Community Forums

Big-Foot · 09-27-2021, 06:57 AM

Almost 2 years ago - We tried to boondock overnight at the Walmart there on the east side of Albuquerque after spending a couple hundred dollars there for a 2 week supply. The assistant mgr “thought” it would be alright. However, the security company that patrolled the lot didn’t get the memo or perhaps they just opted to be the bad-guys. While they did not force us to leave, the guards came by in their vehicle every cycle through the lot (roughly 10 minutes) and shined spot lights on us - sat along side of us with their loud 2-way radio traffic blaring. When I asked if we were parked in the wrong spot (way far away from the store - closed), they told us that we were not welcome there and that maybe the Sam’s club lot (at the other end of the mall) would be better. We pulled over to the Sam’s lot about 12:30 AM and the security company there (different company), asked if we were broken down. I responded that we were just there to get a few hours rest. We were then informed that we had 15minutes to vacate or the sheriff would be called.
—
We left and hauled to a way side rest about 40 miles east on I-40. Rumbling trucks and loud traffic meant precious little rest for us.
—
We have not been back through Albuquerque since and chart our course well away from that area during our twice annual trips from Minnesota to Phoenix and back.
If your definite goal is to boondock for free in the Albuquerque area, I would suggest listening to myself and some of the others here and start calling ahead.
Remember what I said about the Assistant Mgr at Walmart...
Good luck!

TravelinCake · 09-27-2021, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by That Judy

I just moved away from Abq after 15 years. The airport long term parking area is where I'd leave my own rig. Safe and staffed 24 hrs. You can even park so they can see your rig from the pay booths. Multiple days are no problem and the daily rate is cheap. You can't sleep in it, though.

Another option is Isleta Casino south of Abq. You'd want to call first, due to the Balloon Fiesta crowds.

Great suggestion! I feel kind of silly for not thinking of this at first! Every time we go to the ABQ airport we comment on the growing number of RV’s stored at a private paid lot right at I-25 & the airport exit. I looked it up and it is https://apsunport.com/. ABQ does not have bad traffic, and its 65 mph on the freeway. You would probably be 40 min from your BIL. It will be safe, and I am sure not too costly. Safe travels!

bill ferns · 09-27-2021, 09:18 AM

Alb is rated as 6th in the country for vehicle theft. Down from first but overall crime is on the uptick. Don't leave your trailer unattended. Find an rv park on the other side of the mountains. Tijeras, Edgewood maybe Moriarity. You would have a better chance of still having a TT. Happy trails

TexasJeff · 09-27-2021, 09:33 AM

I've found that generally WalMarts in rural or smaller suburban areas will provide you hospitality - the management will advise you where they'd prefer you park. And definitely get their name too. However, that said, WalMarts in larger, more populated areas tend not to be as hospitable. We were traveling back home from a long trip and wanted to resupply and overnight passing through a suburb city near San Diego CA, La Mesa to be exact, and were told rather bluntly that no they do not allow any overnight parking. Needless to say, we kept on driving and did not stop to resupply from them.

shft22 · 09-27-2021, 10:26 AM

Leave hooked and take an Uber.

Igeaux · 09-27-2021, 10:48 AM

Is Moriarty too far East of town?

With any luck, the old gal who owned most of the town has gone to met her maker. A total screaming nutcase.

Other than her, the manager of the Motel across from the NAPA and the guys at NAPA are very kind and generous people. Plenty of room to leave the RV. Stick it in the back of the NAPA lot, go in, spend some $, you know you always need something, and ask the Manager if you can unhook and run see your BIL for a couple hours.

The Greasy Spoon West of the NAPA did a killer breakfast.

In January, 2010, I lost the water pump on I40 just East of Moriarty. Spent 2 nights there with no problems other than the old gal coming by every hour flashing her headlights and screaming until John, the Motel manager, took her home and took her keys away. Told her, "back off the Sherry and go to bed."

I bought him breakfast the next morning. He could not stop apologizing for the old bird, explained that she owned most of the town and tried to keep it pre WWII.

