Cabelas Camping

[Whitehawkmn]

We are making a trip this summer from Central MN to Hill City, SD and I was looking at stopping at Mitchell,SD and camping one night in the parking lot of Cabela's. I was wondering if anyone has ever camped in a parking lot of any stores anywhere and if so how did it go? Did you feel safe?

[dadmomh]

We do much prefer finding a real CG, even for an overnight. However, our trek to FL takes us down I-65 through Birmingham and on to I-10. Based on time and distance, there isn't squat in the areas we'd be stopping. There is a couple year old KOA that opened near the Calera, AL area...can't remember exactly the town, but that's the only choice. Everything else is quite a hike from the interstate. Got an earful from DH when we had to drive about 45 min each way off the interstate to get to the CG....won't do that again. It would be lots less $$ if there were a CG nearby, since we usually spend way more than the CG fees in CW.

At one time the CW in Nashville offered overnight complete with 30 amp and 50 amp hookups, but no more since their renovation. We felt very safe tucked in our little HTT in the middle of all the $$$MH$. Met some nice folks the next morning.

Agree on local regulations re overnight. Some store managers might be perfectly fine with it, but the local enforcement may not have the same thought. When in doubt, ask.

[Poppy___Nana]

Mike Up wrote:
Hek, most none hookup National/state campground sites are only $15. I would never camp at our local Cabelas. They have dump stations as most truck stops but its not for camping over night, just convenience to bring you into their store.

Our Hammond,IN Cabelas has a truck stop and I would never stay there overnight. Right off of I80/94 where criminals have a nice fast escape. Its worth the $15 to stay in an actual safe campground.

The point of "US" staying at a Cabella's, Walmart, Home Depot, etc. is easy on easy off access to the highway - we pull off later in the evening into a big open flat lot with no trees.....not like state campgrounds (NY) with lots of loops in the campground and those damn trees do have a tendency to move late at night. NY - you need to arrive early for the gate to be open, otherwise you need to ride around and find a site which would be a good fit for your needs (size of trailer, etc). It is a matter of preference, just like Ford vs Chevy vs Dodge or toy hauler vs travel trailer vs motor home....different strokes for different folks!

[Cyclops69]

I haved stayed overnight at TONS of walmarts Home Depots cabellas bass pro shops etc and have never had an issue. Asking the store for permission is a good thing but I usually pull in after hours, with the exception of wal mart.

[todouble]

cabelas hamburg pa has overnight and dump stations. never stayed overnight but see all the signs for it

[Mike_Up]

Hek, most none hookup National/state campground sites are only $15. I would never camp at our local Cabelas. They have dump stations as most truck stops but its not for camping over night, just convenience to bring you into their store.

Our Hammond,IN Cabelas has a truck stop and I would never stay there overnight. Right off of I80/94 where criminals have a nice fast escape. Its worth the $15 to stay in an actual safe campground.

[The_Texan]

Check the link provided, as there are many Cabela's that do NOT allow overnight parking and very few have a dump station. City, county or state laws trump the managers word and it can get you into trouble if you think his approval is the final word. This is true of all big box store parking lots, so make sure you KNOW the local laws.

[Old-Biscuit]

rgolding wrote:
Cabella's have dump stations? That I didn't know, but very cool. Next time, I'll ask the manager for the location.

Not all but some do.
The LINK I provided in earlier post can be used to find different locations and 'facilities'

[dadmomh]

Might also check into Camping World. Usually have space and are very welcoming - of course, they're happy if you shop, too. Absolutely, check with the manager or better yet, call ahead so no last minute surprises. No chairs or awnings, keep it low key. Sam's Clubs also usually have plenty of overnighters and honestly feel safer with others nearby. Remember, almost always, no hookups, so come prepared. Have never done the Interstate Rest Stops, but if they indicated overnighting is allowed, we wouldn't have a problem with that. We take a yearly spring trek to FL for spring training and overnight at 2 CWs and they're very accommodating.

[wcferb]

Have overnighted at Cabela's in Mitchell. Safe and quiet.

[rgolding]

Cabella's have dump stations? That I didn't know, but very cool. Next time, I'll ask the manager for the location.

[hermy]

We have stayed at cabela's before and it was a positive experience.In our case we were in Lehigh, Utah. There were signs posted saying no overnight camping but yet it was obvious that the area had been used for that. So went in the store, spent a few bucks (not hard to do at cabela's) and asked about it. They said oh yes it's fine, we were more than welcome. They had security, a dump station and fresh water. I believe the signs are there to make sure you talk to them first. I wouldn't hesitate to stay again

[beemerphile1]

I've never camped in a parking lot but I have parked overnight at many different stores. I seldom ask permission because I normally pull in after the store is closed. However, I have never overnighted at Cabela's but they do welcome RVers.

[Poppy___Nana]

TexasShadow wrote:
it's not camping. it's overnight parking. and yes, we do it a lot, at walmarts, cabelas, flying j truck stops, interstate rest stops, even a home depot or two.

x2

We always pull in, go to store manager and make sure it is OK with them....(courtesy thing), pick up some thing we might need, spend big bucks in Cabella's each year, and then go back to TH - we will only extend the slide as far as we need to get by to get into the bathroom and we turn in. We don't have out chairs or stoves...it is merely an overnighter for a few zzzz's before we get back on the road again.

[Tom_M1]

I have spent the night at the Walmart in Mitchell, SD.