| Author |
Message |
Greg
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 9:17 am: | |
has anyone ever seen a infornation sheet about what walmarts will let you stay in Canada at there parking lots and what ones don't. I know it is actualy not walmart that does not it is the city / county/ or muni that don't. If there is such a thing please post a link to it. |
Don/TX
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 9:41 am: | |
Will be interesting to see what others have to offer on this. It is my opinion that it is up to each store manager, since it is private property the city don't have much jurisdiction over it. |
niles steckbauer (Niles500)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 9:58 am: | |
http://www.freecampgrounds.com/noparking.html |
John that newguy
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 10:00 am: | |
Actually, the town's ordinances have jurisdiction over what
is permitted or not permitted, "private property" or not.
Many towns in Florida do not allow overnight parking in
parking areas provided by commercial entities. Walmart
parking in the town of Kissimmee is not permitted, as also
in the town of Merritt Island. Both locations have signs
indicating that the town's ordinances restrict the use....
Walmart once sold a map that gave all the locations of
their stores along with a list of rv parking ability. I'm not sure
if it's still available....
Try here:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=free+overnight+parking+in+canada |
Jim Bob
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 11:11 am: | |
We have stayed in many Wal-Mart parking lots overnight. Some have signs saying "No overnight Parking". We have quietly ignored these signs when we saw them on the way in. We sometimes didn't spot them until morning when we were leaving.
We have stayed in some that closed at night and had no problem. (Usually in smaller towns).
We have stayed in many that are open 24 hours & never had a problem.
But we don't camp at WalMart! We park the bus out of the way, usually on the side where the Garden Center is. We DO NOT put down jacks, awnings, slide outs, satelite dishes, Barbeque cookers, lawn chairs. (We have seen all of these.) WE JUST PARK.
Most of the time, we are rolling in at 1 A.M. and out at 7:30-8:30 A.M. so we aren't there long enough to raise eyebrows. |
James Maxwell (Jmaxwell)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 11:37 am: | |
I cannot recall ever seeing anything published by WalMart or Sam's indicating where parking is restricted by local ordinance, just a posting at those locations affected. The official policy of WalMart, and I have seen it in print, is that you are welcome. However, they acknowledge that local ordinance does prevail. I have stayed in WalMarts that were posted after asking permission from the service desk people, who generally will tell u whether or not the ordinance is enforced.
In Maine, near Bar Harbor, a manager told us that it was enforced if the RV was in sight of the main street, and then directed us to a parking spot behind the store, near the docks, but out of the way of truck traffic. He also volunteered that he had no problem with a 2-3 night stay so long as we did not appear to be camping, in other words, keep it looking road ready. We had reservations in a park for the next day so only stayed 1 evening, having arrived in the area at 8pm.
Once, in Kingman, Az., which is restricted by local ordinance, the Manager told me to go ahead and park, since it was in the middle of the enforcement cycle, (which was every 2 or 3 wks. according to him). A good strategy is to find a shopping cart, get some items your wanting, and then seek permission! |
Brian (Bigbusguy)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 12:53 pm: | |
I see lots of links to pay for the free parking info at walmarts .
What about a new section here to go along with the places we stay for the Walmarts that are Rv frendly and some exits and directions to get to them?
The way I see it if the town has no parking for RV ordinances . I will just put the town on my do not visit list and drive off to spend my money in a RV frendly town. Walmart super center Klamath Falls Oregon RV parking Ok. :
42° 11.56'N, 121° 45.47'W
Brian 4905 Where Im hiding out:
45° 35.94'N, 121° 10.28'W |
WEC4104
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 1:48 pm: | |
I have several WalMart lots that I have frequented and have never been hassled. I almost always end up shopping there in the morning before we hit the road again. Aside from the cost savings, there are two major advantages I have found. First, staying at WalMart allows me to be more flexible with my schedule. If I am not tired, I can get extra hours of driving in, without worrying about where our campground reservations are. Second, in consideration of my camping neighbors, I hate rolling into campgrounds after 9:00 pm. There is no way my Detroit 6-71 can sneak into a site without waking half the campground. Pulling into a WalMart at 1:00 am solves a lot of issues for me. |
Jon W.
