A good source of information when traveling through unknown territory

Two Bit · 08-19-2005, 04:29 AM

With all the recent threads about Walmart parking, RV friendly or unfriendly towns, ect...I would like to offer up this suggestion:

When trying to find a place to park (not set up camp)for the night in a small town unfamiliar to you, stop at the Police Station or a Fire Station and ask (or flag down an Officer on the street). A good way to ask is just explain that you are traveling, need a place to park a few hours to rest, and would like to know if there is anywhere that would be OK and that would not bother anyone. These folks are a wealth of information and although they should not officially recommend a certain business, they will know where parking is allowed, what parts of town are safer, who stays open all night, where not to go at night, what gas stations are big enough to handle your long rig, ect... Many businesses (other than walmart) have large lots and in small towns, the Officers know these people personally so they know where it is OK to stop and sleep awhile. Alot of times the night shift patrol officer will even drive past during their shift to check on you. Some will even stop and talk if you invite them. It is a refreshing change for most officers to get to talk to good folks instead of constantly dealing with the bad parts of society. They can also fill you in on all the local interesting sights to see that you would normally never hear of. Giving information and helping people are part of their jobs they dont get to do very much, so ask.

Two Bit · 08-19-2005, 04:29 AM

With all the recent threads about Walmart parking, RV friendly or unfriendly towns, ect...I would like to offer up this suggestion:

When trying to find a place to park (not set up camp)for the night in a small town unfamiliar to you, stop at the Police Station or a Fire Station and ask (or flag down an Officer on the street). A good way to ask is just explain that you are traveling, need a place to park a few hours to rest, and would like to know if there is anywhere that would be OK and that would not bother anyone. These folks are a wealth of information and although they should not officially recommend a certain business, they will know where parking is allowed, what parts of town are safer, who stays open all night, where not to go at night, what gas stations are big enough to handle your long rig, ect... Many businesses (other than walmart) have large lots and in small towns, the Officers know these people personally so they know where it is OK to stop and sleep awhile. Alot of times the night shift patrol officer will even drive past during their shift to check on you. Some will even stop and talk if you invite them. It is a refreshing change for most officers to get to talk to good folks instead of constantly dealing with the bad parts of society. They can also fill you in on all the local interesting sights to see that you would normally never hear of. Giving information and helping people are part of their jobs they dont get to do very much, so ask.

RustyJC · 08-19-2005, 04:45 AM

Robert,

Excellent suggestion. Thanks for reminding us!

Rusty

CyberVet65 · 08-19-2005, 01:34 PM

Great idea! I never would have thought to do that. It sure makes sense.
Chet

Don (W5IT) · 08-20-2005, 01:12 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">It is a refreshing change for most officers to get to talk to good folks instead of constantly dealing with the bad parts of society. They can also fill you in on all the local interesting sights to see that you would normally never hear of. Giving information and helping people are part of their jobs they dont get to do very much, so ask. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You ain't just whistleing Dixie on that one!

Besides, lots of us have RV's TOO.

Those same spots we wold tell you about are the ones we go sit and write reports.