Say Goodbye to Free Overnight RV Parking! Here's Why...

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Ай бұрын

Free overnight camping is becoming harder and harder to find - could this mean the END of free camping as we know it? You will not believe what Ben and I saw this week and this is the PERFECT EXAMPLE of WHY more and more free camping and free overnight parking for RVers has completely disappeared in recent years and what others are doing to completely RUIN the experience for other RVERs. So in this video, I will talk about WHY free camping & free overnight parking are DISAPPEARING and what you MUST know to navigate the changes coming when it comes to RV travel.
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Пікірлер: 522

@GratefulGlamper Ай бұрын

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@Rich-xq8df Ай бұрын

Stop blaming other rvers for loss of overnight parking. Most of it comes from an EVIL system and community who disrespect ALL nomads. Money more important than humans. Doesn't get more EVIL than that. Open your mouth to government--not youtube crap that'll go no where. Backbone, the real one.

@peace.denise4156 Ай бұрын

We just got back from a cross country trip. During many of our Cracker Barrels overnights, people ran their generators all night, had their stabilizer jacks down and all slides out. And worst of all, some people weren't cleaning up after their dogs. They're going to ruin it for everyone.

@GratefulGlamper Ай бұрын

😭😭

@azmike3572 Ай бұрын

A lack of consideration and education.

@johnbannister501 Ай бұрын

Sounds like a lack of parenting....an apple doesn't fall far from the tree!!

@bobkat5145 Ай бұрын

I have seen all of this but not to the level yet that would cause me to stop rving. BTW... Some fifth wheel campers need the slide out to access the bed and bathroom.

@ginathacker6207 Ай бұрын

Oh my, maybe I’m that BAD rv’er. I almost never go to RV Parks. I have a C-Class Jayco 31’ on a Ford 450 Super Duty chassis. It is in perfect shape / beautiful so I don’t appear to be a bum. I stay nights at truck stops, churches with huge parking lots (never on Sundays), large strip centers, etc. I park way out at their boundaries. If I must run the generator for AC or heat, It is pointed away from everything…preferably toward woods. When traveling, I ‘roam’, hardly ever any schedule so campgrounds reservations are impossible for me. I leave NO TRASH, NO TRACE and have no pets. In 10 yrs, I have never been contacted or bothered. I arrive later in the day and depart early. I use my rig a lot…+/-1,000 to 1,200 miles a month. Some 4,000 mile ventures.

@SerenityNowhere Ай бұрын

I NEVER put out slides or leveling jacks in overnight parking. That is considered bad form by most RVers for overnight spots. You must maintain the appearance that you are ready to roll away by simply starting the engine and leaving.

@GratefulGlamper Ай бұрын

Totally! Thanks for watching

@sean2148 Ай бұрын

Exactly why I look at the road mode of any potential rv.

@Sshooter444 Ай бұрын

slides are ok, just remain hooked up

@SerenityNowhere Ай бұрын

No they aren’t. They take up extra space and make your vehicle so it can’t just be started and leave.

@sstoner911 Ай бұрын

@@SerenityNowhere what if you cant get to the bedroom without a slide out?? Lets use some common sense here

@scenicdriveways6708 Ай бұрын

My wife and I were full time RVers for just over 2 1/2 years. I would say the biggest problem we encountered was people who bought RVs, but never took the time to learn any RV/Camping etiquette. The second biggest issue we saw was the sence of entitlement that a lot of RVers (including Vans, trailers, etc) have. They seem to think they are entitled to everything just because it's there and they want it. They see a big empty parking lot and think they are entitled to it. But that parking lot is private property, and if you want to be a guest on it, you should at least have the decency to ask their permission first. They walk their pets on private property and don't pick up their pets mess. They change their oil in private parking lots, and spill oil everywhere while doing it, or leave their trash on the ground. And it's sad to say, but a lot of people are slobs, there is no other way to put it. I watched a van drive up to the dumpters at La Posa South in Quartzsite, Arizona. The guy got out, threw his trash towards the dumpster and missed the dumpster. He saw that he missed it. Do you think he walked over and picked it up and placed it in the dumpster, no, he got in his van and drove off. My wife and I walked around La Posa south and picked up trash with our bucket and grabbers when we stayed there. We were shocked to see how much trash was left behind by vans and RVers alike. It was terrible! Then people wonder why places get shut down and they can no longer camp there.

