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06-15-2019, 10:49 PM
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#1
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Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: windsport hurricane 34f
State: Tennessee
Posts: 61
THOR #9067
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Camping at walmart
Hey all, i was on my way to anchor down in dandridge tn and got tired in crossville tn,found a walmart close to interstate,found an out of the way spot,called the mgr.very friendly,no problem. Got in bed and then the the fun started.kids doing burnouts,loud mufflers showing off way too much,finally got to sleep and then the wife says an alien craft is landing next to us,turns out it was a parking lot cleaner that decided to pay extra attn in my area. Hmm next time maybe ill try cracker barrel.
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06-15-2019, 11:36 PM
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#2
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Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: South Carolina
Posts: 76
THOR #13982
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Jeepz, I know exactly what your taking about. Rt 81 NY, PA boarder, all was fine till around 10 pm. Than it started 1 car in the middle sets up the highout put speakers. Than they pair up go down the street and race than back to Walmart, and pair up again till. 2am.
BTW how is anchor down, we're going there end of August.
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06-15-2019, 11:37 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Georgia
Posts: 2,585
THOR #4735
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these things certainly happen... but you can also find sometimes a very quite night in the right circumstances, at the right place, and parking out near the fringes or even in the rear of the building were less is 'going on'....
we use Lowes(especially like their wifi that tends to reach easily into the parking lots), HomeDepot, W*mt, Sams... most any big box retailer with very large parking lots, especially those with trees to park under, and areas where the typical shopper does not normally use, or drive by.
Many churches have very large parking lots, and may not mind the occassional overnighter, but calling and asking politely is best - the same for many 'business hour' businesses that don't have employees staying late or arriving early.
Even fast food or restaurants sometimes have very large lots and don't really care that you are 'there'. They usually have more pressing concerns than whether an RV is using their lot overnight.
There can be exceptions, but the general idea is that if you are not bothering them, they probably will not be bothering you : )
We never use the word 'camping' and W*mt in the same sentence, as overnighting is a more appropriate term for the short duration and the simple need of some place to 'park' the rig while sleeping.
While is fairly certain that a visit into the store will probably happen, it's certainly never a requirement for us... and it seems that none of these mentioned businesses make any requirement, either... if you are a good citizen, they are too.
While we have a Class A and have no need to 'exit' the RV in order to arrive, park, and stay for the night, some with travel trailers and fifth wheels have to be a little more discreet when using the 'trailer' for overnighting, such as keeping leveling and slide-out usage to a minimum, if any, or at least try to keep the slide on the curb/grass/out-of-the-way side. Keeping lights in the RV to a minimum is a good idea, too, as anyone driving by can easily see in.
None of this is from any 'rule book', but just some basic common sense type of ideas that help to keep all of us in the 'good graces' of the general business world when it comes to making use of their facilities, free of charge.
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the Turners...
two Campers, two Electric cars
former diesel pusher traveler
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06-16-2019, 10:47 PM
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#4
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Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: windsport hurricane 34f
State: Tennessee
Posts: 61
THOR #9067
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Lovin anchor down,nice pool with slide,great lake swimming area with big slides,big lake toys,,close enuff to gatlinburg with none of the traffic and most sites have killer lake views.were comin back again next year
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06-16-2019, 11:36 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2023 Jayco Precept 31UL
State: Florida
Posts: 2,916
THOR #1589
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We have stayed at many W Mts across the country and in Canada, too, and never had a night like described.
Yes, Crkr Brrl is usually quieter. We've used some of the others mentioned and churches, too. Always, always ask permission. At WMt we almost always spend $50-100, and at Crkr Brrl we always have a meal. At those, you can count on the trash truck and at least one delivery truck early in the morning.
If you get in a situation like that again, roll on down the highway to the next town. You will probably still hear that "alien craft" street sweeper.
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Life is better when you cry a little, laugh a lot, and are thankful for everything you've got!
