Sleeping in a Walmart Parking Lot: How to find overnight spots and is it safe for a solo female?
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- čas přidán 3. 08. 2024
- Curious what it's like sleeping in a Walmart parking lot? Is it safe for a solo female traveler? How do you know if the location allows overnight spots for free RV parking? Is this a good alternative to staying at a truck stop? Check out this video for tips and tricks for overnight camping at Walmart!
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00:00-00:28 Intro
00:29-06:00 Heading East
06:01-11:41 Finding A Spot Off the Expressway
11:42-12:01 Hit the Road
12:02-14:29 Setting Up For The Night
14:30-17:55 Safety
17:56-18:47 Morning
18:48-19:07 Outro
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#overnightwalmartparking #solofemaletraveler #freeovernightparking
Great video. As a former truck driver, thank you for telling the viewers to please avoid parking in "truck spots". It's very hard for trucks to find parking places, and worse yet, since truckers have a set amount of time they are allowed to drive per day, often they don't have the available drive-time to go further down the road to find another spot. So here's a trucker tip for you: if you have to park next to trucks, try to avoid the refrigerated trucks (with the big cooling unit on the front of the trailer). Those cooling units are loud and run all night. Instead try to get next to a flat bed, car hauler, or tanker truck. They are usually the quietest. Be safe!
Could exhaust from an idling semi gets in to the camper and kill occupants while they sleep? I was told there were truckers killed in the cab by their own truck exhaust.
@@nicolathonathan770 No. Diesel emits less hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and lead pollution than gas. It might smell a bit. Nothing to be concerned about.
@@nicolathonathan770 It's highly unlikely. Think about how close together rigs are parked for the night. I've never heard of any problems. Besides most modern trucks aren't idling their engines all night like the old days (unless it's very cold). Most rigs have Generators and APU units for power and heat/AC while they're parked. Those are more efficient, but can still be a little noisy if you're parked next to one in a camper.
I have a brother and a nephew that are truck drivers, and often they will tell me stories about how they had to drive down the road because they couldn't find a parking spot. Then one time my nephew got in trouble with his boss, but, when he told what happened, he got off, his supervisor knew what has happened.
@@kenblackburn5452 It's B.S. that laws were passed limiting how much truckers can drive, yet there are such few places for them to park without messing around. There should be trucker (only) paved level parking about every 30 mins along all the freeways. Even if it's just a parking lot. I'm not a trucker but every thing I own or eat was brought to me by a trucker. Time we start treating them better.
My husband & I, now retired, have done a lot of travel & some camping. On 2 occasions, if he (army trained) had not been armed( has permit) we would have been in serious trouble. We were unaware that 2 men had spotted us camping alone & followed us walking on a fire road in AZ until they tried to accost us. We never camped outside of a campground after that encounter.The second in Tennessee @ a rest stop I encountered a very bad man, but he fled when my husband returned. Also I was followed home from a store late @ night to my gated community. The van did a quick uturn when he saw guard. Please take a course, get a permit. Never tell anyone your route. Jeanne
Thank you so much for that Jeanne. So sorry to hear that you have run into so many issues, but I'm very glad they all turned out okay for you.
I'm a security guard....reading this....im definitely getting a permit
And please do not identify yourself as a single female traveller.
I wouldn't carry. Though I'm a pretty decent sized guy. (If I was a 100 pound girl, I may (may) rethink it). Its not that I have any problem with it, it's that I wouldn't want to be restricted by it. If I want to drive to Canada, now I don't need to figure out what I'm gunna do with it. If I want to go to California, now I can't bring a mag with more than 6 rounds (or whatever number the commies think is appropriate this week). And I'm not that person that thinks the law doesn't apply to me because MERCA AND FREEDOM.
Sure. If four dudes jumped me, I'd get my ass whooped, or worse, but believe me, they're gunna think twice about next time. Because I'm creative and devious, and I can do a lot of damage with a screwdriver and a can of bear spray. And if I'm somewhwre shady, I definitely have both. Even in California and Canada.
Of course if I planned on never leaving Alabama, I'd probably sleep with a Thompson under my pillows and end all me sentences with the word see.
Be safe
In June, we stayed at a cracker barrel in madison WI that brought the food to us and knocked on door and placed on ground for us so we had no contact. Great first experience!
That's great! Love how they do that.
