Walmart parking

[Crasher]

We shop at Walmart only as a last resort. We just don't like what they have done to the small business's. I know they couldn't care less about my business. On the very rare occasions that we used to spend the night at one, we would go in and buy some necessities just because. Sometimes when traveling, we just want a parking place with or without power. If the campgrounds would offer a camping spot with no hookups or just power at a reduced price, we would stop there. I just don't want to pay $40-$70 for a place to sleep.

[Mudfrog]

Originally Posted by Cloud Dancer

I've decided to wait for the problem to appear before I attempt to solve it. But, I know it'll be rough on us cheapskates.

Hey, I bet I'm a bigger cheapskate than you!

I'm frivolous with just about everything I do and am always coming up with ways to save a dime. Friends, Family all think I go overboard with these attempts but,, oh well. However,,, staying in a Walmart parking lot to save a dime is not something I ever plan on doing.

Even though it wouldn't affect me too much, I'd hate to see more restrictive legislation come about. Campgrounds are already getting too crowded.

[richard5933]

Not every jurisdiction has caved to the campgrounds though...On the Ohio Turnpike they offer overnight RV parking spots with hookups. Last I looked they were $20. Don't even have to get off the highway, and it sure beats parking between two semis. Of course, they have frequent LEO passing through, and I'm sure that anyone overstaying their welcome would be asked to leave promptly.

I'd support creating public parking for RVs which are passing through, but it would be a tough sell to any local campgrounds. Also would be difficult to enforce the one-night-only rule and to keep things clean.

[MW22r]

Just curious as I am entertaining a class B. Do you think the smaller class B's are more stealth and less likely to attract attention?

[twogypsies]

Originally Posted by MW22r

Just curious as I am entertaining a class B. Do you think the smaller class B's are more stealth and less likely to attract attention?

Where do you have in mind for parking? If 'camping' on a city street, many towns are against it. If at a WalMart or similar, any size RV is OK.

[mhs4771]

I agree if the Local CGs would keep a few spots just for OverNiters at a reasonable rate we would make good use of them, but who wants to pay upwards to $70 for a place to park for the night. We've Wally Docked a few times and generally end up spending more in their store than a "Reasonably Priced CG"

[Ray,IN]

Our last trip to Alaska, we overnighted in an RV park near Whitehorse. DW and I went to the WM to re-stock the RV, there must have been 10-12 old trailers in the lot that appeared to have been there for at least that summer. I doubt they were even roadworthy, trashy.
For that I agree, get them out.

[twogypsies]

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

Our last trip to Alaska, we overnighted in an RV park near Whitehorse. DW and I went to the WM to re-stock the RV, there must have been 10-12 old trailers in the lot that appeared to have been there for at least that summer. I doubt they were even roadworthy, trashy.
For that I agree, get them out.

RV parking is not allowed there anymore.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north...-lot-1.5183815

[LETMGROW]

Originally Posted by mhs4771

I agree if the Local CGs would keep a few spots just for OverNiters at a reasonable rate we would make good use of them, but who wants to pay upwards to $70 for a place to park for the night. We've Wally Docked a few times and generally end up spending more in their store than a "Reasonably Priced CG"

I doubt you'll ever see many camp grounds make space for overnighters with no services. If they have the room they'll make the spaces full hookups and get the full fee.
The C G still has to maintain the spaces and cover them with insurance, the folks staying there will be using the bathroom facilities etc. It wouldn't be that easy to control. I can picture the short time campers stuffing the trash bins full with their trash before they move along. Those dumpsters aren't cheap.
In most cases in the northern regions the C G's are a seasonal business. The owners have a narrow window of good weather to make a living. The Walmarts etc. have a retail business which most overnighters visit so the stores do receive some income.

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by CalCamp

Who missed this "Archived" article was from 17 years ago, and was just 're-printed' yesterday?

Back to morning brew . . .

Not Bad - only took 11 posts to Notice it was from 2003.

Some things never change, we have been using WallyMart CG's for much longer than That!

Now with Covid and Wal*Mart Pickup we call ahead with our Order then spend the night and pick it up early never needing to go into the store - Not many CG;s can compete with that Service.

Time for that Second Cup of Coffee -

[CapeDave]

There are plenty more places than Wallmart that I have stayed in over the
years. Most times it just takes a hello to the owner, patronize the business
and you can stay in many places for free. Pick up after yourself.
Do not ruin it for the rest of us.

[Down South]

There are a number of businesses that allow overnight parking other than WM. From my understanding it is subject to the store's manager approval.
Some of the businesses that I'm aware of are:
Walmart
Sam's Club
Flying J
Cracker Barrel "Only those that allow bus parking"
Fred Meyer
Giant Food Stores
Food Lion
Cabelas
Bass Pro Shops
Gander Mountain
Lowe's
Home Depot
Some Malls
Some organizations (Elks, Moose, VFW, American Legion)
Most Casinos
Some city parks, fairgrounds, marinas
BLM
And many other businesses with permission.

[Pigman1]

British Columbia and southern areas of Yukon Territory are posting "No Overnight" signs on a lot of their turnouts in the past few years. The interesting part is that if you drive past these places at 4:30-5:00AM you'll find them mostly full of overnight parkers. Seems the RCMP isn't taking the signs too seriously and neither are the RV'ers. We've been to Alaska 9 times and never stop in a campground. We are a bit particular in that we usually don't stop at scenic view points, or turnouts with toilets. We are only interested in sleeping and preparing a meal or two and we have NEVER been questioned by authorities or told to move on. Yes, I believe this is political, driven by campground owners, but it sure isn't too high on the law enforcement's list of things to enforce. The situation in Whitehorse Walmart and also in the Anchorage WM parking lots had gotten WAY out of hand and a cleanout was way past due. We have stayed in a Red Deer, Alberta, Walmart and when we were inside asking permission we were told if we hadn't asked, they would have called law enforcement to get us to move along. They too had a previous problem with long term parkers, but had no problem with a quick overnight with permission. BTW, Duluth, MN, Walmart has the same procedures.

[JpalmerCass]

Originally Posted by mhs4771

We've Wally Docked a few times and generally end up spending more in their store than a "Reasonably Priced CG"

It's not required that you shop every time you park.