Overnight stops

[Blakers]

Where do you guys stop with your RVs when just staying the night and moving on in the morning? Not setting up camp.



I've heard Walmarts and Flying Js are good places. What about other truckstops, etc?



Thanks,



Blake

 

[ewcmr2]

Places I've stayed overnight, in order of frequency. Rest areas, Wal-Mart, McDonalds, on/off ramps.



Eric



P. S. And all of them were stopovers on the way somewhere... not camping. Usually stopping at 10 or later, and on the road again by 6 a. m.

 

[merryman]

All night truck stops/cafes (noisy); in rural areas, near State Police or Sheriff's offices.



Vaughn

 

[VicR]

We've stayed at several Walmarts, and there are usually a dozen or so rigs there. I have heard that most, but not all, Walmarts allow it - based on local zoning.



Camping Worlds are another one thats convenient to camp at, although it would be cheaper for me to stay in an RV park as I always seem to drop $100 whenever I go there.



Have gone the truck stop route a few times, but the trucks that idle all night make it a little harder to sleep.



-Vic

 

[Boldt's Wagon]

Indian casino parking lots, usually winds up costing me more than a campground.

 

[cwsoules]

We like our cumfort so we always stop in a RV park, hook up to the services, but keep the truck and 5er hitched.

 

[Big Best]

overnite

i stop a lot at truck scales. Bob.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I get into heated discussions in RV groups on this subject fairly often...



My personal stance has been, that when we bought into the RVing lifestyle, we ALSO bought into the RESPONSIBILITY to accept the accompanying expense of planning proper, accepted and available places to park our rig for a night, or a month if need be.



Other than real emergencies, when we cannot afford to PAY for proper places to stay, we'll sell our rig and give up RVing - we're not ABOUT to become "WalMart parking-lot panhandlers!"



Some of the best pictures we have in our RV traveling scrapbook of memories are of BEAUTIFUL campgrounds we have stayed in during our wanderings... Seems like what many other "RVers" will have will be various Walmarts and truck stops across the country - what a sad book THAT will be!



Some call staying at parking lots "smart" and "thrifty" - we call it CHEAP and TACKY!



If we can afford a $50,000 to $500,000 RV setup, why do we seem to find it so hard to ALSO spend the average $20 a night to PARK the dern things?



INSTEAD, some will park at Walmart, dash inside to buy a roll of toilet paper or pack of chewing gum, then run down the store manager - flashing our "purchase" to prove we're "paying customers" - and then beg to stay overnight out on the parking lot... "Parking lot welfare"...



Some will say that THEY are such "good customers", those places OWE them a place to park - well, I guess that means Safeway, the PG&E, and a whole BUNCH of places WE shop regularly must ALSO "owe" us places to park our rigs...



I. for one, am sick and tired of seeing and wading thru a dozen parked RVs at our local Walmart - awnings out, up on jacks with the tow vehicle or toad obviously gone, as the "Rvers" are obviously using their spot NOT as an overnite parking spot - but a home base for their "camping adventure"



I resent it as an RVer, because it makes ME look guilty by association - in the same bag and baggage as those OTHER cheapskates too "thrifty" to wanna pay the associated price for a lifestyle they chose to follow...



It's much like folks buying a horse, and then expecting others to provide free trails for them to ride - or skateboarders and bicycle riders buying their stuff, and then expecting others to provide places for THEIR use - when you willingly CHOOSE a lifestyle, frequently, other attached requirements and responsibilities come WITH them that are YOURS - not your "neighbors" - and if ya CAN'T or WON'T accept those attached responsibilities/requirements, maybe ya oughta choose another lifestyle that more closely fits yer financial ability?



Like I said - when I can't afford to PAY for an overnite spot, we'll GET OUT of RVing...



Off the soapbox - and into the Nomex...

 

[rickhans]

I probably should not answer Gary because I don't even own an RV, although have looked into it several times, but it really irritates me when someone tries to force his beliefs on everyone else, putting down anyone with a view contrary to his. There are many reasons for traveling with an RV. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have the income that Gary obviously has to pay that kind of money for an RV. I have looked at good used trailers for under $10,000 and that is probably what I will purchase in the next year or two. I can't afford the $80 to $120 per night it now costs in most cities for a motel or hotel room.



If I am driving 2000 miles to get to my destination, I certainly would use a Wal-Mart parking lot if it is allowed, in order to keep my costs down. I think it is nonsense to say or insinuate that everyone who would park there thinks that is is "owed to them". When a business makes a decision to allow this that is there desision and is made for some reason that benefits their business. Once they offer their parking lot for that purpose, it is an invitation meaining that the RV's are welcome.



Since I would be one to accept their invitation, I am offended that someone would deride and be-little me for deciding to do so. I am one who does not believe in intruding on others nor of taking advantage of others, and I don't knowingly do things that are un-ethical. I think an apology is owed. I am surprised that such nonsense was even allowed to be posted. In fact, I will be surprised if my response is posted because this kind of bickering is not normally allowed on this web-site.

 

[WyoJim]

Hey Gary - KJ6Q... . Go take a flying leap!!!

 

[drees1]

We use the rest areas, Wal-marts, truck stops mainly when we put down a lot of miles and roll in at 1 or 2 am. Were out by 8 or 9 the next day and do it again to get where we are going. We never stay where we are not welcome. If we are welcome and don't abuse the privilge, no one is hurt.