Was that sounds very heartwarming I'm pretty sure Cracker Barrel doesn't want you staying there unless you're spending at least $150
Your Germans Sheppard is awesome. Jasper is constantly working(looking out the window being aware) in your videos. That’s so cool
He definitely is, he's always on alert for us. Thanks for watching Kevin!
Life is so much better with a dog. Protection and companionship all in a four-legged package. Our Cane Corso is a solid guarding machine.
Agree with that! I'm sure your pup is a very good guard dog!
@@TailsofWanderlust He checks on my kids a few times during the night. You can see Moose on my channel. Take care.
My Shepard patrols all night, from room to room...its in their blood
@@MC-rr3ew They are amazing dogs!
Cane Corso's are awesome.
Jasper is a really sweet, but I'm happy to hear he is not to welcoming to strangers, just the way it should be. When walking, please carry a protective spray and a small high pitched alarm or whistle. I noticed you look and check to your left and right when out walking Jasper which is great, but don't forget to check behind
as well. Another safety feature I've seen on campers is to have a strip of a few bright lights installed on all 4 sides of the camper that you can turn on for any situation that's needed. It's a great deterrent, and really nice to use when just camping. Enjoy your videos🌟🐾🚌
Those are really great safety tips, thank you!
Idk WHY I'm so addicted to these type videos. 😍
Appreciate you checking it out Robert!
You are addicted because you see it as having fun (which it is) Two years ago, at the age of 75, I took my 32' motor home from New York to Alabama and then to Florida.It was a great time, the only thing I regret is that I didn't make even more stops than I did. There a a lot of very friendly and helpful people on trips like that.
Anyway, if you ever get the chance try it for yourself.
Didn't know about the Cracker Barrel overnight option, cool info!
Glad it was helpful!
I didn’t know either so thank you !!!
Cracker Barrel staying has been going on for so long it's worn out don't go there... go to the forest that's why you have a big travel trailer it's for going to the forest not for going to the Cracker Barrel
They have great rv parking at cracker barrel!
Some truck stops (flying J)…not in truck spaces, out front as far from the building as possible.
Cracker Barrel is our favorite too. What we like about Cracker Barrel is. NO TRUCKS.
Great benefit! And the biscuits! Thanks for watching.
I stay in Walmart parking lots all the time with my Airstream. It's my favorite thing to do. Before COVID and when Walmart was open 24/7 it was so nice to drive until 2200-2300, pull in run inside and grab anything I forgot and food, and pull out at sunrise. I have two little dachshunds that need to get out and I've always felt safe by myself.
Thank you for sharing your positive experiences as well! Glad the overnight Walmart stops have worked well for you.
Love this video! We've been watching so many people doing this in a van, but have always wondered about people towing their home. A lot of great information! Thank you!
You're welcome, really glad you enjoyed it. Appreciate you checking it out!
Love having a female perspective on traveling solo with animals! about to take a big trip and these tips and tricks are exactly what I needed. Thanks girl!
Have an amazing trip!
Nice video, you have a very relaxed way of getting your story out. BTW, thank you for not being that person who steals a truck spot. As a trucker, this happens so often, and I just want to bang on their door and make them move, especially when I’m out of hours. Thumbs up for that!
Thanks Robert! It's good to know that you do appreciate when RVs move out of the way. Appreciate you watching the video!
I always thought truck and bus parking included any vehicle that wouldn't fit in the smaller car size parking spots. Shared use. First come first serve.
I wouldn't park a small vehicle in one but I don't believe those spots are for commercial vehicles only.
You can also Stay in the front at Loves, Quick Trip, Flying Js. There are RV spaces in the front section.
Good tip, thanks Karen!
Loves or Lowes
Loves it’s a trucker gas station
jasper is a good boy to protect mama...thanks for the app suggestions. you give the exact amount of great info in all of your vids
Awesome really good to hear, thank you!
You've got this so down to a science!! Thanks for sharing all the helpful info!
I've slept in more Walmarts than I can count haha! Thank you so much for watching Jim!
Glad you have Jasper to watch your six.
He's a great companion!
Jasper, I know she's weird talking to herself. She's really talking to all of us...really! You are so understanding. You behave..
Hahah love it. Thanks for watching!
Good info & great presentation! Thnx!
Thank you! Appreciate you watching!
Great information. Thanks for posting.
Glad it was helpful!
You’re great with TEACHING us and being real. So many people show only the perfect cute van, rv, camper or whatever. You show real life living and I love it. Thank you.
