proxim2020 wrote:
From my experience most of these signs are coming from local ordinances. Sometimes the policies are coming from the actual property owners as Walmart doesn't always owns its parking lots or land. It's not often that we run into a Walmart that's not welcoming to RVers even if the site is posted for overnighting.
For most Walmarts that we've come across it doesn't appear that they have any interest in helping enforce the local ordinance. We've seen people literally overnight right in front of the signs. Over the years I myself have overnighted at a few posted Walmarts and never heard a peep.
We've only ever seen one location that actively prevented large vehicles from entering. There were low height clearance bars installed at every entrance of the complex with warning signs. Walmart was part of a larger complex and it was clear from the signs that the complex owners were trying to prevent trucks from delivering in improper locations and overnighting.
Lately our preference has been Lowe's. They close at a reasonable time, there's no traffic moving around them overnight constantly like Walmart, and there's tons of them around. Also they'll turn off the majority of their parking lot lights off overnight so it's a little darker than Walmart. Sporting good store like Bass Pro and Cabelas are good options as well for the same reasons. It's just harder to find them on your route because they're more spread out.
That's the way our local WM is. They don't care if anybody in an RV parks there even though there are signs.
The cops don't seem to care either. They have more important things to worry about in that town.
Since this is more or less a sanctuary city the WM has people living in tents on the back and side of their property. They have their own little city set up there. Tarps, chairs, tents, cell phones, the whole works; all free from we the people! Very bizarre!
All that being said the most expensive "campground" I have ever stayed at is WM. They "charge me" around $150 to $200 bucks to stay there every single time. Pretty expensive stay for just a parking lot with no hookups! :B