Does anyone use the Wal Mart parking lot for bookdocking and if so what have your experiences been? Positives and negatives? Are there any other stores or commercial areas that are RV friendly?
subra1228 said
08:10 PM Dec 9, 2008
Hi,
We've stayed at WalMart's plenty of times. We usually arrive around dark or shortly thereafter, find a spot away from the store, usually around other RVs, plop down & crash. We have one slide that we put out, and we also put down the height-adjustment cranky thing (sorry, I don't know the official RV name for it - it's the crank that raises the trailer to go on the ball of the hitch, then we lower it down), but not the stabilizer bars - it just takes some of the pressure off the truck. Sometimes we shop at WalMart while we're there, other times we just hit the road in the morning. We don't get up at any particular time, but leave early-ish (i.e. not noon). We've never had a problem, although sometimes it can be noisy (once they cleaned their parking lot by our rig & that was VERY noisy, but they just worked around us).
If you see signs that say no overnight camping, you can still ask the manager if it's okay. There have been a few times we weren't allowed to stay. I don't know any other place "known" for allowing RVers, but some places you can just ask - like churches, malls, stores, etc.... We once stayed at a Home Depot, which was surprising, because when we asked, they said yes, and we later found out that it is against company policy to allow overnighters in their lots.
We have stayed at several Walmarts but always park as far away from the front of store as possible.We DO NOT CAMP though(no awnings out, no barbeque grills, etc.), just park, sleep and go and we always try to buy something we need.It's a good idea to ask the store manager for permission.IMO Walmart is a place to get a little rest and that's it. Have never had a bad experience.
mcw50 said
09:04 PM Dec 9, 2008
We have frequently stayed at Wal-Marts. We always look around the neighborhood as much as we can first...then always ask permission AND always ask about the neighborhood and where they prefer that we park. We have be denied permission only once or twice in 8 years....and have also been given permission several times where there were signs saying "no" but there were serveral RVs already parked. We always try to do some shopping (hot deli chicken for dinner is a favorite!) and leave early in the AM. For the most part, the managers have always been friendly and helpful. We have also stayed at many casinos, Cabela's and Bass Pro Shop locations, as well as Flying J's and Interstate rest areas...always aware of our surroundings, doors locked and usually only the bedroom slide out enough to get around the bed, jacks never down. Are we cheap or what???? If you plan to boondock a lot, check out www.overnightrvparking.com
Happy travels! Mary
RVDude said
09:32 PM Dec 9, 2008
This is one of the most religious topics in RV-land. It always seems to center around each individual's definition of "camping" versus "parking" and each individual's "right" to do either wherever they want. I would encourage us to NOT get into a religious debate on this topic here. There are several Yahoo Walmart formus for that.
With that said, I am a long-distance RV'er usually traveling 400-600 miles a day. So, parking for an overnight at Walmarts (or other places) while under way works very well for me. I've stayed at many dozens of them. There is an excellent site for locating overnight parking places (where every location has been reviewed by real people/parkers for accuracy) at http://overnightrvparking.com yes it costs some $20/year, but it is worth far more. There are many other freebie "walmart parking sites" but none of them contain the level of personal accounts that this site does. And if you arrive late where the next stop is hours away, those personal and recent accounts are a life saver. As an avid parker at Walmarts and the like, there is no finer reference.
Walmarts are publicly accessible private land. Subject to local laws and land owner's desires, "parking" may (or may not) be allowed (signs or no signs).
TO ME, I repeat TO ME, "parking" means arrive late, leave early, always ask the manager, no levelers (pavement damage), park way out of the way, minimal/no slide outs, no BBQ's, no awnings, no lawn chairs, no un-hitching, no pavement dumping, no multi-days, well you get the idea of how "I", I repeat, "I" define how I "park." No campground offers this late arrival, early departure, never disturb your neighbors convenience. But again, it's for parking and not camping.
YOUR ideology and mileage will vary!
phyllen said
08:31 AM Dec 10, 2008
We have stayed for a quick nights sleep at a few WalMarts. Always speak to the person in charge. We do this when we are headed to a destination and need a few hours rest. Also, some Cracker Barrel restaurants allow overnighting. We have also stayed at a few truck stops.