@underthetornado Ай бұрын

Yes. There are many slobs in America now. People raised or not raised perhaps, with any manners or class. Some idiots think overnight free parking means they can move in and just camp forever!!!😢 ruining it for everyone else that do know better. Perhaps they need to start putting these laws and rules into the drivers license manuals to pass driver tests. How else can stupid people can educate themselves about right from wrong anymore. I blame our governments for our lack of intelligent schooling.

@georgiapatriot4575 Ай бұрын

You could change the word "RVers" to "truckers" and it would describe a lot of truckers. Certainly a lot of it in trucking is third world illegal drivers. If you've been outside the country you see how they have no respect for their surroundings and then they just bring their dirty habits to the US. However, there are also US born slob truckers that weren't "raised right" adding to the problem. Many shippers and receivers won't allow trucks to park overnight because of this. There are a couple receivers I've been to that allow overnight parking and have a dumpster. At those places, I put on my gloves and grab a trash bag and pick up the trash around where I park and throw it out.

@BaskingInObscurity Ай бұрын

At least Pigsty (from Peanuts) is reserved, courteous, and considerate.

@Pam7780 Ай бұрын

As a newbie to the RVing world here is what I've learned to do. First if staying overnight I always ask the permission from the buisness. Second I treat the establishment like I owned it, I don't throw out my garbage in the back yard, why do this to a buisness that's going me a huge favor. Third but not least when I walk my pet I always pick up after her. Not a fan of stepping in dog waste.

@dovemaarika1668 25 күн бұрын

let me guess, you've never faced homelessness with no other options 🙄that "private property" was stolen from us. should be forests. not a walmart parking lot.

@Hiker97 Ай бұрын

One of the reason I like traveling in a converted minivan. I never have a problem finding free overnight parking.

@jlucasound Ай бұрын

😃😁👍

@Threedog1963 23 күн бұрын

In a van, down by the river?

@TatManToo57 23 күн бұрын

@@Threedog1963 That'll work

@conchscooter 22 күн бұрын

@@Threedog1963if you worry about your status van life isn’t for you. I camped last week down by the Rio Cauca, traveling through Colombia.

@Threedog1963 19 күн бұрын

@@conchscooter Take it easy. I was joking. Was a Chris Farley SNL skit.

@jeandumford9794 Ай бұрын

Cracker Barrel reinforced their RV/BUS parking spots and if you park elsewhere in their lot and are a big rig, you are ruining their parking lots!!! IF you are that big, go somewhere else... you don't fit. Quit ruining it for the rest of us who rely upon free and safer spots.

@susanwoosnam1697 Ай бұрын

Bad behavior cannot be rewarded but punishment hits everyone.

@GratefulGlamper Ай бұрын

Truth!

@arbonneladyTN Ай бұрын

Yes, what we have seen is people living in their cars, pooping in the grass nearby. City’s are rightly upset. Not saying RVers have not been considerate because that can be the case! We have tried to stay away from walmart after the danger we felt with some really sketchy people in the lot!

@robertwhite9898 17 күн бұрын

Exactly 👍 all it takes is one to ruin it

@khriswildt5633 17 күн бұрын

There in lies the problem and this woman does not see this, she refuses to look at this aspect like she is wearing rose colored glasses or blinders! She acts like everybody has million dollar RVs like hers????

@Sky1 Ай бұрын

Unbelievable the person who has the RV pulling a car behind it taking up like six or seven spots blames it on others.

@SLOCLMBR 16 күн бұрын

😂 they can take up six spots, or two spots and a lane of traffic. You pick

@doom4067 11 күн бұрын

How often do you have trouble parking in the middle of the night because there's an RV in the lot?

@godsdeliciousunknown Ай бұрын

Over the past 3 years of full time RV life we've also noticed overnight parking has gotten harder to find. We used to stay in rest areas because we just needed a spot for 8 hours of sleep before we continued on our way. Last month we drove past rest areas for 100 miles (after pushing our drive day much further than we should have) without seeing a single empty spot - finally pulled into a Walmart that was 8 miles off the freeway in the "hope" of finding a spot and spoke with the manager. What a JOY to have them welcome us to stay up to 48 hours (we only needed 10) with a smile! Sometimes a surprise awaits :-) Turned out to be a very quiet spot and we could get groceries too :-) P.S. like you, we appreciate cracker barrel, but unless you time it right, it's often hard to find space for a class A with toad. - Most of our family/friends know Cracker Barrel gift cards are much appreciated gifts at Christmas and Birthdays for us :-)

