Rest stop security

[jasin1]

I am planning on heading south in a couple of weeks. Was thinking about how secure my TV will be in Walmart parking lot or rest stop if I try and get some sleep. I was planning on harvest host at first but really want to just get as far south as I can quickly. Going to make sure bikes and things in bed of truck are chained up but wondering about others experience with this.

[chuckster57]

Might want to check with the Walmart’s you might stop at as some have stopped allowing overnight parking. When we went cross country in ‘09, I made sure we were in a campground every night. After 25 yrs of dealing with Societies finest, I didn’t want to worry about it.

[Northofu1]

Every Walmart I have stayed at, so far, has had lot security.
Never had an issue.

[JDDilly]

We went from MN to FL last year over Christmas. Stayed in a few Walmart lots with no issues. We always call ahead and ask to speak with a manager to confirm they allow overnight stays and where in the lot we should park. Most places had around 5 RVs and a few big rigs. We always make sure to go in and purchase something as a way to thank them.

[CedarCreekWoody]

Some states provide security guards overnight in roadside rest stops. I recall seeing them in FL and LA. Not sure about other states.

[jasin1]

I was originally getting a 307res with the front window. I’m thinking that would have been nice to look out and check on things while parked. I could probably park at an angle to see out bed slide window with the unit I have.guess I will just bring all electronics in the camper and not make anything too tempting. And maybe campgrounds but not disconnect completely to move out quickly in morning

[sourdough]

Don't overthink it....you sound like me. But, I carry multiple ways to keep my worries at bay. First and foremost is puppy....after so many years she is on top of anything she thinks might be an issue long before it could be..and then I have her back.

Looking out while parked, if in the RV, is usually more of "something to do" vs a real deterrent; I like go sleep. I am a light sleeper; I hear most anything...even with the AC and a big fan running by me.

All that said I do not, and will not, park overnight at a Walmart/truck stop etc. I have no use for sitting in an asphalt parking lot with droning semis and who knows what going on keeping me on edge and awake all night - DW says we can do better than that (for us).

[jasin1]

All good responses. Thanks! I may rethink my itinerary and just stay overnight at a campground. I used to drive straight through from baltimore to the keys when I was younger because i just wanted to get to my destination fast. I need to take a lesson from sailboaters I guess. They are happy just sailing without a place they need to be. I have powerboats but throughout the years I’ve had a few different sailboats that I tried getting the hang of and it just wasn’t my preference. I need to just slow down and enjoy the journey and not be so concerned with making good time

[travelin texans]

Not sure where you're at or where "south" you're headed to but I'm absolutely sure there are multiple rv parks along your route that would welcome you overnight for a modest fee providing full hookups & not have to worry about where you're sleeping or Barney Fife providing security in a Walmart parking lot.

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by bjasin1

All good responses. Thanks! I may rethink my itinerary and just stay overnight at a campground. I used to drive straight through from baltimore to the keys when I was younger because i just wanted to get to my destination fast. I need to take a lesson from sailboaters I guess. They are happy just sailing without a place they need to be. I have powerboats but throughout the years I’ve had a few different sailboats that I tried getting the hang of and it just wasn’t my preference. I need to just slow down and enjoy the journey and not be so concerned with making good time

You are right. I struggle with that to this day. I spent my life where getting from A to B meant being more productive so getting to the "end" was the most important thing. Now, at my age, I still have a huge problem with getting rid of that mindset. I'm making progress but my clock runs at about 300mph so it's a work in progress. No matter how we want to "slow down and enjoy the journey" I won't be hoping to find a Walmart parking lot at some point during the night. That's just me and YMMV as I'm sure it does.

[roadglide]

I look fo American legions, moose lodge and Elks club. Casinos are a good choice but I end up spending more money then finding campground. I avoid truck stops now it seems they’re overcrowded just enough room for truckers we have never overnight in Walmart parking. Just recently discovered cracker barrel seem to have a lot of room for RVs and encourage it with rv parking .

[Frank G]

Me and the wife arrived at the point of our life where "less stress is best". When on the road this means stopping before dark, relax, enjoy the comfort of a good meal, shower, get a good nights sleep and enjoy the next days travels. This is where a decent RV park comes into the picture, KOA's have become our choice when on the road, for many reasons, safety is on the top of the list.

Enjoy your Journey

[dutchmensport]

I've never done a Wall Mart overnight when traveling. We want electricity. So we usually locate KOA campgrounds, or Good Sam campgrounds for overnights. Depending on where they are located, the peace of mind is worth the cost. And they seem to always put us on a pull through for easy exit in the morning. Plan ahead, call ahead, check availability, plug in water and electric and get a good night sleep. BUT, that might not be for everyone. But if REALLY worried about "security" than stick with overnights in established campgrounds or state parks.

[wiredgeorge]

Security has never been a concern to me but air conditioning is. I can't imagine crawling around our slide and sleeping in a hot bedroom in the camper in a Wally parking lot. To each his own. My idea of camping is television and air conditioning and hot meals fresh out of the microwave and coffee dripping in the morning. I am a camp ground kind of guy.

[gearhead]

It is usually not a concern to me but the few Texas rest areas I have stopped at have 24hr security and a sign posting such. My small town WalMart is maybe 6 blocks from me and I am there way too often. I have seen RV's in the lot but never 18 wheelers that were not WalMart trucks.
If the weather was agreeable I wouldn't hesitate to park at a WalMart overnight. I haven't yet though.

[flybouy]

Did you see the Governor's press conference yesterday? You might want to look it up as there's more travel "restrictions" in the "People's Republic of Maryland" again. And speaking of checking... Check the WalMart and rest stops before you go. Not all of them allow overnighters.

[Northofu1]

Allstays has a comprehensive list of Walmart store parking. They code the Walmart stores with a red W for no overnight parking and a yellow W for overnight parking.
Best to call to make sure though. On Allstays there is a list you can download that has the address and phone number of all the Walmart's in the US.

[ewbldavis]

I've seen youtubers that do this alot. For use, getting there is half the adventure. We usually try to stop by dinner-time to relax and unwind some.

[jasin1]

Originally Posted by flybouy

Did you see the Governor's press conference yesterday? You might want to look it up as there's more travel "restrictions" in the "People's Republic of Maryland" again. And speaking of checking... Check the WalMart and rest stops before you go. Not all of them allow overnighters.

Good point....I forgot about the travel restrictions. I was gonna head up to Maine recently and restrictions stopped me

[jasin1]

Yeah I guess I like the idea of pull through campground spots and minimal setup. Maybe leave the truck connected if it’s close to level. I’m just going to plan things a little better instead of “winging it “ and being able to run the ac is good also without having to use a genny