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 2:07 pm: | |
We should all appreciate how valuable the opportunity to grab 40 winks at Wal-Mart is.
It is now illegal to park at Wal-Mart in the Sevierville/Pigeon Forge area in TN. It seems some folks decided camping there was a better deal than using the campgrounds in and around the area.
Having the awnings out, the jacks down, the lawn chairs out and the car unhitched really got everybody's attention, and when some idiots chose to dump their holding tanks in the storm sewer that got the locals to jam through the local law preventing an RV from being there over night.
If you need to use a Wal-Mart, the previous example should serve to offer guidelines on what not to do or risk losing the privledge. |
niles steckbauer (Niles500)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 2:25 pm: | |
Jon - FWIW - the Walmart on the south side of I-40 interchange in Newport still allows overnight camping, and very close to S'vile, PF, and the back way to G'burg - Niles |
Jim-Bob
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 2:29 pm: | |
There are also at LEAST 17 campgrounds in/around Pidgeon Forge and they are not all full every night so I'm sure they were pushing to ban staying at Wal-Mart there too. We just take for granted that in Kissimmee (Disney), Marathon, FL (Keys), Pidgeon Forge (Dollywood/Gatlinburg) that the local campgrounds & motel owners have already worked hard to prohibit "camping". But actually, if it's a 24 hour WalMart & you park there & you have or will be going in to buy something, there's not much that can legally be done if you're there for a few hours. |
greg
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 6:37 pm: | |
walmart does all of us a favour by allowing us get 40 winks it should not be a campground i am looking for info on the ones in western canada can anybody help?? |
Ron Walker (Prevost82)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 7:05 pm: | |
I've seen people stopped over-night at Cosco and Wallmart in Kamloops and at the Canadian Tire Store in Merritt, B.C.
Ron |
Evan G. (Fireman10b)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 8:56 pm: | |
I have just returned from the Memphis in May event in Memphis Tenn. The Wal-Mart located in West Memphis will not even let you drive into their lot due to a hight restrictive device installed across the entrance. The hight restriction is 11'5". I would bet this will become the way to keep unwanted RV's out of their parking lots. We did find a great place just across the river named Mississippi River RV park. |
R.J.(Bob) Evans (Bobofthenorth)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 8:59 pm: | |
The problem with camp Wally-Mart in western Canada is that we don't have many people, hence not many Wal Marts. We're big fans of camp Wally Mart - we like to drive until I drop, pull in at 11 or 12 and be gone early in the morning again.
I can't help with a Wal Mart in Winnipeg - I just can't think where there is one. There's an Enns Brothers (John Deere) lot on the south perimeter and Ramboc at the Headingly scale - they would be my first choices for overnight in Winnipeg. Lots of truck stops on #1 at Brandon.
In Saskatchewan there's a WalMart on #16 at Yorkton but I think it has low overhead barricades on it. There's implement dealers there though - if you are after hours they make excellent overnight stops - big yards with lots of room to maneuvre. There's a Wal Mart on the east side of Regina on #1 Highway. There's also one on the north end of Albert Street but it would be a bear to get to with a bus. Can't help with Moose Jaw or Swift Current other than to say that there's lots of implement dealers in both places. There's two WalMarts in Saskatoon - we use the one on the west side all the time - it's easy access off Highway 7 at Circle Drive. The other Saskatoon location is off Circle Drive north of College Ave. There's lots of parking off #16 highway in North Battleford - can't remember whether there is a Wally Mart there or not.
Similarly there is lots of mall parking in Lloydminster on #16 highway. Good access to Wally Mart on the east side of Medicine Hat off #16 highway (and usually several rigs there overnight) I don't know Edmonton well enough to name locations there and I don't know of a good free spot in Calgary. We go through Calgary plenty but we don't often spend the night there. If I was stuck in Edmonton I would head west on the Yellowhead and look for something around Stony Plain. If I absolutely had to overnight in Calgary I'd head west of the city to Woody's RV and park in either their lot or the adjacent Kubota dealership. |
niles steckbauer (Niles500)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 9:11 pm: | |
RJ - the only W-mart I've ever stayed at is the one in Medicine Hat - At most of the other places except Calgary, I have found you can park alomost anywhere - Canada is a very safe place to RV - Niles |
Tim (Timkar)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 9:51 pm: | |
Can't remember the address, but there is a WalMart in Winnipeg in the souteast a couple of blocks from Midwest Detroit Diesel. Ended up spending a night there a couple of months ago. |
John that newguy
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 10:02 pm: | |
Many Target stores are now claiming to provide free overnight
RV parking, according to the local campers here in Melbourne, Fl.!
