Walmart Bans Overnight Parking?

If you think that Quartzsite is the only place where rumors spread like wildfire, you only need to visit a computer forum of just about any stripe. The latest one runs something like this: 'A campground membership salesman told us that Walmart has a new policy--that soon you won't be able to stay on any Walmart lot anywhere in the U.S.'

Coming from a resort club salesman, it almost sounds a little too pat, huh? Well, it did start a flurry of comments, from folks who almost bought the story, hook to sinker, to those who simply attributed it to the usual puff passed around by salesmen. Finally, cooler heads prevailed, and a forum member picked up his telephone and phoned a Walmart corporate office. Have things changed? Nope, not really. Walmart still has no "official" welcoming policy on RVers overnighting on their lots--it's a decision largely made by local management and of course, prevailing government ordinances.

Where does that leave us? The same place we always are--some Walmarts (and other big parking lot holders) will say you're welcome, others will send you packing. Of course, it never hurts to restate the obvious: Make yourselves welcome by your conduct--don't trash the lot, dump your holding tanks down the storm drain, or set up a 'long term' camping territory. Do show your gratitude by patronizing the store, pick up some inconsiderate visitor's trash . . . the usual Golden Rule policy that thankfully, the majority of RVers seem to instinctively know and do.

Photo: Dr. Warner on flickr.com

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