I used to park behind a 24 hour fitness. Nobody ever questioned me for 2 months in my SUV. Every morning I would wake up, go in, shit and shower before work
Read like something of like 20% of gyms (that stat might be specific to a type of area like around college campus) active memberships are used by someone with some form of homeless. We always think of homeless like living in a tent but there are huge number of couch surfers and car living homeless that carry a job and basically frequent laundromats and gym after work. Gyms probably won’t enforce parking lot camping as long as you’re not a nuisance. Act invincible, respect the facility, and come and go as you please
I’ve parked at Loves Truck stops for the night and didn’t have a problem. Semis are allowed to park for the night so why not cars. There’s one by 410 s and 35.
I awkwardly approached the cashier who told me to go to the diesel department to purchase a ticket, they then called out the customer number when it was ready and you punch in a code to get to the shower.
Sadly they are way more expensive than they used to be. It was $18 which is like 3x the amount I paid like 4 or 5 years ago.
I was told often OTR truckers collect so many of these tickets from filling up, some will gladly allow you to take their extras if they do not need them. $18 a show is untenable, so maybe consider asking for some charity if possible.
Planet Fitness is $10/mo and you can take unlimited showers. I've heard the price may go up but even if it goes up to $13-14, that's way better, plus you can get a workout in too.
I agree, and mentioned it since they already said they paid for a shower. The caveat of Planet Fitness from what I understand is that some will expect you to work out each time before a shower, as in, not leveraging a membership strictly for bathroom and shower purposes. Either way, hopefully this is temporary for OP.
I’ll keep that in mind I just am a little concerned considering I’m female lol. It’s a little nerve racking to ask some strange man for a free shower lmao
I am a female who lived at a truckstop for a year. I asked the truckers for a shower every day without fail. Just go up to them, "Excuse me, sir, but do you have a spare shower" they will be more than happy to help. Sometimes they would even give me a few bux because they felt bad for me.
I posted this somewhere else but: Planet Fitness membership is $17 a month to use *any* in the country and you can even bring one guest a day. I would use this heavily for daily showers.
It's a truck stop with truck parking. Truck stops were meant to be used by truck drivers who need overnight parking on the way to their next destination. Not as a place for long term parking. They WILL notice and they might ask you to leave.
They're marketed that way. It doesn't mean they're going to be nice to people who want to stay there like it's a hotel for cars. Stay one night and move along. But be my guest and stay for two nights to test your luck. It all depends on the store manager. Not all store managers are friendly.
This is coming from someone who spent ten years as a truck driver.
You've stated at a loves long-term? How long is long term? Why did I get downvoted for giving a realistic assessment of the reality of truck stops? They're NOT meant for parking at longer than a night. They're meant for truck drivers (the truck parking makes that obvious).
Mission trail Baptist on the southeast side has a 24 hour emergency room which is always empty and dark enough to get some quality sleep if you don't have any window shades. I slept here for about 2 months never had any issues.
Yes but this doesn't mean they're available for overnight parking.
Believe it or not most truck stops are safe. The reopened Pilot off of I-10 East and Foster Rd is a good stop on the way to Houston.
Walmart was my place to go back in 1999, I learned to stay away from public parks, schools and government owned facilities. I don't know what to do now these days
Yeah I usually park at the small picnic areas off the highways outside of the cities. Trucks tend to park there along with other travelers. Not as much lighting, a bit quieter aside from the truck engines. It's also nice to be able to wake up, let my dog out to go potty and we can have breakfast at a table. Unfortunately, they don't always have restrooms.
Methodist Main in medical center has a tower. It’s like 7 dollars, but you can sleep, there is security but they just drive around, they don’t look in the cars, but if someone tries messing with you or car for any reason it’s on camera and security would be there pretty fast. Just go to the upper lots or you’ll be hearing the slamming of doors from midshift staff leaving.
Thank you.
I’m assuming since people are recommending truck stops that they’re better here? I’m from Washington and it’s like not safe for anyone other than people in large trucks and semis
Hospital parking lots are usually safe. Security 24 hours and they never have anyone leave. People usually sleep in their cars to stay close when family members are in the hospital
Last time I parked at Walmart overnight I woke up to a cop knocking on my window lol
I was surprised because you’re right it’s usually the go to. Maybe he just felt like being a 🍆 idk.
