chili's trip
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Busskipper wrote:Dougie123 wrote:Thanks all. This is great.
Its not so much trying to save money, as opposed to flexibility in schedule.
For example, if they decide to say longer at an attraction, or see something interesting along the way, they might have to cancel the campground for the night, and stay at a Walmart someplace in between for the night instead.
So I'm gathering that 24hr super-centers in decent neighborhoods are reasonably safe. My wife and her friend are "street-smart" and have good discernment in that respect.
Wal*Mart is one of the highly controversial and personal topic's -- over the years we have found that staying in the Wal*Mart parking lot is Safe, Convenient, and for us enjoyable. We often travel after dark on travel days between locations and have found that the Wal*Mart parking lot has camera's, security, lights and space, one of the great bonus's that we have found over the years are the number of food establishments and lower priced fuel-- add that to the ease in restocking in the store is just an added bonus.
We use this web site to find ocations;
http://www.allstays.com/c/wal-mart-locations.htm
For me Wal*Mart is a great stopping spot for us when we are travelling, giving me a location without overhanging tree's large Rocks on the curves, or neighbors that we would wake up arriving late.
IMHO Wal*Mart is a great resource for the traveling RV'er -- we use it often and without issue.
BOL,
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Brent and Gina
Arkansas
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If your wife has experience, I might consider an overnight if short on $$...maybe. Otherwise, I think I would encourage my family to stay at researched campgrounds for my peace of mind. Like one poster said, we have several local Supercenters that are open 24-hours and I don't like going to a couple of them after dark.
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Monaco Montclair
Virginia
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would u feel better if it waz a camp ground.? me too. great minds think a like. me too. happy-camping
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JKQ
Florida
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Walmart has a free APP for your iPhone that list all their stores & wheather overnight parking is permitted.
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jojolou
S. E. Michigan & Mission, Texas
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2 women and 4 children should stay in a campground just for the security factor alone, IMHO.
Lou
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Monaco Montclair
Virginia
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i think i would feel better in a camp ground. happy-camping
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musicmole
Everywhere
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I think Walmart is fine for a quick bit of sleep. About the same as a rest area. Truck stops are okay too, if you don't mind the noise. These are all just a quick stop to sleep. Get Passport America and you should find a campground at 1/2 price. The best deal out there.
I had a family of five and never had an incident. Be careful where you choose to stay. Think about it before you leave that day.
Example don't stay in El Paso go up the road to La Cruses. I might some feedback about that but...........
BTW I've had more problems at campgrounds than the others. That being said I still prefer campgrounds to the others.
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tatest
Oklahoma Green Country
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I've seen occasional overnight RV parker in our Walmart, but I've never seen the security guys (there are cameras in the lot). We do get the police in and out of this lot (and several others around town) watching for the drug traders.
I wouldn't stay in our Walmart lot (nor the Homeland or Food Pyramid); I would check at the PD about using a spot in the lot at the ball park, at their front door. They would probably tell me to go book in at the RV park, if I wanted to be safe.
My volunteer work puts me in contact with a number of people at the PD, we talk about this. While it is not as bad as being in the wrong part of town in a larger city, rural small towns are not as safe or crime free as people would like to believe, and you don't have to be directly involved in something to get caught up in it. The guy in the RV next to you might be there to sell meth, if not actually cooking it just then; if he is not there, his customers might be coming to buy from you.
Tom Test
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2gypsies
Enjoying the West!
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Adventure wrote:Durango must have a problem with ski bums staying in parking lots rather than paying the hotels.
....and RVers staying rather than paying for a campground is any better?  ... and yes, we have stayed at WalMarts!
Here is the official WalMart Location site:
WalMart Locations
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.... now trying to adjust to 3-season traveling - and it isn't easy! 
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popeye766
lake tx.
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VERY interesting subject..........I have been RV'n 40 yrs off and on...I have had some scary incidents over the years....in my 32ft allegro,or winnie MH. I now have a big TC on a vintage truck towing a vintage VW baja bug. IAM EXTREMELY aware of the problems RVers face on the road and have taken every possible precaution not to get my vintage truck or VW stolen....i even use a baby monitor set to awake me if there is action around my classic. Iam a classic car restorer and have driven my classic 53 studebaker all over the country with no problem,but, always aware.
Now, hands down , a MH is the safest RV there is cause you dont have to get out for anything.Can drive off crashing thru anything if you have too in an emergency. So, the walmart parking lot........Not a good idea with kids and only others if you are desperate. Ive never done it , but would rather than along side the road. To much light, noise. But better than a rest stop. Crime is eveywhere and RVers are especially vulnerable.....If they get YOU and your RV they have everything.....Think about it. Be armed and be aware to be safe.
tom USN Ret.
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