@liveworkplayvans Ай бұрын

It's fascinating to observe the large RVs with slides, towing their cars, searching for free parking. If one has means to cover the costs of fuel, insurance, and time off it might be more suitable to head to a campground. This way, free spaces can be left available for truckers and nomads who truly rely on them. Cities have taken steps to safeguard businesses by implementing ordinances that empower police to issue tickets and tow vehicles if they are not relocated. There should be no exceptions to this rule, especially when it comes to permanently parked RVs in shopping centers. Many might not be aware that the lack of expansion in Rest Area parking has created challenges for big rig truckers in finding suitable parking spots along the highways. This has led to them resorting to parking on the side of the road at exit ramps, which is far from ideal.

@margaretbowen867 Ай бұрын

One problem is that "land barges" have become wayyyy too big and take up wayyyy too much space.🤨

@mrmotofy Ай бұрын

More I'd say is the disrespectful actions and uh lot squatters. And the guys like I seen in a full size RV sitting by his burning firepit...IN THE WALMART LOT

@SLOCLMBR 16 күн бұрын

How big is too big? A 12' tall 35' coach too much? 40'?

@leejacobs4908 11 күн бұрын

We are full timers and the campground where we have set up is filled with HUGE million dollar Class A's and then they have a MATCHING storage hauler that is the same size as the RV! It's insane! I'd also like to know where they get the money to afford all of that.

@joyrogers124 Ай бұрын

We had some decent Walmart experiences when we started traveling farther/longer post-retirement. But we've seen the absolute disrespectful & downright nasty things some travelers do at Walmarts, rest areas, etc. in recent years. We overnighted at a Cabela's 4 years ago. Huge, nearly empty parking lot, another RV parked right next to us & ran his loud generator all night. Since discovering Harvest Hosts shortly after that, we have stayed at 25+ HH properties across the country. We look at HH as part of our travel experience and have enjoyed every one. Sure, they're not "free", but we appreciate those with restaurants or cafes for an easy meal; purchase products from others to give as gifts; and enjoy ghost town tours, greeting farm animals, learning an area's history in their museums, and relaxing in the quiet of a field or orchard.

@GratefulGlamper Ай бұрын

They are a great option for an overnight! Thanks for watching

@jimaguirre5799 Ай бұрын

It's not the casual travel RVers making it hard, it's the bums who try to live at WalMart, not just use it as an overnight parking area.

@arbonneladyTN Ай бұрын

Yes, we have seen some of that!

@tolowreading6807 Ай бұрын

Yeah, those people need to take their tents and get back under the overpass.

@garybelew7813 Ай бұрын

I agree, but I bet that's the exception not the rule, the issue right now is that people refuse to leave when asked.. Many states allow RVs to stay at rest stops, too, but they limit the stay to so many hours. I got out of the RV game a long time ago and I was thinking of getting one now that I am retired, but the quality and cost of RVing in general is terrible.. I remember going to RV parking areas near casino resorts and the cost was real reasonable with full hookups, and most even had showers and club house type places to relax out of the RV if you desire. Now, from what I have read, it's hard to find a decent place for under $50.. Adding the cost of an RV, storage, insurance, and maintenance. I can stay in hotels for less and I can drive a car that gets 35 MPG instead of a truck getting 7 MPG while towing a trailer.

@raallen1468 Ай бұрын

@@garybelew7813 I agree with NOT buying an RV!! And... you can "just flush" rather than crawl on all fours in your own excrement, trying to use dump stations, or, as many YT RVers do; dump their tanks alongside the highway......

@C0braChicken2 Ай бұрын

In the past year I lived in the same Walmart parking lot for three months. They would run off campers within 24 hours, but left me alone.. Sorry not sharing the secret how I got away with it. But definitely appreciate that Walmart allowed me to stay there that long. It was crazy how many RV's would show up that looked like Meth houses, people working on their cars, throwing trash in the parking lot, and having parties... Wonder why they would get ran off within a few hours.

@jchawkjr2 Ай бұрын

People with RVs the size 18 wheeler and costing as much of a house looking for free stuff. Talk about a sense of entitlement 😂😂😂

@Threedog1963 19 күн бұрын

That’s how we afford the things we like.

