Big cities in the USA

[gregsimard]

Hi, we are from Canada and plan on spending a year seeing the USA. Besides the nature and beauty we want to see some of the larger cities. New York, Washington, Miami and the list goes on. Besides finding a Wall Mart, are there any suggestions on how to accomplish this with a truck and trailer. I am not really keen on pulling the trailer through a strange city.
Thanks Greg

[fla-gypsy]

I am not a long term traveller but I believe you will run into issues with residency requirements if you stay more than 6 months. Please research this thoroughly to stay out of trouble with the authorities of both countries.

[Festus2]

Obviously, you are not going to find any campgrounds in the midst of most large cities anywhere so that leaves one to try to find one close to but on the outskirts somewhere. From here, you can use your own TV to go into the downtown core or use public transportation if it is available.

Walmarts are a possibility but it is my understanding that your tow vehicle and your TT have to remain connected so you just couldn't park your RV there and use your TV to tour the city. Again, if you using Walmart, take public transit to visit the downtown area or hop on one of the many tour buses that most cities have to explore the sights.

I agree with you and would try my best to avoid pulling any kind of RV through the metro areas of any large city.

[hankpage]

gregsimard, Sounds like a great idea. Don't count on Wal-mart because some towns do not allow them to offer overnight parking and as Festus2 said, if they do the trailer and TV must remain. Here are some suggestions for the cities you mention.

New York : Liberty State Park in New Jersey offers camping (more like a parking lot with hookups and security) It is just across the river from NYC and public transportation is available from the park to the city and the Statue of Liberty. You can see both from the camping area. You don't want to take your own vehicle into NYC .... trust me .... public transportation is the best way to go.

Washington DC: There are many nice campgrounds close by in Virginia, Maryland or Delaware. Making day-trips to DC and Baltimore from them is very easy and TV parking is plentiful. Baltimore's Inner Harbor is worth going to if you are in that area. (Science museum, and Aquarium are good)


Miami: If this is to be a summertime trip it is very hot in Miami during summer months. (New York and DC area campgrounds may be closed in winter ... Oct. - April, so plan accordingly ) We have never camped close to Miami but I am sure that there are campgrounds close enough for day trips .... maybe State Parks in the Everglades or Key Biscayne or Key Largo.

I hope this helps .... make reservations where available and enjoy your neighbor to the South. .... Hank

[geo]

Gregsimard -

Festus2 is correct. Overnight parking at Walmart is just that - overnight. Usually one is expected to remain hooked to the TV, no landing gear extended, and no slides out. The place to park is usually out on the far reaches of the lot, and it is always suggested that you position your door to face the Walmart. It is always a good idea to call the Walmart ahead of arrival to gain permission and to "find out where they want you". Be aware, some cities and towns prohibit overnight parking in any parking lots - so thus, Walmart has to enforce this city code. For example, Hickory Creek, Texas prohibits overnight parking in lots, and there is a Walmart in Hickory Creek. On occasion, I have had to visit this Walmart on a late evening, and I have seen the local Hickory Creek policeman standing at the door of an RV talking with the inhabitants. I would assume these RVers had assumed they could overnight at Walmart, didn't call ahead, and just set up "camp". I would hope that the Hickory Creek police officer at least told these people that there is a Walmart some 19 km away in Denton that does allow overnighters.

Ron

[Outbackmel]

Allstays Camp & RV costs 99 US cents and has tons of valuable info by state; by city, by need. Just one example is a list of all Walmarts by city and if overnight stays are PROHIBITED. If possible to stay, a phone number is provided.
Take a look on the app store at this tool.
Campgrounds; fuel; rest stops; state rest/info centers; Cracker Barrel; low underpasses and on and on.

[gregsimard]

Thanks to everyone who responded. We are quite looking forward to our trip.

[Corbin1357]

Black Bear Campground in Florida, NY is a nice campground. They have tours that go into NYC see link below. Campground is up a billy-goat road but great view of the area! Close to Orange County Choppers/ West Point, and a lot of other great side trips. A little pricey but great location! Still about 1.5 hrs out of the city but then your not tied to just the city. Sounds like a great trip enjoy!

https://blackbearcampground.com/tours.htm

[chris199]

Cpl of suggestions:
To see Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, Philly.....KOA at Brandywine has a great reputation.

Washington DC.....Cherry Hill CG is excellent and even has a bus to the metro station OR you can drive to the station. Metro is the way to get into DC. We have even taken our bikes to DC that way.

Enjoy!
Chris

Sent from my DROID3 using Tapatalk 2

[theeyres]

You will usually be at least 30 minutes, and usually twice that outside the heart of the city in an RV park. We have done that all over the country and seldom found it a problem. Often the parks are older, not great, and comprised of mostly manufactured homes but never found that a problem for short stays in the city. Forget Walmart. It's just for overnight.

[crash]

We try and stay just outside of the big cities for our camping and just do day trips to the cities by transite or rail service or just our harleys.