As the other writers state, try to use their services. And keep the area clean.
Speedhitch said
02:17 PM Dec 10, 2008
Sherri and I park at the Wally World once a week. I have found it to be a very expensive place to park...seeing as how Sherri has a tendency to spend mega bucks in the store. I think I will try parking the RV there one day and see if it is as expensive as just parking the truck there. I will get back to you with the results.
Speedy
Necro said
09:36 PM Jul 6, 2009
When I worked as a waiter at Denny's, we never had a problem with RV's parking in our lot. Some didn't even come in for coffee, but others would bring the family in for breakfast or a late night snack. It never seemed to be a problem for us, but I can't say if ALL Denny's are like that.
Mallo said
08:22 AM Jul 7, 2009
We've done the Walmart thing and will again when we're trying to make time. We're in the parking mode at that point just pull in make sure we're semi level. Feed the cats eat a meal and take a walk around the store to see if there is anything we might need. Hit the sack.
We've also stayed over night in a rest stop some few states don't allow it there will be signs.
We've stayed over night in the parking lot of a 24 hour gas station / convience store (I spoke to the manager he thanked me for asking and said no problem.)
It really comes down to find a place you think you'll be safe at (The wife doesn't like places that aren't at least a little busy she feels a little traffic is good) then ask if there is someone there to ask. The worst thing that can happen is they say yes.
Mallo
Ken & Sarah said
09:03 AM Oct 14, 2010
For those of you who park overnight at Wal Mart here is a new one for your list.
In Nebraska just west of Omaha at the Gretna Exit 439 is a brand new Super Wal Mart, opened one month ago Sept 2010, we shopped there yesterday and I asked the Asst Mgr and he said they allow overnight parking in parking lot west side of the building.
Safe travels.
SkyJean said
09:14 AM Oct 14, 2010
How about parking at a hospital? I knew a couple who would park there because they are open 24 hrs and have security and theres signs posted on HWY to direct you to them. But this was over 20 yrs ago and times have changed so dont know if it's posssible now.
bubbadan said
11:35 AM Oct 14, 2010
Having been a Wal-Mart manager, it was always good for the people to come in and ask. I had one of my mgr. contact the Guards or local police to make sure the people were safe and not bothered. It was never a problem for anyone to stay over night on the lot, I never had anyone camp with the awning out, or stay more than over night. Never had to worry about clean up after anyone either.
GENECOP said
08:20 PM Oct 14, 2010
IMO, the correct approach to Walmart overnighting is arrive early evening, ask the store manager for permission, no slide outs, no chairs, low profile, out by 7am.....that's the way we keep it available. Also shop a little. G......
azrving said
08:43 PM Oct 14, 2010
I have never camped at a Wal-Mart but the local Sam's Club and Wal-Mart always have a few rv's in their parking lots, so I guess they do allow it. Our local Sam's Club rarely has any customers, the rv's keep it from looking like a ghost town. lol Costco seems to be the favorite wholesale club in Prescott, AZ.
GiniaJ said
06:04 AM Oct 16, 2010
I guess I've gotten a bit leery about WalMart parking lots and parking our tt there. Seems many WalMarts are in fringe areas or less desireable areas, and with all of the stuff going on that causes the need for parking lot security, I just am too much of a worry wart. I guess if there are several others parked close by, then the concern would be lessened, but I am far less trustful that I used to be (I used to routinely drive between Michigan and Florida by myself or with my 3 children, and stop for rest in hospital parking lots or behind motels. Now I question my sanity).
Ckerr said
10:51 AM Oct 16, 2010
We've never stayed at Walmart. The few times we thought about it, the particular Walmart in question had lots of signs prohibiting overnight parking and headers over the entrances that made getting the 5th wheel in there impossible. Wonder if they realize it also made it impossible for us to do our shopping there??? Oh well...
I did notice that the Walmart just off I-30 in Hope, AR actually has spaces marked out for big rigs and RV's on one side. Now that's a nice touch! We'd feel welcome there.
