Community Forums

kustom · 02-19-2017, 09:38 AM

stop by police station and ask worked twice for us one time drove us out to the church it was closed off by cones he removed them showed us a nice ouiet spot
and said enjoy and wean we leave to move and replace cones cant beat that

SpaceNorman · 02-19-2017, 09:54 AM

We do our best to plan our trips such that we limit our driving to < 300 miles per day and so we're off the road by 3:30 - 4:00 pm. We also seek to stay in campgrounds wherever possible. The traffic and noise of store parking lots usually mean that both my DW and I end up "sleeping with one eye open" (which sort of defeats the purpose).

When we do overnight in store parking lots - it's on those rare occasions we're making a "speed run" from Point A to Point B - and are looking for a few hours of parking. In those situations - our order of preference is usually highway rest areas, Walmart parking lots and lastly truck stops. For rest areas and truck stops - we've come to like using the "Trucker Path" app for identifying potential stops. When looking for Walmart stops - we use the "Allstays" app.

We also find that we end up using store parking lots if/when we're leaving/returning to the metro Detroit area anytime during the November - March time frame when many (if not most!) campgrounds in the upper Midwest are closed for the season - making it difficult to find real campgrounds to stay at. These stops are typically NOT spur of the moment things - so they're planned well in advance - usually using Allstays to identify potential stops.

When we do need to plan for a parking lot stop - we usually look for a "small town" Walmart (as opposed to something in a major metropolitan area) - and plan our travel such that we get arrive at dusk - and leave shortly after daylight the next morning. As soon as we reach warmer states were year round campgrounds are easy to find - we're back to using real campgrounds.

SoonToBeFT · 02-19-2017, 10:41 AM

We used to spend many overnights (only a few hours during travelling) at Walmarts, HD's, Safeways, Gas Stations, Rest Areas etc for over 15 years. However past few years haven't felt very comfortable/safe staying in many areas of these due to so many homeless sleeping on the grass verges, in "almost burnt out" autos/vans, and urine stench surrounding. Not everywhere by any means, but certainly on the Oregon/California trip in Oct 2015 we experienced it in so many towns and many run down areas that were hyped as tourist attractions, that we didn't even want to spend a few hours touring in.

This was when wife started to source out Casinos on our travel routes, as well Freecampsites.net listings. We now will by choice stay at a security patrolled Casino above all else and enjoy a peaceful nights sleep, albeit is not free by the time wife's finished inside (LOL). www.Casinocamper.org

sd75mac · 02-19-2017, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MisterT

I usually like to call or email a church to at least ask, but most of the time we've never encountered one that would have a problem with it.

It's nice to stay in a church parking lot, then drop a small donation in their mail slot and maybe claim that as a tax deduction.

dix39 · 02-19-2017, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodchopper

dkperez
While traveling I've found that "highway rest areas" are by far the most convenient for an overnight stop.
Easy to find...no "wasted time" or "additional miles" ...(simply park, sleep and hit the road).

That makes at least two of us. We've been doing it that way since the late '70s, unless there is a reason to spend more time in the area such as visiting a local attraction or friends/family.

Steve

**TonyDi** · 02-19-2017, 02:45 PM

Cracker Barrels allow RV parking though most can't accommodate big rigs. We like Loves and TA truck stops. BTW we've never had a problem at Pilot/ Flying Js.

jmcannonball · 02-19-2017, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F76Marion

Look up an app called RVParky. On the web as RVparky.com. You have to buy the phone app, but on the web it is a free site.

Pretty good, but the lists over at Discovery Owners is better. They are harder to use unless you are able to load them as overlays and S&T and SA are gone....

I hate truck stops. I don't like using the truck side of rest areas if I can help it. Casinos, Walmart, Cracker Barrel and Cabela's are all better and most Cabela's have a dump.

We rarely buy space at a cramp ground except at events.

Frank

RVparky is free on my Android.

Hit_the_Rhod · 02-20-2017, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lovin2Camp

Not So....
Best check with the particular Cabela's before you decide to head there, Our Cabela's in Hammond Indiana has banned overnight RV or Truck parking of any kind on there premises.
They will Tow you as Security is provided by the local PD!
I was told by Management there that it was implemented here and some other Cabela's because of the overwhelming parking of Semi's overnight.
Also closing the dump station repeatedly due to people just opening there tanks near the sewer without a hose attached!

Good to know! I'll make sure I avoid Hammond Indiana's Cabela's when I travel!

We've never been turned away at a Cabela's, but then again, we've never tried your Cabela's! Also, I was referring to RV parking, not Semi Trailer parking . . .

Also not sure how Bass Pro's acquisition of Cabela's is going to affect their policy.

AbdRahim · 02-24-2017, 01:11 PM

l try to plan my trips around Flying J's, both in the MH and smaller vehicles. Often the RV friendly ?Flying J's seem to be about 1/2 tank apart, which for me is perfect.

TonyDi: Do you park in the truck side of the TA or Loves? I have always felt uncomfortable taking a working man's spot.