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Old 04-15-2017, 10:39 PM   #1
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cross country Walmart camping

Wife and I planning on our first big outting in the 34 foot camper from Tucson Az to Connecticut, was hoping to stay at some safe Walmarts along the route,, That being said,, she wont be driving, not sure of herself, and frankly I am worried about her driving the rig,, Does anyone know of a way to Google the route and then have the Walmarts pop up? or best website to get best travel information on doing this??? Thanks..
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Old 04-15-2017, 10:59 PM   #2
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Wife and I planning on our first big outting in the 34 foot camper from Tucson Az to Connecticut, was hoping to stay at some safe Walmarts along the route,, That being said,, she wont be driving, not sure of herself, and frankly I am worried about her driving the rig,, Does anyone know of a way to Google the route and then have the Walmarts pop up? or best website to get best travel information on doing this??? Thanks..
Safe Wal*Marts? Rethink that before you decide that's where you want to spend the night. Keep in mind that not all of them allow on site parking, some of it is manager option, some city code and so forth.
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Old 04-15-2017, 11:12 PM   #3
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Thanks, Was trying to save a dime since on fixed income. Will look into other options, KOA seem expensive to me for the night, but will have to look through our Sams book I guess...
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Old 04-16-2017, 12:08 AM   #4
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There are the parking spots at Flying J and Pilot and some Cracker Barrels and other places. You might have to listen to a reefer running all night or semis coming and going.
Of course where there are semis parked there may be solicitors knocking on your door.
I'll go the 35 bucks for a KOA and its quiet rest spots. They get full so reservations are a must. Some construction companies use KOA for their traveling workers.
Long trips are like flying a plane, you need to lay out a day's plan so you don't find yourself in a rest area, if you can find one.

My neighbor is an OTR trucker and tells me about the various places he has parked overnight, some good, some not so good.
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Old 04-16-2017, 12:11 AM   #5
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I use the RV Parks & Campgrounds by Park Advisor, it lists a lot of places you can overnight, in addition to truck stops and low clearance bridges. It is available for both Android and Apple systems.

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Old 04-16-2017, 01:00 AM   #6
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Well, I did the cross country Walmart thing last year, from northern Montana to NC. Not necessarily because I wanted to, but due to my injury... I was just trying to get back east as soon as possible. Made in with 4 Walmart stops, and never unhooked once.

As others have said, some Walmart locations are not able to be used... either because of individual store policy, or local ordinance.

There's a app called ALLSTAYS that's pretty good for this. Lists campgrounds as well as truck stops, and other camper friendly locations... including Walmarts. There's a user feedback section on each location that usually tells you which locations are ok, and which ones aren't.
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Old 04-16-2017, 12:36 PM   #7
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There is a free phone app called "RV Parky". Lists all campgrounds, and most other places that allow overnight parking. You click on an icon and it brings up all the campground/business information including telephone, web address, etc.
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Old 04-16-2017, 02:49 PM   #8
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I avoid KOA's becuase they've become too pricey. I prefer RV parks over Walmarts for the safety factor and for the social factor (meeting new people). I got turned off on Walmarts because, as a cop, I know how they can be a magnet for crime.
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Old 04-16-2017, 06:27 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by rich2481 View Post
Wife and I planning on our first big outting in the 34 foot camper from Tucson Az to Connecticut, was hoping to stay at some safe Walmarts along the route,, That being said,, she wont be driving, not sure of herself, and frankly I am worried about her driving the rig,, Does anyone know of a way to Google the route and then have the Walmarts pop up? or best website to get best travel information on doing this??? Thanks..


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Old 04-16-2017, 07:16 PM   #10
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I wouldn't just dismiss all Walmart's as unsafe, especially if you need to save money. I travel between Tennessee and Kentucky for work and see several
Wal Marts that have multiple rv's in them on a regular basis. One is directly off of I-75 and right next to a Pilot, it's a small town with lots of patrol cars in the area.
I would have no reservations about staying a night if I needed to.
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Old 04-17-2017, 07:51 PM   #11
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Check out www.freecampsites.net
Here is a spot we found last summer. Only 10 miles out of Flagstaff Az. Did I say free.
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Old 06-08-2018, 03:22 AM   #12
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All Stays

We do a lot of Walmart camping. In four years I have never had an issue. We use Allstays and yes some do not allow overnight parking. We have stayed at Flying Js, Pilots, Cracker Barrel’s, and yes, God forbid, a rest area.we have stayed in other parking lots as well. I carry a concealed weapon , but have never felt unsafe or had an incident. Use good judgment and you will be fine. One Walmart near Chattanooga even had a security guy meet and greet us, escorting us to a spot. Always call ahead, be respectful and shop when you can.
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Old 06-08-2018, 01:47 PM   #13
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Thanks, this question was last June 2017, we went to CT from AZ,, Wife hated the first night we stayed at a Walmart, even though we had protection, and no problems, so then the cost of the trip went up with Marriotts,, which some parking lots are very small and maneuvering a 60 foot rig and truck was a blast. Trip was stressful enough with driving 500 miles a day, only me. If it was just me going alone , I would trace my trip better and stay, I didnt mind it.
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Old 06-08-2018, 02:44 PM   #14
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If your are an ELK can stay at most lodges for a small fee. They normally have hookups and dump.



Also Good Sam has a very good trip planner, and shows campgrounds along the route. (not all of them but most)
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Old 06-08-2018, 04:10 PM   #15
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RVParky looks like a tremendous online resource. Thank you ATCguy!
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Old 06-08-2018, 04:16 PM   #16
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Actually it was Stan the Man and I that recommended RV Parky, but you're welcome. LOL.
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Old 06-08-2018, 04:26 PM   #17
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OOPS! Sorry to both of you - multitasking got the better of me there. lol
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Old 06-08-2018, 04:28 PM   #18
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As it turns out, Allstays is no longer Android compatible, so can't even evaluate it.
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Old 06-08-2018, 05:24 PM   #19
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RVParky

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OOPS! Sorry to both of you - multitasking got the better of me there. lol
That's okay. ATC Guy always posts good information anyway.
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Old 06-08-2018, 05:32 PM   #20
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Here is another option, I have not joined or used them.



https://harvesthosts.com/
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