Overnighting at Wal-Mart?

[H-Balm]

From what I have seen the few places that forbid it often have local camping businesses nearby. It makes sense since they are part of the local community (tax base).

You also might want to try a 24 hour grocery store.

My favorite post was a while back where a member said he always grabbed a cart, loaded in some groceries and equipment then went to chat up a manager.

Emphasized the symbiotic relationship between the store and the teardrop owner!

[RSEAGLE]

I've not tried it, but you might check out a church parking lot. If the minister is there, just ask. After all Joseph and Mary were travelers looking for a place to bed down for the night.

[dguff]

I have camped at several WalMarts. The usual protocol is to park with other trailers/Rv's, usually in the far reaches of the lot. You are just parking, not camping, so you don't want to set up to cook. If you are early a couple of chairs to sit outside until bedtime would be ok, but basically you are just there to sleep and move on.

In the West and probably other parts of the country Indian Casinos are also pretty accomodating. Same idea, park out of the way and don't make a big deal of "camping".


Jerome

[Wild Bill]

Add most major Truck Stops like Flying J to the list of Places to go. If you can sleep among running trucks comming and going all night. Always park up wind to avoid the exhaust fumes. Stay in well lit, traveled areas of the lots, Keep in mind some of the activities that take place in Large truck stop lots during the night. Not always good, Lots of small towns have city parks with a picnic shelter, some may have signs up saying park closes at dusk. When it gets dark go to bed and when the sun comes up move on. Never been bothered. Just about all Casinos will let you spend the night and some may have electric hookups to use. Best casino spot I have seen was on the southern tip of Illinois, Home of Superman, Metropolus, Parking was right on the banks of the River. Other than the train noise now and then great place. Hotels/Motel lots are also a possibility. Happy Boondocking Bill

[S. Heisley]

Wild Bill wrote:

...Keep in mind some of the activities that take place in Large truck stop lots during the night. Not always good...

That's also true of some of the casinos.

[Miriam C.]

We have lots of truck stops and a warning, you really shouldn't park with the trucks unless the management says to. My sister is a truck driver and she is sure the truck parking is dangerous.

The casino's here allow RV's to park. Down Stream even has a place to camp with electric.

All three Walmart stores allow over-nights.

[greekspeedoman]

I've camped at many Walmarts. Usually the RVs gather in one spot for the evening. I park in the same general area. I was at a Walmart in Montana this past summer an an employee met us in the parking lot with muffins! She said they don't normally do that but they had extras or something. Free camping & a free muffin. Can't beat that.

[pete42]

I have done both Walmart and Cracker Barrel. Both good places to take a rest. Always asked permission before staying though.

X2 pete

[Engineer Guy]

There's some interesting ideas linked below.

I've read a couple of things second hand, so factor that into source credibility... In a few Towns, heat has been put on and - unlike the Policy reversal story above - Cops do bust folks attempting camp out at Walmarts. Those tales passed my 'Sniff Test' of likely truth because of the fine print above. I'm sure it IS official WalMart Policy to allow 'thus & so', but they're not the ones playing Barney Fife and enforcing said Policies. Down in Page AZ last October, one WalMarter had been set up there 8 days and was pretty proud of himself. Maybe his idea of 'getting away from it all' was to stay in a part of the Parking Lot where the lines were worn off.

Either here or on another Forum, some RVer was shown the edge of Town in Flagstaff unless he hooked up at an RV joint. He took his money and left. He wrote in later, and got the msg. back from Local Government to the effect that 'they liked it that way'. So, the Common Sense axiom that you and your $$ are welcome holds true MOST everywhere, I guess.

As we fire up our new/used lil TT soon, I find myself automatically scouting out-of-the-way Biz 'Parks', etc., to pull into and give a try for an over-nighter.

Amongst other Service Clubs, many Elks Clubs have RV spots, an Elks pal tells me. My Wife used to park out-of-the-way at a Rural Volunteer Fire Station to meet her Car Pool pal. No problems; she asked first. That went on for years...

As an ex-Ham, I figure I'll pull up and talk Ham 'stuff' to someone on a few acres when I see their obvious Antennas. Can't hurt, and perhaps they'll let us stay for a bit down the Driveway if a couple of Polacks w/a Dog look harmless enough.

Ideas For Camping Places

[LoriCz]

The majority of Walmarts allow it, they even sell a Walmart Atlas that lists all the stores and a side directory that says which ones do NOT allow it, just to have back up if anyone were to question it.

http://rvbookstore.com/shop/detail.aspx?p=1280&m=2

I have also seen this site.

http://www.freecampgrounds.com/

My Silver Shadow and I have stopped at rest stops & 24 hour Target/Walmart/grocery stores a few times if I needed sleep. Haven't been bothered yet.

Good luck!

[DMcCam]

Here in Reno you can't stay over night at Walmart. My understanding is that you can sleep at interstate rest stops though. No camping or cooking just resting or sleeping. It makes sense, they don't want fatigued drivers on the highways.

Dave