Walmart 's - Casino's - How Does "free" Overnight Parking Really Work?

[Morgan7600]

Hi Guys :::&nbsp; It's Morgan in San Diego!&nbsp; Some of you have probably seen my posts before and here's the latest one dealing with free overnight parking at places like Walmart's and Casino's.&nbsp; <br>I'm still doing my research for an adventure I hope to begin next year so forgive me for being a total RV rookie etc.&nbsp; I just am!<br><br>What I'm now looking at is potentially starting with about a 1996 era A Class RV and realize that the "stealth" factor is pretty well removed in that case!&nbsp; How I see this going is hanging out here in the San Diego East County area for a while and then jumping over to the Palm Desert and the river areas and then perhaps going back and forth for a while just to change the scenery and accessibility.&nbsp; <br>The initial plan is to save some money since I have an OK pension that could easily build up over time but would require not doing a lot of driving or paying for parking.&nbsp; I have a Walmart here off the I-8 at the Los Coches ramp and several casino's both here and over in the desert to choose from.&nbsp; I have researched and found numerous sites with info on which casino's allow RV overnighting and how it works.&nbsp; I shop at this particular Walmart once a week for my groceries and have noticed at times, a number of RV's out near the edges of the lot.&nbsp; I have not spoken to the management about how it works but have read that this is the correct procedure and that Sam wanted weary travelers to have a place to sleep for one night while passing through.<br><br>Ideally, I would love to hear from others who either have done this or are currently doing this routine.<br>Also, I would like to hear from anyone planning a trip to San Diego or currently hanging out here.<br>I think that's about it for this post.&nbsp; If you're reading this, then you probably know what I'm talking about so please feel free to respond with ideas about how to get free overnighting!&nbsp; <br>Happy trails to one &amp; all, Morgan

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Hey there Morgan,<br><br>We stay at "Camp WallyWorld" and casinos quite often, as long as there are no local laws/signs prohibiting it.<br>Casinos usually have a free lot for RVs, some ask that you check in, some don't. They don't seem to mind if you stay several days at a time. Some have shuttles that will ride you to shopping, etc...tip your driver a buck or two ;-) <br>We don't usually check in at Wally's if there are other rigs parked around, tho it might be a good idea to do so.<br><br>We have stayed at Safeways, Cabelas, and many other stores and shopping centers in our Class A. We travel the secondary hiways mostly and are always lucky to find a spot to be for the night. We call it "creative parking".<br><br>

 

[Morgan7600]

Wow that's a great response!&nbsp; Thanks guys!&nbsp; I love Bob's site and this forum because everyone is so friendly and I always get quick and great responses from all the other members.&nbsp; We are a family!<br><br>So back to my quandary :::&nbsp; This for me brings up even more questions.<br>First of all, I've never heard of Camp Wally World but the beauty of RV life is, if you need something, you can just drive to where it is.&nbsp; (I think my new motto will be ::: "Where ever I go, there I am!")<br><br>I'll have to research Camp Wally no doubt.&nbsp; I've also read that some of the Flying J's allow us to stay<br>but with one very strict rule :::&nbsp; Do not park or even drive over to the "truckers area!"&nbsp; Understandably, they are doing business and don't want any interference.&nbsp;&nbsp; Oh and there are also no Flying J's in SD that I've seen but since I'm not a trucker, I could be wrong about that one and could have easily not noticed them.<br><br>When you say Safeway's, I guess that would be strictly all night Safeway's right?<br><br>Also, "secondary highways" meaning stay of the big interstates when possible?&nbsp; Cool,&nbsp; thanks again, M<br>http://12gaugemusic.com/overture-02.html

 

[thatguy]

How about Autozone or O'Reillys auto parts stores? I bet it doesnt matter what your driving, if anyone asks tell them your waiting for the store to open cuz you need a part. Most autoparts businesses hours are 8am to 8 or 9pm.

 

[Morgan7600]

Hey thanks for the response.&nbsp; You know I've read about this and I guess if you're really tired and there's room at the back of the lot, what the hell eh?&nbsp; I've also read that large repair shops are good too in the same way.&nbsp; If you get questioned, just tell 'em you're having mechanical difficulties with your rig and do not want to block the nations roadways should you have such a failure :::&nbsp; ie: waiting for the shop to open in the morning!&nbsp; M

 

[Morgan7600]

Hey bindi&amp;us,&nbsp; is this the place?&nbsp; If so, I see they have a free camping link and ask you to log in on line to reserve?&nbsp; Is that correct or wrong place?&nbsp; Thanks,&nbsp; M<br><br><br>http://www.wallyworldresort.com/

 

[LucyImHome]

Wally World and similar names refer to WalMart.&nbsp;

 

[VanTrekker]

