Community Forums

kratzkr · 06-21-2016, 11:41 AM

Will be traveling west next month, one of our planned stop-overs is in the Springfield, MO area. Does anyone have any information/suggestions/advice that I should be aware of pertaining to the area Wal Marts?

Thanks in advance for any input. I hope this is in the right area of the forums!!!

Kyle

BFlinn181 · 06-21-2016, 01:16 PM

I guess you know about this app?

Overnight Parking Wal mart iPhone iPad Android Application - AllStays

It's pretty good, but the best action is to call the Walmart to find out if it's O.K. to overnight there. (Walmart generally approves, but local ordinance might prohibit.)

We always make contact with the manager or rep to introduce ourselves and thank them for the policy.

jelag · 06-21-2016, 02:23 PM

We purchase a Rand McNally atlas at Wal-Mart so that we have a location of the stores.. and our GPS will allow us to input their name and show us the local locations... with a variety of local laws... we've found that we don't know if parking in the lot is permitted... and often when you call or walk into the store most employee's don't have a clue.... but if find one of the shift managers, or a store manager they will be happy to advise you.... As I think you can tell.. we don't use I-phones or have the app....

BFlinn181 · 06-21-2016, 03:36 PM

Well obviously you have a computer for internet. These websites tell much the same as the Apps:

Walmart Locations Store Details & Parking | Walmart Store Locator

Walmart Locations Store Details & Parking | Walmart Store Locator

No Overnight Parking at Walmart – Walmart Locator

In addition, Home Depot, McDonalds (with large lots), Cracker Barrel, Flying J, Pilot Travel Centers, Travel Centers of America, Rip Griffin Travel Centers, and many other truck stops allow RV overnight parking. Camping World, Casinos, Grocery chain stores are also often fine with overnight parking, just park away from the store.

http://www.happyvagabonds.com/casino...no-camping.htm

http://www.casinocamper.com/rv-parki...iendly-casinos

Walmart does not have corporate policy about RV parking, but K Mart does actually does allow it. K Mart is now owned by Sears, perhaps they also allow RV parking.

kidoo · 06-21-2016, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BFlinn181

I guess you know about this app?

Overnight Parking Wal mart iPhone iPad Android Application - AllStays

It's pretty good, but the best action is to call the Walmart to find out if it's O.K. to overnight there. (Walmart generally approves, but local ordinance might prohibit.)

We always make contact with the manager or rep to introduce ourselves and thank them for the policy.

I second, AllStays is the way to go. You get it all, free, public, boonduck, private campgrounds. Many Walmart have no overnight signs, but when you check the comments, you will find many are OK to overnight, even with the signs. They are normally towns ordinance most likely from camping owners complaints, but they are rarely inforced by the police, I guess they have other things to do then knocking on camper's doors.

There are a few places that it will be inforced, like in big towns or places where obviously there was some abuse. Some people are really ignorant and stay many days, get the BBQ or Generator out, long chair or even dump used water. They think if nobody ask them to leave it is ok to stay as long as they want.

Good luck.

alank · 06-21-2016, 06:51 PM

Passing through Springfield, a stopover at Bass Pro Shop would be a lot more interesting than a Wal Mart. Cabella's also has places for RV's some have a dump station.

jelag · 06-21-2016, 07:18 PM

so is there a web site... that lists dump sites, maybe both fee and free ones...

BFlinn181 · 06-21-2016, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jelag

so is there a web site... that lists dump sites, maybe both fee and free ones...

There's an App for that. Road Guides, Trucks, Parking and Store Locations

If you use Google, many resources are available.

RV Dump Stations

https://www.elmonterv.com/guide/rv-r...on/dump-sites/

twogypsies · 06-21-2016, 09:04 PM

Bass Pro would be a lot quieter.

kratzkr · 06-22-2016, 05:21 AM

Wow! To all that have replied to my question... I once again stand in awe of the sense of community in this forum! You all have given me some great info to look into and the links are greatly appreciated!

While I have "smart phone," I tend to use it as a phone (go figure..) and typically don't think of it as a portal to the interwebs, but this old dog is learning new tricks all the time!

Again, thanks to all!!

Safe travels!

Kyle

jpharley · 06-23-2016, 04:15 PM

All the Wal-Marts in the area we are located right now have stopped carrying the Wal-Mart Rand McNally Atlas. Reason stated was that everyone now has a GPS. We use the Allstays app and website. For us it is too hot in that part of the country right now to overnight without at least electric for the a/c.