When we're on the move from place to place and are just looking for a place to sleep the night, we generally stop at a Flying J or Pilot Truck Stop. We feel safe there -- maybe because my dad and 2 brothers are truck drivers -- can fill up with diesel, and there's generally a restuarant where we can grab dinner or breakfast.
rjenkins said
11:21 AM Oct 16, 2010
I have been told by Walmart store managers that the corporation has no problems with RV overnight parking but its the city they may reside in that does. Some of that in my opinion is political since some people and groups don't like Walmart.
In one Walmart the store manager said they initially ignored the city ordinance but then they started getting fined so that is why they aggressively let the RV'ers know they can't spend the night.
RVPAINTER said
12:16 PM Apr 28, 2011
The Sam's Club in Santa Fe NM allows overnight stays - however the Walmart in Santa Fe does not as someone empitied their BW tank in the parking lot and the store was FINED!!!
Colorado_Kid said
05:01 PM May 4, 2011
Dumping your black water tank in a parking lot is gross!
Could someone here tell me about the rules for using a generator in a Walmart parking lot?
Bill Adams said
05:22 PM May 4, 2011
While you are in a Wal-Mart parking lot you can use your generator 24/7/365 if you like. Don't fire up a campfire or set out your carpet, chairs and grill like you are camping but feel free to run your genset as necessary. We were in TX once many, many years ago and we parked in the farthest corner of the Wal-Mart parking lot. It was something like a million degrees at night so we ran the genset from the time we arrived until we were ready to leave the next day. A "gentleman" from a 5th wheel parked at least 3 parking row over stopped by to "educate" me on the Wal-Mart protocol for running a generator (he was not a fan of me running the genset). I can't post here what I said to this lovely gentleman to try to let him know how wrong we was about his own perceived protocol, but leave it to say that should the 2 of us ever meet again in the future it is unlikely that we would be friends. Don't take bad information to be correct information. If you are in a parking lot (Flying J, Wal-Mart, Casino, Home Depot, whatever) there are NO RULES other than whatever you need to do to be comfortable IS THE RULE. That's one of the reasons that we park in these areas. Do I WANT to run my generator all night long? Of course not. Do I have to run my generator all night long from time to time? Of course!
Old Snipe said
07:52 AM May 5, 2011
Well said, Bill!
While I understand the FMCA/Good Sam club views on overnight parking at Walmart, I don't believe that the letter they print for members to put under the wipers of "offending" RVers is a good thing. Could create a very bad situation for someone.
Common sense is the rule. What difference does it make if I put my slide out when I park on the fringes of the parking lot and it extends over the grass? If I need to use my leveling jacks and it is a cold day, they won't damage the asphalt. If it's hot, I'll put down pads under the jacks. Generator, I use it as needed. A/C is a wonderful thing in the hot summer time.
I've asked several times at Walmart if not only was it okay to park, but may I put out my slides? Most of the managers had no idea what a slide even was.
Common sense is the rule. If you wouldn't do it in your front yard, don't do it in someone else's.
Best Regards!
-- Edited by Old Snipe on Thursday 5th of May 2011 07:54:09 AM
Colorado_Kid said
08:04 AM May 10, 2011
Old Snipe wrote:
While I understand the FMCA/Good Sam club views on overnight parking at Walmart, I don't believe that the letter they print for members to put under the wipers of "offending" RVers is a good thing. Could create a very bad situation for someone.
This reminds me of the South Park episode where Kyle's dad goes around parking lots giving people Green Tickets because they are driving "gas guzzlers." I understand people's concern of losing the right to stay overnight at a Walmart parking lot but handing out flyers is going a bit overboard.
flickeringtorches said
03:54 AM Sep 11, 2011
We always stayed at Wal-Marts when I was a full-timer years ago. Rand McNally printed a Wal-Mart version of their national atlas, identifying all their locations coast to coast. I bought the new edition earlier this year in prep for going back out on the road. Wouldn't hesitate to stay there again. The 24 hour Wal-Mart Supercenters were always the best choice for overnighting, and the best chance it was allowed. We also stayed at Flying J's and many other truck stop chains. There are always RVs overnighting in the back of the lots at all four Wal-Marts in the Spokane area, including the small store that closes at 10. I don't deem it necessary to ask at a 24 hour location, especially when there are other rigs obviously parked for the night, but if the store closes, I always ask.