You're very welcome Karen! Really glad to hear that is coming through on the videos. Thanks for watching!
Just watched this video for the first time and I am kinda obsessed. Hope to meet you on the road. Now I’m going to binge watch this channel. 😊
Appreciate that!! Glad you are enjoying the videos!
Thank you for the detailed info. Love your channel. All solid info. Today you inspired me to start my partime rv living. Thank you.
So glad you are enjoying it!
Another excellent video. You give a great deal of good information. Thank you.
Really appreciate that!
Very good info. I learned a few things about staying overnight that I had questions on.
thanks and Merry Christmas
Really glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching Rick and Merry Christmas to you as well!
A very interesting video - I do like videos where you see the Walmart parking lot , at night, as it is. I love your dog!
Thanks Sue! Appreciate you watching the video!
Thank you for the information and suggestions. I enjoy these videos and get differing viewpoints from those making them. Stay safe on your travels!
Thank you Dale! Glad you are enjoying the videos!
Thank you for making this video. I've seen a lot of others where they talk about how to do it but it's just talk. Seeing you actually do it is comforting, and makes it feel less frightening.
Really good to hear, thank you! Appreciate you watching the video!
Omigosh I just stumbled across your great channel. What a gem! Really interesting, the right amount of information and well done! I have just retired and I'm trying to learn about RV'ing - and your channel is so helpful!
Awesome, thank you that is great to hear! Appreciate you checking out the videos James!
I parked in that parking lot with my RV, and stayed the evening at the Holiday Inn Express. Sometimes you just miss the unlimited hot water!
That's for sure! Funny that you recognized it!
LOL, you got that right David Cauble!
Thanks for the great tips!
You're welcome, thanks for watching!
Thank you for all the useful info. You ticked all the boxes on this video. And Jasper is an absolute doll. ❤️
Thank you so much!
Thank you. I needed that info about RV Parky
You’re welcome!
Great insight for future travels when I retire later this year! Thank you so much!
You're very welcome Deborah, glad it was helpful!
Great video. Thanks for posting! 😊
Appreciate that, thanks for watching!
Thanks for sharing, this was super helpful!
Really glad to hear it, thanks for watching Emily!
Good thing you have your doggie for protection. 💕🐶
He's the best for that!
Thank you for the very thorough video on using public parking lots. I just bought a Keystone 199ml rv and can't wait to hit the road. Stay safe.
Glad it was helpful! Safe travels to you Ross!
Well shot, & informative. Thanks.
You're welcome, appreciate you watching!
Thank you for the great idea's Cass. Very informative vlog.
You are so welcome! Glad you are enjoying the videos Eddy!
Hello, I am part time in a small van preparing for full time. You pull my dream rig! I always learn something new and valuable from your videos, thanks so much and Merry Christmas.
That is really great to hear, glad they are helpful. Merry Christmas to you as well!
Greetings! New subscriber from Las Vegas. Soon to be a full time van lifer. Pretty nervous but listening to other RV lifers always helps. Thanks for the vid and happy new year!
Welcome to our channel! Happy New Year to you as well!
your videos are really well done!! great content. Thank you!
Thank you very much Tom, glad you enjoy them!
Love ur videos ,,Jasper is cute ,dogs are always a faithful friend to us
Thank you!
Add Cabela's and Native American casinos (our favorite, great security and no one messes with the casino owners) to your list of places to stay for free.
Thanks for the tips! Those both sound great!
@@TailsofWanderlust Hi again, Cabela's aka Bass Pro Shops. Safe journeys. Linda & Ivan in Canada this winter because of Covid.
@@ivanpatenaude771 Stay healthy & safe!
Some casinos have full hookup campgrounds. Prices can vary quite a bit but sometimes convenience beats cost.
@@lynnkrencik3329 Good to know!
That's a lot of great info and tips! Thank you! 👍
You're welcome. Thanks for watching Candi!
Thank you for all the information. Love your rv.. I am a newbie, and I am always looking for advice.
Glad you enjoyed the video!
Great video! And Jasper is a perfect co-host! ❤
He definitely steals the show! Thanks for watching!
Nice to see you again. I am near Orlando, FL. with my popup/pickup for the winter. Have the use of my daughter's condo during the day while she is working. Have only had to use my solar panel one time. Good to have your advice. Will be watching for your next video.
Really appreciate David, thank you! Enjoy FL!
