Walmart Etiquette

Rick · 10-07-2013, 08:39 PM

Thought I would check first. We are stopping at our first Walmart this evening. In Kentucky. Is it acceptable to put the slides out and run the generator for a little tv time before bed?

Thanks

Rick

BradPAjax · 10-07-2013, 10:11 PM

Hi Rick,

I have had no issues with putting the slides out in Canadian Wal-Marts or running the genny so long as it is not too late. Found for the most part 1-3 days is usually the acceptable stay over period depending on the location... they hope you shop in their store as well.

sinder · 10-07-2013, 10:29 PM

I have put my slides out at Walmart with now issues as well. Note not all Walmart have a great space for RV's and some are very crowded. My recommendation is to stay clear of Walmart's in large cities.

johnboytoo · 10-08-2013, 07:54 AM

Some are more sensitive to 'camping' versus over night parking...
difference being, slides out, jacks down, awnings out, etc... especially if you block their truck entrance...

So don't abuse it and always ask the mgr before you 'camp'...
and maybe park next to a curb so you can extend the slide over the edge if you must...

Not that we'd ever stay at one, but be low profile so it doesn't ruin it for those that want to

travelin' texans · 10-08-2013, 09:09 AM

We have seen several Wal-Mart's that do not allow it due to people "camping" there, slides out, awnings out, chairs & grill set up. I watched a u-tube video of a family filming their "Walmart campsite", I don't care how much you shop there, that is abusing an overnite convenience. When we have to start "camping" at Walmart it will be time to change our lifestyle!!

Adamsvr · 10-08-2013, 10:57 AM

Actually, what we have found is that nearby campgrounds have solicited the support of cities ordinances to ban Walmart from allowing overnight camping. They do it to generate revenue for the campground. It has very little to do with having your slides out. For us with Redwoods, we have to have our slides out just to move around our coaches.Edited by: Adamsvr

Buddy · 10-08-2013, 05:08 PM

I have the RV Parky smart Phone app. It tells all the Walmarts nearest you and all other campgrounds in the area you are in.

Buddy · 10-08-2013, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buddy

I have the RV Parky smart Phone app. It tells all the Walmarts nearest you and all other campgrounds in the area you are in.

It also gives you the phone number and if they allow RV overnighting.

Adamsvr · 10-08-2013, 05:29 PM

The DAT truckers app also gives you the locations of Walmart, scales, and fueling stations along your route.

rcflame · 10-08-2013, 06:42 PM

There are many reasons that cities have outlawed camping at Walmart. Among them are staying several days with slides chairs, etc. out like it was a regular campground. Dumping the holding tanks down the storm sewers. Leaving your bag of garbage along the curb or in the middle of the parking lot. Many of the laws don't just pertain to Walmart, but camping along the road or in a lot not approved for residing overnight. We don't stay at Walmarts. We have stayed at truck stops a couple times to catch a few hours. We use Walmart for shopping, and I figure if I can afford a RW, and travel, I can afford to pay to stay at a campground.

**Dave&Ginny** · 10-08-2013, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcflame

There are many reasons that cities have outlawed camping at Walmart. Among them are staying several days with slides chairs, etc. out like it was a regular campground. Dumping the holding tanks down the storm sewers. Leaving your bag of garbage along the curb or in the middle of the parking lot. Many of the laws don't just pertain to Walmart, but camping along the road or in a lot not approved for residing overnight. We don't stay at Walmarts. We have stayed at truck stops a couple times to catch a few hours. We use Walmart for shopping, and I figure if I can afford a RW, and travel, I can afford to pay to stay at a campground.

X2

Dave · 10-08-2013, 07:04 PM

I have yet to "camp out" at a Walmart. However, I have laid over for a night. I'll usually find a location way out in the parking lot. I usually stop at about 9:00PM give or take. I get up about 6:00AM and are back on the road by 7:00AM. I do this when my DW and I are traveling to Florida from Maine.

Normally, I'll try to find a truck stop versus a Wally World, if possible.

Dave from Maine

travelin' texans · 10-08-2013, 07:19 PM

rcflame,
Definitely agree. Would use a rest stop before Walmart to catch a few winks. There is also a catalog available that list free overnight parking. The 2 small towns in Texas panhandle we are from both other water & elec. free for up to 3 night's, way better than Walmart!!

Rick · 10-08-2013, 08:08 PM

Thanks for your thoughts and opinions. Appreciated.

Rick

**Dave&Ginny** · 10-08-2013, 09:42 PM

I also use rest areas for a quick nap but PLEASE everybody be careful in doing so. There was a recent article in the news about a low life that caught an elderly couple pulling an RV in a rest area. This couple was reportedly on their annual trek to Colorado and they were hijacked in New Mexico. The criminals ( a couple) took the truck and the seniors were found dead in a burned up trailer. We live in a great country as do our neighbors to the North but unfortunately there are a lot of crazy people out there too. There are many instances where a woman will make it appear that she has car problems as a decoy.

rcflame · 10-09-2013, 09:59 AM

The days of being able to trust strangers without any trepidation are long gone. It seems we have to be wary of strangers, emails, phone calls and everything we do. The world has changed.

lwg · 10-11-2013, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave&Ginny

I also use rest areas for a quick nap but PLEASE everybody be careful in doing so.Â* There was a recent article in the news about a low life that caught an elderly couple pulling an RV in a rest area.Â* This couple was reportedly on their annual trek to Colorado and they were hijacked in New Mexico.Â* The criminals ( a couple) took the truck and the seniors were found dead in a burned up trailer.Â* We live in a great country as do our neighbors to the North but unfortunately there are a lot of crazy people out there too.Â*Â* There are many instances where a woman will make it appear that she has car problems as a decoy.

Yep, I passed by that exact Rest Area about 2 months ago. I've stayed in WalMarts before. If others are there (RV's, Trucks, etc) then I don't mind doing it. I don't want to be the only one doing it though, figure there's a reason if that's the case.

Another good option is Truck Stops, I know Love's and Flying J both allow us RV'ers to stay there, some even have power hookups. The only catch is you might have to listen to the hum of a diesel engine all night.

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