Etiquette

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by caper

My question is why "camp" at WM or truck stops? The local restaurant has a problem with people who drive MH and stop for a meal. They go to the washroom and take all the toilet paper. Come on people if you can afford to purchase a MH or high end trailer don't skimp on camping fees.

I don't "camp" at Walmart. I stop for the night and sleep. My driving schedule often has me driving long distances in one day. My family are all night owls- we'd rather get up later and stay up/out later. Would you prefer that I show up in the campsite next to you at 11 or 12 (or sadly, even later) at night?

[JackAndJane]

Not sure where you got the idea that it's about money. That was never mentioned in any of the posts. It's about someplace to stop on the road for a quick rest and then get back on the road where ever you might be. Most CG's don't have 24 hour offices like a hotel to check in and if you're just trying to get to a location for your vacation you have no idea where you will be when you need to stop.

[woozy]

Originally Posted by dcheatwood

These are things we've experienced in rest areas but never at a Walmart.

The Walmart manager who explained to me why he no longer allows overnighters of any sort begs to differ with you.

The taxpayers pay to clean up rest areas. Walmart has to foot their own cleanup bill.

[CardinalQueen]

Welcome to the road! We don't stay in rest areas overnight (we have 2 sons in law enforcement and they tell us the danger is really high) but we stay at truck stops. Truckers are very safe to be among and we always ask the truck stop where they would want us to park. We don't open the slides because our fifth wheel allows us to access the fridge, the bathroom and the bed. WalMart is ok, but they are often in sketchy parts of town snd I don't like the idea of being the only rig in the parking lot. We almost never see any units in the lots. Anyway, we've always felt very safe and secure being in with other RVers and big rig trucks. Best wishes!

[asquared]

Ok let's stay on the topic of how to do this properly instead of getting into a debate over walmart/truck stops vs campgrounds at night.

[DKRITTER]

We went to Wyoming last summer to get out of the Texas heat and choose not to stay in Walmart's along the way for personal reasons. Walmart doesn't do anything unless it benefits them economically.

Not withstanding that I wouldn't because of the etiquette involved, and yes the only reasons anyone in my opinion would stop would be for economics and convenience.
I want to be able to have the comforts the trailer affords when it is setup, stability, A/C, water, space and so on.

One thing we have had great success with are city or county parks many towns have hookups in a local park. Most are nice with hookups for at least water and electric. I've paid $40 for a KOA that turned out to be a dump and then $10.00 for a city park that was great, and the gas for the gen would have been about $10 for boondocking.

Allstays and RVParkreviews are your friend.

[CardinalQueen]

Money is absolutely not the issue. Of course we could afford a campground at night...BUT...we never know where we will be. We travel off-Interstate as much as possible, and you absolutely can't project, even within 50 miles, where you will want or need to stop. Finding out about truck stops and WalMart overnights made trip planning way better. Much better than the stress of trying to find a campground as you're going down the road late in the evening and the ones you find are full. Best solution is do what is best for YOU!

[Phil57]

Walmart is a great place to stay for a few hours. We use them when stopping late so we don't try to set up in the dark at a CG. I find a place out of the way and if it's a cool day I use my self level if hot I skip it. I do put out my slides if it can be done safely. I always make it a point to pick up our supply's and thank the Manager for being such a great company. The manager almost always is very happy to have us stay. Other than that it's the same as any camp ground always leave it cleaner and better than you found it. All this other talk about cost and all is nonsense. It's strictly a connivence thing. We have never stayed in a rest area. I don't trust them and truck stops are to loud.