Blacktop Boondocking Boo-Boos

A lot of us travel the "Camp Walmart" way--stopping overnight at Walmart or other store parking lots. It's something we've come to appreciate--it saves money, frustration, and often proves to be a major safety factor when the going gets tough.

You don't need to have been out from under a rock very long to know that "blacktop boondocking" as some call it has proved a major controversy, particularly when RV park owners get involved. Many feel they're being short-changed by 'stingy RV owners who are only looking for a free ride.' We won't go into the "Park Owners v Walmart Campers" story here--we'll save it for another time. Nevertheless, some who take advantage of Walmart hospitality really do make a bad name for us.

You've probably seen it: These guys roll into Wally-World, put out the slide-outs, unpack and fire up the BBQ, and hang out for days on end. Once they finally leave, the memory is not quickly forgotten, perhaps they've piled up trash, dog doolies, or heaven forbid, actually dumped their tanks down a storm drain. It's like the nightmare RV neighbors from hell.

The Escapees, an RV club for fulltimers, has taken the issue up and put together a "Code of Parking Etiquette" which we reproduce here:

ESCAPEES CODE OF PARKING ETIQUETTE

1. Obtain permission from a qualified individual.

2. Park out of the way.

3. No awnings, chairs, or barbecue grill.

4. Avoid using slide-outs if at all possible.

5. Do not use your leveling jacks on asphalt.

6. Limit your stay - one night maximum!

7. Purchase gas, food, or supplies as a form of thank -you when feasible.

8. Always leave an area cleaner than you found it.

9. Practice safety precautions.

It's not much to ask--and following these simple 'Golden Rule' basics will go a long way to keeping up a good reputation for those of us who do "blacktop boondock."

Photo courtesy, Brave New Films, on Flickr.com