When does parking become camping?

[Scatterbrain]

Originally Posted by RV Vagabond

Do these "no RV parking on private property" ordinances have some legitimate purpose, or just to promote paid campground businesses?

Oh yeah. To keep homeless people from living in front of your home/business, parked in their vans and clapped out RVs. It may sound cruel, but it's the reality.

[BeachDude]

Originally Posted by buckeyemike

Whenever I stop for the night I always put my front curb side slide out.. Just to give me some room to move around

Does it prevent you from moving around if it's not extended?

Do you extend the slide while in a public parking lot?

We have a Walmart in the city that is open 24 hours. However, we also have one of those "non-enforced" overnight RV use laws.

The local police will gladly enforce the law at Walmart if they see people getting into camping mode, rather than simply parking.

When a motorhome is simply parked with the shades shut, you have NO idea if they are even inside, because of the bright parking lot lights. They could be shopping inside Walmart!

However, the moment they turn on the generator, extend a slide or awning, all bets are off and they will be asked to leave.

[Horizonchase]

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Who is accusing you?
Did you put you slides out, deploy your awning and stoke up the BBQ? If so you're "camping".
Just stopping and sleeping is not camping, it getting some much needed sleep so you can continue your trip safely.

Absolutely Mr. D! Just a little rest before continuing on to our destination. No harm. No foul.

[Horizonchase]

Originally Posted by BeachDude

Does it prevent you from moving around if it's not extended?

Do you extend the slide while in a public parking lot?

We have a Walmart in the city that is open 24 hours. However, we also have one of those "non-enforced" overnight RV use laws.

The local police will gladly enforce the law at Walmart if they see people getting into camping mode, rather than simply parking.

When a motorhome is simply parked with the shades shut, you have NO idea if they are even inside, because of the bright parking lot lights. They could be shopping inside Walmart!

However, the moment they turn on the generator, extend a slide or awning, all bets are off and they will be asked to leave.

Yep. They then cross the line.

[Sweetbriar]

As long as you -
Arrive after sunset and depart before sun rise (or close to those times),
Do nothing outside the coach/rig (lounging, cooking and such),
Do not leave the vicinity of the coach/rig,
Get permission,
and
You're always a few minutes or less away from departing if necessary

Then your not camping, you're making a rest stop.

[RV Vagabond]

Originally Posted by Sweetbriar

As long as you -
Arrive after sunset and depart before sun rise (or close to those times),
Do nothing outside the coach/rig (lounging, cooking and such),
Do not leave the vicinity of the coach/rig,
Get permission,
and
You're always a few minutes or less away from departing if necessary

Then your not camping, you're making a rest stop.

I was good until you mentioned "get permission"

[Mr_D]

Here is what FMCA, Good Sam and Escapee's (and probably others) have joined together to publish:

Industry-sanctioned Code of Conduct
(RVers’ Good Neighbor Policy)

1. Stay one night only!
2. Obtain permission from a qualified individual.
3. Obey posted regulations.
4. No awnings, chairs, or barbecue grills.
5. Do not use hydraulic jacks on soft surfaces (including asphalt).
6. Always leave an area cleaner than you found it.
7. Purchase gas, food, or supplies as a form of thank you, when feasible.
8. Be safe! Always be aware of your surroundings and leave if you feel unsafe.

[nothermark]

FWIW I would also toss in that it matters whether or not the store is open. With a 24 hour store and more or less buttoned up camper no one knows what is going on inside. OTOH with the store closed it's pretty obvious.

FWIW2 one of our criteria for a MH is whether or not we can use it with the slides in. If we have to deploy slides to get around it's a no sale.

[Smitty77]

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Here is what FMCA, Good Sam and Escapee's (and probably others) have joined together to publish:

Pretty much how we do this, when we are stopping overnight. And, after checking with he store manager and or customer service, we then pick a spot that will cause the least disruption. We do put our slides out. And if needed, will run the generator, especially if it is hot outside (But, not if this parking space is too close to homes or apartments.). No outside cooking, awnings, chairs. And we always shop at the store we're staying at.

I personally do not consider this camping. We also pay close attention to following the posted rules. And thus, really do not worry about someone coming and knocking on our door.

I will also share, that we have due to mechanical and or health problems, had to pull off the highway two times now. Once was in a small town with No Overnight Parking signs posted. I went to the local Sheriff's office, explained our problem, and he said to go park at the back of the local Ace. He said his bother was the Manager, and that he would call and tell him he had sent me. Dang if they did not run an extension cord out the receiving bay door for us to plug into. So, I never fell afraid to proactively ask for exceptions to the posted rules! Things happen, and real people usually step up to help.

$.02. And best to all,
Smitty

[lanerd]

Along the same line of thought....how many times have you heard all rv's referred to as "campers".

Really?

Ron

[brobox]

Originally Posted by RV Vagabond

Do these "no RV parking on private property" ordinances have some legitimate purpose, or just to promote paid campground businesses?

I live in a large community that has a no over night parking ordinance, including Walmart. There are no paid campgrounds in the entire city. You are allowed to park on residential driveways for 10 days with out of state plates, FL plates 3 days.

Too many wanting a "free" place to stay in FL ruined it for everyone.

[mwwade]

A few weeks ago We stopped at Denny's for breakfast. This Denny's restaurant is located on a large chain truck stop. As we walked up to the front door of the restaurant we noticed a motor home (about 20 ft.) long parked right in front of the entrance door. This rv wouldn't have caught my eye except for all the camping stuff sitting on the parking lot. Their was a grill, lawn chair, ice chest, and wooden stairs for the steps. About 100 yards from the restaurant is a area for rv parking. I don't know, I just thought this was a little strange until I saw the aluminum walker next to the rv. I never saw the owners, but figured they needed as close to the restaurant as they could get because they were older, and handicapped. No matter what "rules" we come up with, some people have to bend them just a little, because of age or a disability.

[F4Gary]

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Here is what FMCA, Good Sam and Escapee's (and probably others) have joined together to publish:Industry-sanctioned Code of Conduct
(RVers’ Good Neighbor Policy)

1. Stay one night only!
2. Obtain permission from a qualified individual.
3. Obey posted regulations.
4. No awnings, chairs, or barbecue grills.
5. Do not use hydraulic jacks on soft surfaces (including asphalt).
6. Always leave an area cleaner than you found it.
7. Purchase gas, food, or supplies as a form of thank you, when feasible.
8. Be safe! Always be aware of your surroundings and leave if you feel unsafe.

So slides and jacks(as long as it's not soft asphalt) and no outside activity are just fine and not camping.

/thread

[Monacoach]

I was dumping my grey and black tanks at a walmart one night in a rain storm and a worker came over and asked if I was camping. I said no I just pulled in to dump my tanks. He said ok have a good day.