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Old 07-13-2020, 02:48 PM   #1
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Overnighting at Walmart's during Covid

I知 traveling to Colorado in a couple weeks . I had planned to over night in a couple of Walmart parking lots while in route. I know some Walmart's are no longer staying open 24hrs/day and I知 wondering how this may impact my travel plans. Have any of you experienced any issues with being able to utilize these parking lots during shutdowns? Have you or would you have concerns with safety while overnighting there ?
Thanks

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Old 07-13-2020, 03:18 PM   #2
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Make a reservation now at a rv park and support the local economy.


Use Walmart type drifting as a last resort, not a first plan.

Your question of danger tells me it shouldn't be a first choice.

This gypsy traveler thing is not conducive to local governments supporting rv parking in lots.

Sure, I'd stay at a Walmart but it wouldn't be so I could save 30 bucks.

Yours is not the plan mainstream rv folks will encourage.
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Old 07-13-2020, 03:29 PM   #3
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Never did & never would "plan" to use Walmart unless an absolute necessity, COVID or not.
I'll guarantee there are countless rv parks between Mississippi & Colorado that you'd feel save, but might cost you a few bucks, support them.
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Old 07-13-2020, 03:34 PM   #4
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Old 07-13-2020, 03:47 PM   #5
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I have reservations at several state parks along my route. That being said I would like to have the option of staying somewhere in route that would not require me to unhitch my toad for a brief overnight stay.
As for as this being an abuse of the system or a gypsy traveling method that seems to be implied I ALWAYS repay Walmart by purchasing needed supplies while I知 there. Seems like a win-win situation to me.
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Old 07-13-2020, 03:51 PM   #6
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The advent of pull through spaces kinda negates the argument you present about a towed vehicle.

If you can take the time to search out a Walmart you can take the time to search out a pull through rv space.

You can stop at the local Walmart and buy things you need on your way to that pull through or on your way out of town.
I will say that as a whole, this Thor group stops at Walmarts throughout their trips to replenish supplies, maybe even daily, without spending the night.

I think, and this is just me, the community here at the Thor forum might of late be trying to, in general, get people to accept a bit of personal responsibility.

I don't think we as a whole are being more harsh about the responsibilities that come with an rv, I think we're trying to get people to acknowledge the responsibility which comes with an rv
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Old 07-13-2020, 03:56 PM   #7
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There are low cost campgrounds (and even some not so low cost) that don't guarantee you will be in a secure location and safe. I have read more than a couple stories of transient people roaming through campgrounds in the middle of the night in different parts of the country.

Many times it comes down to three things..... location..... location...... location.

That being said, I am not as harsh on my position of this topic when it comes to staying at a business like Wal-Mart, Cracker Barrel and other retailers overnight if you support them financially. If we need a few hours rest and it is a long haul between planned stops, we will pick a location that we feel is safe (visible security, other RV'ers, etc.) and call ahead and ask if it is ok.

Back in April we spent the night at a Cracker Barrel in Bristol, VA. We called ahead and they were more than happy to let us stay. They only had take out because of COVID restrictions so the next morning we ordered breakfast and my wife also spent some money in the store when she went to pick up our breakfast. They were very happy to have our business since the inside restaurant was closed.

That being said... I would never park on a street, in a neighborhood, etc. where I would infringe on someone else's life or personal property. I would also do nothing else but park and sleep and then shop at the business.

If you do it the right way, both the RV'er and the establishment benefits without making you look bad to others.
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Old 07-13-2020, 04:47 PM   #8
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Call ahead and ask first; don't assume you can park. in a Walmart.

In my community there is no longer any overnight parking allowed in Parking lots. Too much trash and debris was being left behind by RV owners and the communities and property owners had enough of it.
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Old 07-13-2020, 05:21 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by ducksface View Post
Make a reservation now at a rv park and support the local economy.


Use Walmart type drifting as a last resort, not a first plan.

Your question of danger tells me it shouldn't be a first choice.

This gypsy traveler thing is not conducive to local governments supporting rv parking in lots.

Sure, I'd stay at a Walmart but it wouldn't be so I could save 30 bucks.

Yours is not the plan mainstream rv folks will encourage.



x100
walmart is not a plan. stay at a campground or travel park. you get power, a/c and more secure of a place to stay. (although, i have stayed at shady place once)

maybe in an emergency to get to point A, but then we never use the bus as an GET somewhere in a hurry mode of transportation.





plan ahead, pick parks on good reviews and locations to your route and RELAX.
. many cities have great city run rv parks. our little city has a REAL nice in town safe secure rv park with huge shade trees and walking distance to all three restaurants
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Old 07-13-2020, 05:31 PM   #10
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So I guess I just don’t get the idea of staying the night in Wally parking lot. Majority time they aren’t in the best neighborhoods anyways. I understand having a place to take a quick cat nap for a couple hours and then continuing. But there are plenty of rest stops or truck stops for that. Last year on our trip to Disney, I just found some KOA’s along the way chose how far I wanted to drive. They all accommodate for on the road traveling never had to unhook the toad and they gave me the easiest spot to get in and get out. They were glad to have an extra 30 bucks I had a place to dump and shower.

