Originally Posted by
zweitesmal2
If you're on a budget, stealth camping is a viable option. I've often camped behind churches over the years, and local police will always direct you to the fairgrounds if you're in a county seat town. After a while you'll get really good at spotting good places to camp. Small town parks are good places as well. Churches and parks have the advantage of often having small pavilions, picnic tables and a faucet and electrical outlet. You'll have privacy and wake up not having paid some KOA their "resort" mini golf fee.
I would note that location has some impact on how well that works. I have found that works best in the middle of the country and less well as you get closer to the coasts, also better in small towns than bigger ones. You can use those techniques anywhere, but it is easier some places that others. Where it is harder you may find the need to use stealth more often.