I have stayed at Walmarts a number of times with no&nbsp; problems whatsoever.&nbsp; If I don't see anyone present, I will usually check in just to make sure camping overnight is okay.&nbsp; The one in Maquoketa, Iowa told me campers are fine but no semi-trucks... the semi drivers would open the door and pee right into the lot!<br><br>I've never been turned down from Walmart&nbsp;camping and love staying for free at their stores.&nbsp; In fact, tonight I am going to a neighboring city to watch fireworks and will likely stay at a "Wally World"...&nbsp; <br><br>Once you know whether or not parking is permitted, you probably don't need to check in again at most locations.&nbsp; <br>&nbsp;<br>Truck stops (Flying J) have always worked out great with the exception of a little diesel engine noise.&nbsp; I do like 24 hour grocery stores - there is a favorite one near when I visit in Iowa City.&nbsp; It's close to Anytime Fitness for that morning shower.&nbsp;<br><br>One note about casinos... They can be fun to camp at except the last time I was at one, I dropped $250 and was so pi$$ed off that it runined the trip.&nbsp;&nbsp; I'm trying to stay out of those places now.<br><br>Have fun!

 

[Morgan7600]

Hi Bradford,&nbsp; That was both informative and inspiring.&nbsp; The Walmart situation is pretty much the way I thought it to be but if I stay around here for a while to stockpile some dollars I'll need a few places.&nbsp; I checked out the Flying J's and there are actually 2 of 'em in San Diego.&nbsp; That makes 2 spots and with the Barona, Sycuan and Golden Acorn Casino's I should be OK out of the chute!<br><br>I've checked out your site a few times now.&nbsp; Nice looking site and great format.<br>I'm a cat lover too but lately :::&nbsp; Dobie Dogs!<br><br>I'm a long time hand coder and will probably use my TruckChef.com when I get started.<br>Also, please let me invite you to check out my music at 12GaugeMusic.com&nbsp; Take care out there,&nbsp; Morgan

 

[Morgan7600]

LucyImHome,&nbsp; Wow!&nbsp; Then that one went right the way over my head didn't it!<br>So that's what bindi&amp;us meant by "Camp Wally World!"&nbsp; Well for a part time genius,<br>I sure missed that one... Thought I was going to run into Chevy Chase some place down&nbsp;<br>the road...&nbsp;&nbsp; Thanks,&nbsp; Morgan

 

[LucyImHome]

&nbsp;I worked in Pacific Beach for 8 months, SUV camping part of that time, in 09. There were LOTS of folks in rvs, some nice'ish, most not. They were clearly living full time in them. They parked at the beach, on the residential streets, in all manner of larger parking lots. They didn't seem to get hassled. They did move around some, but not much. Like moving over 6 spaces or to the other side of the street. I'd think to just drive around and find others. Just try to maintain as low a profile as possible. There's a video circulating now on fb about a fellow that was using his cell to tape the police doing an arrest. He was blatant about it, and the cops started walking toward him. He put his Rottweiler back in his car before they got to him, but didn't have time roll up the window. He probably didn't anticipate the cops behaving the way they did. The rest I'll leave to your imagination. If you see the video, be forewarned, it's horrifying. You have a Doberman that would also feel compelled to protect you from attack. And people still make misinformed judgement about the breed.&nbsp;<br>I'm in Palm Springs. Palm Desert is what I'd call more upscale than PS. But you can do the casinos, WalMart, Sam's Club, Costco, 24 hr groceries, Lowes, Home Depot. Lowes/Home Depot and also Office Max does free wifi. You can get it in the parking lot. I'd avoid coming here until late October at the earliest. I wish I could. June 29th broke a record, hitting 122. Pretty brutal, as I don't have a/c and sleep in the backseat of my extended cab pickup.&nbsp;

 

[rvwandering]

&nbsp;We're probably the Walmart camper champions! ;-) We've stayed at hundreds of them and have been asked to leave just a few times. Mostly we stay at them when we're in the eastern states because public campgrounds are not near where we want to go and boondocking opportunities are not very numerous. Casinos are a much better choice if you want a quiet nights sleep.<br><br>&nbsp;Some good sites - Walmart -&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.allstays.com/c/wal-mart-locations.htm" target="_blank">http://www.allstays.com/c/wal-mart-locations.htm</a>&nbsp; Not always accurate but still a good research site.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Casinos -&nbsp; <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.casinocamper.com/rv-parking-locations" target="_blank">http://www.casinocamper.com/rv-parking-locations</a> Good site but doesn't have every casino<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cabelas -<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.cabelas.com/" target="_blank">http://www.cabelas.com/</a>&nbsp; Not all allow overnighting<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cracker Barrel - <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.crackerbarrel.com/locations-and-hours/" target="_blank">http://www.crackerbarrel.com/locations-and-hours/</a> Best with a smaller RV<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dump Stations - <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.sanidumps.com/sanidumps_usamerica.php" target="_blank">http://www.sanidumps.com/sanidumps_usamerica.php</a><br><br>&nbsp;We've also stayed at all of the places that Lucy has listed.