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06-16-2019, 11:38 PM
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#6
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I Think We're Lost!
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
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You sure got a full night's worth of entertainment!
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06-17-2019, 01:11 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Forest River Forester 235
State: Indiana
Posts: 4,884
THOR #6826
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We stayed at Anchor Down last year and it is now my “gold standard” against which all other parks are compared. I’m quite certain it will satisfy all comers.
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06-18-2019, 12:42 PM
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#8
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Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: windsport hurricane 34f
State: Tennessee
Posts: 61
THOR #9067
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Quote:
Originally Posted by edkjr
Jeepz, I know exactly what your taking about. Rt 81 NY, PA boarder, all was fine till around 10 pm. Than it started 1 car in the middle sets up the highout put speakers. Than they pair up go down the street and race than back to Walmart, and pair up again till. 2am.
BTW how is anchor down, we're going there end of August.
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Anchor down
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06-18-2019, 07:29 PM
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#9
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Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: South Carolina
Posts: 76
THOR #13982
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jeeepz
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Looks beautiful, how long did you stay for. Was there other places you can visit?
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06-18-2019, 09:48 PM
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#10
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Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: windsport hurricane 34f
State: Tennessee
Posts: 61
THOR #9067
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4 nites.45 mins from gatlinburg,30 mins from bush bean factory,close to dollywood,30 mins from a safari park.
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06-18-2019, 10:51 PM
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#11
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I Think We're Lost!
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
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__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
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06-19-2019, 04:15 AM
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#12
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Junior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Freedom Elite 26HE
State: Arizona
Posts: 17
THOR #14946
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jeeepz
Hey all, i was on my way to anchor down in dandridge tn and got tired in crossville tn,found a walmart close to interstate,found an out of the way spot,called the mgr.very friendly,no problem. Got in bed and then the the fun started.kids doing burnouts,loud mufflers showing off way too much,finally got to sleep and then the wife says an alien craft is landing next to us,turns out it was a parking lot cleaner that decided to pay extra attn in my area. Hmm next time maybe ill try cracker barrel.
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Had a similar situation at a Walmart in northern NM. The alien space ship would not leave us alone. Never again will we stay in a Walmart parking lot.
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06-19-2019, 04:45 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas 25.3
State: Tennessee
Posts: 161
THOR #4796
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jeeepz
Hey all, i was on my way to anchor down in dandridge tn and got tired in crossville tn,found a walmart close to interstate,found an out of the way spot,called the mgr.very friendly,no problem. Got in bed and then the the fun started.kids doing burnouts,loud mufflers showing off way too much,finally got to sleep and then the wife says an alien craft is landing next to us,turns out it was a parking lot cleaner that decided to pay extra attn in my area. Hmm next time maybe ill try cracker barrel.
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Dang. Too bad I didn't know... We live in Dandridge and have a quiet driveway! :-)
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06-19-2019, 05:05 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas 25.3
State: Tennessee
Posts: 161
THOR #4796
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Note to everyone visiting Dandridge.... Go beyond yhe RV park and lake Douglas. This area is positively dripping with history! Dandridge itself is the 2nd oldest town in TN. Also, in addition to the touristy areas mentioned by jeeepz, there are wonderful scenic drives. From jeeepz noisy Walmart, take hwy 40 south into the mountains and stop in Hattford to river raft on the Pigeon river, which feeds into Douglas Lake eventually. Or, take 25/70 east and over the mountains into Hot Springs NC. If pulling a nimble toad, unhitch and test your skills on the Dragons Tail, hwy 129. And then, there is Moonshine Tasting!... Old Tennessee, Tennessee Legends, Cocke County Distillery, Popcorn Suttons Distillery, Sugarlands Distillery, Bootleggers of Hartford....to name a few of the GOOD ones.
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Livin' the dream!
