New to camping like this

[AlanPat]

Pat and I are both very new to "Montana Camping" and so we are learning a lot from others. We have a trip planned for several weeks and have heard that if you only need a place to park overnight you could used Walwart or Truck Stops to lay over the night. I know this sounds cheap, but we are just wondering if anyone has done this or if you know if it is done. Thanks for your help.
Alan

[Gary Christy]

Alan
If your ever at a Walmart late a t night most likely there will be a camper there. In some locations as Myrtle Beach they dont allow it. But most do. If in question go talk to the store manager. I have used them as well. Truck stops and rest areas were truckers spend the night are very noisy. Cracker Barrel if you come in late will most likely let you was well.
Gary

[AlanPat]

Thank you for your reply.

quote:Originally posted by Gary Christy

Alan
If your ever at a Walmart late a t night most likely there will be a camper there. In some locations as Myrtle Beach they dont allow it. But most do. If in question go talk to the store manager. I have used them as well. Truck stops and rest areas were truckers spend the night are very noisy. Cracker Barrel if you come in late will most likely let you was well.
Gary

[rames14]

Alan -

As stated, Cracker Barrel is a great place to spend the night. Plus, you don't have far to go for breakfast in the morning. Congratulations and enjoy your new home on wheels. Montana Camping is habit forming.

[db_engineer]

Take a look at http://freecampgrounds.com. They have listings of 1700+ free or very cheap campgrounds, as well as an incomplete list of Walmarts that don't allow overnighting.

[CmdrDewey]

Please be considerate, no awnings, bbq's, no lawn chairs, no more than one night and most people say no slides. I have used my slides on one side once but the guy next to me had his out and we overlapped. I actually saw someone dump a gray water tank right in the parking lot. That is the stuff that hurts us all.

[VanMan]

Most of the WalMarts not allowing overnighters is because there is a city ordinance against it, local RV parks have complained about it, or because of the "inconsiderate" campers mentioned above. Sometimes large, heavy motorhomes can damage the surface with their leveling systems.

[Montana Sky]

I have stayed in many Walmarts across the country. I typically do not get off the road until 9 PM or later, so my stays are usually brief. I never drop the jacks; however, I will open the drivers side slides if I can park that side up against a curb where the slides will overhang the grass.

[Art-n-Marge]

I have both heard and read that parking in the Walmart should be considered a privilege according to Walmart store managers interviewed by various RV magazines.

I interpret it as you may stay overnight but don't abuse the facilities - park as you would if you were going to shop there and have a real large vehicle that would inconvenience others (gee, I guess we have that). Park way in the back, don't drop jacks, don't set up as if you are camping there. You may slideout, but that should be about it. Keep hitched up and never, ever, open your valves. No awnings, lawn chairs, no staking into their grass, asphalt or anything else. Avoid the generator, too. Consider it a rest stop, not a camping night, and any disturbances would impact the non-Walmart neighbors.

I hope this helps to keep things kind and considerate for the rest of us. Oh yes, do check on which Walmarts "can't" allow overnighters due to reasons beyond store kindness.

Happy napping,

[mtpocket2]

Don't forget Camping World. Have spent the night there. Some offer electric also. There is also always something I need in the store to say thanks.

[Bill-N-Donna]

Never stayed at Wal-Mart, Cracker Barrel or any of the others but that isn’t to say that I wouldn’t. When we travel we like to get off the road by supper time and that usually coordinates into finding a campground somewhere. If I was traveling across country and felt like driving that many hours I certainly would consider it. It just doesn’t seem to me like it would be a place where I could sleep comfortably.

[exav8tr]

Ditto what Bill-N-Donna said.....

[CasaDelSol]

We aren't traveling yet. We just go to CG close to home. When we do start our journeys though it is nice to know that Walley World is there with their security cameras!!