 

[Morgan7600]

Thanks to LucyImHome &amp; tonyandkaren for most recent responses.&nbsp; I think that for me, this about rounds out this string.&nbsp; There is so much information here.&nbsp; I'm compiling a centralized list of RV related links and some of these I knew about, some I did not.&nbsp; Sounds like my plan might just work.&nbsp; I realize that it not only will work but has been and is as we speak working for a great many others right now.&nbsp; <br>With the advent of a downward spiraling economy, I am certain that these numbers have exploded.<br>I also realize that from my current point of view in a nice safe &amp; comfy "stick &amp; brick" home, the real challenge is simply the "culture shock" of the threshold.&nbsp; <br>As somebody on this site has told me, "takes a while to get used to but you'll like it once you do!"<br><br>LucyImHome,&nbsp; Regarding Palm Springs, I have a buddy in Cathedral City so have recently been checking out the area because I felt that I may need or want to make a change in the coming months &amp; years.<br>I really do not know anything about it other than the weather and what you have told me here.&nbsp; I don't know how he does it out there.&nbsp; Way too hot for me unless I am by the water and can remain by the water.&nbsp; I love to swim.&nbsp; Pools, river or lakes.&nbsp; Just love it.&nbsp; I've also looked at the Colorado River area and as with PS, have no point of reference there either.&nbsp; I see that Parker Az is a great spot but it looks like a lot of pay camps and some very fancy high end places too such as Parker.&nbsp; Looks like a mini Cabo!<br>I guess nearly every place has its possibilities for free RV parking and you find it where it is as you travel round.<br><br>Now, as for the commonly referred to "attack dog" syndrome, I love Rotties but I have always been drawn to Dobie Dogs!&nbsp; I've had friends who've had Rotties and they seem only to be different in their appearance.&nbsp; It seems they both love their alpha masters desperately as most all dogs do and they both have that unconditional blood allegiance to protect their alpha to the death.<br><br>Yes, I saw the story the first day it was on line and was indeed horrified. I did not watch any vid that showed the actual shooting and would not do well to do so.&nbsp; Dogs are a massive part of my life!<br>As with most pure dog lovers, I can easily say without a shadow of a doubt that I love and would protect dogs much more that people at this point but I have no life here and obviously if I had a family, that would be a bit different.<br><br>As with all "stories"... journalism, one should read or watch with an open mind.&nbsp; There are often untold sides to each story.&nbsp; With this story however, it seems crystal clear to me that:<br><br>1.&nbsp; Dog owner seemed to be agitating the cops<br>2.&nbsp; Dog owner did not secure his animal when he knew that his Rotty would not like the cops approaching him in the manner they always do and would want to "come to his rescue!"&nbsp; <br>A natural phenomenon!<br>3.&nbsp; Rotty was in "razor back" mode because of the situation he sensed.&nbsp; His master was in jeopardy!<br><br>And finally 4.&nbsp; The shooter murdered the dog!&nbsp; Shot him down in cold blood and shot him numerous times which indicates anger on the part of the shooter!<br><br>Cops would say he acted "in the line of duty.." was being threatened etc.&nbsp; In reality, he was in the company of many other cops who could have easily stepped in to assist in the handling of the dog.&nbsp; He simply lacked the dog handling skills to do the right thing and the common sense to know what it was!&nbsp;<br>It that situation, you've got to communicate with the animal!&nbsp; <br>In conclusion I would ask, so which one here was the animal?&nbsp; I have my answer!

 

[dominique21]

I always have good luck in the Ocean Beach district of San Diego. There is so much street parking by apartment dwellers that nobody knows whose who. Of course you don't want to stay in one spot too long, and don't make it obvious that someone's inside.

Right now I'm in Pismo Beach, Ca where the high today reached a whopping 66 degrees.

 

[yesican]

I've seen vehicles parked outside Midas Muffler sometimes for weeks at a time!&nbsp; Maybe a good place to park.

 

[Morgan7600]

Yeah RV's have mufflers too don't they!

 

[arizonatruck]

When I was a security guard at a hotel in east phoenix, I saw a couple of rv's in the rear of the lot.&nbsp; If the lot wasn't anywhere near full, and they weren't noisy or doing any harm, I didn't bother them.&nbsp; I actually kept and eye out.&nbsp; This was before I even thought of vandwelling.

 

[Morgan7600]

arizonatruck,&nbsp; That's very encouraging news.&nbsp; Thanks for posting that...&nbsp; M

 

[RV-Kitty]

If you keep a low profile and don't start putting things outside your RV/van/whatever, you can keep moving around from one place to another.&nbsp; We met people doing that both in CGs and places like Walmart, Flying-J, fairgrounds etc. In time they rotate back to the first place where they started.

 

[Morgan7600]

RV-KItty,&nbsp; And that my friends is how you save $$$!&nbsp; That's the plan!<br>More encouraging news.&nbsp; Thanks for that :::&nbsp; M