Community Forums

CJ7ole · 05-31-2011, 06:17 AM

Ok, let's see how how many of you actually use Walmart for an overnight stay and whether it is just to catch some shuteye while heading to another destination, and how many of you park at a WalMart because of campground availability or cost.

I am not intending to start another Walmart thread, just posting a poll. Let's keep the other thread going!

melvonnar · 05-31-2011, 09:40 AM

The weekenders most likley don't stay at walmart; its the over the road and full timers that stay there.

Maybe add a few more lines to your list to include the folks that are still working and those that are retired or those that are full timers.

Nuge · 05-31-2011, 11:41 AM

We made a rescue run from Hammond, IN to Phoenix AZ and back. We primarily stayed at Walmarts. When we had blown TWO tires, we went to Walmart first to buy tires, but they didn't have what we needed but had NO problem with us replacing them in their lot. We shopped at them on most of our stops and sometimes waited for money there. (Breakdowns broke the bank for me!) Once I start seeing the country in my RV, I will overnight at Walmarts if it's still legal but hope to boon dock well out of the way when we get "there".

RJay · 05-31-2011, 11:57 AM

As I've mentioned in the other Walmart thread, we have used Walmart past the usual one night stay because of a lack of campground vacancies due to a very popular local event. However, we never view Walmart as a camping destination only a parking destination.

Downsizer · 05-31-2011, 12:22 PM

We stay while driving long distances. Shame more CG don't do what Chuck Woodbury (RV Travel Magazine) suggested... offer a no frills, no hookup sites within a campground at minimal cost... just a safe place to park overnight... especially near Interstates!

Roam America · 05-31-2011, 12:27 PM

We only stayed in a WalMart parking lot once. It was late at night and raining fairly hard. There were no campgrounds nearby. There was a Flying-J close by but it was full of RV's. We really had no choice. We were getting tired and stressed with all the rain. That was my only experience at a camp Wally-World.

Gary RVRoamer · 05-31-2011, 02:04 PM

We occasionally use Walmarts, Sams, etc while traveling. I wouldn't exactly say "only to sleep on the road" becasue we stop around 4-5 pm, have dinner and spend the night. In that sense, it is in lieu of a campground. But we don't make Walmart a destination and don't stay multiple days.

RV Wizard · 06-01-2011, 02:33 AM

When I stay at a Walmart in the summer and it is hot; it cost me more money to run the generator than to stay in a campground. So for me, I stay in a campground to save money!
I stay at Walmart for convenience.

powerboatr · 06-01-2011, 02:45 PM

if we stay at a wally world its only for a few hrs to get some groceries or rest a bit, or wait our bad weather, or
if i had a bad night the night before

i just would never feel "right" doing an overnighter

WilleyB · 06-01-2011, 08:55 PM

Quote:

I only stay overnight at Walmart to sleep while on road?

Well yes that's my pick.

Bought the camper Nov. 2005 and it hasn't stayed overnight in a campground since

When we use the camper it is to go visiting friends and relatives so a camp ground is not required or wanted for that either. Wal Marts and other off the road places do us fine for resting and sleeping. We make no apologies for what we do, nor do we care about what the critics have to say about it

We like what we do, and we enjoy doing it. We do spend money at the stores however that has nothing to do with staying overnight in their parking lots as it's for stuff we want or need during the trip. I use WM because it's convenient and sometimes cheaper that their competiters.
So let's see Cheap over night camping, cheap goods so I guess that makes me cheap too, but then again I'm happy

saving money if I don't spend it.

Favorite RV song is
Living At Walmart by Pat Pepin

YouTube - ‪Living At Walmart by Pat Pepin‬‏

Glassalley52 · 06-02-2011, 03:52 AM

I'm in the have never stayed at one, but won't rule out the possibility. Like many, if it was a matter of catching some shut-eye and continuing on my way.

Steve N Sal · 06-02-2011, 04:54 AM

Traveling now for 11 years we have stayed at a WalMart overnite only 4 times. We stay at Flying J's when on the road until we reach our destination.

HD4Mark · 06-02-2011, 05:11 AM

We have never stayed in a Walmart lot. Have no problem with it and may some day though. Our trips are mostly NY to FL and back and there are plenty of Flying J's and patrolled rest areas for some sleep on the way.

baraff · 06-02-2011, 05:58 AM

I prefer Cracker Barrel restaurants as an overnight stop on the way to somewhere else. A phone call or inquiry with the manager is a courteous necessity. Its nice after a long day driving to get a good meal (I sure don't want to cook) and the breakfast option is there in the morning if you want it. We stayed at one recently near Nashville and it was very pleasant. No idling Semis either.