On the Road

[MicheleB]

We're taking our new camper on the road for the month of November traveling round trip from Houston to New England and down the coast. We are thinking about sometimes using truck stops as a way to cut expenses. Do any of you with experience have other info to share about this type of travel? We do have the "Walmart" book and joined "PassportAmerica" but that's it so far. Thanks

[goinmobile]

Hi. I've been doing it 3 years without any problems. Truck stops are ok but loud. Rest areas are usually ok at but I'd ask if security guards are around just to be sure. Walmarts are fine except one in Florida City asked me to leave.
Just be careful and use some street smarts and you'll be fine. Have a good trip.

[MicheleB]

Thanks, will do

[skater]

Hi. I've been doing it 3 years without any problems. Truck stops are ok but loud. Rest areas are usually ok at but I'd ask if security guards are around just to be sure. Walmarts are fine except one in Florida City asked me to leave.
Just be careful and use some street smarts and you'll be fine. Have a good trip.

In some areas, campgrounds have successfully lobbied local councils to outlaw people staying in the Wal-Mart parking lot. Usually, though, if you ask the manager, it's not a problem from what I've heard (I've never tried it).

My parents and I did stop at a gas station once overnight - it was near Christmas, cold as heck, and snow and ice, and we had the Airstream trailer. There was no way we were going to make it to the campground we'd planned to use, so we asked gas station and they said fine. We pulled to the side of the lot, fired up the furnace, and had a decent night of sleep...at least until a tractor trailer pulled in next to us and kept his engine running. I now buy gas at that station whenever I can.

[MicheleB]

People can really be great when they know they can help. Thanks.

[craigmar]

We have stayed at walmarts, truckstops and campgrounds and even freeway on and off ramps if the need for sleep came up. I think the post about streetsmarts was right on. Two things you might check on depending upon your age might be to get a golden passport for most of your Nat'l campgrounds and then you stay free, I don't know to many Parks in that part of the country but out here, most are generally good and some have all the hookups. Reservations might be needed during peak times but with winter etc. you can now usually get a good spot just driving in. One thing we found also, is that most of the casino's out here have R.V. sites for pretty cheap with all the hookups ($20-$25 a night plus using the amenities such as spas, pools etc.) The price really increases though if you use the other offerings such as slots, tables games etc. The food is good though.

[MicheleB]

Thanks for the info, very helpful

[RCR]

I've spent many nights in Walmarts across the country and I found that the ones that don't allow usually post signs of such. The 24 hr Walmarts I've always felt quite secure - more so than some campgrounds. They have video surveillance cams and usually all-night security patrol.

I always make it a point to shop at the ones that allow this and don't take for granted of the privilege (park aways from the prime parking area, not acting like it's my own personal campsite (don't pull out the lounge chairs), keep a low profile, etc). And have never had a problem.

One thing I did last year on a 2 month cross country trip was I signed up with 24 hr Fitness for those 2 months. I think it was like a total of $75.

Every day along the trip I would work out and then take a shower before heading to a Walmart for the night. It was the perfect setup.