BajaNomad

Overnighting north of Tijuana

hopakco - 12-10-2008 at 06:27 PM

We're traveling in a truck camper and would like to overnight just north of the
border in prep for an early am crossing. Is there a wallmart or camp ground that is recommended?

Camp Ground

lizard lips - 12-10-2008 at 06:36 PM

Get off at J street in Chula Vista on interstate 5 south. Turn right towards the bay and keep going until you hit the marina. They have a safe RV park with hook ups and it should not be any more than $25.00 per night. Nice place also..

If you just want to sleep inside your camper get off at H street and turn left, turn left again at 4th and park on the street a few blocks down next to Chula Vista Police station. I've done it and officers don't bother you if you are there for only one night.

[Edited on 09/14/2008 by lizard lips]

David K - 12-10-2008 at 06:40 PM

KOA in Chula Vista, just off I-805 is another option...

Diver - 12-10-2008 at 06:45 PM

The Chula Vista Marina is very nice - older folks and kinda posh.
The KOA is the other local option - a few bucks cheaper for a nice KOA.
The marina is a bit quieter if that matters - KOA is close to highways.
Both are about $35-$45 per night and have propane, etc.

overnite north of TJ

hisworker - 12-10-2008 at 06:51 PM

We have used the WalMart at the last Plam Ave ex.off the 805, Exit Plam ave. go left at the light go to the 2nd light make a right big shoping center Walmart, Homedepot, sorry don't know the street name:?:

Bajaboy - 12-10-2008 at 06:53 PM

If you're crossing at San Ysidro:
http://www.co.san-diego.ca.us/parks/Camping/sweetwater.html

if you're crossing at Tecate:
http://www.co.san-diego.ca.us/parks/Camping/potrero.html

Both are County Parks with fees about $20. The fees are going up in January....and I laugh each time I hear people talk about no new taxes.

Zac

Skipjack Joe - 12-10-2008 at 08:42 PM

This one's one exit from the border on hwy 5, with it's back to the freeway. You just roll out of bed at 5;30, gas up, and cross the border:

LA Pacifica Rv Park
(619) 428-4411
1010 W San Ysidro Blvd, San Ysidro, CA 92173

directions
Cross Streets: Between Isla Del Carmen Way and Dairy Mart Rd

toneart - 12-10-2008 at 08:47 PM

You might consider a Motel 6. I stay at the one in El Cajon and get an early start for Tecate. They also accept dogs and there is room to park your RV. The rate for seniors is $43.19.

Hook - 12-10-2008 at 08:56 PM

My wife and I are serious low-budget boondockers.

We have stayed many time on the residential streets of Coronado. Just cross the bridge and find a likely street. It is very easy and safe. Maybe 15-20 minutes north of the border.

40 bucks for a KOA.........gimme a break!

Bajaboy - 12-10-2008 at 09:00 PM

Give Sweetwater a chance...my parents stay there often in their 35 ft RV and dog.

hopakco - 12-11-2008 at 08:53 AM

I've heard Tecate's road to the coast has heavy construction and so was considering San Ysidro and the toll road. I have to admit I'm a little concerned about safety and thought maybe traveling with a lot of other penguins would avoid being picked out by the sharks.

Bajaboy - 12-11-2008 at 08:55 AM

No worries traveling San Ysidro--especially early in the morning. I'm not headed down until the 28th otherwise I'd say follow us. Have a good trip.

zac

boe4fun - 12-11-2008 at 11:53 AM

You might want to consider the roadside rest just south of Oceanside. It can be a little noisy, but it's free!!

Martyman - 12-11-2008 at 01:51 PM

There are some Ca State Parks on the beach just North of San Diego. That's where I go. Get in late, get up early... no fee!!

Bob and Susan - 12-11-2008 at 02:57 PM

walmarts near the border DO NOT allow overnight camping in the parking lots ant longer...

bent-rim - 12-11-2008 at 03:08 PM

There is a KOA just east of Tecate on the Mexico side of the border if you're considering going from Tecate to Ensenada on your trip. I haven't stayed there, I've only seen it on my way to Hacienda Santa Veronica. Which by the way is a cool place to spend the night. I doubt if they have hook-ups, but there is a small mini-mart, restaurant and bar there. It's an old bullfighting school turned into a "resort". It's a little bit out of the way on a graded road.

