I have used the one in Calexico a couple of times. It is fairly quiet, they patrol the parking lot, and there is a nice open area next door to
exercise my dog before I head for the border!
I always top off my supplies there, although I don't carry much of anything in my little SUV. The motor homes that stop there load up pretty good,
and the same thing happens at the Walmarts in Alaska!tjsue - 11-20-2017 at 09:36 PM
That's interesting, because Walmart has signs in the parking lot that say, "No Overnight Parking."AKgringo - 11-21-2017 at 12:49 AM
It was one year ago today, and if there was a sign there (Calexico Walmart) I didn't notice it. A private security car was passing by, and I asked if
I was ok there, and he said yes.mtgoat666 - 11-21-2017 at 06:30 AM
"I think it would be depressing to camp overnight in a Walmart parking lot...."
It is for some of us:-)
And others it's not...
I loved every minute ...
.bajabuddha - 11-21-2017 at 10:07 PM
Me too, Paco. Ignore the goathead, it's what peees him off the most. Like his nemesis, he enjoys negative attention; it's a food. He lives for
confrontation and thrives off it, just like his orange counterpart. No difference, unfortunately.
Had a buddy camp there last night on his way south. Called me late afternoon just east of Yuma, couldn't remember the exit number. Safe, comfy, and
open all night. Mickey D's, good spot to stock-up for whatever needed Baja doesn't have... what's not to like? Plus, all you're doing is sleeping
overnight, and up'n'early go so who cares about ambiance?
Some cities have ordinances about camping in commercial parking lots. I think some WallyWorlds have to succumb to that law. Otherwise RV's are
welcome and even mildly encouraged, and I have used them. Once was only less than two hours from my home; just had to "get the hell outa Dodge" as
they say.... 'On The Road Again' was playing in my head all the way there.
[Edited on 11-22-2017 by bajabuddha]BornFisher - 11-21-2017 at 10:36 PM
Try Ogiby road just inside the Calif. border. Plenty of boondocking spaces out there, with all the solitude you could ever want.
BTW there are some great apps to ID public land. Public lands is one, combined with Allstays for Walmarts is a great combo for those great American
nomads!!!tjsue - 11-22-2017 at 09:20 AM
Apparently, it's up to each individual store manager whether or not to allow the RV's to park overnight.bajabuddha - 11-22-2017 at 05:34 PM
"I think it would be depressing to camp overnight in a Walmart parking lot...."
It is for some of us:-)
After an 8 to 10 hour push on the roads towing a 5th wheel I could care less about 'ambiance'. Easy parking, quick level/set-up, walking distance to
snacks and food as well as convenience of stocking up on what-have-you stuff, then set up the DVD for some brain-drain TV and FREE Wi-Fi (yes, Wally
provides that too!).
EZ-PZ, a simple port in the storm on the road of life.
Any and all other alternatives invited; there's lots of simple pull-offs around for the rolling campers out there.
[Edited on 11-23-2017 by bajabuddha]Paco Facullo - 11-22-2017 at 05:48 PM
AND,,,,,,,,,,, It be FREE ...........
parking
J.P. - 11-22-2017 at 11:02 PM
Theres a nice county park in Potero Ca about 5 miles from the Tecate Crossing. A whole lot of the big R.V. Convoys use it for a stageing area.
I stayed there one night with my 36ft wheel. coming from Uma Az.
Apparently, it's up to each individual store manager whether or not to allow the RV's to park overnight.
It's most often up to the city/county that has jurisdiction in that area.
Any individual store manager would be a fool to ban RVs. They are a significant source of income. 99% of RV owners are responsible people. You can't
afford to own or operate one, without being so.
I find Walmart's very convenient for the one-night-stand that is occasionally necessary. The border creates this situation.
I have probably spent ten nights (at least) at the Walmart in Nogales, before crossing the next morning. The Mariposa crossing, the most convenient
for RVs or vehicles towing anything, is closed from 10pm-6am. Since our drive home from there is 5-6 hours and we prefer not to drive in the dark, we
overnight at the border and cross the next day between 6-7am. Nogales is above 4000 feet. We find that the Aduana officials are much more cursory in
their inspections at those hours, as temps in Oct-Nov can often be near freezing. They are anxious to get back to their heated kiosks.
But you wont find me spending multiple nights at a Walmart. Just no ambiance and they are rarely easy for dog walking.
In my travels, the absolute epitome of overuse of a Walmart for overnighting was in Cody, Wyoming in the summer. I've been there when people have
awnings out, artificial turf and chairs spread out and even BBQs deployed. Good God, people, get a life.
The proximity to Yellowstone (where campsites and even dispersed camping can be difficult to find) and the multi-day attraction of the Buffalo Bill
Center of the West tends to create this situation.
But we did spend one night here, before moving on.
Wally World Parking
J.P. - 11-23-2017 at 10:25 PM
City ordnance prevails. Other wise if it is on Mall property the Mall rules apply. If Walmart owns the property The Store Management Sets the Rules.
