Looking for parking

[luvrbus]

Bigred,he could be like the guy I met in NM at a Walmart he was setting under the awning of a brand new 2005 Newel (over a mil coach) I said how long are you going to be here.
He replied maybe 3 more days we been here a week.In talking I said you sorta look out of place here at a WM parking lot he smiled and said this is the only way I can afford to own this rig      

[boxcarOkie]

Bigred,he could be like the guy I met in NM at a Walmart he was setting under the awning of a brand new 2005 Newel (over a mil coach) I said how long are you going to be here.
He replied maybe 3 more days we been here a week.In talking I said you sorta look out of place here at a WM parking lot he smiled and said this is the only way I can afford to own this rig      

People are weird, pay something in the six or seven figures for the latest whatever, and then pay some meatball $65 a night to park it somewhere. 

Just doesn't wash with me, I can not understand it at all.

We stay in grocery store lots, hospitals, truck-stops (they are getting rather picky any more), churches, all over the place.  I didn't spend nine years building it to be self sufficient only to park it next to some swing-set full of screaming kids.

I see where ForeTravel has went over the million mark also, their 50th Anniversary model was introduced recently sporting a $1.3 tag.  Marathon is over $2 million and more.

It is just insane.

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[luvrbus]

I don't get either Don we seldom go to a RV park all they are now is parking lot with hookups and maybe a pool that is always closed.We do use the Seniors card and will stop over in National Parks.You did notice were I parked at the Dam Rally I can walk 100 yds for 40 bucks difference 

[Lin]

Swadian, You really must understand that businesses that allow free overnight parking are doing it as a courtesy for tired drivers in transit to break their journey.  I don't understand how someone could expect a business to want anyone to stay for multiple days.  As pointed out by others here, if you abuse their benevolence, they will just ban even the overnight camping of those who are respectful and grateful.  There are a lot less places that allow overnighting than once did.  If for some reason it is impossible to pay for a commercial campground, Forest Service campgrounds are really a bargain.  There is also free camping in many national forests and on BLM land.  In any case, if you decide to try to camp in someone's parking lot, you could explain your situation and ask them if it is okay.  Just the act of asking first could change the manager's perception of whether someone is screwing him/her over or not.

[bigred]

Bigred,he could be like the guy I met in NM at a Walmart he was setting under the awning of a brand new 2005 Newel (over a mil coach) I said how long are you going to be here.
He replied maybe 3 more days we been here a week.In talking I said you sorta look out of place here at a WM parking lot he smiled and said this is the only way I can afford to own this rig      

Don't get me wrong guy's !! I don't fault anyone for spending a night or even 3 or 4 nights in a shopping center parking lot but the aforementioned people I spoke of actually spent the entire summer ,memorial day to a few days after Labor day ,I mean leveled up awnings out,grill set up etc .Last week we spent 4 days at Cape Hatteras Resort at a 100 bucks a night then to add insult to injury three more dollars for cable .The KOA next door was almost as bad but at least they didn't charge for cable and almost all their sites are pull thru's .Problem was they didn't have any sites available. We very seldom go anywhere during "tourist season"

[eagle19952]

Swadian, You really must understand that businesses that allow free overnight parking are doing it as a courtesy for tired drivers in transit to break their journey.  I don't understand how someone could expect a business to want anyone to stay for multiple days.  As pointed out by others here, if you abuse their benevolence, they will just ban even the overnight camping of those who are respectful and grateful.  There are a lot less places that allow overnighting than once did.  If for some reason it is impossible to pay for a commercial campground, Forest Service campgrounds are really a bargain.  There is also free camping in many national forests and on BLM land.  In any case, if you decide to try to camp in someone's parking lot, you could explain your situation and ask them if it is okay.  Just the act of asking first could change the manager's perception of whether someone is screwing him/her over or not.

you do know that most are called travel centers now, and they have rv parking and services....further...if you ask they'll tell you rv's are as equally welcome as any other rig...i know this, because i asked.

[Dave5Cs]

As long as you are buying fuel  and or product there not just staying in their lot...

[eagle19952]

As long as you are buying fuel  and or product there not just staying in their lot...

what if i buy supper ?
or a few travel souvenirs ?
not all truckers buy 400 gallons of diesel.
i pay a premium for mine...no real discount to speak of.
the truck stop does not care who stays there...hell lot lizards stay, why can't mom and pop ?

[luvrbus]

I don't care much for a truck stop even in the marked RV only spot some truck driver always pull up right at the bed room window with a refer van that unit will start and stop all night long.When parking for the night we usually do Walmart ,Cracker Barrel or a good rest area
It took me years to figure out CA did not care if you spent the night in a rest area their signs says no overnight camping they don't want tents I found out

[Ed Hackenbruch]

A lot of rv parks have a weekly and monthly rate.  

[Swadian]

I'll buy fuel from Pilot Flying J anyway, so I could probably park there without much trouble. If I park at a business, I'll ask first and possibly pay them a little bit. I have to park near Sky Harbor or Downtown Phoenix, where there are no campgrounds.