Tom, first of all welcome to the Forum. Feel free to ask whatever you want.
You will find many knowledgeable People here that are eager to help. We were once all new to RVing. Do not be afraid to ask.
I would recommend that you head south.
While many Walmarts do not allow overnighting anymore, they are very nice.
We were in Connecticut once. The Walmart that we stopped at did not allow overnights, but they did tell us about one close by that did.
If you pull a 5th Wheel, make sure you stress that it is an RV.
We told one Lady that we had a 5th Wheel, she thought we were talking about a big Semi. I then said it is an RV. They allowed overnights for RVs but not Semis.
My Wife and I stay every Winter at the Mission Bell Resort in Mission, TX.
Mission is about 9 Miles from Mexico. Mission is right next to McAllen.
It is situated in the Riogrande Valley of south Texas. The People there welcome you. It is very nice.