DeMinimis - 12-19-2008 at 09:52 AM

What is going on with the parking lots at the border? Have they gotten sketchy this past year? Stayed there last year without any issues (other than drunk college kids coming back to their cars at all hours of the night after a night of partying in TJ).

Otay Mesa

bajaguy - 12-19-2008 at 11:12 AM

Take the 805 south to the 905 east (Otay Mesa Blvd). Just across from Brown Field there are several all night convienence stores. Park by one of them, or in the lot of the new Pilot Truck Stop then cross at Otay and take BLVD 2000 south to the toll road or the free road.

k-rico - 12-19-2008 at 11:24 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DeMinimis
What is going on with the parking lots at the border? Have they gotten sketchy this past year? Stayed there last year without any issues (other than drunk college kids coming back to their cars at all hours of the night after a night of partying in TJ).


They're the same as last year, probably less business.

unbob - 11-1-2010 at 07:48 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by hisworker
We have used the WalMart at the last Plam Ave ex.off the 805, Exit Plam ave. go left at the light go to the 2nd light make a right big shoping center Walmart, Homedepot, sorry don't know the street name:?:
Above was posted back in Dec 2008 - anyone know if it's OK to park there overnight now (1 night - maybe 8 hours)? This is the address:

Walmart Store #2150
710 Dennery Rd
San Diego, CA 92154
(619) 428-4000

Bob and Susan posted "walmarts near the border DO NOT allow overnight camping in the parking lots ant longer..." back in Dec 2008 also - true/false now?

thx, Rob

mcfez - 11-1-2010 at 08:03 PM

WalMart pavement *camps* are/have been banned by most city govts. Check before using...knock on the RV door at 2 am aint fun

unbob - 11-1-2010 at 08:22 PM

Quote:
knock on the RV door at 2 am aint fun
If anyone sees me at 2am - they'll go away and leave me alone!

unbob..

Pompano - 11-2-2010 at 06:15 AM

Take your pick from the post about SD area camping below.
The world is your oyster.

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=48469#pid5578...

I have camped..everywhere in San Diego county at one time or another.

Closest to San Ysidro crossing:

Pacifica Park (see Skipjack Joe's post)
Walmart parking lot...an unknown to me personally, but an option exists..always ask the manager first, spend some money.
Any number of residential parking areas are another option for a few hours. Kick the bushes, ask people, simple solutions.

Good luck!

Bob and Susan - 11-2-2010 at 06:23 AM

you can "camp" in alot of walmarts in the states

but...

not in the border area

don't make a plan to stay in a walmart parking lot near the border
you'll be sorry

Bajaboy - 11-2-2010 at 06:26 AM

There is a Walmart on Highway 94 at College Ave that allows camping...at least I see RVs and trailers there often. It's located about 15 miles from the border.

Walmarts are usually camper-friendly everywhere.

Pompano - 11-2-2010 at 06:38 AM

I have overnighted in Walmarts in Oceanside, Santee, El Cajon, and Spring Valley over the years. 33' motorhome with a boat behind. Always asked..always welcomed.

I have also stayed in Walmart lots in Alaska, Wash, Ore, Idaho, Wy, Utah, Co, NV, Mt, ND, SD, Minn, etc, etc...

http://www.freecampgrounds.com/othercamps.html

Don't be timid. Ask...you will often be pleasantly surprised. The worst that can happen is a refusal. Go to option 2..simple.

Now quit worrying so much and enjoy the experience. :yes:

[Edited on 11-2-2010 by Pompano]

Bob and Susan - 11-2-2010 at 06:43 AM

in the last year...

has anyone stayed in a walmart parking lot "NEAR THE BORDER" "unmolested"
all night?

i thought so...



[Edited on 11-3-2010 by Bob and Susan]

Pompano - 11-2-2010 at 06:52 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bob and Susan
in the last year...

has anyone stayed in a walmart parking lot "unmolested"
all night?

i thought so...