Bill Adams said
07:11 AM Sep 11, 2011
On a dark stormy night when you are really looking for something to do to avoid having to talk to the spouse, you can go here http://www.irv2.com/forums/f59/walmarts-parking-54934.html and start reading over the Wal-Mart Parking thread. As of today there are nearly 2400 posts to this one thread. The same opinions are repeated over and over but it will give you a pretty good idea about how contentious this issue can be. I have no earthly idea why, but there are some very strong opponents out there. I like:
Wal-Mart / Sam's Club Casinos (especially the ones with free hook-ups) Flying J Cabellas Home Depot Cracker Barrel
-- Edited by Bill Adams on Sunday 11th of September 2011 07:12:54 AM
flickeringtorches said
12:32 PM Sep 11, 2011
Hi Bill,
Without reading the linked thread, I can guess from conversations I've had with people in person that a lot of it has to do with the old saw about Wal-Mart selling so much Chinese-made merchandise, and their tendency to come into a community and displace higher priced retailers with volume purchasing. When I've made the comment that I do some of my shopping at Wal-Mart, I've had some people go nuts and verbally attack me as though it were treason to shop there. I'm sorry, but they do have some good deals, and it's not the weakly made Chinese merch I'm interested in.
When I shop there, I'm mostly after name brand American items sold for far less that competing retailers, and I also favor some of their house brands. Why pay $3.68 for a box of 7 packets of Quaker Oats instant hot cereal when I can get a similar box of 10 packets of Great Value instant oatmeal cereal for $1.68? I get more cereal and save over $2 on the box, and the flavors are just as good. That's good home economy in my book.
The argument I've mostly had with people is about Costco. A lot of people I've met who shop exclusively at Costco go ballistic when they find out I shop at Wal-Mart, including my most recent girlfriend. I shopped with her at Costco, but she could not bring herself to set foot inside a Wal-Mart. I'm way too pragmatic to go in for that kind of thinking. I'm not here to defend Wal-Mart or to cast stones at other stores, although I refuse to pay a membership to join any store; I'll fill out the form and accept their discount card, but that's the extent of it. I just want good deals and a parking lot for boondocking.
I'm not exclusive to any single store. I must have had a hundred store cards in my possession when I stopped full-timing the first time. Shopping at different stores is actually kind of interesting, because I find different brands and styles everywhere, and it's interesting to try new things sometimes. Nowadays, the other stores I shop at are Grocery Outlet, Safeway, Fred Meyer (Kroger/Smith's), and Rosauer's/Huckleberry's (Spokane grocery chain), but none of them let RVs park overnight. Wal-Mart fills an important niche for travelers, regardless if one chooses to buy their stuff.
Michael
-- Edited by flickeringtorches on Sunday 11th of September 2011 01:19:40 PM
Bill Adams said
02:38 PM Sep 11, 2011
Actually, while that is discussed, it is more a discussion about "Why are you so cheap? Go to a campground!"? "You paid $300,000 for you coach and you are still looking for a free meal?" It's really a hoot to read. I'm a Wal-Mart junkie. If they carried everything I needed I would like never shop anywhere else. Janet is the same way with Target and especially a Super Target. Until the Unions stop demanding so much pay that they can't afford to continue business in this Country we are going to be buying more and more foreign made object that we use to manufacture here. I still need "stuff" but I can't always buy the stuff I want without buying from outside this Country.
flickeringtorches said
03:04 PM Sep 11, 2011
Ah, I see. Well, given that the rig I was in was over 10 years old and worth a fraction of many of the rigs around us, I had fewer issues with that. Boondocking is a good way to save money when full-timing on a budget. Some of the folks I met who had big rigs in the six figure range put their whole life savings into it, and boondocking made sense for them for the same reasons as it did for us--to save money as well as time finding a campground, and to camp overnight at a place we were going to shop anyway. Wal-Marts frequently have on site security driving the parking lot all night, and felt a touch safer than truck stops, especially since a lot of truck stops require dirt or gravel parking, where Wal-Marts are always blacktop and usually flat. In that sense, and as a place to save money on groceries, Wal-Mart has always been a good friend to my family.