I've stopped an officer in CT and told him we had permission
to stay at a supermarket overnight and asked him if he could
relay that info to the desk for us. He did while we waited...
No problamo'. Since then, we've stayed all over without problem.
We ask first about staying "awhile" after hours to get some sleep...
Then relay the permission to the PD. Simple and easy. |
Lew Poppleton (Lewpopp)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 10:25 pm: | |
This is not Canada, but I have in front of me "The 2002 Wal-Mart Locator" It tells how to get to most of them. It needs updating now that they rebuild them all into Super Stores. Also in front of me is Walmart Stores that DO NOT ALLOW overnight parking.
The firstpublication is published by Wiley Products Inc. 1-800-342-7550 www.wileyproducts.com
The DO NOT ALLOW book is published by FREECAMPGROUNDS.COM
WE USE THEM BOTH WHEN ON THE ROAD. |
T. (Bluegrass)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 10:38 pm: | |
while In Florida this past winter we stoped at a WalMart store and picked up an Atlas and It had all the WalMart stores In It that alowed camping
a very handy thing to have.
Tony |
R.J.(Bob) Evans (Bobofthenorth)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 10:46 pm: | |
Niles - I agree that Canuckland is "mostly harmless" but we did have a bicycle stolen off the back of our fifth wheel in our pre-bus life in a camp Wally Mart in Prince Albert. While we were sleeping no less - so us Canucks aren't completely harmless. |
niles steckbauer (Niles500)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 10:49 pm: | |
Jeez RJ - everyone needs a lift now and again - LOL - point well taken - get a Walmart bike chain and lock while your there - Niles |
Don/TX
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 11:09 pm: | |
The Wal Mart in San Marcos Texas has a barrier that prevents RV's entering! Never mind, the K Mart is next door and loves RV dollars and buses. |
john wood
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2005 - 11:34 pm: | |
One plus with kmart is they turn out the lot lights after closing. Eco smart and easier to sleep.
Seems like every time i park at a walmart (infrequently) they choose that nite to sweep the lot! |
Sean Welsh (Sean)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2005 - 2:36 am: | |
The height-restricting devices are to prevent trucks from coming in those entrances.
Since their own deliveries still need to get in, there is always at least one entrance without the restrictor, which is the entrance they want the trucks to use. Usually, that entrance does also provide access to the customer lot. Look toward the rear of the store, usually off a side street.
The restrictors are not there to keep customers out. Even ones in RV's.
-Sean |
Sean Mormelo (Sventvkg)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2005 - 3:51 am: | |
What about Truck stops?? Can't we just park in one? Can't ya get a directory of where they are and plan your siesta there? |
FAST FRED
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2005 - 6:03 am: | |
There are far more trucks on the roads than truck stop parking places , so the truckers sometimes get testy about an RV stealing one of their spaces.
Flat tires , spiked tires and disconected tows are NOT unheard of.
Esp with the new HOS rules , rest times are enforced more.
That's why you see so many trucks by the side of so many roads , its Da LAW and the truck places are full.
Many churches have fine big parking lots to sleep in (no lawn chairs awnings ect) as do many resturants. Fairly EZ to get permission from the resturant manager for a "few hours" .
Even police station parking lots can be used , with permission , from the desk sergant.
Most "Scenic Views" have no overnite posted , but thats to keep folks from setting up camp (like the Wallmart ABUSERS) and seldome will you be bothered.
Our favorite is large docks where the fish boats sell to the packing house , No one is "in charge" and the shrimp is cheap , a resturant usually nearby , and an overnite parking a snap.