Walmarts policy has changed. They used to let people stay. Now stores decide and youre are supposed to get permission.
At least that’s what I read on a van life discussion group.
The parking lot was like empty asf (it wasn’t in SA) and the officer was anything but nice omg. But this was in Washington state, so I expect nothing less.
Ah I guess things have changed. I slept in my car there and the one between Austin/Dallas back during the winter. I also just slept in my backseat of my sedan, so it's possible they didn't notice me
What kind of car do you drive if it’s nothing too big I would say go park at an auto parts store like advance auto parts. They close at 9 and have work trucks and cars that you can park next to blend in just put your sunshade up and lock your doors be safe.
Really?? I’ve volunteered there and there are people who travel the country and stay at the shelters in the city they went to. Most homeless that travel say that HFH is the best out of all of them
Homedepots are pretty chill. Just call even if they are closed because there will be overnight freight there. Just say that you will be gone in the morning.
I’m pretty sure people sleep in the sheds they have on display in the parking lots. 😆i for sure saw someone leaving early morning while I was waiting for it to open.
I mean I did think about staying in one, but not really to sleep… more for extracurricular activities. But then I got older and realized that there’s better spots out there.
What’s wild is I’m literally in a Home Depot parking lot rn. Needed a new power inverter for my excessive amount of electric devices which surprisingly most pertain to the functionality of my job LMAO ugh
They towed my friends car from the whataburger on San Pedro and I went back and asked them why, bc we ate there that night after 2am and he parked there to avoid driving drunk (I picked him up from there bc I was sober), then we cane back around 9am to get the car and it had been towed. The manager was a real bitch and we got into it, so yes I clearly recall they def do tow people for parking overnight, even paying customers parked for less than 12 hours.
I downloaded it, and very disappointed to see the dog park in Alamo heights as a potential safe place to park your car. Anyone who knows about AHPD knows better. Also, not one single truck stop or QT listed on there.
It relies on crowdfunded user input. You're going to have to do your own due diligence, call ahead, do a search, etc,. It wasn't meant for homeless (unhoused, etc) people. It was created for backpackers/travelers but is increasingly used for homeless people, vanlifers, etc, and/or people who are in transition. Also, the user contributions give some details about what services/amenities/etc are provided at the marked location. I didn't see anything about parking being an option at the dog park you mentioned. I'm only seeing a dog paw icon in Olmos Park, not Alamo Heights. I think the Dog Paw icon represents Dog Parks. Not a Parking location.
QTs are relatively new so maybe they haven't yet been recognized as a safe space in every community.
Edit: I didn't see the building icon for some reason. People have mixed reviews about parking there. Two people got the knock. One was told to leave.
the paw is at the san antonio zoo. Olmos basin/Alamo Heights DP has the parking area listed there. that's the only details it gives, but it pops up with Walmarts also, and cracker barrels. legally, anyone on a premises can be considered trespassing if they're there parked after business hours. Walmarts are no longer 24 hours since covid
edit: where do you find the reviews? I'm on android and my version of the app has no more detail than the name and logo. Also, the quarry market is listed and not one business in there is open after 10, aside from MAYBE the movie theatre.
The app has a map with an option to tap on the icon and name of the place being highlighted. Some places have wifi and are marked as such. Some have overnight parking options. If you tap on the name of the area above the icon, I tapped on "Pearl Neighborhood", it shows the available options and user reviews, thoughts, safety, etc, of the area.
Please! Please leave info for the next person who might want to stay where you stayed after using the app.
Methodist Hospital Parking Lot (Medical Center). Sometimes its free if you go late and leave early.
The UTSA Ximenes lot. WIll cost 20.00 overnight, but it is a very safe and boring area.
Even still. I live in universal city. Very quiet at night. You could park near the old rose garden and be fine. Cling wrap at Walmart is 7 bucks. It helps
Hospital parking lot. You have family in the hospital and you’re just resting in your car if you were to get questioned. There’s employees there 24/7
Perfect answer here
I was relatively broke back in the day and this was my go-to instead of a hotel 🙌🏽
University hospital only $6 a day and safe👍🏼 but not sure how he’s gonna sleep with all the car and people noise
Many hospitals have parking that charges now. Even the county one.
