One-night stays

[ElJefe54]

Searched for this question and didn't see it; excuse me if it's been answered (also, please forgive my cluelessness). But my question is this: if you can't make it to a park or campsite or similar before the end of the day (and supposing you don't want to drive all night, either), where do you stay for the night? I know Walmart will let you set up in their parking lots but you can't count on a Walmart everywhere. So where do you set up? And how much hassle is it to stop for one night? Thanks.

[switz]

I have pulled off the road onto a truck pull off and shut the truck off. I leave everything connected and sleep on the front couch as long as necessary. I turn the water pump on if needed for the toilet and then turn it off again.

BTW, always turn the water pump off and then bleed the water pressure down using the toilet action. That way there is no water on the kitchen counter, bath sink or shower or sloshing out of the toilet bowl when under way again.

[Jukeboxfun]

Some Walmarts no longer allow overnight RV parking. There are boondocking apps for your phone that can tell you if the nearby Cabelas, Lowes or Walmart allow overnight stays. Better have a generator though it could be hot!

[Mrjkq]

You will get a lot of comments on this post. I'm in Venice, Florida & during the snow bird season I've seen RV's in shopping centers, church parking lots, car dealerships & just about everywhere. I'm sure some of these folks got asked or told to move so they find a new spot. Any of the above is not a good idea, if in an emergency situation from lack of sleep just pull into an interstate rest area & don't overstay your welcome.

[terryV]

I've stayed in many a truck stop, parked right in the middle of the truckers that are stopped for a nap.

It's a bit noisy with truckers pulling in and out all night long, but you are safe there. You get used to that commotion after a while.

You can't actually camp there, but you can stop for some sleep. Just pull into the parking formation, and leave everything hooked up. I usually buy some fuel when I leave, or have breakfast in their coffee shop, but you don't have to if you don't want to.

I have found truckers to be very friendly. Many of them have campers, also.

[IanPoulin]

Truck Stops -- pull in, gas up, clean up, sleep, head on out. rinse, repeat.

[Sbb]

Rest areas, i leave everything hooked, close my drapes and unplug from my car 7 prong plug. Dont want to drain my car battery.

[cwf]

We have stopped and "cat napped" a bit.... But in Texas, man das some warm nappin'!!! I think I prefer a "cat" nap over a "dirt" nap... That might happen if I drive myself to sleep.

[Gnorts]

If you're an Elk, you can usually boondock in the parking lot of most Elks lodges. Many of them have RV hookups. Cost is minimal, and the bar is usually open!

We often stay at Elks lodges here in the West. This Friday, we'll be staying over at the Lodge in Flagstaff. Friday is Fish Fry night!

Not an Elk? Join up! It's inexpensive, and it's yet another way to meet lots of nice folks. They raise money for good causes, too.

btw, the Allstays smartphone app has an Elks filter, so it's easy to locate the lodges that have hookups. The national Elks website also has a list of RV sites available to members.

Cheap overnights. Cheap drinks. What's not to like?

[McDave]

I've heard about the Elks, and I've also heard that you have to be recommended to get in. I've asked around, and it doesn't seem like anybody I know is an Elk. So how do you get a membership?

[wahoonc]

Cracker Barrel is another option.

Aaron

[Gnorts]

Originally Posted by McDave

I've heard about the Elks, and I've also heard that you have to be recommended to get in. I've asked around, and it doesn't seem like anybody I know is an Elk. So how do you get a membership?

You need to be "sponsored" by two members. Many elks lodges are in need of new members as the old guard dies off. If you want to join a lodge in your area, just stop in and tell the person in the office - or the bartender, if the office is closed - that you're interested in becoming an Elk, and they can probably find a couple of members who would be glad to sponsor you.

Application fee is $25, and dues are less than $100 a year.