@HemmsFoxEDU 16 күн бұрын

Lmao yeah, them rolling past a poor "homeless" person parking on a public street with a broken window being all offended about it. "Oh no poors are ruining our white middle class fauxfreedom experience by trying to acquire affordable housing!"

@doom4067 11 күн бұрын

For some of them that IS their house. I trust that you never accept a product or service without paying for it.

@deborahreardon4875 6 күн бұрын

Not a sense of entitlement. We have a 2005 Newmar 40 ft with 3 slides. Sometimes we will dry camp off the road, in parking lots, but we always ask first. And make sure we leave it as clean as possible as well as being respectful while there.

@michaelshepard9409 5 күн бұрын

Yes!!!!!don’t get the big diesel boy with a 40+ foot 5th wheel?????half of these tools 🧰 don’t have what it takes to change a tire….

@igowhereimtowed6839 Ай бұрын

We saw a travel trailer couple at the Foothills Wal-Mart Yuma Arizona. Jacks down, tow vehicle disconnected, BBQ and chairs out. We noticed them near the end of October. They were still there in the same spot at the end of March. If you know the Yuma area, you know there are multiple areas to boondock. The following season at this same Walmart. Three rigs parked side by side again jacks down, satellite dishes up. For sale signs on all three. Because of people like this is why. We are losing the privilege to overnight at Walmart. Thank you for calling it overnight parking and not camping. Walmart, Cracker Barrel and the like. Are not campgrounds and should not be treated as one.

@GratefulGlamper Ай бұрын

Exactly! Thanks for the comment and for watching

@teressarenslow5992 Ай бұрын

We tend to travel at night and hit a day-use fishing lake or park and park our slide away from common view and catch some z's for a couple hours, get up and use the area for a picnic breakfast and move on toward our ultimate destination. We would easily leave quickly if there were a dispute...but my adult severely handicapped daughter tends to bring out the humanity in most.

@EB-vz1ob Ай бұрын

One problem I see is there are a number of homeless living in ratty old RVs. Not only is it an eyesore in the store's parking lot, more importantly, it's a safety concern for the store's customers and employees.

@onthefive5615 29 күн бұрын

Living in an RV isn't homelessness, regardless of how ratty it looks.

@alyross2850 17 күн бұрын

I think this is the underlying issue. Businesses don’t want their parking lots to turn into permanent campgrounds.

@cloudking2871 5 күн бұрын

If they have an RV, they aren't "homeless". I live in my RV. It's not brand new either. Because of rental prices and social security I can't afford most places. Plus, nomadic living is a lifestyle choice for many, whether rich or poor. Looking down on others isn't nice.

@DragonWolf478 Ай бұрын

We also consider putting down the jacks 'bad etiquette', so we don't do that either.

@mikeglasgow9618 Ай бұрын

I travel by truck camper . I drive from mid morning and stop along ny route for a quick trip into the camper for a bathroom break and may grab a bite to eat. Then back on the road. I would say that 90 % of the time, i just pull into a rest area and go back to my truck camper. Put on a movie, make dinner finish the movie and go to bed. Ive never experienced any problems whatsoever. Wake up, have a coffee and danish and hit the road. Whenever I arrive at family they want me to stay in guest room. I always just ask for an extension cord. Im all set. I just love my truck camper. Shower, flat screen t.v., all the comfort of home. I have stayed at Cracker Barrel. Had dinner, spoke to staff and left after a nice breakfast. No slide, no generator, just to watch a movie and sleep

@rubidot 22 күн бұрын

How long is your truck?

@mikeglasgow9618 21 күн бұрын

@@rubidot I have a 2004 Chevy 2500HD Duramax . Bed is 6 feet. The camper is a NORTHSTAR ARROW 8.5. I have to remove my tailgate. This 8.5 NORTHSTAR ARROW was designed for a 6 .0 foot bed. Center of gravity is perfect. Rex Willet at NORTHSTAR allowed me to purchase the camper from Monticello RV in Minnesota with me living at the time in Mobile, Alabama and pick it up at the factory where I got the AC installed .He was very gracious as the owner of the company. Gave me a personal tour of the plant, took me to lunch , and gave me some literature of every piece of equipment in the camper. Installed mounting brackets for free. Loaded camper. Tested all appliances, went for test drive. 18 years and one problem. Left Rear brake light bulb.... Not bad.

@mikeglasgow9618 21 күн бұрын

@@rubidot I'm retired now. But when I worked, I was an industrial HVAC/R TECH. I do all my own maintenance.

