STORM2K

Has it become common (and accepted) practice for travelers in RV’s to park them in WalMart parking lots instead of stopping at RV parks?

The last few weekends I have seen at least 2, and as many as 4 in the back of the lot. Perhaps they are just catching them a bite of Rat Salad next door at Ruby Tuesdays, but I don’t think so. I think they are freeloading and turning an already trashed up parking lot into an RV Trailer park (which isn't a whole lot better).

Is this something WalMart is letting them get away with??

My understanding is that Wal-Mart officially allows people to park RV's in their parking lots overnight.

wow....never knew that. Can they set up grills and have them a pig roast as well?

j wrote:wow....never knew that. Can they set up grills and have them a pig roast as well?

LOL That is too funny, I had no idea about that either. I guess that is a nice option, but so much for the scenery.

It's intended for people on their way from on eplace to another, not so much for people to plop down and camp out for a week. It makes sense for option 1, but not so much for option 2. Who wants to sit in a Wal-Mart lot for a few days? But it's great to save the money on that one night between distant destinations.

Cheaper than a KOA campground.

The Walmart my sister works at allows school buses to park in the parking lots on the weekends.

At least there is a bathroom nearby!!

j wrote:Has it become common (and accepted) practice for travelers in RV’s to park them in WalMart parking lots instead of stopping at RV parks?

The last few weekends I have seen at least 2, and as many as 4 in the back of the lot. Perhaps they are just catching them a bite of Rat Salad next door at Ruby Tuesdays, but I don’t think so. I think they are freeloading and turning an already trashed up parking lot into an RV Trailer park (which isn't a whole lot better).

Is this something WalMart is letting them get away with??

With all due respect. Who cares?? and wasn't it a mouse. What do you mean by freeloading?? They aren't using anything but space. I guess the walmarts in Florida have a lot better management ours are clean.

Mr.Walton before he had died he stated that all Walmarts would have there parking lots open to all RVs.That way they can get a good night sleep.

Rainband wrote:

j wrote:Has it become common (and accepted) practice for travelers in RV’s to park them in WalMart parking lots instead of stopping at RV parks?

The last few weekends I have seen at least 2, and as many as 4 in the back of the lot. Perhaps they are just catching them a bite of Rat Salad next door at Ruby Tuesdays, but I don’t think so. I think they are freeloading and turning an already trashed up parking lot into an RV Trailer park (which isn't a whole lot better).

Is this something WalMart is letting them get away with??

With all due respect. Who cares?? and wasn't it a mouse. What do you mean by freeloading?? They aren't using anything but space. I guess the walmarts in Florida have a lot better management ours are clean.

Well, frankly, I care or I wouldn’t have said what I said. You may have a clean WalMart, and that’s great, but we are not blessed with a clean one here in my home town. Perhaps it’s just a SC thing, because trash in general is a problem. Trash is one of my pet peeves, and I see caravans of RV’s partying it up at WalMart amongst the litter and illegals, as just more trash.

I care if RV’s stack up in WalMart parking lots because it’s a reflection on the community, and please don’t tell me that’s a good thing. To me, it’s no different than all these grocery stores letting people put there trash heaps for sale out on the parking lot perimeters. It’s a grocery store, not a used car lot!

It all sounds good in principal, but before you know it, it becomes an eyesore.

IMO, if you have enough money to drive around the country in a house on wheels, that gets about 6 MPG, then you have enough money to park your RV in a place sanctioned for RV’s.

Oh…and yes it was a mouse, but lets not get technical RB. I was taking some editorial freedom.

j wrote:IMO, if you have enough money to drive around the country in a house on wheels, that gets about 6 MPG, then you have enough money to park your RV in a place sanctioned for RV’s.

Wal-Mart parking lots generally ARE sanctioned for RV's.

point taken gtalum, ---- how about "a place more suitable for RV's" -- is that better???

j...you crack me up.

you just understand me because your a yank!

j wrote:

Rainband wrote:

j wrote:Has it become common (and accepted) practice for travelers in RV’s to park them in WalMart parking lots instead of stopping at RV parks?

The last few weekends I have seen at least 2, and as many as 4 in the back of the lot. Perhaps they are just catching them a bite of Rat Salad next door at Ruby Tuesdays, but I don’t think so. I think they are freeloading and turning an already trashed up parking lot into an RV Trailer park (which isn't a whole lot better).

Is this something WalMart is letting them get away with??

With all due respect. Who cares?? and wasn't it a mouse. What do you mean by freeloading?? They aren't using anything but space. I guess the walmarts in Florida have a lot better management ours are clean.

Well, frankly, I care or I wouldn’t have said what I said. You may have a clean WalMart, and that’s great, but we are not blessed with a clean one here in my home town. Perhaps it’s just a SC thing, because trash in general is a problem. Trash is one of my pet peeves, and I see caravans of RV’s partying it up at WalMart amongst the litter and illegals, as just more trash.

I care if RV’s stack up in WalMart parking lots because it’s a reflection on the community, and please don’t tell me that’s a good thing. To me, it’s no different than all these grocery stores letting people put there trash heaps for sale out on the parking lot perimeters. It’s a grocery store, not a used car lot!

It all sounds good in principal, but before you know it, it becomes an eyesore.

IMO, if you have enough money to drive around the country in a house on wheels, that gets about 6 MPG, then you have enough money to park your RV in a place sanctioned for RV’s.

Oh…and yes it was a mouse, but lets not get technical RB. I was taking some editorial freedom.

Maybe there's actually people out there who don't always spend money just because they can? It's just a thought.

I don't get how RVs in the parking lots of Wal-Marts can make the community look any worse, anyway.

Wouldn't doubt that there's been a trucker or two to pull off for the night either at a Wally lot...wouldn't bother me any.

Ok…I can see I stand alone on this one…but that’s ok. I really didn’t expect much support on this one. I think I’ll just gather up my camping gear, hibachi, and the blow-up 12 foot pool, and head down to WalMart for the weekend.

It seems that the problem here is exactly what kind of RV is parked in the parking lot and for how long they are staying. We have a 5th wheel camper... 2005... with 2 slides. We have occassionally used a WalMart Parking Lot to spend the night in because it is well lit and they allow such a practice. I don't see the problem in that. I think everyone would rather have a safe place to catch a few hours of rest versus driving drowsy or just pulling off on the side of the road.

I do see a problem if people start using them as a campground. That isn't what they are designed for. You can tell the difference. If you can't tell whether the RV has pulled in to shop on their way or if they are sleeping that is okay. When it looks like they are grilling and having a tailgate party... that is a different story.

j wrote:Ok…I can see I stand alone on this one…but that’s ok. I really didn’t expect much support on this one. I think I’ll just gather up my camping gear, hibachi, and the blow-up 12 foot pool, and head down to WalMart for the weekend.

Too bad they do not take care of their employees like that, Garrett!