One of the ones we stayed at was Sam’s town casino in Vegas. Spent more money then I care to speak about in Vegas over my lifetime but this place was great. Level all pull though sites had the Casino so all the restaurants you could want. I would had never known this was there if we stayed at the Wally. Now on our next trip to Disney or even if we are going to be in the Vegas area I know where to stay.
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Old 07-13-2020, 05:45 PM   #11
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a Walmart being 'open' makes no difference, it's actually 'better' since traffic clears out much earlier! Congrats!
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Old 07-13-2020, 08:30 PM   #12
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Stay where you want. I grow weary of the elitist attitude of campgrounds v. Walmart or any other. It's a free country. Follow the few simple rules most do: no jacks, no slides, go in and shop, sleep and leave. Do call first and try to spend some at the establishment, no matter how small. I'm staying in a very nice county park. Full hookups, quiet safe. They let me wash my RV (it was in horrible shape). I extended my stay 3 nights to support the county. It's give and take - a two-way street.

Oh, and pack it out. Walmart and such provide trash cans but think twice before using them. You're going to stop for gas (eventually) and they have trash cans for that purpose. And, in part, you paid to dispose of your trash.
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Old 07-13-2020, 08:40 PM   #13
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your own replay, though, gives your 'directions' of what others should do, although you 'start' by saying: "Stay where you want, it's a free country..."

so, is it 'do as you wish'? or is it 'do as I tell you'?

most of us who have politely made use of any parking lot do so with our own 'set of rules', if you will, but I don't pass them out as though 'mine' need to be 'yours'....

this is the reason these types of post continue to continue...everyone has a different 'view' of what they think they and everyone 'else' should do.

simply: there are no rules.
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Old 07-13-2020, 08:45 PM   #14
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Too much trash and debris was being left behind by RV owners and the communities and property owners had enough of it.
In our Wally World the trash is left behind by the shoppers. Dirty diapers, empty 12 packs of beer cases, etc. The RV area is spotless in comparison.
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Old 07-13-2020, 08:48 PM   #15
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your own replay, though, gives your 'directions' of what others should do, although you 'start' by saying: "Stay where you want, it's a free country..."

so, is it 'do as you wish'? or is it 'do as I tell you'?

most of us who have politely made use of any parking lot do so with our own 'set of rules', if you will, but I don't pass them out as though 'mine' need to be 'yours'....

this is the reason these types of post continue to continue...everyone has a different 'view' of what they think they and everyone 'else' should do.

simply: there are no rules.
Fair point. Obviously, do as you wish. I only 'asked' he doesn't be or become abusive and the problem EA37 pointed to. Perhaps the wording could have been better. There's supposedly some 'etiquette' baked into using places like that. It makes sense to me so I follow it. You're right, my choice doesn't have to be his.
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Old 07-13-2020, 08:49 PM   #16
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"In our Wally World the trash is left behind by the shoppers. Dirty diapers, empty 12 packs of beer cases, etc. The RV area is spotless in comparison."


thank you for that reply - it's refreshing, as many have come onto these forums, as RVrs themselves, and make it sound like 'we' who use big parking lots for overnighting are somehow contributing to this 'mess'... it's just crazy what some folks will 'assume' and post on these forums... those of us who are truly 'overnighting' are just parked there during the overnight hours - no different than any of the other hundreds of cars doing the same, whether workers inside during the night time hours, or semi trucks passing thru, or police and sheriff cars passing thru.
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Old 07-13-2020, 09:20 PM   #17
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Old 07-13-2020, 09:28 PM   #18
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We are seeing less overnight RV's in our area, really don't know why

Parks are nearly full around town

Trash is on the up tick at Walmart with mask and general trash just tossed out the windows by shoppers, sad deal
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Old 07-13-2020, 10:34 PM   #19
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Originally Posted by sforl View Post
I知 traveling to Colorado in a couple weeks . I had planned to over night in a couple of Walmart parking lots while in route. I know some Walmart's are no longer staying open 24hrs/day and I知 wondering how this may impact my travel plans. Have any of you experienced any issues with being able to utilize these parking lots during shutdowns? Have you or would you have concerns with safety while overnighting there ?
Thanks
You might want to check out freecampsites.net for low cost opportunities. Quite a few towns in the panhandle of Texas have free campgrounds with electric and water hook ups. You may be able to edit your route and get a free nights stay. Another alternative may be TxDOT rest areas. Some have free wifi and security but no hook ups. All are available for 24 hours of legal parking.
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Old 07-13-2020, 10:48 PM   #20
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Allstays is another resource.
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