We've never done it before and we're trying to make good time on our outgoing leg to California. We have reservations everywhere except tomorrow night - and of course it's the first day of Memorial Day weekend. So just pulling in and finding a place available will be very slim. So we might keep an eye out for Walmart and Flying J. If we pull into one of those to sleep, what it the etiquette? I thought once I read you park with the semis at Flying Js so that might be a problem for noise and slide outs etc. Unless I read wrong. But what about Walmart? Generators? If so how long can you run them? Do we get permission from the store? Thanks!!

Always ask for permission to stay at a Wal-Mart lot.Just 'overnight', don't open your awning, set out chairs or get the grill out.Park as far out of the way as possible, especially if you're opening your slides.If running a generator, I follow the normal 'quiet time' of campgrounds.Obviously, don't leave any trash or mess.Definitely do not dump your holding tanks in the parking lot. (Yes it has been done)Be courteous and quiet.Many like to make a purchase from the store, if you need supplies you may as well buy them while overnighting.You can find other places to overnight. Many big boys stores will allow you to stay.Check freecampsites.net and casinocamper.com. There are other sites, do a little searching. (I'm on a Kindle and can't make a link)Enjoy your trip.

We always ask permission (generally at the customer service desk) and ask where they'd like us to park. Almost always it's long the edge of the lot and as far away from the store doors as possible. We put the slide side away from the lot so it won't be in any traffic, and use the generator only if it's hot enough to need the AC before bed. If not on the edge of the lot, we try to get next to a light pole and put the slide on that side.Walmarts are not the only option - most big box stores will tolerate your rig overnight. Last month we asked a store manager if we could spend the night in his lot. He said he couldn't authorize that as they didn't have security or insurance. He then also told us just where in the lot would be the best and quietest place to set up and assured us that we wouldn't be bothered. It was one of the best unauthorized night's sleep we've had.Most Cracker Barrels have "rv" parking spaces that you can spend the night in. If you get there after the dinner rush, there's usually space. And breakfast is just a few steps away in the morning!Just don't act like you're entitled to spend the night, and most folks will be happy to host you. Just remember - you're not camping, you're parking. Take up as little space as possible, and don't "set up camp".al

gbopp sums it up well....and we have never stayed at a Walmart. So I am looking at it from a customer of WalMart perspective. Always, yes always, ask permission - sometimes they have a policy against due to to city ordinances or just their own store policy.

On edit (al's posting came after I typed mine). He adds good points as well - love the aspect that you are not "entitled" !

Here's a thorough discussion of the issue: Walmart Etiquette.

What is the etiquette when staying at Walmart pkg lots

rockhillmanor
Explorer
May 26, 2016
Dottie5 wrote:
We've never done it before and we're trying to make good time on our outgoing leg to California. We have reservations everywhere except tomorrow night - and of course it's the first day of Memorial Day weekend. So just pulling in and finding a place available will be very slim.

So we might keep an eye out for Walmart and Flying J. If we pull into one of those to sleep, what it the etiquette? I thought once I read you park with the semis at Flying Js so that might be a problem for noise and slide outs etc. Unless I read wrong. But what about Walmart? Generators? If so how long can you run them? Do we get permission from the store?

Thanks!!

IMHO,JMHO Stay at a Flying J.
The crazies are out in full force on the weekends in a Wally World parking lot...and I don't mean the customers.
tonyandkaren
Explorer
May 26, 2016
Here's the Walmart site - http://www.allstays.com/c/wal-mart-locations.htm - both the ones where it's okay to stay and the ones that have "No Overnight RV Parking" signs. Keep in mind that the site is not totally accurate. Things change. Also if a Walmart has signs you may still get permission to stay if you ask.

Have a good trip!
zigzagrv
Explorer
May 26, 2016
As for Flying J, most have designated RV parking so you don't have to take up space in the truck lot. Plus you have the convenience of dump stations, potable water, propane and, of course, fuel.
magnusfide
Explorer II
May 26, 2016
gbopp wrote:
Always ask for permission to stay at a Wal-Mart lot.
Just 'overnight', don't open your awning, set out chairs or get the grill out.
Park as far out of the way as possible, especially if you're opening your slides.
If running a generator, I follow the normal 'quiet time' of campgrounds.
Obviously, don't leave any trash or mess.
Definitely do not dump your holding tanks in the parking lot. (Yes it has been done)
Be courteous and quiet.
Many like to make a purchase from the store, if you need supplies you may as well buy them while overnighting.

You can find other places to overnight. Many big boys stores will allow you to stay.
Check freecampsites.net and casinocamper.com. There are other sites, do a little searching. (I'm on a Kindle and can't make a link)

Enjoy your trip.

Double ditto. This pretty much surrounds the answer.
agesilaus
Explorer III
May 26, 2016
Gbopp hits it on the head. One extra point, if you look at the parking lot you'll probably see one corner in the back or off to the side where RVs and/or semis are parked. That's where you need to be.
Jim_Shoe
Explorer
May 26, 2016
Google "No overnight parking at Walmart". There's a list. But if they do allow it, be prepared to park in a lot full of semis with their engines running all night. Same deal with Flying J's and rest areas on expressways. Also, private CGs have a pretty good lobby in popular vacation areas.
gbopp
Explorer
May 26, 2016
Matt_Colie wrote:
Your coach can be a magic carpet to all those places that you read about in National Geographic as a kid. Matt

WOW! Very well said. :C
That would be a great name for a motorhome.
Matt_Colie
Explorer II
May 26, 2016
What a great discussion...
Just remember, anyplace (other than a highway rest area) that you overnight, you are a guest at the owner's convenience. Treat it that way. If you can come and go and they have nothing to show for it but the receipts of your purchases, that is how it should be. We do this a lot as we are travelers and not so much campers. Your coach can be a magic carpet to all those places that you read about in National Geographic as a kid.

Matt
fj12ryder
Explorer III
May 26, 2016
Here's a thorough discussion of the issue: Walmart Etiquette.
Lauren
Explorer
May 26, 2016
On edit (al's posting came after I typed mine).

He adds good points as well - love the aspect that you are not "entitled" !