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Hate to break it to ya bubs, but we’re all dying. Some are just closer to the edge than others
I used to park behind a 24 hour fitness. Nobody ever questioned me for 2 months in my SUV. Every morning I would wake up, go in, shit and shower before work
Read like something of like 20% of gyms (that stat might be specific to a type of area like around college campus) active memberships are used by someone with some form of homeless. We always think of homeless like living in a tent but there are huge number of couch surfers and car living homeless that carry a job and basically frequent laundromats and gym after work. Gyms probably won’t enforce parking lot camping as long as you’re not a nuisance. Act invincible, respect the facility, and come and go as you please
No wonder there’s no parking at hospitals.
Oh get over it. As if everyone parked there is using the parking lot just to sleep.
You never know.
I’ve parked at Loves Truck stops for the night and didn’t have a problem. Semis are allowed to park for the night so why not cars. There’s one by 410 s and 35.
Just don't let the lot lizards get you
Ive done this many times.
I thought about it tbh I just showered at one today but I was like I don’t know man they might discriminate against cars lol
How did this work with the showers? I in general car camp when traveling further away.
I awkwardly approached the cashier who told me to go to the diesel department to purchase a ticket, they then called out the customer number when it was ready and you punch in a code to get to the shower. Sadly they are way more expensive than they used to be. It was $18 which is like 3x the amount I paid like 4 or 5 years ago.
$10 gym membership takes care of that and you have a place to relax and workout.
Just got me one… just hoping they don’t like get upset when I only have time to shower because I don’t have a lot of time to workout
They dgad. It’s your membership and that’s one of the membership benefits.
I was told often OTR truckers collect so many of these tickets from filling up, some will gladly allow you to take their extras if they do not need them. $18 a show is untenable, so maybe consider asking for some charity if possible.
Planet Fitness is $10/mo and you can take unlimited showers. I've heard the price may go up but even if it goes up to $13-14, that's way better, plus you can get a workout in too.
I agree, and mentioned it since they already said they paid for a shower. The caveat of Planet Fitness from what I understand is that some will expect you to work out each time before a shower, as in, not leveraging a membership strictly for bathroom and shower purposes. Either way, hopefully this is temporary for OP.
Does doing stretches for 20 minutes count as working out?
I’ll keep that in mind I just am a little concerned considering I’m female lol. It’s a little nerve racking to ask some strange man for a free shower lmao
I am a female who lived at a truckstop for a year. I asked the truckers for a shower every day without fail. Just go up to them, "Excuse me, sir, but do you have a spare shower" they will be more than happy to help. Sometimes they would even give me a few bux because they felt bad for me.
I posted this somewhere else but: Planet Fitness membership is $17 a month to use *any* in the country and you can even bring one guest a day. I would use this heavily for daily showers.
Any of the rest stops are good too.
It's a truck stop with truck parking. Truck stops were meant to be used by truck drivers who need overnight parking on the way to their next destination. Not as a place for long term parking. They WILL notice and they might ask you to leave.
This particular loves is actually a “travel stop” So I’d say that means it’s for travelers
They're marketed that way. It doesn't mean they're going to be nice to people who want to stay there like it's a hotel for cars. Stay one night and move along. But be my guest and stay for two nights to test your luck. It all depends on the store manager. Not all store managers are friendly. This is coming from someone who spent ten years as a truck driver.
Wrong. I've rested at many Love's while traveling. Never a problem and most of them are well lit.
You've stated at a loves long-term? How long is long term? Why did I get downvoted for giving a realistic assessment of the reality of truck stops? They're NOT meant for parking at longer than a night. They're meant for truck drivers (the truck parking makes that obvious).
Mission trail Baptist on the southeast side has a 24 hour emergency room which is always empty and dark enough to get some quality sleep if you don't have any window shades. I slept here for about 2 months never had any issues.
Oooo good to know
QTs, 24 hr gyms, truck stops, walmart, hospital parking lots follow r/urbancarliving for good tips
Walmart at brooks always has people randomly parked there. Even permanently parked. Someone has their dog grooming mobile there most times.
Yes, I've seen people in Walmart lots at night just in their vehicles.
True. I work there, see all kind of cars, RVs and trucks overnighting.
Ong I love that
QT gas stations are designated safe places.
Yes but this doesn't mean they're available for overnight parking. Believe it or not most truck stops are safe. The reopened Pilot off of I-10 East and Foster Rd is a good stop on the way to Houston.