Delaine and Lindy said
07:32 PM Sep 12, 2011
We only Wally Docked one time on our first trip. Never again, just wasn't comfortable sitting in a parking lot. There is no security and your subject to damage by shopping carts and other objects. Most of our 5th wheels and Trucks are very expensive and Wally Docking just isn't our choices. I much prefer a large Truck Stops for emergency parking. thats my choice... However we are retired and we are RVer's and don't do any camping or boondocking. For our choice its RV parks and we always have prior reservations but we also normally only travel about 250 to 300 miles a day.
flickeringtorches said
11:59 PM Sep 12, 2011
I was perpetually on the move in those days; I visited most of the national parks in the lower 48, plus many state parks, national monuments and such. Hence, there was always a need for boondocking. Regarding security, we felt we did pretty well. There was one time at the Wal-Mart in Houston where a moron in a pickup used it to ram a shopping cart into the side of our rig. THAT was unpleasant! There was also a time when we were at the Wal-Mart in El Paso, which was a weird experience because we were one of only two or three families in the whole store who weren't Mexican. All the overhead announcements were in Spanish. In Galveston, the manager had a fit that we were eating dinner in the rig in the parking lot, but it turned out that they didn't own the lot and didn't make the rules, so I can understand that. Other than that, I can't think of a bad experience we had in a Wal-Mart parking lot. It probably helped that we had an older rig. I see from your sig you've got a pretty fancy setup and I can see how that would affect your perception of where you park. When I got a new pro camera kit in 2007, I was pretty nervous and self-conscious about flashing it around in downtown Seattle at night during a holiday week trip, taking pictures of street life, Pike Place Market, etc, even though I felt safe carrying it openly in downtown Spokane, my usual turf.
Sushidog said
07:21 AM Sep 13, 2011
I have never overnighted in a Walmart parking lot, however this doesn't mean I wouldn't. I just havent found it neccessary yet. I don't have an aversion for Walmart, just Walmart "guests" at times, prefering to avoid conflict rather than bring it to a forceful resolution. ;)
I prefer to boondock in roadside rest areas, but have stopped at truck stops on occasion. There are other "boondocking" places that I frequent, such as a couple of free campgrounds on the Natchez Trace. I'll be stopping at the Meriwether Louis CG next month. I've been there a few times before. It is highly rated and suitable for more than an overnighter if you are so inclined. You may also actually camp there, not just stop for an overnight rest as we will be doing this time.
Here is a website that has many good links of free/cheap overnight stops and campgrounds you may find useful.
If I parked overnight at a Wal-Mart I would feel oligated to shop in the store and I never shop at Wal-Mart.
Some Home Depot stores will allow overnight parking subject to prior approval. Same applies to some county facilities like at the water treatment plant.
I would not mind paying to park in a truck stop parking lot as the security is usually excellent. Some of the larger Flying J truck stops have dedicated RV parking out of the way of the big rigs.
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Saturday 7th of July 2012 08:06:26 AM
PIEERE said
03:28 AM Jul 13, 2012
Allstays.com is a free resource for overnight stays whether staying in an RV, or other motor vehicle. Lists the Walmarts and overnite facilities with Phone Numbers. Pieere
MURIEL1965 said
09:05 PM Aug 19, 2013
Here in Fairbanks, Alaska, the local Walmart store has a special area in its parking lot, reserved to RV and there is even a sign where it is exactly and many rigs are there all summer long and it even starts to look like a normal campground site! That includes old school bus converted into RVs, motorhomes, travel trailers and weird looking trucks from Europe... So if you ever come this way, feel free to use Walmart parking lot...
jclem40c said
09:36 PM Apr 17, 2015
there is an app called Walmart Overnight Parking that will list the Walmarts and Sams clubs and weather or not they allow overnight parking.
