Community Forums

zigzagrv · 01-25-2023, 08:29 AM

Just wondering if those of you who overnight at a Walmart on the way to your final destination are having second thoughts about safety in today's 'cultural' climate.

We have been doing it for years without it being a major concern. Now, not so sure.

Capt Steve · 01-25-2023, 08:39 AM

Only stopped at a Walmart intending to overnight once... In Gallup NM just off of I-40. Took one quick look around the parking lot and headed back out to the freeway and found a nice RV Park {USA RV Park} just a few miles to the west.

The lot was crowded and not in a good way, some seriously scary folks looked to have set up semi permanently. In 15+ years of RVing that was our only Wally World experience.

laj · 01-25-2023, 08:41 AM

The way i travel i don’t have any concerns, or even give it a thought, let alone a second thought.

KenZ71 · 01-25-2023, 10:47 AM

There can be sketchy stuff anywhere. Been to a few campgrounds where I was scared to walk my dogs. Stopped at a Walmart / truck stop / rest area where I felt fine and others where I said nope, keep going.

Bobby F · 01-25-2023, 11:08 AM

There are areas in Minneapolis I used to frequent that I now avoid. And in Miami. And in New York City. And in Watertown, SD. And around Quartzsite.

You need to be aware of where you are. Some WalMarts ended up in places that declined. Others are doing fine. You can find out which is the case for any particular WalMart by checking reviews on the websites devoted to boondocking recommendations.

(This is why my favorite retail sleeping site was always Cabella's. They didn't open, or keep, stores in bad areas. If you found one, you were safe. But WalMarts will go anywhere.)

PJStough · 01-25-2023, 11:43 AM

Where, around Quartzsite, would you not park?

dbircky · 01-25-2023, 12:13 PM

Nope. Don’t live in fear of the “what if’s”. Situational awareness is the primary tool in the chest. Also don’t travel to or stop around large cities.

TandW · 01-25-2023, 12:13 PM

Sam's Club lots are a lot quieter and safer.

Old-Biscuit · 01-25-2023, 12:23 PM

Never had second thoughts about Wallydocking.......cause don't stay in parking lots ever.

TandW · 01-25-2023, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

Never had second thoughts about Wallydocking.......cause don't stay in parking lots ever.

We know what you're getting at, Biscuit. In our case we seldom "camp". We use the coach for long trips because one of us doesn't travel well at a continuous clip. And we have relations up and down the mid-Atlantic and southern states.

Bobby F · 01-25-2023, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PJStough

Where, around Quartzsite, would you not park?

Some of the areas directly across the freeway from town, to the west. In sight of the freeway. Local cop tells me propane tanks and bikes have been wandering away recently in that area.

dons2346 · 01-25-2023, 01:11 PM

I'm in Q now and haven't heard of any things walking away

F76Marion · 01-25-2023, 01:14 PM

We have done some Wally Docking, but there are better choices.
We often end up there when we need something and then just stay for the night after we ask the manager.
We prefer:
State welcome centers (not all welcome overnighters)
Cabelas'
Bass Pro
Sam's Club
Casinos
other Big Boxes (always ask)
Truck Stops that have RV Sections
And any other quiet - flat place we can find.
Frank

**NLOVNIT** · 01-25-2023, 01:30 PM

I would think twice about it now, but not because of any perceived "cultural climate". More of a needing to be safe as a woman traveling alone. In the past, I never gave it a 2nd thought because Dave was with me & if he still were, we'd continue to Wally-dock. We never stayed in any WM's in "sketchy" areas anyway & were always grouped with other RV'rs.