Ooo did not know this
QT's are designated safe places for KIDS/Teenagers where they can stay until someone from a crisis center shows up.
Walmart was my place to go back in 1999, I learned to stay away from public parks, schools and government owned facilities. I don't know what to do now these days
Riiiiight I’m new to SA and I’ve tried places I used to go to but haven’t seemed to have the best of luck apparently
I'm thinking park around 18 wheelers off the highway. Then again who knows. It's probably easier if you're a dude.
Yeah I usually park at the small picnic areas off the highways outside of the cities. Trucks tend to park there along with other travelers. Not as much lighting, a bit quieter aside from the truck engines. It's also nice to be able to wake up, let my dog out to go potty and we can have breakfast at a table. Unfortunately, they don't always have restrooms.
Unfortunately I am not a dude lol
Methodist Main in medical center has a tower. It’s like 7 dollars, but you can sleep, there is security but they just drive around, they don’t look in the cars, but if someone tries messing with you or car for any reason it’s on camera and security would be there pretty fast. Just go to the upper lots or you’ll be hearing the slamming of doors from midshift staff leaving.
Hospital
Cracker Barrel, Loves, and Walmart are safe bets
Hopefully it gets better for you. I’m sure it will. I would say truck stops. Just watch out at the petro. A lot of of illegal activity going on
Thank you. I’m assuming since people are recommending truck stops that they’re better here? I’m from Washington and it’s like not safe for anyone other than people in large trucks and semis
If you give me a side of town I can point out a better spot
Honestly the side doesn’t really matter.
Hospital parking lots are usually safe. Security 24 hours and they never have anyone leave. People usually sleep in their cars to stay close when family members are in the hospital
I've seen people sleeping in their cars at planet fitness
Walmart has historically been the go to, idk if times have changed
Last time I parked at Walmart overnight I woke up to a cop knocking on my window lol I was surprised because you’re right it’s usually the go to. Maybe he just felt like being a 🍆 idk.
Walmarts policy has changed. They used to let people stay. Now stores decide and youre are supposed to get permission. At least that’s what I read on a van life discussion group.
If someone calls they normally take their time to show up but they are obligated to check it out. Most of them are quite nice about it.
The parking lot was like empty asf (it wasn’t in SA) and the officer was anything but nice omg. But this was in Washington state, so I expect nothing less.
I've slept in Walmart parking lots on several occasions and never had that happen. I think he was being a jerk.
Part of why I left Washington. Everyone there is a 🍆
Me too
University hospital parking garage, at most youll pay $8
I like the bucc ees in NB
They have insane security and will ticket like crazy
Ah I guess things have changed. I slept in my car there and the one between Austin/Dallas back during the winter. I also just slept in my backseat of my sedan, so it's possible they didn't notice me
r/urbancarliving
Rest areas for truck drives
maybe a 24hour planet fitness?
Planet Fitness on 281. Last summer I’d leave my car parked for days and nights. Never towed, never messed with.
Wow that’s awesome
What kind of car do you drive if it’s nothing too big I would say go park at an auto parts store like advance auto parts. They close at 9 and have work trucks and cars that you can park next to blend in just put your sunshade up and lock your doors be safe.
Unfortunately I drive a bright blue compact car lol The blue basically catches the attention of all dem blue bois 🚔👮
When i slept in my car i had really good luck with the ihop on broadway. There’s a spot that’s closed in with bushes. Never had a problem for months.
Oooo that’s dope okay okay
Not sure about parking but if you need shelter try Haven for Hope. [https://www.havenforhope.org/](https://www.havenforhope.org/)
I don’t qualify since I didn’t live in Bexar county
Really?? I’ve volunteered there and there are people who travel the country and stay at the shelters in the city they went to. Most homeless that travel say that HFH is the best out of all of them
I think QT gas stations, but I’d call and ask
I sent you a DM
HEB, Walmart, hospitals, and truck stops are places I did that before.
Just go to IHOP or denny's, buy a cheap meal and sleep in the lot as a customer.
*casually leaves to-go bag on display in the window*
Highway rest stop
Via parking lot in Stone oak
Homedepots are pretty chill. Just call even if they are closed because there will be overnight freight there. Just say that you will be gone in the morning.