John was/is a burnt out Jazz musician. Very laid back.

tropical36 · 09-27-2021, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gammel

Going to visit the wife's sick bro east of ABQ. He lives up in the mountains so his driveway isn't TT friendly. There's a boondocking spot 10 minutes away but it's in a sketchy area. There's a Walmart 22 minutes away according to Google. What would Walmart think if I unhooked? It would only be for a few hours and we're leaving the next day.

I see it all the time, but all depends where, so do talk to the manager.
Once in ME, the manager was being a little sketchy about if's and that for the rules and after spending two nights there and realizing that one old rig with a tarp over it, had been there for awhile, I can understand why.

Marine359 · 09-27-2021, 11:08 AM

There are a couple of hospitals east of town along I-40. You could pull in in the evening and park at the back of the lot, away from cars. Then go in and tell security you’re parked out there and you’re visiting a patient. Which isn’t completely false, since you’ll be visiting your sick BIL. Also tell security you may have to unhook for a few hours to go get some things for the patient. I’ve one-night lot docked at hospitals before and security has always given me the green light.

Bob and Lisa · 09-27-2021, 07:41 PM

There is a Casino northeast of town that has a HUGE lot and roving security - first come...

GonetoRaces · 09-27-2021, 07:56 PM

Because of the ballon festival I am sure if you go to Walmart you won’t be the only trailer there and with others around not likely anybody will hook up your trailer to their truck.

I’m sure if you go into ask the Mgr it will be fine. If no other campers then I would go to the nearest police station and I’m sure if you explain the circumstances they will approve.

elksands · 09-27-2021, 08:29 PM

This definitely sounds like best option!

Reng8d · 09-28-2021, 05:11 AM

Here are a couple suggestions however, they do place you near the balloon fiesta area. There is a Cabella’s on the north side of ABQ that allows overnight parking but could be full as well, and there is Sandia Casino that has dry campers during the fiesta, try calling them and see what they say. If these locations have already been recommended sorry, did not read the entire thread.

kkocan72 · 09-28-2021, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RH401

We got permission from a Wal-Mart Manager in Ohio to stay the night. A little after 10pm a rent a cop night watch guy knocked on our door and said we have to leave. The Walmart we were at doesn't allow overnight stays. When I told him the manager said, he stated that was the day manager, she was wrong, and he would call the cops to have me removed. To avoid any problems, we left.

We went to Cedar Point in Ohio back in July. We wanted to get there right when the park opened and planned on staying in a Walmart or Cracker Barrell the night before. It was very hot and I was not looking forward to running the generator all night for AC in our class A. I called Walmart and was told we could not park there overnight. I called the local Cracker Barrell and asked if they had RV parking as it said on the website that they did, I asked if we could park overnight and the lady acted all offended and weird that I would even ask that. I told her many stores allow it and she went and got the manager, then came back and said very firmly absolutely no, and if I tried I would be towed or ticketed.

Turns out in Ohio the turnpike has limited RV parking, first come first serve, with 30/50 amp hookups at the travel plazas. Only $20 for the night. We ended in one of those, there were a couple other Class As and a few trailers and one 5th wheel. Was nice because we had plenty of room to put out the slides and put the jacks down and had electric to hook up to so no need for the generator. They also had a nice dump station right there that was included with the $20 overnight fee in case you needed to dump.

Gammel · 09-28-2021, 08:41 AM

Igeaux, that sounds like the Moriarty we knew when we lived in ABQ! Without knowing why the place did seem odd, not that we made a habit of going there. LOL

I came up with a better plan so we may never learn the joys of 'camping' at Wally World.
We're gonna stop at a BLM CG 100 miles west of ABQ and roll on through. If he's in the hospital, still unknown at this late date, we'll not be allowed in anyway in so we'll just head up to Sandia Park for a brief visit with his wife or both of them if he's still there. Then we'll go to Taos where, big surprise, their annual art festival is on. We managed to snag a spot at the Taos Valley Stop RV park 14 miles up the canyon. Looks a very nice place. Then it's north to the fresh snow of Colorado!