Nancy & Ray
2016 Vegas 25.3
2011 Jeep Wrangler toad
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06-19-2019, 06:45 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2017 Axis 25.4
State: Arkansas
Posts: 2,669
THOR #12231
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Sounds like a great Town Calico. We hope to make our way to TN next year sometime.
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2017 Axis / 25.4: Big Foot Levelers, Aims 1200 Watt inverter, Ceramic Window Tint, Full River AGM 6V batteries, Front Hellwig Sway bar / Rear Track Arm, Safe T Plus Steering Stabilizer, PD 4655 converter, Hard Wired Surge Guard, WEboost + WiFi Ranger, LED Headlights/Driving lights, TPMS, Surge tank, Tornado flush, Viair Compressor
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06-19-2019, 06:52 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2017 Axis 25.4
State: Arkansas
Posts: 2,669
THOR #12231
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We used TWO Diff WM over the last 7 days. Both were very quiet. No aliens..... Yet. Perhaps the Rosewell WM would be a better pick.
I tried the Cracker Barrel first at one location..... but it was right on top of the interstate and was very noisy. So we drove two blocks to the WM and it was much quieter (The buildings blocked the noise) and they had about 5 RV sleeping over that night (and about 5 Semi's as well - very popular place).
I wonder how many of the RV's showed up at CB parking lot then moved to WM (Like I did)?
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2017 Axis / 25.4: Big Foot Levelers, Aims 1200 Watt inverter, Ceramic Window Tint, Full River AGM 6V batteries, Front Hellwig Sway bar / Rear Track Arm, Safe T Plus Steering Stabilizer, PD 4655 converter, Hard Wired Surge Guard, WEboost + WiFi Ranger, LED Headlights/Driving lights, TPMS, Surge tank, Tornado flush, Viair Compressor
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06-19-2019, 10:37 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas 25.3
State: Tennessee
Posts: 161
THOR #4796
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Long & Winding road
Sounds like a great Town Calico. We hope to make our way to TN next year sometime.
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And this would be a great area for an owners forum get-together!
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06-20-2019, 03:40 AM
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#18
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2017 Axis 25.4
State: Arkansas
Posts: 2,669
THOR #12231
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I would agree.... Its "kinda" centrally located too. Not too far South or too far North.... Not on the East Coast. But the Western states might disagree with me.
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2017 Axis / 25.4: Big Foot Levelers, Aims 1200 Watt inverter, Ceramic Window Tint, Full River AGM 6V batteries, Front Hellwig Sway bar / Rear Track Arm, Safe T Plus Steering Stabilizer, PD 4655 converter, Hard Wired Surge Guard, WEboost + WiFi Ranger, LED Headlights/Driving lights, TPMS, Surge tank, Tornado flush, Viair Compressor
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06-22-2019, 02:26 AM
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#19
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2023 Jayco Precept 31UL
State: Florida
Posts: 2,916
THOR #1589
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If you are staying often at WMt or CBrl, you might like the app/web page OvernightRVParking They have a subscription cost of $25/yr, but much better info than the free sites, all crowd sourced. Your subscr covers both access methods. If you can update an older listing, they extend your subscription.
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Life is better when you cry a little, laugh a lot, and are thankful for everything you've got!
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06-22-2019, 07:12 PM
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#20
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Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.2
State: Tennessee
Posts: 45
THOR #3743
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jeeepz
Hey all, i was on my way to anchor down in dandridge tn and got tired in crossville tn,found a walmart close to interstate,found an out of the way spot,called the mgr.very friendly,no problem. Got in bed and then the the fun started.kids doing burnouts,loud mufflers showing off way too much,finally got to sleep and then the wife says an alien craft is landing next to us,turns out it was a parking lot cleaner that decided to pay extra attn in my area. Hmm next time maybe ill try cracker barrel.
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Yup. This is where I live. We have quite a few inconsiderate people here, sorry. I usually stop at Pilots of Flying J's as they usually have parking for an RV and don't need to take up a truck space. Once in a while, they can get noisy as well though.
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