How do I practice my legal right to live in a tent without getting the police to mess with me

A

Anna Loboda

New Member
Jurisdiction
California
This is not a rant or anything, I seriously want to know how to avoid getting the cops to harass me when I leave and buy a tent to go live on the streets. Some people might make some lies to get me unwanted "help". Would going to the police station first and telling them that I just want be left alone and that I am safe help?
 
Living "on the streets" will always lead to police contact as you will almost always be trespassing, loitering, or squatting.
How to avoid contact? Live in your tent on property you either own or have permission to be on.
The tent is not the issue- it is the location that will lead to problems.
 
Aside from everything written the prior response, all of which I agree with:

Anna Loboda said:
I seriously want to know how to avoid getting the cops to harass me when I leave and buy a tent to go live on the streets.
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When you leave what? Are you concerned about being "harassed" simply for buying a tent or for "liv[ing] on the streets"? Which specific streets are you talking about? Do you have permission to live on these streets? If so, who gave you that permission? In the subject header of your post, you referred to a "legal right to live in a tent." What makes you think you have such a right?

Anna Loboda said:
Would going to the police station first and telling them that I just want be left alone and that I am safe help?
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We have no way of knowing because you've provided no context whatsoever.
 
Homelessness is a problem and wonder whether that is your reason for setting up a tent in public spaces. There are homeless shelters and I wonder if any state provides homeless areas outdoors where you can set up your tent. I consider the potential for problems legal liability that might surround such an arrangement. Perhaps you can share more as to what you're trying to accomplish and why this is what you'd like to do. We don't know the state or area - perhaps you can help us understand?

You can probably sleep in your tent without issue in designated public camping areas in parks, such as on federal park land. However, there are probably rules against staying in one area indefinitely and being subject to limitations.
 
Michael Wechsler said:
Homelessness is a problem and wonder whether that is your reason for setting up a tent in public spaces. There are homeless shelters and I wonder if any state provides homeless areas outdoors where you can set up your tent. I consider the potential for problems legal liability that might surround such an arrangement. Perhaps you can share more as to what you're trying to accomplish and why this is what you'd like to do. We don't know the state or area - perhaps you can help us understand?

You can probably sleep in your tent without issue in designated public camping areas in parks, such as on federal park land. However, there are probably rules against staying in one area indefinitely and being subject to limitations.
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California, per the OP

In addition to the rules against staying in one area indefinitely, there are also rules about paying to stay.
 
You have a right to live in a tent if you wish. You do not have a right to pitch your tent anywhere you want.

The way to avoid police involvement is to be sure that you own the land where you pitch the tent, or that you have the written permission of the owner available for the police to see.
 
Some people enjoy camping out, the beautiful moonlight, fresh air, the sounds of nature, the freedom to be as one with Mother Nature.

Ah yes, the great outdoors is great.
 
justblue said:
Oh yes. Camping out in Vegas this time of year is just wonderful... :p
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One person's garbage is another person's treasure.

Oh the great outdoors beckons many of us, while others prefer more comfortable digs.

To each their own.

If one enjoys "tent living", have at it.

Personally I didn't enjoy the army version of "camping", bivouacking.

Alas, we tend to do what we must.
 
justblue said:
Oh yes. Camping out in Vegas this time of year is just wonderful... :p
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I know a guy who is out in the desert camping, not 50 miles (as the crow flies) from Vegas, at this very moment.

o_O He is crazy. He also goes up in the Mountains in the middle of winter to camp.
 

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