Airstream RV Blog #76 – Wal-Mart Camping from Sean Michael on TheLongLongHoneymoon.com.
Q: How many times have you camped in a Wal-Mart parking lot?
A: I’m not sure exactly. Maybe a dozen.
Q: Is it safe?
A: Yes, as far as I can tell. I’ve never felt threatened in a Wal-Mart parking lot. At times, I’ve even seen private security making their rounds, and thus felt an extra layer of protection. Most Wal-Marts have security cameras running at all times.
On the other hand, I’ve read stories in which bad things happen to good people in Wal-Mart parking lots. The first time we camped at a Wal-Mart, I was a little nervous. But my concerns were soothed by the presence of several other RVs and big rig trucks alongside us. One suspects the principle of “safety in numbers” applies here. Quite simply, most places are safe most of the time — especially if potential criminals know they are being watched.
Q: How can you call this camping? Shouldn’t you call it overnight parking?
A: I guess you can call it “Fred” if it makes you happy. But what you’re really asking is the definition of the word “camping.” Some people cling to a narrow definition of the word, insisting that all “camping” must take place in a tent! Others believe that camping can also include RV-ing, but must occur in a campground. I have a more inclusive definition of the word: if my wife and I are sleeping overnight in our RV, we dub it “camping” regardless of location. Note that just because we “camp” at Wal-Mart, that doesn’t mean we treat it like a private campground or national park. A different protocol applies.
Q: So, what elements of protocol that apply to Wal-Mart camping?
A: Park in a remote corner of the parking lot. Make it obvious that your visit is temporary by keeping your awning furled. Don’t clutter the parking lot with chairs and so forth. Visit the store and do some shopping.
Q: Is camping at Wal-Mart any fun?
A: Surprisingly, yes — Wal-Mart camping can be fun. I enjoy the “boondocking” (dry camping) aspect of the experience. You are responsible for providing your own water and electricity, so there’s an element of self-reliance.
Q: You save a lot of money camping at Wal-Mart, right?
A; Yes and no. Of course, there’s no question that you save the campsite fee (typically ranging from $15 to $45) you’d be paying if you stayed at a campground. However, if you want to use electricity for an appliance (TV, air-conditioner, or water heater), you will need to run your generator. So, with the price of fuel on the rise, the economics of Wal-Mart camping are affected. Sure, you may save a $30 campground fee. But if you burn $20 in generator fuel, was it worth it? Really, your savings depends on your generator usage.
Q: What are the downsides to Wal-Mart camping?
A: Obviously, the ambiance isn’t exactly Glacier National Park. You’re sitting in a remote corner of an asphalt parking lot. You will usually have the curtains drawn shut. You simply don’t care about taking in the view. In fact, you want to obfuscate it.
Since there are no hookups, you can’t empty your water tanks. And protocol demands that you don’t extend your awning, lower your stabilizer jacks, or unhitch your RV. It really is more like “overnight parking” than camping.
There are no amenities such as a swimming pool.
You usually walk into Wal-Mart and spend the money you “saved.”
And let’s face it, you’re not sitting in the Wal-Mart parking lot to meet people. Whereas RV campgrounds are friendly places, parking lots are not.
Q: What are the upsides to Wal-Mart camping?
A: It’s free!
There’s no check-in or check-out procedure. There will be no one rapping at your door the next morning because you’ve stayed a couple of minutes past check-out time. (This is one of my chief annoyances with certain privately owned campgrounds.)
The campground store is a DOOZY!
And really, we should not underestimate what’s happening here. In our ridiculously litigious society, an American retailer has “opened its doors” (or at least its parking lot) to RV owners. We have to respect Wal-Mart’s generosity and hospitality. Where else on earth does this sort of thing happen? In most countries, you’d be chased off the property.
Q: So are you for or against Wal-Mart camping?
A: Yes. 🙂
Moderation in all things, including moderation — and Wal-Mart camping.
I see nothing wrong with the occasional night at Wal-Mart, especially when you are just passing through a town. There are times when I enjoy making a spur-of-the-moment decision, pulling off the highway, and getting some quality sleep at Wally World. I really, really appreciate the fact we have Wal-Mart as an option.
But there is a cost attached to “free.” You sacrifice some more pleasant camping experiences in the process. So we won’t make it our primary choice of campsite. I’d rather support reasonably priced independent RV parks, not to mention state and national campgrounds. And when you factor in the cost of generator fuel, the savings aren’t that great any more.
But enough of what I think. What do YOU think?
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Kristy and I are back on the road! For the latest updates, check out our blog: TheLongLongHoneymoon.com!