PIEERE said
08:56 AM Apr 18, 2015
The Walmart in Lebanon; Tn is a Supercenter. They don't mind a night or two stay. Are off I-40 East of Nashville; exit 238-hiway 231; go North 3/4 of a mile.
cherylbrv said
06:42 PM Apr 18, 2015
I've parked in 3 of them and didn't have a problem. I prefer Interstate rest areas when allowed and Harvest Hosts if there's one in the vicinity. But I would take a Walmart over a truck stop (such as Loves or Pilot J) any day!
tibbar said
09:59 PM Aug 22, 2015
We overnight at Walmart on our way to and from Arizona for the winter. We always ask the manager and we always do some shopping. So far we have never had any trouble at all. I know of a couple that hate Walmart, yet left their rig in a Walmart parking lot for three days while they visited family. That is just wrong!
TRAILERKING said
10:12 PM Aug 22, 2015
tibbar wrote:
...... I know of a couple that hate Walmart, yet left their rig in a Walmart parking lot for three days while they visited family. That is just wrong!
That's the kind of people that screw it up for everyone.....
Lucky Larry said
05:23 PM May 20, 2016
The regular Walmart I use always has RVs in the lot - but it's on a low traffic highway.
On the other hand the other nearby Walmart on I-75 prohibits overnighting.
Seems to be any WM on major routes are weird about it from what my research reveals (due to the local government not WM).
My first project when I go will be seeing how many Pilot and interstate rest stops I can free overnight at on one tank of gas (just for the hoi) without hitting the same one.
I've never towed with my current vehicle so it's a SWAG but I'll aim for 21 nights - even 14 would be sweet though.
Howard said
06:33 AM May 21, 2016
Time to start an updated thread on this topic. This one started in 2008.
We've stayed at WalMart's plenty of times. We usually arrive around dark or shortly thereafter, find a spot away from the store, usually around other RVs, plop down & crash. We have one slide that we put out, and we also put down the height-adjustment cranky thing (sorry, I don't know the official RV name for it - it's the crank that raises the trailer to go on the ball of the hitch, then we lower it down), but not the stabilizer bars - it just takes some of the pressure off the truck. Sometimes we shop at WalMart while we're there, other times we just hit the road in the morning. We don't get up at any particular time, but leave early-ish (i.e. not noon). We've never had a problem, although sometimes it can be noisy (once they cleaned their parking lot by our rig & that was VERY noisy, but they just worked around us).
If you see signs that say no overnight camping, you can still ask the manager if it's okay. There have been a few times we weren't allowed to stay. I don't know any other place "known" for allowing RVers, but some places you can just ask - like churches, malls, stores, etc.... We once stayed at a Home Depot, which was surprising, because when we asked, they said yes, and we later found out that it is against company policy to allow overnighters in their lots.
Happy Travels!
Suzanne
http://campingandtravels.blogspot.com
Happy travels!
Mary
With that said, I am a long-distance RV'er usually traveling 400-600 miles a day. So, parking for an overnight at Walmarts (or other places) while under way works very well for me. I've stayed at many dozens of them. There is an excellent site for locating overnight parking places (where every location has been reviewed by real people/parkers for accuracy) at http://overnightrvparking.com yes it costs some $20/year, but it is worth far more. There are many other freebie "walmart parking sites" but none of them contain the level of personal accounts that this site does. And if you arrive late where the next stop is hours away, those personal and recent accounts are a life saver. As an avid parker at Walmarts and the like, there is no finer reference.
Walmarts are publicly accessible private land. Subject to local laws and land owner's desires, "parking" may (or may not) be allowed (signs or no signs).
TO ME, I repeat TO ME, "parking" means arrive late, leave early, always ask the manager, no levelers (pavement damage), park way out of the way, minimal/no slide outs, no BBQ's, no awnings, no lawn chairs, no un-hitching, no pavement dumping, no multi-days, well you get the idea of how "I", I repeat, "I" define how I "park." No campground offers this late arrival, early departure, never disturb your neighbors convenience. But again, it's for parking and not camping.
YOUR ideology and mileage will vary!
We've also stayed over night in a rest stop some few states don't allow it there will be signs.