Great info! Thank you so much for creating this video!
You are welcome, very glad it was helpful!
Great video and content, as always! Thanks for the safety tips. Happy Holidays!
Thanks Jasmine! Happy Holidays!
Your advices are building up my traveling confidence. I’m thinking about van travels but just haven’t yet.
There's definitely a lot to consider in that decision, but I'm glad the videos are helping!
Tails of Wanderlust/
What an interesting ride/
An insightful woman and her dog/
Traveling side-by-side/
Modern day explorer/
Adventurous heart/
Self-assured and contained/
Wherever she decides to park/
How refreshing/
How refined/
Eloquent and informative/
A wonderful way to pass the time/
( New to channel. Fun and informative. Great partner...you are so lucky )
Absolutely love this Dale! Thank you so much for taking the time to write it!!
Thanks for all the great tips.
You are so welcome! Thanks for watching!
Always so fun to watch your videos and be safe!!
Thank you! Glad you enjoy them!
I stayed at the same Walmart when traveling home from the Airstream Manufacturer. It was a very nice friendly Walmart and easy access to the freeway. I just subscribed to your channel. Safe travels!
Funny that you recognized it! Thanks for subscribing!
Jasper is a great companion in your beautiful cozy RV. Where's the kitty?
The kitty (Napoleon) didn't come on this trip, since it was a quick drive out to Ohio and back. Such long trips in the car can be stressful for Napoleon.
Thank you, great info !
You are very welcome!
Your videos are SO helpful! Thank you! And be safe!
Thank you very much Leti! Appreciate you watching them!
I just found your channel today and subscribed within the first 5 minutes of watching this video. Some very good tips here for everyone. I’m impressed with your awareness of your surroundings, so many people today don’t pay attention to what is going on around them and end up in a situation they don’t want to be in. The story about the rest area incident is a perfect example; you parked in a location that allowed you to see possible danger coming and had a plan to react to it. Sure it may have been nothing but you had a plan and you didn’t panic. A dog like Jasper is a good deterrent, most people with bad intentions are looking for an easy mark and you made it clear you are not. Looking forward to following you and Jasper in more adventures.
Thank you very much Cory, really appreciate it! Welcome to the channel!
If you are using Google maps for nav, you can click on the magnified glass icon and search for anything that's along your route. Walmart, cracker barrel, rest stops, gas...anything
Great tip! Thanks for sharing Gabriel!
Fantastic info! Extremely helpful. Thank you for sharing, especially the safety and app info.
You are very welcome, really glad it was helpful!
You’re welcome! Really glad it was helpful.
Great info, thank you for sharing!!
My pleasure! Glad you enjoyed it!
An overnight at Walmart Parking Lot is actually not bad. We did that before the last Thanksgiving on our way to the Smoky Mountains in North Carolina.
Glad you had a good experience!
Great vlog😊 Keep it coming👍 much respect for not speaking into the camera while driving on the highway😎
Thanks Eric!
Good Eric!!!
Love the channel. Just watching some of your episodes. Keep it up!
Thanks, will do!
Really well done and helpful.
Thank you Dave! Appreciate you watching!
Please look up sister's on the fly. If you join you will find that you can have support when you want or need it.
I’ll definitely look them up. Thanks Lori!
New subscriber here - thank you for a very informative and useful 1st person video on planning/staying overnight at a Walmart. As I consider whether or not to keep my February Florida campsite reservations, having a better understanding of this option is helpful. Now if I could only gain some better covid clairvoyance ;) Thanks again - PS Jasper is a beautiful and clearly intelligent companion.
Thank you very much Dan! Hope you are still able to make that FL reservation!
Very helpful video, with a lot of great information and important safety tips.
Glad it was helpful!
That was very helpful on tips and tricks for my travels! Thank you!!🚗😊
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for checking out the video!
Jasper with his stuffed animal! That was so sweet
He loves that thing! Thanks for watching!
I camped out at Walmart for 20hrs and during the day there was a mobile spay neuter bus, hour later a windshield chip repair tent, but at night, the good retailers started showing. Around 8 a mobile bike shop anchored for 10 mins, selling and receiving bikes. Then at 11, a mobile drug store in an old beat up RV parked near my trailer. It was a great experience. I was able to get Mittens Neutered, fix my windshield, have my bike disappear, only to purchase one almost exactly like my old one but with a cheaper seat, and buy some great pharmaceuticals right there within 100ft of my camper. I love Walmarts!
