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jfkmk's avatar
jfkmk
Explorer
Jan 05, 2014

I don't get it

Almost every weekend, there are one or two huge ( I mean bigger than my first apartment huge) 5th wheels set up at the local Walmart. Tonight, there were three set up. Why on earth would anyone choose to set up camp at a Walmart? Between the traffic, the lights of the store and adjacent gas station convenience store, the two highways, etc. it has to be about the ugliest place to sleep! There are two campgrounds, one 15 minutes away and one 30 minutes away that offer much better accommodations, without the risk of someone breaking into your truck while you sleep. Sometimes I'm sure they are just shopping, but many times I will pass by there early in the morning and they are there.
I can't believe it is just to save money. After all, you invest tons of money into a trailer then tons of money into a truck to pull it and enough fuel to keep Texaco happy, then suddenly you can't afford a few bucks for a camp site?
If anyone camps at Walmart, or any other store, I'd like to hear why so I can understand the appeal. I'm not criticizing, I just don't get it!
  • If you don't get it, try reading one of the past threads on this very subject.
  • It's about convenience, not money. One can Wallydock without unhooking,
    pick up a few supplies and maybe a roto-chicken for dinner, rent a Redbox,
    and then hit the road at first light without having to worry about waking up
    everyone at a campground.
  • Because they want to overnight some where convenient to catch a few zzzzzzz
    and pick up a few items.

    Walmarts, Cabelas, Cracker Barrel are just a few places that welcome RVrs for overnight stops (provided there isn't a local ordinance against it).

    Safe spot, cheap (except for those shopping sprees) and easy to get into.

    They are for overnighting........not camping
  • $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
  • There are times when there are crews working in the store overnight. That's how they get things rearranged without bothering the day time shoppers. The crews might be there for two or more nights.

    Curious? ... Ask at the service desk if that's the case.
  • Some people do it because it is more convenient than driving to a campground since Walmarts are often right off the interstate. Others do it because they like to save money and don't like paying for an RV park when they aren't going to be there more than a couple of hours. We've done it a few times but don't have plans to do it again any time soon.
  • X2! Cheap! Spent all those $$ on the rig I guess. Or that's why they can afford the rig?
  • Don't understand, either. Maybe after dropping a few 10's of grand on a camper, they can't afford a campground. Can't understand why anyone would shop there either. Lowest prices because of lowest quality. :h

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