Community Forums

Nwcid · 02-07-2021, 11:47 AM

For us, especially while traveling camp grounds rarely have anything of value to offer us.

We are fully self contained so all we need/want is a semi level spot to park that is along our route. Our destinations rarely include campgrounds either and we spend about 1/3 of the year in our RV.

We have stayed a number of places to include box stores like WM, Parks (city, county or state), fairgrounds, truck stops (usually fuel up or eat there), many smaller restaurant will allow you to overnight if they have the parking space, if you use your mind there are tons of places to overnight.

FL420 · 02-07-2021, 01:36 PM

An orange cone in a parking space is just a challenge to screw with you to some people IMO.
Here's what happened when I apparently parked in a WM squatter's favorite spot when she wasn't there. It's a good thing I parked the toad in front of the coach. Even so, her boyfriend parked his car right next to our toad. If the DW had left him enough room I'm sure he would have squeezed it between our coach and our toad.
BTW, we don't travel with lumber on our motorcycle carrier. I had to make ramps to replace the oil lost when the tow truck driver pulled the axles after a young woman turned in front of us tearing up the front of our coach and starting a year long nightmare dealing with the aftermath.
Another night, with hundreds of empty parking spaces available, a Lyft driver parked right behind us. We have small windows on our curbside bedroom slideout and everytime I opened my eyes all night I could see the glow from his laptop through his heavily tinted driver's window.
Just part of the adventure I guess.[emoji57]
[emoji40]

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timjet · 02-08-2021, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shutterbug57

Not judging at all, simply curious. 35 miles (assuming 1 way) out of your way is ~10 gallons of diesel. What makes the campground more comfortable for you? Is it the ability to spread out, security or something else?

We're retired so the destination is not the goal. Like previously mentioned many of our travel campgrounds have turned out to be unadvertised gems. That's not likely in a parking lot.

Fuel has never been a consideration. Considering the cost of owning and operating a motorhome, fuel has never been the major costs.

We have several in our RV club that use parking lots exclusively for travel stops, it's just not for me.

clawsonbob · 02-08-2021, 06:05 AM

Following. Always interested in creative new ideas and experiences of more seasoned travelers.

MO Fred · 02-08-2021, 06:46 AM

For you Wallmart, CB, Lowe’s, etc overnight campers..... do you actually walk in to the established business and ask to park overnight or do you just park and hope no one tells you to leave?

Busskipper · 02-08-2021, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MO Fred

For you Wallmart, CB, Lowe’s, etc overnight campers..... do you actually walk in to the established business and ask to park overnight or do you just park and hope no one tells you to leave?

Easy - Cal talk to the manager - ask where to park out of the way - Shop - Enjoy. -

Have we asked and been told - No - Sure have, and then we drive down the road to the Next Option - Pays to call early. -

Wal*Mart works - love it. -

JMHO, -

Trapper2022 · 02-08-2021, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Always use rest areas or Wal*Marts. Very seldom will I stop and overnight anywhere else when in travel mode.

X2
30 years no issues. Why the fear?

Enjoy the journey

Triangle Drifter · 02-08-2021, 07:11 AM

Walmart is not sought after but it is always an option on the way from A to B.

Problems at Walmart are rare but do happen. Had a drunk knocking on my door at 3AM once looking for a ride. I am hooked up to my 5th wheel. I offered to call the 911 taxi service. He ran away. More likely is an inconsiderate RVer. One warm summer night we were parked in a group of non generator using RVs. A group of genny using RVs was parked some distance away. In rolls this thoughtless class A with his genny exhaust right outside my open bedroom window. He thinks nothing of the CO that he is pumping into me or the noise that he is is creating for all of the quiet RVs in the area.

"It's Walmart" He says. School is out. No class.

Busskipper · 02-08-2021, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triangle Drifter

Walmart is not sought after but it is always an option on the way from A to B.

Problems at Walmart are rare but do happen. Had a drunk knocking on my door at 3AM once looking for a ride. I am hooked up to my 5th wheel. I offered to call the 911 taxi service. He ran away. More likely is an inconsiderate RVer. One warm summer night we were parked in a group of non generator using RVs. A group of genny using RVs was parked some distance away. In rolls this thoughtless class A with his genny exhaust right outside my open bedroom window. He thinks nothing of the CO that he is pumping into me or the noise that he is is creating for all of the quiet RVs in the area.

"It's Walmart" He says. School is out. No class.

Everyone is Born with one - you just got to Talk to the Real one. -

SteveJ. · 02-08-2021, 07:24 AM

One time Wallydocking in Billings I got a knock on my door shortly after 10pm. It was a young woman that worked at the Subway inside with about three dozen free cookies that were left over at closing.

mlh2013 · 02-08-2021, 07:58 AM

When headed to a particular destination and need to overnight somewhere we usually stay at a Walmart or Lowes. We've never encountered a problem, but with that said we always are mindful of our surroundings and especially when exiting the RV. It works great for us. But I must say when we first started staying in these parking lots wife was a bit nervous especially if taking a shower

crossle32 · 02-08-2021, 09:40 AM

As a longshot, there are a few pages on FB that are dedicated to private lots for rent that may be available to stay at.

Jkwilson1989 · 02-08-2021, 10:13 AM

Another option may be small town parks. Many places that host fairs, carnivals etc. have areas for the workers with power and water and some will rent spaces cheaply. We’ve gotten a spot for $15, but had family local to the area who knew who to call

saddlesore · 02-08-2021, 10:22 AM

Retired long haul truckdriver..Truckstop usage is just me getting my "T/S Fix" also use many "pull offs" along side the highway.. I have to run the gennie overnights [auto start/stop] due to medical considerations for the wife..Have gotten a few snide remarks..I Just tell them that they have a key and an ignition ..so leave.
And before everyone jumps down my throat..I Have Yet to see enough Solar & batteries to run A/C all night..