Suppose you are looking to sleep in your car in Oakland, California. In that case, this could potentially be a great car camping experience that may be slightly uncomfortable and would require an open mind to enjoy its benefits. Sleeping in your car has many pros and cons, especially up in the Bay Area.
Below is a list of the best places you could potentially stealth car camp in Oakland, California. In general, we recommend that you do your research ahead of time, read the signs in your surrounding area, or make phone calls to determine whether or not it would be a good idea to sleep in your car overnight.
Before scrolling down this list of places you can sleep in your car in Santa Barbara, California, check out these similar recommendations: Where Can You Sleep in Your Car in San Diego? or Where Can You Sleep in Your Car in San Francisco California
All About Oakland
Oakland is the largest city and county in the midst of Alameda County, California and the third largest city overall in the Bay Area. Given the large population, the Port of Oakland is the busiest port in Northern California.
There are several things to do in Oakland that will allow you to enjoy the city’s unique culture. From browsing curated boutiques that sell locally produced items, to attending shows at our historic theaters, to taking advantage of our renowned nightlife like no other.
Why do people sleep in their cars?
People sleeping in their cars because they have nowhere else to go is a reality in Oakland. It’s not just people down on their luck – it’s also families, seniors, and veterans. The City of Oakland has been working to address the issue, but there’s only so much they can do. With inflation on the rise, increased prices in every aspect have hit the entire population, forcing many individuals to sleep in their cars.
If you are fortunate to be car camping, you may also be finding yourself saving hundreds of dollars per night not spending money on hotels or other lodgings.
Otherwise, it ends up being convenient on a road trip to rest a few hours in a nearby space along your route.
Places to sleep in your car in Oakland, California
Below are a list of places that you could potentially stealth camp and get away without anyone giving you a hard time.
Walmart
Below is a list of Walmarts near Oakland:
Casino Parking Lots
Below is a list of casino parking lots near Oakland:
24-Hour Gyms
Below is a list of 24-hour gyms near Oakland:
- 304 Bayfair Mall, San Leandro, CA 94578
- 883D Island Dr, Alameda, CA 94502
- 610 Hegenberger Rd, Oakland, CA 94621
Rest Areas and Truck Stops
Below is a list of rest areas or truck stops near Oakland:
Residential Parking or Apartment Complexes
Parking in designated guest spots at apartment complexes or residential areas are a given, as long as you read the signs, you can easily stealth camp.
Large Shopping Centers
Below is a list of shopping centers in Oakland:
- Foothill Square Shopping Center: 10700 MacArthur Blvd #200, Oakland, CA 94605
- Lincoln Square Shopping Center: 4100 Redwood Rd, Oakland, CA 94619
- Eastmont Town Center: 7200 Bancroft Ave, Oakland, CA 94605
- Pacific Renaissance Plaza: 388 Ninth St, Oakland, CA 94607
- Fruitvale Station Shopping Center: Fruitvale Ave, Oakland, CA 94601
Churches
Below is a list of churches in Oakland:
- First Congregational Church of Oakland: 2501 Harrison St, Oakland, CA 94612
- First Covenant Church Oakland: 4000 Redwood Rd, Oakland, CA 94619
- Regeneration Church: 238 E 15th St, Oakland, CA 94606
- Resurrection Oakland Church: 1701 Franklin St, Oakland, CA 94612
Hotel Parking Lots
Below is a list of churches in Oakland:
- Oakland Marriott City Center: 1001 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607
- Hampton Inn Oakland Downtown-City Center: 378 11th St, Oakland, CA 94607
- Waterfront Hotel: 10 Washington St, Oakland, CA 94607
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Oakland-Waterfront: 1103 Embarcadero, Oakland, CA 94606
Tips for sleeping in your car in Oakland, California
- Park your car late and leave early to alleviate your chances of getting noticed
- If your windows are tinted, that’s great, otherwise, be sure to use blackout curtains to keep others from looking inside
- Do not stay in the same parking spot more than 2-3 nights
- Preferably use dark bedding to blend in
- Keep your car looking clean
What to pack for sleeping in your car in Oakland, California
- Towels
- Toiletries
- Sleeping pads, air mattresses, or sleeping bags
- First aid kit
- Water, snacks, food
- Blankets
- Pillows
- Trash bags
- Clothes
- Cooler
- Phone charger
Additional car camping essentials:
- Games or cards
- Camera
- Portable chargers
- Backpacks to go hiking
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you sleep in your car in Oakland, California
If the folks of Oakland are fortunate, they’ll be accepted into the Safe Car Parking program, in which the homeless may sleep in their cars overnight in a well-lit, fenced, and guarded lot. There are a few locations within this program that are designed to serve unsheltered residents.
Otherwise, it is a very tough situation to park overnight elsewhere unless your stealth camping. However, Alameda County has a high amount of individuals sleeping in their RVs or cars.
Why are cities banning you from sleeping in your car in Oakland?
A surge of unsheltered individuals is on the rise and an even larger increase during the pandemic crisis. This has become an overwhelming problem for the general population in Oakland. Often times it is not legal to sleep in your car to prevent loitering and regulating the homeless.
One way that you can help is by donating to or volunteering with organizations that provide assistance to those who are homeless. You can also advocate for more affordable housing and support policies that would help those who are struggling to keep a roof over their heads.
What is the law enforcement for sleeping in your car in Oakland?
It is not against the law to sleep in your automobile. If you’re exhausted, it’s fine to pull over and take a short snooze in your car, since driving exhausted might be deadly. It’s also acceptable to rest for a few hours in your automobile if, for example, you can’t find a hotel.
Sleeping in vehicles is not expressly prohibited by law, although certain jurisdictions do have time restrictions on where you can park for an extended period. We’ve also seen indications prohibiting overnight parking on specific roads.
Other articles you might like:
21 Comments
Comments are closed.