Yes, I have..quite a few since July through October...all along the Pacific Coast , across the northern states, and down through the Midwest..ending in San Diego county.

Bob, why are you so against people using a Walmart overnighting option?

unbob - 11-2-2010 at 07:12 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bob and Susan
in the last year...
has anyone stayed in a walmart parking lot "unmolested"
all night?
i thought so...
That statement now has me questioning the veracity of your numerous "wal-mart doesn't allow overnight parking" posts.

I like many others park overnight at W-M all the time! I'm parked now at W-M in Midland, TX. Tonight at a W-M in NM. W-M is always my overnight parking spot when traveling.

I agree however that W-M parking in very large cities might be questionable. Which reminds me of how much I hate driving through large cities!

unbob - 11-2-2010 at 07:48 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Pompano
Quote:
Originally posted by Bob and Susan
in the last year...
has anyone stayed in a walmart parking lot "unmolested"
all night?
i thought so...
Bob, why are you so against people using a Walmart overnighting option?
Because Bob & Susan want to keep it for themselves! In a way, I can understand that angle - after all, we don't want all the W-M parking lots along the border overrun by the teeming hoards of BajaNomads!

durrelllrobert - 11-2-2010 at 09:13 AM

why are we still responding to a question that was asked in Dec 2008 :?::?:

mcfez - 11-2-2010 at 09:26 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Pompano
I have overnighted in Walmarts in Oceanside, Santee, El Cajon, and Spring Valley over the years. 33' motorhome with a boat behind. Always asked..always welcomed.

I have also stayed in Walmart lots in Alaska, Wash, Ore, Idaho, Wy, Utah, Co, NV, Mt, ND, SD, Minn, etc, etc...

http://www.freecampgrounds.com/othercamps.html

Don't be timid. Ask...you will often be pleasantly surprised. The worst that can happen is a refusal. Go to option 2..simple.

Now quit worrying so much and enjoy the experience. :yes:

[Edited on 11-2-2010 by Pompano]


Dont add Sacramento County to your list :-)

I was just saying basically to find out about that Wall Mart lot before anchoring in for the night....for there is a lot that are indeed prohibitive.

I suppose the same for rest stops long the highway....big signs are posted that no overnight camping allowed. Hell...I break out a Sleeping bag on the lawn and never get bothered.

Here's a nice link to the rules of sleeping at Wall Mart.
http://rvbasics.com/techtips/overnighting-at-wal-mart.html
Included is some great other alternatives like Gambling casinos...

Pompano - 11-2-2010 at 09:56 AM

Coal Creek east of Sacramento is free camping.

It's just not real close., but then Sacramento has never been a destination. Pheasant hunting maybe? :rolleyes:

Walmarts, Flying J's, Crackerbarrel cafes, small town free rv parks (they will expect you to at least fill with gas, etc), thousands of acres of public lands, state and county free campsites, summertimes at ski resort parking lots, and any wide spot in the western USA (Near LA, keep your pistola at the ready)...this is old hat for most RVers over the age of 50.


I pride myself on finding a FREE campsite the night after paying $40 and up for a regular RV park. Why else would I buy a montrostrous mobile condo?

Camping should be FUN...and not expensive.


I have never been there, but has anybody here been to SLAB CITY? I hear it is quite the winter gathering...like a continuous Burning Man.


[Edited on 11-2-2010 by Pompano]

DENNIS - 11-2-2010 at 10:00 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Pompano
I have never been there, but has anybody here been to SLAB CITY? I hear it is quite the winter gathering...like a continuous Burning Man.


http://vagabonders-supreme.net/SlabCity.htm

http://www.desertusa.com/mag05/feb/images/slab_city.jpg


.

[Edited on 11-2-2010 by DENNIS]

Pompano - 11-2-2010 at 10:04 AM

"Slab City, California
Culturally enhanced desert boondock town.
A bit east of Niland."