@rubidot 21 күн бұрын

@@mikeglasgow9618 sounds like a great setup. I have no experience maintaining anything mechanical, but I'm seriously thinking about full-time RV.

@mikeglasgow9618 21 күн бұрын

@@rubidot I like the freedom of a truck camper. Mine as well as all NORTHSTAR campers have no slides. Some of the campers nowadays come with 3 slides and go up to the $ 80,,,,, 90,000.00 range. Plus you need a 2 or 3 ton dually to haul them.

@uniquecampingmarine Ай бұрын

ANOTHER great video! 🔥 You guys always share the best info!!

@jsverchio Ай бұрын

I'm so thankful we live in Alaska. It is a short RV season, but we can "Free" camp just about everywhere minus private property. Unless I'm looking for full hookups and dumps, paying to camp is not even a consideration.

@mind5533 Ай бұрын

Spent last summer there-we loved it!

@geocacherny7030 Ай бұрын

I am so glad I had all those places to stay mostly without hassles 2013-19.. I had a feeling 2019 was like a farewell tour. The 2020 hit and I never got to travel again. Finally sold the RV last year

@janekimmick4923 Ай бұрын

Cracker Barrel is our favorite place to overnight. We always make sure to go in and introduce ourselves to the manager and have dinner there. And yes.....having to hear a generator all night is no fun. How about 2 RVs with generators going on each side of us!!!

@GratefulGlamper Ай бұрын

OMgoodness that would have been bad. Thanks for sharing your experience and for watching

@brucesmith9144 Ай бұрын

Mighty fine thing to do by giving them your business. Showing gratitude will never go out of fashion.

@bennym1956 Ай бұрын

But it was free...lol

@mrmotofy Ай бұрын

I stayed at one a while back. Woke around 6:30am to guys pressure washing the building and sidewalk...well time for breakfast

@trevorbryant4360 Ай бұрын

In 2017, I travelled from my home in Manitoba to Rapid City, SD to catch the eclipse. Since I was tenting, I didn't want to try to get an campsite in Bismarck and set up my tent when I was going to be leaving early in the morning to continue the trip. So I planned to park in the Bismarck Walmart and sleep in my SUV. Which was a good thing since I got to Bismarck after dark. There were others staying overnight as well. This was the only time I've slept in my vehicle overnight at a Walmart.

@scottishguard Ай бұрын

And we have 3 Walmarts in the Bismarck-Mandan area. 👍

@marjamesquire8141 Ай бұрын

Cracker Barrel is always slammed on Mothers Day, New Years Day, Easter, etc. I think it would be polite to avoid those days for regular customers to have parking spaces.

@kenmartin1919 Ай бұрын

On the west coast it’s not RV’ERS ruining Walmarts, Bass Pro etc. it’s the thousands of homeless people. Many also get junk RV’s that barely run. In addition, tow yards won’t tow & impound RV’s when asked to by Law enforcement because the tow company looses 💰 money.

@waynepovilaitis2305 Ай бұрын

Here in Killafornia you can walk on the Freeway, ride a bike on the Freeway and LIVE on the Freeway. Cal Trans sign says. "Watch out for pedestrians" ON THE FREEWAY!

@robertchapman6822 Ай бұрын

@@waynepovilaitis2305take the hint

@gdt5430 Ай бұрын

In the 49 years I've been an RV owner and camper I have never once not paid to camp. If one can afford an RV/Truck, all the gear and fuel to move it down the road then one should be able to pay for a minimal campsite. The campground behaviors I've seen since 2020 have been just unbelievable, absolutely no consideration of others and no respect for any kind of authority. It's not getting better. We keep talking about selling our RV and calling quits, just not enjoyable anymore.

@sevenomad Ай бұрын

It’s not always about being able to afford it or not. For some, like my family, it’s more about not wanting to be packed into a campground. I admit some are better than others and yes they do come with commensurate amenities but I’d much rather, more often than not, much rather be out in the “wild” for our experiences.

@cliveklg7739 Ай бұрын

Agree. Maintenance of those areas takes money. And as she said, there are a minority of disrespectful RVers that take advantage and trash areas. Most RVers are fine, but there enough of that minority ruining it for those wanting to RV, and for those wanting to provide spaces.

@DisabledNomads Ай бұрын

We have one good thing to say about Harvest Host and that was when we stayed at a farm, they had power and water hookups if you needed it, at least. That was the only time we used it. There are nearly no HH or Boondockers Welcome locations along the Washington and Oregon coast. This video just reminded me to cancel our membership. Thanks.