FAST FRED |
CoryDaneRTS
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2005 - 7:18 am: | |
(((" What about a new section here to go along with the places we stay for the Walmarts that are Rv frendly and some exits and directions to get to them? ")))
This section already exists here at BNO, and strangely enough, it is called "PLACES WE STAY".
It is listed by State where you can list town/location/restrictions.
Though it was intended as a campground/city location perusal, it also serves as a rest stop locator as well.
Feel free, "fill'er up". Be sure to title your information as "Walmart Parking", or whatever store, location, rest area as fits the subject matter at hand.
cd |
Don/TX
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2005 - 9:44 am: | |
Sean Welsh said: "The restrictors are not there to keep customers out. Even ones in RV's."
I doubt that Sean, the writing on the barrier clearly says "No RV's, clearance 8' 11". The delivery entrance has no access to the parking lot, and requires a disconnect from towed to get out even.
This is the most blatant "no RV policy" I have seen, and of course is not typical of Wal Marts in general, which I have never had a problem with.
I like the list thing suggested above, sure would prevent problems. |
mel 4104
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2005 - 10:10 am: | |
when talking to the people in charge of the place that you wish to park at they all seem to say the same thing ---put nothing on the parking lot except your feet and the tires of you vec's. we have seem people with table, chairs bb's,mats, even pots with flowers at each end of their units. they looked like monthly renters, when ask how long they had been there and some said oh JUST 3 weeks.the real bad part was the lack of clean up after their pets as it was all over any grass iv the parking lot. what will get you a invite back is take a little time, a bag and clean up the mess that some one else has let behind, and yes Brian Klamath Falls is a great place to stop and visit. |
Sean Welsh (Sean)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2005 - 11:01 am: | |
Don,
We've encountered the restrictors at several Wal-marts, and none said anything about RVs. We usually ask first, and we were invited to stay at those stores, but they usually asked us to park in a specific part of the lot. I would guess that this particular store you encountered had some sort of problem, either with ill-mannered travelers, or with the local constabulary.
For what it's worth, every time we've encountered a Wal-Mart with a "no overnight parking" sign, and asked the manager, we've been told that the signage was required by the municipality, and that parking was OK with the store management (but we would take our own chances with the city). We've never been hassled.
Recently, we stayed at a Wal-Mart where we found a motor coach with awnings out, slides out, patio carpet out, and chairs and table set up -- and the owners weren't even there! They were off someplace in their toad. When they came back, between the coach, the patio, and the toad, they were taking up eight full spaces in the parking lot. These guys had an FMCA goose egg on their coach, to boot.
Which reminded me that FMCA has a good write-up on this matter, suitable for printing out and tucking under offending coaches' wipers, here:
http://www.fmca.com/motorhomerights/information/parkingetiquette/parkingetiquette.pdf
-Sean |
niles steckbauer (Niles500)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2005 - 11:27 am: | |
Walmart has has recently (last few years) encountered resistance to the placement of its "big box" retail stores in many areas of the country - some people hate them for various and sundry reasons - so in an attempt to gaining zoning and regulatory approval for construction of new stores, often of very political event, they have made certain concessions - one of which is to acquiesce to neighborhood demands that there be no overnight parking of any kind and some towns even demand that they not operate 24 hours - Certainly Walmart does not want these restrictions, but its often the only way to get approval for construction - truth is, most local land development codes demand more parking than is required for their operation that, except during christmas, go mainly unused - thats why they surely prefer to allow campers/possible customers to park free on these government mandated asphalt wastelands - Any policy disallowing RV parking at WM is certainly not generated by them, nor do they welcome it -
Niles |
Brian (Bigbusguy)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2005 - 12:57 pm: | |
"What about Truck stops?? Can't we just park in one? Can't ya get a directory of where they are and plan your siesta there?"
Have you ever tryed to find a parking spot at a truck stop at night good luck. Also most truck stops the trucks are running or a refer is running next to you all night, also 99% of truck stops parking is a back in spot so if you have a towed you would have to unhook to back in.
Some TA truck stops have some RV room in the front parking lot where the cars park and the flying J also some have room up front in the car parking lot but both is very tight to get around and easy to get boxed in.