We've stayed over night in the parking lot of a 24 hour gas station / convience store (I spoke to the manager he thanked me for asking and said no problem.)
It really comes down to find a place you think you'll be safe at (The wife doesn't like places that aren't at least a little busy she feels a little traffic is good) then ask if there is someone there to ask. The worst thing that can happen is they say yes.
Mallo
I did notice that the Walmart just off I-30 in Hope, AR actually has spaces marked out for big rigs and RV's on one side. Now that's a nice touch! We'd feel welcome there.
When we're on the move from place to place and are just looking for a place to sleep the night, we generally stop at a Flying J or Pilot Truck Stop. We feel safe there -- maybe because my dad and 2 brothers are truck drivers -- can fill up with diesel, and there's generally a restuarant where we can grab dinner or breakfast.
Dumping your black water tank in a parking lot is gross!
Could someone here tell me about the rules for using a generator in a Walmart parking lot?
Don't take bad information to be correct information. If you are in a parking lot (Flying J, Wal-Mart, Casino, Home Depot, whatever) there are NO RULES other than whatever you need to do to be comfortable IS THE RULE. That's one of the reasons that we park in these areas. Do I WANT to run my generator all night long? Of course not. Do I have to run my generator all night long from time to time? Of course!
Well said, Bill!
While I understand the FMCA/Good Sam club views on overnight parking at Walmart, I don't believe that the letter they print for members to put under the wipers of "offending" RVers is a good thing. Could create a very bad situation for someone.
Common sense is the rule. What difference does it make if I put my slide out when I park on the fringes of the parking lot and it extends over the grass? If I need to use my leveling jacks and it is a cold day, they won't damage the asphalt. If it's hot, I'll put down pads under the jacks. Generator, I use it as needed. A/C is a wonderful thing in the hot summer time.
I've asked several times at Walmart if not only was it okay to park, but may I put out my slides? Most of the managers had no idea what a slide even was.
Common sense is the rule. If you wouldn't do it in your front yard, don't do it in someone else's.
Best Regards!
-- Edited by Old Snipe on Thursday 5th of May 2011 07:54:09 AM
This reminds me of the South Park episode where Kyle's dad goes around parking lots giving people Green Tickets because they are driving "gas guzzlers." I understand people's concern of losing the right to stay overnight at a Walmart parking lot but handing out flyers is going a bit overboard.
We always stayed at Wal-Marts when I was a full-timer years ago. Rand McNally printed a Wal-Mart version of their national atlas, identifying all their locations coast to coast. I bought the new edition earlier this year in prep for going back out on the road. Wouldn't hesitate to stay there again. The 24 hour Wal-Mart Supercenters were always the best choice for overnighting, and the best chance it was allowed. We also stayed at Flying J's and many other truck stop chains. There are always RVs overnighting in the back of the lots at all four Wal-Marts in the Spokane area, including the small store that closes at 10. I don't deem it necessary to ask at a 24 hour location, especially when there are other rigs obviously parked for the night, but if the store closes, I always ask.
On a dark stormy night when you are really looking for something to do to avoid having to talk to the spouse, you can go here http://www.irv2.com/forums/f59/walmarts-parking-54934.html and start reading over the Wal-Mart Parking thread. As of today there are nearly 2400 posts to this one thread. The same opinions are repeated over and over but it will give you a pretty good idea about how contentious this issue can be. I have no earthly idea why, but there are some very strong opponents out there.
I like:
Wal-Mart / Sam's Club
Casinos (especially the ones with free hook-ups)
Flying J
Cabellas
Home Depot
Cracker Barrel
-- Edited by Bill Adams on Sunday 11th of September 2011 07:12:54 AM
Hi Bill,
Without reading the linked thread, I can guess from conversations I've had with people in person that a lot of it has to do with the old saw about Wal-Mart selling so much Chinese-made merchandise, and their tendency to come into a community and displace higher priced retailers with volume purchasing. When I've made the comment that I do some of my shopping at Wal-Mart, I've had some people go nuts and verbally attack me as though it were treason to shop there. I'm sorry, but they do have some good deals, and it's not the weakly made Chinese merch I'm interested in.