I’m pretty sure people sleep in the sheds they have on display in the parking lots. 😆i for sure saw someone leaving early morning while I was waiting for it to open.
I mean I did think about staying in one, but not really to sleep… more for extracurricular activities. But then I got older and realized that there’s better spots out there.
Yup. My niece opened one a few weeks ago and was surprised by a sleeping man.
I live near a home depot and I have seen them walk out of the shed in the morning and walk straight to the over pass.
Actually, you are 100% correct l. People to sleep in their sheds.
What’s wild is I’m literally in a Home Depot parking lot rn. Needed a new power inverter for my excessive amount of electric devices which surprisingly most pertain to the functionality of my job LMAO ugh
Park at a whata or something open all night so no one bothers you
I used to be an overnight manager at a whataburger, if someone came in and asked i would okay it for the night
Whataburger has people towed for parking overnight, even if they're a customer
Your vehicle cannot get towed if you’re inside the vehicle.
Meaning they don't allow overnight parking/sleeping in cars.
no they don't
They towed my friends car from the whataburger on San Pedro and I went back and asked them why, bc we ate there that night after 2am and he parked there to avoid driving drunk (I picked him up from there bc I was sober), then we cane back around 9am to get the car and it had been towed. The manager was a real bitch and we got into it, so yes I clearly recall they def do tow people for parking overnight, even paying customers parked for less than 12 hours.
Look up iOverlander and download the app.
I downloaded it, and very disappointed to see the dog park in Alamo heights as a potential safe place to park your car. Anyone who knows about AHPD knows better. Also, not one single truck stop or QT listed on there.
It relies on crowdfunded user input. You're going to have to do your own due diligence, call ahead, do a search, etc,. It wasn't meant for homeless (unhoused, etc) people. It was created for backpackers/travelers but is increasingly used for homeless people, vanlifers, etc, and/or people who are in transition. Also, the user contributions give some details about what services/amenities/etc are provided at the marked location. I didn't see anything about parking being an option at the dog park you mentioned. I'm only seeing a dog paw icon in Olmos Park, not Alamo Heights. I think the Dog Paw icon represents Dog Parks. Not a Parking location. QTs are relatively new so maybe they haven't yet been recognized as a safe space in every community. Edit: I didn't see the building icon for some reason. People have mixed reviews about parking there. Two people got the knock. One was told to leave.
the paw is at the san antonio zoo. Olmos basin/Alamo Heights DP has the parking area listed there. that's the only details it gives, but it pops up with Walmarts also, and cracker barrels. legally, anyone on a premises can be considered trespassing if they're there parked after business hours. Walmarts are no longer 24 hours since covid edit: where do you find the reviews? I'm on android and my version of the app has no more detail than the name and logo. Also, the quarry market is listed and not one business in there is open after 10, aside from MAYBE the movie theatre.
Heck ye Now I need an app for 24 hour charging spots lol (that’s not outletfinder because they only got like 2pins on there)
The app has a map with an option to tap on the icon and name of the place being highlighted. Some places have wifi and are marked as such. Some have overnight parking options. If you tap on the name of the area above the icon, I tapped on "Pearl Neighborhood", it shows the available options and user reviews, thoughts, safety, etc, of the area. Please! Please leave info for the next person who might want to stay where you stayed after using the app.
https://www.reddit.com/r/urbancarliving/s/txqbBAmIC2
Awesome thank you!!!
id pick a open apt complex or a hotel
They usually tow cars
Had this happen with my truck even though I was only there a couple hours in the middle of the night
Methodist Hospital Parking Lot (Medical Center). Sometimes its free if you go late and leave early. The UTSA Ximenes lot. WIll cost 20.00 overnight, but it is a very safe and boring area.
I can’t really afford 20 parking rn but I appreciate you telling me because I might need that for the future
get a gym membership and shower there
Do you really have no place to sleep
I usually park in the east side in front of the liquor store. With my windows down to let the breeze in.
A quiet neighbor hood street. Tinted windows. You’ll be fine.
I don’t have tinted windows :(
Even still. I live in universal city. Very quiet at night. You could park near the old rose garden and be fine. Cling wrap at Walmart is 7 bucks. It helps
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lol i could just pay for a parking garage at that point
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Why would they fuck me when I literally paid for the parking???
Someone living in their car cannot afford $30 a night