I would think that staying at many Walmarts would be right up there with camping at a highway rest stop.
You see some strange individuals shopping at Walmarts these days.
It pretty much is, except for the engine noise and diesel fumes, and I think highway rest stops still have the corner on the "strange individual" market.
I have stayed at many truck stops. I have not had any problems. One trucker (loudruf) told me not to stay in the back row. I usually stay in the front row. I stayed in one rest stop. It was much noisier than the truck stop. I have stayed in several wal-marts. Truck stops are easier to find.
I can tell that you folks must be from some other area of the country! Where we go, Walmarts are feeeew and faaaar between, and truck stops are pretty rare, too. Your only choice is usually a grocery store, but even then, you can also just pull off on some public land just down the highway, so what's the point?
Lynn
I can tell that you folks must be from some other area of the country! Where we go, Walmarts are feeeew and faaaar between, and truck stops are pretty rare, too. Your only choice is usually a grocery store, but even then, you can also just pull off on some public land just down the highway, so what's the point?
Lynn
Those of us in the western states are blessed by gazillions of square miles of Gov't land. Most of which we can use for camping.
I don't think you folks out East have that luxury. I wonder if the Midwest has much open land?
I'm resting at a Wal-Mart right now in Bloomsburg, PA, posting via laptop/aircard. No broadband here, but a good cell signal. We arrived earlier than planned for the Region 2 Rally, but too late to check in. We're joined by several trucks and a couple SOB's. One of the truckers came over and asked about our Airstream. He told us a great story about his uncle who had just retired at age 78 and realized his lifelong goal of buying an Airstream. He said his uncle is always gone since he got the trailer.
Not to mention that other group of RVers, but Family Motor Coach publishes an atlas that list all Wal Marts, Flying Js, and Cracker Barrels that accept overnighters plus campgrounds rated by size restrictions. For those without a "gadget" it clearly beats any of the so called camper directories now avaliable.
When I got mine I considered suggesting that AIR might have it published using it's trademark on the cover.
Yep,
It varies, by and far, it is generally accepted it seems, except in some locations that have variances that prevent it (steamboat walmart doesn't allow it).. but prior to buying our airstream, we would occassionally camp out in the back of our pick up truck camper shell in other locations...
I am sitting in the parking lot of a Wal-Mart in Indianola,IA right this minute. This location has a large truck parking area. We spent a quiet night here with no problems.
We have not a lot of experience with RVing but just finished a 3 month trip in our Argosy. Upon leaving Texas bound for Colorado we overnighted at a Wal-Mart in Big Springs, TX. We did get permision for the store manager and yes, we did do some shopping at Wal-Mart.
On thing we did notice in Cody, WY was 15 RV's and Motorcoaches parked on the Wal-Mart parking lot. Personally I thought there were to many units at one time. Apparently the store manager didn't mind so it must have been ok.
On our recent trip from Austin, TX to our home in Northern NY, we
stopped overnight at the four WALMART SUPERCENTERS listed below. All
had other RV's, 18 wheelers, or both overnighting as well. In each
case we made purchases and asked permission. I suggest others do the
same.
Note that all GPS coordinates were recorded on site at actual
locations where we parked.
SCHERTZ, TX 78154 [Just North of San Antonio, TX]
PH:210-651-5281
6102 FM3009 [aka: Natural Bridge Caverns Rd]
I-35 Exit 175
GPS: N.29-36.0554' W.98-16.6414'
Told to park under lights near front of Garden Center.
Comment: I-35 is close and noisy all night. Several fast food
establishments, plus other stores and fuel nearby at same exit.
ALEXANDRIA, LA 71305 [North of Lafayette, LA]
PH:318-445-2300
2050 N. Mall Dr. [Exit 83 I-49, and between US-71, US-167, and US-165]
GPS: N.31-16.6981' W.92-27.2848'
Told to park in far end of lot.
Comment: Very quiet, many other stores and restaurants nearby.
HUMBOLDT, TN 38343 [Between Memphis and Clarksville, TN]
PH:731-784-0025
2716 N. Central Ave. [aka: US 45-W, just North of US 70-A]
GPS: N.35-50.373' W.88-54.919'
Told to park along south side of main lot.
Comment: This is along side a main entrance corridor and was a bit
noisy until late. It may also be possible to park on the opposite
side away from traffic. Otherwise a quiet night and WM gas pumps
nearby. Several fast food establishments and cheaper fuel just back
into town on US45-W.
CARROLLTON, KY 41008 [Halfway between Louisville, KY and Cincinatti,
OH]
PH:502-732-0645
200 Floyd Dr., just northwest of I-71 Exit 74
off KY-227 [aka: Owenton Rd.]
GPS: N.38-39.588' W.85-7.793'
Told to park "anywhere out of the way".
Comments: A quiet night plus, several fast food and fuel
establishments between W-M and I-71.
Additional info:
DOWNTOWN SAN ANTONIO, TX
We visited The Alamo and Riverwalk in San Antonio Wed. Nov 15
morning. We took I-35 to I-37 and got off at the Commerce St. Exit
#141-A, then Right onto the hotel lot next to Dennys. The lot is on
your immediate RIGHT as you turn off the exit 141-A ramp onto
Commerce St. Both attractions were only a short walk away and parking
[hotel gated lot] was $6.50 for half the day.
Happy Trails!
John & Lorna Wolfe
'84 Excella 270 MH
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