Rolling out awnings, jacks, and disconnecting the rig in a temp area is not in good taste.



Just my $. 02



Doug Rees, camper for 20 years.

 

[Blakers]

Well I have a $1200 travel trailer and the original question I posted was about where to stop for the NIGHT - or for most of the time PART OF THE NIGHT. Meaning while in transit to a campground where I'll be for a few days to a week.



So... picture this... drive until 11 pm... stop, shut the truck down and go to the trailer and go to sleep... wake up in the early morning and get back on the road. Why would anyone want to pay big bucks for an RV park when they'll be awake less that 1/2 hour of the stay?



I'm sure that we have all spent enough money at Walmart to entitle us to a few nights in the fringes of their lonesome parking lot. Just like when I ocassionally stop at McDonald's to use the bathroom - I might not buy a french fry or anything else, but I bought 10,000 there in my lifetime before.



I really don't think one RVer should be judging another (I prefer to go "camping" rather than "RVing") on such piddly matters anyway. We are not all rich folk with 40 foot diesel pushers.



Blake

 

[Big Best]

parking

that is why they are self contained park anywhere you like.

 

[CAKUZ]

Originally posted by Gary - KJ6Q

I get into heated discussions in RV groups on this subject fairly often...



My personal stance has been, that when we bought into the RVing lifestyle, we ALSO bought into the RESPONSIBILITY to accept the accompanying expense of planning proper, accepted and available places to park our rig for a night, or a month if need be.



Other than real emergencies, when we cannot afford to PAY for proper places to stay, we'll sell our rig and give up RVing - we're not ABOUT to become "WalMart parking-lot panhandlers!"



Some of the best pictures we have in our RV traveling scrapbook of memories are of BEAUTIFUL campgrounds we have stayed in during our wanderings... Seems like what many other "RVers" will have will be various Walmarts and truck stops across the country - what a sad book THAT will be!



Some call staying at parking lots "smart" and "thrifty" - we call it CHEAP and TACKY!



If we can afford a $50,000 to $500,000 RV setup, why do we seem to find it so hard to ALSO spend the average $20 a night to PARK the dern things?



INSTEAD, some will park at Walmart, dash inside to buy a roll of toilet paper or pack of chewing gum, then run down the store manager - flashing our "purchase" to prove we're "paying customers" - and then beg to stay overnight out on the parking lot... "Parking lot welfare"...



Some will say that THEY are such "good customers", those places OWE them a place to park - well, I guess that means Safeway, the PG&E, and a whole BUNCH of places WE shop regularly must ALSO "owe" us places to park our rigs...



I. for one, am sick and tired of seeing and wading thru a dozen parked RVs at our local Walmart - awnings out, up on jacks with the tow vehicle or toad obviously gone, as the "Rvers" are obviously using their spot NOT as an overnite parking spot - but a home base for their "camping adventure"



I resent it as an RVer, because it makes ME look guilty by association - in the same bag and baggage as those OTHER cheapskates too "thrifty" to wanna pay the associated price for a lifestyle they chose to follow...



It's much like folks buying a horse, and then expecting others to provide free trails for them to ride - or skateboarders and bicycle riders buying their stuff, and then expecting others to provide places for THEIR use - when you willingly CHOOSE a lifestyle, frequently, other attached requirements and responsibilities come WITH them that are YOURS - not your "neighbors" - and if ya CAN'T or WON'T accept those attached responsibilities/requirements, maybe ya oughta choose another lifestyle that more closely fits yer financial ability?



Like I said - when I can't afford to PAY for an overnite spot, we'll GET OUT of RVing...



Off the soapbox - and into the Nomex...

Gary-KJ6Q;

The first sentance of your ramblings says it all. No wonder it's heated! I can imagine a large number in your 'RV groups" tell you where the dark place is that you can place your spiteful opinions.

 

[frankram]

I drove from Pa. to Co. and stayed in the Rest areas on the interstates. I would have stayed in a Wal-mart parking lot but the rest areas where more convient. Sorry that this offends you Gary, Your response certenly proves that you are from Fruitland.

 

[klenger]

Most RV park managers really don't want you knocking on their doors at 11:00 PM for a one night stand.



Is it considered acceptable to overnight (8 hours or so) at a highway rest area? It seems the trucker do it and it's called resting, but if an RV'er does it, he's camping.

 

[merryman]

Gary;

I'll let you lay out my next trip so that when ever I get tired---whether its 5pm or 11pm, I'll just happen to be right near a really pretty photogenic RV park.

Course, in some section of the west(you know those roads where it says --"next services 90 miles" ---- that might present even you with a challenge.

I forgot to mention that I have spent many nights in highway gravel pits; out here we call them "Best Westers"

Thanks for the help.



Vaughn

 

[Deezul1]

B'Gate

Well said. Wal Mart allows overnighters as a thank you to customers and its good business. Its not taking advantage until you move in and setup to stay. I have not done it yet because that wasnt needed. the day comes when its late and all I want is to go to sleep and then hit the road first thing in the morning then I will park at Wal mart and be grateful for their kindness to RVers. Furthermore I WILL NOT badmouth someone who doesnt think like I do.

 

[baby.driver]

Great points Gary...

But the question was not that involved.

Stopping for the night and camping are two different things.

My 5th wheel may be called an RV but it sees the most use as a rolling motel room.

Yours,

Jay

 

[Paychk]

No wonder the "west Coast" has gotten such a bad name.