Instead of walmart...home depot?

The only one I don't use is Wal-Mart..due to the number RV's. Lowes and HD have proven to be great Hosts. I park out of the way, use the wifi and if I happen to need an item? am more than happy to buy that, too.


Gary Haupt

2gypsies wrote:

beemerphile1 wrote:
There's nothing magical about Walmart, I have overnighted at many different restaurants and stores.

The 'magical' thing about WalMart is that they personally 'invite' you to stay there. Others don't. WalMart also requests that you ask permission. See their stance at:

http://www.walmartlocator.com/rv-parking-at-walmart/

I am aware of Walmart's policy. Are you aware it was a policy of S. S. Kresge (Kmart) first? Other businesses also have the policy, it just isn't promoted and as well known.

FULLTIMEWANABE wrote:

We also have had quiet nights at churches mid week, small airports with permission, Welcome centres, some with water and dump facilities. Many shore fishing locations in low density areas.

Freecampsites.net, Casinocamper.com, Ultimatecampgrounds have been our mainly go to apps/websites when travelling and not wanting full CG facilities.

There's lots of places out there with a little thought, research and some consideration that you are not likely to intrude or annoy locals.

Please don't forget to ask permission at churches, even mid-week. For example, if you parked in my church's parking lot mid-week, you'd very likely be surprised in the morning as you get surrounded by students of the high school across the street who have permits to park there (permits "bought" with a donation to the local food shelf or some other local charitable organization).

Our favourite WM overnight was in Cody Wyoming. Great couple of nights, encouraged and within walking distance to several attractions such as the dinner show, rodeo, old town etc. HD, Lowes, Costco, Samsclub, small restaurants with large gravel parking we've frequented. There are tons of places to pull over for the night. Some towns like Tomball Tx, actually have free sites for up to 3 or 4 nights for your use as well. Fairgrounds, City/town/county parks are usually low priced and sometimes free. Also security patrolled rest areas that are not main hubs can provide a great O/N during your travels.

We also have had quiet nights at churches mid week, small airports with permission, Welcome centres, some with water and dump facilities. Many shore fishing locations in low density areas.

Freecampsites.net, Casinocamper.com, Ultimatecampgrounds have been our mainly go to apps/websites when travelling and not wanting full CG facilities.

There's lots of places out there with a little thought, research and some consideration that you are not likely to intrude or annoy locals.

beemerphile1 wrote:
There's nothing magical about Walmart, I have overnighted at many different restaurants and stores.

The 'magical' thing about WalMart is that they personally 'invite' you to stay there. Others don't. WalMart also requests that you ask permission. See their stance at:

http://www.walmartlocator.com/rv-parking-at-walmart/

Any big wide open parking lot works for us when needed. Rest stops. Truck stops of course. Even stop into those 24 hr gas station places if they have that bigger parking lot and pull thru behind in some locations to get out easy after parking and ask to just park and sleep. They always say fine!

In late, out very early. If we can ask we will, if all is closed we just go off and park and get those few hrs of sleep and fire up quick and hit the road again. HD would be a defininte place we would stop if needed.

Never had troubles of any kind. If it looks fine for a fast sleep stop we would try it :)

Lot-docking can be found most anywhere and we use it for driving days where we just need a place to crash for the night, except CA & Fl (both are hard to find locations). We too prefer to be off-grid or in a park if staying more than time to sleep. Have used Wally, HomeDepot, Cracker Barrel, K Mart, Truckstops, rest areas, visitor ctrs and turnouts / overlooks. Rural states are more friendly to pulling over for the night.

rocmoc n AZ

dcason wrote:
We have only stayed at one HD for a quick overnight. It was 11 pm and of course it was closed so we spent the night were gone soon after opening. No one said a word to us.

Has anyone else routinely done this? We need a replacement for Walmart...much more quiet.
Donna

If you are thinking a Home Depot is quiet you must live where there is no construction - open at 6 closed at 10 that's not Quiet in my Opinion.

Wal*Mart - If needed, has security - if you Google the location you can usually find the quiet spots in the lot, https://www.allstays.com/c/wal-mart-locations.htm - hard to beat the number of lot's and the info available to stay.

Did one HD - was not for me. Wal*Mart is my go to.

JMHO,

The Walmart by my house get a lot of overnight truckers, but I have not seen any TT. Less than 3 miles from the freeway.

There at least 2 other shopping centers between the freeway and that Walmart with HUGE parking areas.

In my experience, as long as you ask first you likely will have no issues. The management of whatever store will know if there is a local ordinance against overnight parking, and if it's enforced, or even how it's enforced.

Or, if its late and a place is closed, find a local police officer and ask them if they know of any place you can stay. As long as you don't come off as someone they want to look into, they know their beat and know places where you'll be left alone, and those place will likely be much quieter and safer. I've done this several times.

And, as a former LEO, I have done this for travelers many times as well.

A little effort can go a long way for peace of mind.