Dennis...I like it! We'll check it out...someday.

sanquintinsince73 - 11-2-2010 at 10:09 AM

I just spoke to the Manager at my WalMart on Dennery road and he stated that there is a City of San Diego ordnance that prohibits overnight parking at his store.

mcfez - 11-2-2010 at 10:43 AM

:P

Pompano - 11-2-2010 at 10:44 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by sanquintinsince73
I just spoke to the Manager at my WalMart on Dennery road and he stated that there is a City of San Diego ordnance that prohibits overnight parking at his store.


Go to option 2. :lol:

unbob - 11-4-2010 at 09:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mcfez
WalMart pavement *camps* are/have been banned by most city govts. Check before using...knock on the RV door at 2 am aint fun
FYI - got a knock on my door tonight at I-8 exit 9 Walmart (thankfully at 7:30pm not 2am!) informing me that Yuma, AZ city has ordinance prohibiting overnight "camping/parking". I was told that outside city limits is OK. So I relocated to the Paradise Casino in Yuma which is on the Indian reservation and is therefore excluded from city ordinances. All is well here on the res!

Update: Knock on my door at 10pm - told there was now a nightly RV parking fee of $5 at the Paradise Casino. Guess they finally figured out there are lots of people like me that never enter the casino. Can't have someone not paying their "fair-share"!

[Edited on 11-5-2010 by unbob]

unbob - 11-6-2010 at 04:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajaboy
There is a Walmart on Highway 94 at College Ave that allows camping...at least I see RVs and trailers there often. It's located about 15 miles from the border.
I'm there now and there's signs stating "No overnight truck or RV parking"! ???

Now what - do I stay or try another W-M in SD?

Update: Signs apparently apply only to parking strip closest to freeway - no other signs in parking lot. Two other RVs parked there last night with no problem. I parked overnight at the Sycuan Casino - also no problem! Good luck to all!

[Edited on 11-7-2010 by unbob]

schwlind - 11-6-2010 at 04:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by hisworker
We have used the WalMart at the last Plam Ave ex.off the 805, Exit Plam ave. go left at the light go to the 2nd light make a right big shoping center Walmart, Homedepot, sorry don't know the street name:?:


Dennery Road

DENNIS - 11-6-2010 at 04:43 PM

Here's what you need:

http://rvbookstore.com/shop/detail.aspx?p=205&m=2

Lee - 11-6-2010 at 05:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bob and Susan
walmarts near the border DO NOT allow overnight camping in the parking lots ant longer...


Absolutely not true. The one in National City will allow it -- and I've talked with the manager there recently about it. Park near the Dollar Discount store in that lot and it's fine.

If there is any doubt, go in and talk to the manager.

I know for a fact that Walmart in Reno off McCarran doesn't allow it. But the Home Depot is cool. Talked to the manager there once and no problem.

1 picture = 1000 words

Pompano - 11-6-2010 at 06:48 PM



Slides are out, sat dish is up, Fox News & blender are on. We park to the side and away from main entry.

Life is good.

Bob and Susan - 11-8-2010 at 02:35 PM

the question is...

have you been there in the last year?

the security now kicks you out after closing
the manager has gone home...

Pompano - 12-6-2010 at 07:47 AM

To anyone thinkinf of overnighting at the Chula Vista Walmart close to the US/Baja Norte border:

Just before Thanksgiving I was in Chula Vista getting some brake and paint work done on my motorhome, so while passing the time shopping I stopped at Walmart and asked to see the manager. I got the assistant manager on duty..and because of the OP question on this thread..I asked her if it was okay to stay overnight in the parking lot?

The young lady said it would be fine..as long as I had asked first (plus she saw my overflowing shopping cart). She only wanted to make sure it was for one night only and to please park on the outside edge of their lot..which in this case is towards PetCo across the way.


So..there you have it. It is allowed in Chula Vista...for now,anyway.

Always ask first..and it doesn't hurt to spend a little money in thier store.

As an aside: I appreciate the manager's generousity, but personally I will not ever stay in that lot. It was far too busy, too noisy, too many shopping carts left wherever, (that speaks volumes to me), and too much garbage blowing around. The comparison between Walmart plus Safeway/Vons in that shopping center........and Albertson's down the street a few blocks is like night and day. Albertson's was a welcome relief to my grocery shopping. Super clean lot...all carts put away neatly...and a clean store.