And Cory I wanting to see a seperate section not mixed in with the camp grounds I think it would be easer to find and use if you was looking for walmarts .
There is a nice Walmart north of Salem OR off I 5 that has truck and Rv parking spots. But if you exit and take the 1st right turn on the road that looks like you heding to Walmart its a dead end not good if you have a towed I was lucky able to go through taco bells parking lot and a few side streets to get out of that with out unhooking my truck. I know now to turn right on the 2nd street.
Brian 4905
45° 35.94'N, 121° 10.28'W |
Craig (Ceieio)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2005 - 10:52 pm: | |
Brian - Have you found a place to leave your bus yet? I see you are in The Dalles. I met a busnut in Dallesport about a year ago. He may have some ideas where you could stash the bus in that neck of the woods. He has two Eagles and a MC5 so I'd say he is certifiable. :-)
Cross the bridge into Washington and continue until the road T-bones into the Lewis & Clark highway. Turn left (towards the town of Dallesport) and go maybe 1/2 a mile. On your left (before a gas station) look for a brown building that houses a well drilling operation. I can't recall the gents name, but he owns the drilling business. He has other friends in the area that are busnuts, so maybe between him and his friends, he may know of some places you could try.
Regards,
Craig - MC7 |
Brian (Bigbusguy)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 4:01 am: | |
Craig,
I have one lead on where to put it from a other bus nut . I will check out the place in Dallesport also.
I may just take it home after I have some windows put in at Pinsula Glass the 2nd of next month I will have to see what happens.
Thanks
Brian 4905
45° 35.94'N, 121° 10.28'W |
John that newguy
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 8:09 am: | |
Among the other directories, we found this one fairly useful.
http://www.truckstops.com/default.asp
We steer clear of most of the too busy truck stops, and avoid
parking among and between the hundreds of rigs. There are
too many loonies out there these days. My pal drives a rig
cross country, the stories he can relate would convince you
of the dangers. It's safest to park near a light and where your
RV is visible from the road or populated area.
How many here have a lock on their engine and battery doors?
How easy is it for anyone to disable your engine, forcing you to
leave the safety of the bus/RV to figure out what's wrong? |
Sean Welsh (Sean)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 10:47 am: | |
sorry - I posted something here for the wrong thread - i've moved it...
|
Timothy Terhune (Timnvt)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 11:26 am: | |
We pulled into a Walmart in Tuscon AZ about 11:00 pm. The security fellow approached us and inquired whether we were planning to spend the night? I said we were thinking about it. He said we weren't permitted to stay overnight.
Then he asked, Are you tired? I said yeah. He asked, Really tired? I said , Well yes. He said, then I cannot make you leave. Pull your rig over to the side lot along the fence (which was where it appeared the employees parked). You will be safe there he said and we'll keep a watch out for you through the night!
Just one of a number of Walmart stories from our adventures.
Timnvt |
john w. roan (Chessie4905)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 5:02 pm: | |
The RV guy that dumped his holding tank into the storm sewer at a WalMart was cousin EDDIE... said his sh..... was full!(not my cousin) |
Chuck Newman (Chuck_newman)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 12:55 am: | |
FWIW,
My son is a Walmart assistant store manager. He tells me the official company policy regarding overnight parking is up to the individual store manager, less any municipal restrictions.
Chuck Newman
Oroville, CA |
John that newguy
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 8:17 am: | |
Absolutely, Chuck. No corporation in their right mind, would take
that "call" away from their managerial forces. They're the ones
at the scene and the ones that can best judge the situation involved.
A manager of a store that usually permits overnight parking, should
always have the ability to deny that privilege, if there's cause to. |
captain ron (Captain_ron)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 2:22 pm: | |
this post made me look last night as was at walley world and saw 2 rv's with toads in Murfreesboro, tn |
Don/TX
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 5:39 pm: | |
Ron, down in this part of the lower Rio Grande Valley country, one would think the Wal Marts must have some sort of extra RV Park license. During peak snowbird migration times, I have seen as many as a dozen in the Harlingen TX Wal Mart alone, with no two license plates from the same state. I think you could accurately call Wal Mart parking lots here "staging areas". |