When I shop there, I'm mostly after name brand American items sold for far less that competing retailers, and I also favor some of their house brands. Why pay $3.68 for a box of 7 packets of Quaker Oats instant hot cereal when I can get a similar box of 10 packets of Great Value instant oatmeal cereal for $1.68? I get more cereal and save over $2 on the box, and the flavors are just as good. That's good home economy in my book.
The argument I've mostly had with people is about Costco. A lot of people I've met who shop exclusively at Costco go ballistic when they find out I shop at Wal-Mart, including my most recent girlfriend. I shopped with her at Costco, but she could not bring herself to set foot inside a Wal-Mart. I'm way too pragmatic to go in for that kind of thinking. I'm not here to defend Wal-Mart or to cast stones at other stores, although I refuse to pay a membership to join any store; I'll fill out the form and accept their discount card, but that's the extent of it. I just want good deals and a parking lot for boondocking.
I'm not exclusive to any single store. I must have had a hundred store cards in my possession when I stopped full-timing the first time. Shopping at different stores is actually kind of interesting, because I find different brands and styles everywhere, and it's interesting to try new things sometimes. Nowadays, the other stores I shop at are Grocery Outlet, Safeway, Fred Meyer (Kroger/Smith's), and Rosauer's/Huckleberry's (Spokane grocery chain), but none of them let RVs park overnight. Wal-Mart fills an important niche for travelers, regardless if one chooses to buy their stuff.
Michael
-- Edited by flickeringtorches on Sunday 11th of September 2011 01:19:40 PM
Ah, I see. Well, given that the rig I was in was over 10 years old and worth a fraction of many of the rigs around us, I had fewer issues with that. Boondocking is a good way to save money when full-timing on a budget. Some of the folks I met who had big rigs in the six figure range put their whole life savings into it, and boondocking made sense for them for the same reasons as it did for us--to save money as well as time finding a campground, and to camp overnight at a place we were going to shop anyway. Wal-Marts frequently have on site security driving the parking lot all night, and felt a touch safer than truck stops, especially since a lot of truck stops require dirt or gravel parking, where Wal-Marts are always blacktop and usually flat. In that sense, and as a place to save money on groceries, Wal-Mart has always been a good friend to my family.
I prefer to boondock in roadside rest areas, but have stopped at truck stops on occasion. There are other "boondocking" places that I frequent, such as a couple of free campgrounds on the Natchez Trace. I'll be stopping at the Meriwether Louis CG next month. I've been there a few times before. It is highly rated and suitable for more than an overnighter if you are so inclined. You may also actually camp there, not just stop for an overnight rest as we will be doing this time.
Here is a website that has many good links of free/cheap overnight stops and campgrounds you may find useful.
http://www.thewanderinghobo.com/Travelling/Boondocking/index.html
Chip
If I parked overnight at a Wal-Mart I would feel oligated to shop in the store and I never shop at Wal-Mart.
Some Home Depot stores will allow overnight parking subject to prior approval. Same applies to some county facilities like at the water treatment plant.
I would not mind paying to park in a truck stop parking lot as the security is usually excellent. Some of the larger Flying J truck stops have dedicated RV parking out of the way of the big rigs.
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Saturday 7th of July 2012 08:06:26 AM
Here in Fairbanks, Alaska, the local Walmart store has a special area in its parking lot, reserved to RV and there is even a sign where it is exactly and many rigs are there all summer long and it even starts to look like a normal campground site! That includes old school bus converted into RVs, motorhomes, travel trailers and weird looking trucks from Europe... So if you ever come this way, feel free to use Walmart parking lot...
That's the kind of people that screw it up for everyone.....
On the other hand the other nearby Walmart on I-75 prohibits overnighting.
Seems to be any WM on major routes are weird about it from what my research reveals (due to the local government not WM).
My first project when I go will be seeing how many Pilot and interstate rest stops I can free overnight at on one tank of gas (just for the hoi) without hitting the same one.
I've never towed with my current vehicle so it's a SWAG but I'll aim for 21 nights - even 14 would be sweet though.
Time to start an updated thread on this topic. This one started in 2008.