may also permit you to sleep overnight on their property. Avoid camping on private property where you might be trespassing. If you do not have express legal

permission to loiter on a piece of land for long periods of time, do not camp there. You should only camp on private urban property if you have been told this would be ok.[2] X Research source Pick a spot for your campsite in a safe, somewhat concealed area. The ideal location is somewhere you can be out of sight, such as an alley or behind some bushes, but not completely isolated from other people. Aim to pitch your tent relatively close to a hospital or police station, if you can, just in case of emergencies.[3] X Research source Avoid areas of the city that are known to have a high crime rate. The streets can be pretty dodgy at night, so it’s best to keep as far away from dangerous areas as possible. If possible, have people stand watch at night to guard your stuff. Or you can try to hide your stuff, but it's best of all if you are hidden yourself. Try to pick a spot that has easy access to public bathrooms. Unlike in normal camping, you won’t be able to use the bathroom wherever you like when you’re urban camping. If you have a membership with a local 24-hour gym, make your campsite near a gym location so you can use their bathrooms whenever you have to go. Having access

to a nearby gym would also enable you to take a shower in the morning. Some other places that may give you access to a public bathroom include public parks, gas stations, and 24-hour stores. Consider camping in a bus or train station if you don’t have a tent. This will allow you protection from the elements and maybe even some comfortable places to sleep, such as cushioned chairs. Note that you’ll probably need to find a hidden corner of the station to set up your spot in order to avoid being seen. Remaining stealthy during your urban camping experience is crucial to avoiding unwanted interactions with police officers, homeless people, or others who might want to do you harm. Bring warm clothes you can dress in layers with while you’re sleeping. Even if you go camping in a warm climate, the city streets can still become uncomfortably cold at night. Pack jeans, long johns, long-sleeved shirts, and a sweater to give yourself plenty of clothing options.[4] X Research source You may also want to pack a warm hat or beanie and wool socks to keep your head and feet warm. Pack a tent and sleeping bag if you don’t plan to sleep in your car. Even if you’re sleeping in a car or van,

you’ll probably want to have a sleeping bag you can slide into when you go to sleep. Go with as small a tent as you can comfortably sleep in to minimize the amount of attention you’ll draw to yourself.[5] X Research source Be sure to pack blankets and possibly a pillow as well so that you can be comfortable when you go to bed. If you’re worried about being exposed when you’re sleeping, your best bet will be to sleep in your car or invest in a tent with a lockable flap. Check the weather forecast in the city and pack accordingly. Look ahead to see if it will rain or snow on the days that you plan to be camping in the city. Be sure to pack an umbrella, a raincoat, a winter jacket, or whatever you’d need to handle the weather during your camping adventure.[6] X Research source If you’re camping in your car, you may want to keep an umbrella in the glove compartment all the time just in case. Bring dry foods you can eat without having to cook them. You probably won’t have access to an oven or any other means of cooking, so only pack stuff that you can eat raw. Packaged foods, trail mixes, peanut butter, and crackers are all great choices for any camping trip. Avoid packing

junk food as best you can. It may be easiest to bring on a camping trip, but it won’t give you much energy or nourishment. Bring water bottles as well to help you stay hydrated. Be sure to pack toiletries you can use without water. These are things like dry shampoo and disposable toothbrushes that don’t require water. You may not have reliable access to a bathroom to wash up in, so packing dry toiletries is your best bet for maintaining your hygiene on your camping trip. If you have a membership in a gym that extends to the area you are going to and has some along the way, you can use their showers. Include cash and a first aid kit for emergencies in your packing. Urban camping can be a tad dangerous at times, so it’s wise to have some money and supplies on hand if something unexpected happens. Be sure to keep your money somewhere out of sight to avoid making yourself a target for burglars.[7] X Research source If you have one, pack an extra phone battery as well, in case your primary battery dies and you can’t recharge it. Begin setting up your campsite just after nightfall to avoid being seen. You don’t want to draw too much attention to the fact that you’ll be

sleeping out in the open, since this might encourage someone to try to rob you. Wait until activity on the streets around you has died down a bit and be as inconspicuous as possible in setting up your camp. Note that many urban campers recommend you not use a tent, since this is very conspicuous. Feel free to skip this step if you plan on sleeping in your car and don’t need to set up anything. Place your tent on grass, if possible, and weigh down the corners. Putting rocks or sandbags on the corners of your tent will help to keep it in place without being able to hammer it into the ground. If you can’t pitch your tent on grass, try to find an egg crate or some other bedding to put between the tent and the concrete below.[8] X Research source Avoid other people as best you can without looking suspicious. Whatever city you’re camping in, there will probably be some potentially dangerous people out and about after dark. Your best bet for staying safe is to avoid these people entirely. At the same time, though, try not to slink, hide, or look suspicious in any way, as this will only call more attention to you if anyone sees you. In other words, you should try to avoid being seen,

but if you have to be seen, try not to look out of place in the city. If you do end up interacting with other people after dark, don’t accept any offers and try to disengage from the situation as peacefully as you can. Do not try to avoid engaging with police officers. As long as you aren’t doing anything illegal and don’t look suspicious, most police officers will not bother you while you’re camping. However, if an officer does approach you, be honest and forthcoming about your activities and don’t act like you have anything to hide. It helps to make absolutely sure that the way you’re camping is perfectly legal. This way, you have no reason to be concerned about interacting with a police officer.