Walmart's Parking

[CharlieM]

We have been wondering why some Walmarts have begun to turn us away. Well here is one of the reasons. I hope the picture comes through. The MH is parked in the middle row blocking four parking spots and encroaching on the driving lane. THis wasn't at the back of the lot but mid-way up the line. Please folks don't do this sort of thing, it makes it hard for everyone else.

[Wayne MD]

Wonder how long we can park with slides extended, and grills out, before W/M says, hey' here is another way we can profit--let's charge them for dry camping? Its 'either that or they can say, this is too much, we ignored it for so long, we are cutting the benefits. Soon as someone does enough damages, this will probably occur. Don't abuse the service we get from W/M. That solves a lot and says a lot.

[don springhetti]

We just got back from a three month Alaska trip from Mass. Stopped at several Wal Marts on the way up and back. Was dismayed to see how many RVers are abusing the priviledge of staying at Wal Mart. We saw awnings out, chairs out, people changing their oil and otherwise working on their rigs and many fifth wheels disconnected and left behind while the owner was gone. Also saw many rigs parked in close proximity to the store for the night blocking prime parking spaces.
It was very embarassing from my stand point! We are late in and early out people. Shop, sleep and move on.
We also saw a lot of Wal Marts posted no overnight parking. I can understand why this is happening. Wal Mart is a retail store gracious enough to let us use their surplus parking for an over night, They are not a campground! We are all going to suffer due to the abussive behavior of more than a few.

[Lorna]

Originally Posted by CharlieM

The MH is parked in the middle row blocking four parking spots and encroaching on the driving lane. This wasn't at the back of the lot but mid-way up the line.

And what makes the RV any different from the folks here in Socorro??? I don't think any of them can drive or park their cars and pickup trucks. For the past few months, parking like that is NORMAL!

[sgtjoe]

We have never had the need to become a Wally Docker, but it is nice to know that if the need should arise it's there. Depending on local ordinances, ofcourse.

[wa8yxm]

If I stay at a W/M or anywhere else I have to put out at least one slide in order to sleep.. But I have 3 slides.

With both rear slides in you can't get to my side of the bed.

[Always-RVing]

WAL*MARTetiquette

We should have a sticky thread on just this one topic.

It's more than just Wal*Mart.. SAM's, Casinos, etc

There are talked out norms, but has anyone ever put together a list of things to consider when using merchant parking for overnight stays?

What that MH parked in compact car spot? It's like a Great Dane that thinks he's a Chihuahua.

[a k]

You sure he wasn't just stopped to pickup supplies?
No jacks and it's still daylight.
Looks like he's in side row with no one behind.
Could be handicapped.
Who knows.

No Jackass would overnight like that would they?

[Barbara S.]

I have never stayed overnight in a Wal-Mart parking lot, but I have gone there many times in my 30 ft. motorhome to shop for groceries. I have handicapped license plates and park as close as possible. So, if you see a motorhome parked in the general parking area don't always assume they are there to stay overnight.

In Fredericksburg (TX) I saw the local Wal-Mart parking lot full of RVs. Some were staying there to avoid campground fees. I don't think this is right. I would appreciate being able to stop somewhere safe to spend the night and get some rest when needed and I thank Wal-Mart for providing that option.

[VI Roamers]

Perhaps Wal-Mart might adopt a twelve hour policy. Limit your stay to twelve hours, then move on.

And perhaps RV Parks might consider having a night park policy. An unserviced area for overnight stopping. No generators at all, no hookups, and nothing outside your rig.

I would pay half price to go to the back of an RV Park, have nothing for service, and just get a good nights sleep and be gone in the morning.

[Gary - K7GLD]

Sorry if this offends anyone in this group - feelings obviously run strong on this issue with many - as it does with me!

We do a lot of business transactions at our local bank - but really don't figure that business in ANY way obligates the local, or distant branches, to also put us up for the night on their parking lots! Same with the grocery store chain we shop at - as well as MANY other businesses we deal with - business, and overnight camping on their parking lots (no other name for it!) do NOT automatically go together - nor does that candy bar or TP purchase "pay" for the stay - or any other bribe or form of coercion upon the business - so why rationalize the act?

Man up - and admit it's another form of freeloading - "RV welfare" - and just get on with it!

Sure - if we had some form of serious emergency that forced us to stay in one of WM's lots, I'd do it too - but truthfully, in over 30 years and 200,000 miles of RVing, that serious an emergency has only happened *twice* - once required a stay at a rest stop - and another in an abandoned service station lot - and BOTH were the lousiest nights we have ever endured!

When/if, the day comes that WE find it necessary or attractive to take advantage of the generosity of others as a necessary or expected significant underwriting of our RV adventures, we'll SELL our RV's - and take up some other form of entertainment activity - we consider camping out on WM and similar parking lots to be tacky - and a POOR reflection upon the RVing way of life! Walmart and Cracker Barrel were NOT a key component in our decision to RV - and never WILL be.

We have MANY great pictures taken during stays in grand state, federal and private CG's - and are proud to show them to friends and relatives - I can't imagine what the albums of the Walmart and similar RVers must hold from THEIR "Walmart RVing tours"...

Trade THESE for the WM neon and paving? NOT LIKELY!




And yeah - many like these were single night, OVERNITE and in unfamiliar travel areas - but ones we looked up and PLANNED for along our travel routes - because we don't figure OUR unwillingness or inability to properly PLAN FOR or FINANCE our travels in ANY way obligates others to do it FOR us!

[Always-RVing]

I have yet to spend the night in a Wal*Mart lot, but it sure is nice of them to let us just in case. Sometimes your trip takes you in a different direction than planned, and sometimes it just gets a little later than planned.

Wal*Mart is in no way obligated, it's just a friendly, nice and good PR that they do for many RV'er on the road that need a fast, safe and convient place to stay for a day or night.

Thank You Wal*Mart from all RV'ers...and travelers all around

[mudpuppy]

I wonder if the ability to stop and enjoy a great deal of comfort independent of any services provided by a campground has led many to overnight in parking lots. Let's face it I look forward to my time at my destination but the road there is just that, a road. If I can save time and money by stopping right along my path and reload on supplies as apposed to finding a camp ground I do not need it works for me. I can go five or six days before I need any services and even these can be accomplished at a Flying J. I upgraded to a class A from a TT just for this convenience and independence.

[tmspoon]

We've used Wal-Mart lots several times while traveling. Only problem is finding them. Can anyone recommend a good source for Wal-Mart locations?