Hahah this is a great comment. Thank you for the entertainment!
Another great video.
Thank you Pamela!
Awesome review, something I was very curious about. Be safe and stay warm 💚💚💚
Thanks for watching!
I've become really interested in Basecamps, and I'm looking forward to seeing more videos. This was great info, you have a very good teaching/info share style. :)
Awesome, thank you Lydia! Appreciate you watching!
We haul RVs & stay at the Trucker gas stations in the front area where there is rv parking.You will find more motor related things there. We always park by a lamp. No matter where. Park in the front!!!!!!
Thanks for the tips Karen!
Very informative, thanks!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching Mike!
Learned a lot with this video. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
You do pick most excellent topics. You just can’t get this real world info in too many other places. Oh, I have been in the Vandalia Wal Mart too. Lol!!
Haha that's awesome! It's a great Walmart for overnight stops. That Chinese food is pretty good too :)
We live about 50 miles from Vandalia. Pretty safe and friendly area.
When your walking the dog, where some reflective , bright clothing, keep safe
Great tip, thanks for watching!
True. Safety vest, avail. At some dollar stores...
Thanks for sharing your experiences. Learned so much.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!
Thanks for this!
You’re welcome, thanks for watching Tina!
This was so thorough! Thank-you for taking us through the RV Parky App, that was super helpful. I appreciate seeing the process beginning to end, thank-you, thank-you, thank-you!
You’re welcome! Really appreciate you watching the video!
Keep safe. God bless and protect you and your dog.
Thank you very much Mary!
Great video, ty so much!!
Thanks Tina!!
Thank you very much for your sweet introduction and letting me know more information about overnight at Walmart! My wife and I spent 2 nights at different sites. What we did is looking around, if there are some other rv or campers parking there. Now we know more! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!
So glad you put Jasper to work, on those guys! As a guy (Grandfather, Father of girls, brother of girls) I try and remember to consider any intimidation factor as I do life and respect boundaries.
Well said! It is really appreciated as everyone looks at the same situation through a different lens.
Absolutely love your beautiful Airstream!! Saw you on Kevin's channel and am looking forward to following your travels. Do you know if there is an all electric version of your rig without propane? I absolutely agree with you. Rest stops can be very sketchy.There have been a lot if violence and criminal activities reported at ones in sections of Calif.
Thank you for jumping over to our channel to check it out! Right now, the Basecamp does not have an all electric version. They still rely on propane for the heat and cooktop.
Love your videos stay safe!!!
Thank you!!
Thank you for sharing this great video
Really glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching Judi!
Awesome. Love this. I stayed in a Cracker Barrel AND a couple of Walmart lots on a recent trip to Michigan. I appreciate the apps you recommend.
Love that you are still getting out and traveling Darin!
@@TailsofWanderlust Heck yeah... I've got the bug.
@@TailsofWanderlust I had 4 days. So I went and visited a friend who is in Michigan who I only knew from the internet. And spent some time with her and her horse. They'll be in a future video
@@DogGuyDarin Love it!
@@DogGuyDarin Awesome, i'll look for it!
What a beautiful dog!
Thanks Michael!
Well thought out girl. Thank u
You're welcome, thanks for watching!
I love your channel
I’m seriously considering buying a base camp 16
I appreciate all the info you share.
Thank you
You are very welcome Rob, glad to hear the information is helpful!
I'm so glad U have Jasper for protection. I enjoy Ur videos.
Thanks Sharon! Glad you are enjoying them!
We use free.camping world . .bass pro shops..Lowe's . .home depots . .Dennys restaurants . .harvest host..Sam's clubs..and if needed at campgrounds we ask for dry camping saves us cash. Jasper is your best line of defense..keep the treats coming.follow u r gut instinct . .u inspire me thanks may God bless u and keep u safe.
Thanks for sharing! Those are some great locations you listed out!
@@TailsofWanderlust You held up your phone when you selected the app you were going to use an you mentioned you had some other apps. Care to share what those apps are??
Great informative video. Thank you for posting!
My pleasure! Thanks for watching!
This is So Helpful, Thank You for taking the time
You’re welcome! Appreciate you watching!
When is the next question session I found that extremely helpful and yes I have a few just starting out on living on the road , thank you.
Thanks for following up on that Jim! I have a few videos I need to edit and post first, then I'll work on another Q&A.