I live in the south too. if anyone wants to come here I have 3 acres to camp on lol and it is very safe.

if I were going to travel alone and wanted to stop for a little while my advise is to park in a truck stop. most of the larger ones have huge car parking and it is pretty secure. I use to drive a truck too and yes the hookers knock on truck doors at all hours of the day and night but car parking is fine. I never spent a night in a rest area! florida's aren't bad in that they have 24 hr police protection. if you really want camping get a tent and all the equipment and go have fun!
if we live in fear we don't get to have fun! I am almost 50. here in about another month