Has anyone rated Walmart parking lot experiences?

[wrenchnone]

Thinking about staying in a couple "no charge" lots heading to our destination Wondering if there is a thread rating these types of places. Feeling of safety? quiet? outdoor lighting?

[paddykernahan]

First timer with a small class C.
Had a pop-up for >30 years.
Traveled from Michigan to the west coast.
When in the middle of no ware, tired, hungry, decided to try a Walmart for the night.
Found a place to park with 10 other RV's.
Cheerfully greeted by the others parked for the night.
Went into store, asked permission to park and was granted.
Bought some things we needed.
Bought a hot meal.
Back to RV, ate, went to bed.
Up in the morning and on our way after a pleasant safe night.
I would pay if they charged.

[fulltimedaniel]

When one chooses to stay at a Wal Mart it is generally not to "settle in" and enjoy the scenery.

It is mostly an overnight stop on a long trip to a destination. In my case I do it because I dont' want the hassle of checking in and getting set up in an RV park for one night.

In Wal Mart I don't have to disconnect my trailer, I have everything I need at my doorstep, all of my stays have been very quiet and safe.

What is not to like? I get in and out much faster than if I were in an RV Park.

What so much of this argument turns on is a subtle class distinction that some want to draw between them and others. Just look at he pic in the first posts of this thread to see that at play. Snark, elitism and class warfare all in one post.

Give me a break. Staying at Wal Mart or any other place similar, Casinos, Cabelas etc is just a means to an end for those of us who are not quite so taken with the grandeur of what we haul or where we stay.

[fulltimedaniel]

Kusani wrote:
The OP asked a very simple question:

OP wrote:
Thinking about staying in a couple "no charge" lots heading to our destination Wondering if there is a thread rating these types of places. Feeling of safety? quiet? outdoor lighting?

There is absolutely no reason to come on here and bash the op for that inquiry. We will not put up with needless negative comments, this forum is to be a source of helpful information and it will remain such. Thank you, and continue on please. 🙂

Agreed completely. There is just too much of that by a few well known folks on this site who cannot abide any kind of Rv'ing or anything else "new" other than what they do.

Thanks for your comment.

[2gypsies1]

wrenchnone wrote:
Thinking about staying in a couple "no charge" lots heading to our destination Wondering if there is a thread rating these types of places. Feeling of safety? quiet? outdoor lighting?

Safety? It's up to you to be aware of your surroundings and the neighborhood you're in

Quiet? It's a parking lot so there will be vehicle noise and also noise from fellow RVers like you and from semi trucks from time to time.

Outdoor lighting? All parking lots have lights

[hokeypokey]

Last year we visited with a fellow rv'er and wife who had been traveling for 4 months and never paid for even one night of camping. Travel trailer about 24 ft long. They went Walmart to Walmart, most of the time. 😞

[SDcampowneroper]

Lo cost or free overnight parking spots are common, Big box stores, Truck stops (yuck) gov. blm, usfs land. We use rv welcoming overnight spots , boondocking. a small town baseball diamond, just call ahead to the local C of C for a place.
Rving is the freedom to do just that. For primary stays we utilize private camps.
I feel sorry for the traveler whose travel plans center around parking lots.

[doxiemom11]

As another mentioned, we use Allstays to locate Walmarts and read any review that might be there. We also check the location with google earth as there are some that have entrance barriers with no height indicated on them. We assume those locations do not allow parking and don't seem to want us buying anything from their stores or the Murphy gas station either. Have seen 3 of them so far in our travels.

[Kusani]

The OP asked a very simple question:

OP wrote:
Thinking about staying in a couple "no charge" lots heading to our destination Wondering if there is a thread rating these types of places. Feeling of safety? quiet? outdoor lighting?

There is absolutely no reason to come on here and bash the op for that inquiry. We will not put up with needless negative comments, this forum is to be a source of helpful information and it will remain such. Thank you, and continue on please. 🙂

[RoyB]

The few times we have used a WALMART or other places like BASS PRO SHOP or some other similar places we always go inside and do some shopping and always thank the management for letting us park over night...

Roy Ken

[rv2go]

I spent the night at a Walmart in Las Cruses, NM a few years ago. Was met by security just after entering the lot. He stuck his arm out the window and motioned me to follow. He led me to an area were several other RV's were parked. He did this for several others during the evening. I got to speak to him and gave him a big THANKS.

[Padlin]

I've bypassed one WM to go to another. Big stores right at the highway are noisier then ones a few miles from the highway, I also try to bypass any in big cities.

AllStays has reviews too.

[THutch]

The app "RV Parky" shows Walmarts, and has ratings. Also show other overnight parking, as well as State Parks, and commercial parks.

I have it on my phone, and my iPad.

[westernrvparkow]

....

[rv2go]

There is a group on Yahoo. You may have to join.

[downtheroad]

None that I have seen look like this, but they are free....:C