Forum Discussion
32 Replies
- Dog_FolksExplorerDon't forget, you could actually stay in a campground. Just sayin....
- gboppExplorerOther options:
Free Campgrounds
Free Campsites
Casino Camper
It's just overnighting, not camping.
Enjoy your travels. - midnightsadieExplorer IImy wife loves CB no problem park in the back of there lot,most have RV parking spots. great meal.
- rvtenExplorerParking in a FJ is very tight. Opening your slides cuts into the next parking space, or at least makes it tighter. Try and lark to the curb in there lit of possable.
- HappyKayakersExplorer IIIDon't be 'the ugly RVer'. I pulled into a Flying J in St. Augustine a few weeks ago for diesel and saw a PU/5er combo taking up 2 RV spots, all 4 slides out and generator running. As other posters have said, it's not camping. It's just getting some rest without driving 30 miles off the highway to find a campground.
- old_guyExplorernot only TT in the W/M lots but semis are in there over night a lot. any way they are in our wally world. I came around the back side the other night and there were 6 trucks parked back there.
- Sandia_ManExplorer IIHaven't done Cracker Barrel so no experience there, but we have on occasion overnighted at Walmart, Flying J/Pilots, plus casinos & rest stops to add a couple of more. For us, it's only done to make time as we arrive late into the night and park to get a few hours of shut-eye before hitting the road bright and early. Always drop a few dollars getting gas, meals, and time permitting, even stock up for the trip ahead. We rarely have had to ask the manager as there is always quite a few RVers, truckers, and those in personal vehicles already present by the time we arrive, all trying to catch a few winks. This in no way is camping, or should resemble such, we just roll in and find a level spot, no unhitching, just grab what we need out of the truck and head into our rig. Finding a spot along the edges of the parking lot allows for safe slide extension over the cement curbs.
- WyoTravelerExplorerI like Flying J/Pilot stations. I open my slides. I buy things, fuel up, top off propane. In fact I broke down at a Flying J. Had to stay there for 3 days. Told them the problem and they said no problem. Truckers stay there. Those trucks are bigger than my MH. If I pull into a Walmart I probably spend more than if I was at an RV park. We usually even buy our evening meal at deli counter. If I see signs no overnight I won't stay overnight. Most of my overnights are in an RV park. I only stay at Walmart or Flying J if RV park isn't available. I do owe them my gratitude and so I do buy things I need and also try to pull off into a far corner of the lot not to block other customers. July 4th in Bozeman, MT there were no RV parks available. There was over a hundred MHs in that parking lot. Not sure another MH could get in the parking lot. I always ask people would you rather meet me on the hwy driving at night when I am very tired or see me in a Walmart parking lot resting?
- RoyBExplorer IIDon't rule out BASS PRO SHOPS. They have a nice eating facility connected with their stores as well.
I have actually run into a couple that had 20AMP receptacles setup where they wanted you to park your trailers.
Like others have said I would always check-in and let management know you are going to spend the night in the parking lot. I have stayed at the Cracker Barrel, A few WALMARTS, a couple of BASS PRO SHOPs, sometimes even in the back of hotels, etc.
I see trailers sitting in WALMARTs all the time...
Roy Ken - SuperDutyFiverExplorerHave never stayed in a w/m.
Flying J/Pilots and all the rest of the truck-stops often have RV specific areas-we never seem to be able to find a large enough spot in any, but have found a quiet out of the way corner to spend a quick night most times-except close to busy suburban or resort areas. I tend to stop very late so we attract little attention parking way after dark-and no slides open ever. Travelling in the coach is a little more difficult because we flat tow and can't backup-we will park in any pull thru parking spot we can find with the same protocol, no slides out and a quick stay.
I've stayed in many cracker barrels, generally much quieter than the others but safety/security should have more attention paid because it's more likely you'll be the only overnight quest. Their RV spots are too small for the coach or fiver so we'll park as far away as possible across some spots strategically aligned to not be able to get blocked in by some commuter trying to hide their car at 5am! I've asked a manager most times but not always(mainly because we've arrived to late). I will say that if we get in early enough for late dinner or dessert we head inside-otherwise we go in for breakfast before departing in the morning.
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