@jlucasound Ай бұрын

Well done, young lady! Very interesting and informative. It is such a shame that there are people that ruin things for others.

@_SurferGeek_ 10 күн бұрын

It only takes a few to ruin it for the majority. No matter the sport, hobby or lifestyle... there will always be the few that take advantage, take more than their share, feel they're more important and turn a good thing into bad.

@geocacherny7030 Ай бұрын

5:00 yeah... During the summer I never stopped until close to sundown

@christinapittsley786 Ай бұрын

So agree! We stayed at that same Harvest Host - Lane fortunately we were on the end and I think the huge class A (we're 16') was at the other end but thankfully they didn't run their generator all night

@user-ql2bz8on7m 22 күн бұрын

Great info thank you

@airstreamer Ай бұрын

We still love Harvest Hosts. Most have been great. Walmart isn’t our vibe, but we may try a Cracker Barrel someday. COE parks are the best value around. We’re staying at a beautiful lake front COE campsite with full hookups for under $15 per night!

@Terri_K9 Ай бұрын

YES to the COE camps!! We’ve stayed a several and they are great.

@airstreamer Ай бұрын

@@Terri_K9 we are at one right now. Huge sites, and with the American The Beautiful Pass discount, it’s $12 per night with full hookups. Amazing!

@CardelliFamof8 Ай бұрын

As a Boondocker Welcome Host, I have had mostly good experience. I allow up to 5 days. However I have been considering Hip Camp as an alternative as I have had a few bad apples that almost got be in trouble. Hip Camp is not always perfect, at least I get some recovery of some of the cost of the improvements I have made. I have also learned as a host that in some locations including ours, local laws define an RV Park as 2 or more sites with occupied RVs. This means going through the permitting process for a Conditional Use. Again not free for the host. Lots of navigation of local legal laws.

@GratefulGlamper Ай бұрын

Interesting! Thanks for sharing your experience

@bloodyfinger5 Ай бұрын

I own a nice piece of land along the Cowaselon creek have often considered allowing a camper or two to use my land for a day or two at no charge but , I've seen too many horror stories of what can happen . I don't want to have to deal with the trash ,

@KBinanRV761 Ай бұрын

I went to Texas for the eclipse. It was my first LONG trip, ever in my truck and trailer. The people at Cracker Barrel were great. The one in eastern El Paseo was, for my experience, exceptional. Given it is located right next to the freeway, well, that was noise. But for the ease of parking, it was great. Yes, if you are over 45 feet, you WILL have issues. But for me, at 40 feet total, it was great. Can't say enough, sorry.

@DaftDrunk24 Ай бұрын

I mean... my generator is actually quieter outside than inside (by a long shot) but I still wouldn't run the damn thing all night. Get an inverter.

@Vantasticviews2 Ай бұрын

Harvest Hosts is a rip off. I joined for one year and found out that many times when I tried to overnight they were not “available.” Or, have the host charge exorbitant prices for their “products” which are generally a waste of money. Most of the time you have to arrange at least two days ahead of time. Totally not worth it for me. State parks are no longer subsidized by the government, which is why costs have skyrocketed. Not to mention, during the “season” everything is mostly full. Also, the fact that state parks charge extra for out of state travelers is a no go for me. In Idaho, some parks charge TWICE as much for out of staters. Not sure how they think this will appeal to tourists and bring jn cash flow to their communities. From KZfaq to Walmart to campgrounds, everyone is trying to make a buck by adding on ridiculous charges. If you stay at a local rv park, you will pay for your site, pay for your tow vehicle, pay extra if you’re from out of state, pay extra for showers, pay for you electricity, and then they have the audacity to charge an additional $15 for the dump and .50 per gallon for fresh water. Absolutely ridiculous. I’ve gotten around this nonsense by utilizing free dump/fill stations, boon-docking, and camp hosting. I’ve been full time since 2017 and unfortunately this lifestyle has been pretty much destroyed by selfish and rude people. And drug addicts, who have now learned that state parks are ideal places to steal anything and everything. There’s generally no ranger presence out in the campgrounds and if it’s busy/full no one really pays attention. I’ve learned to lock up everything, even if I’m just going for a quick walk, because I’ve had chairs, tables, and of all things- a bottle of distilled water- stolen. I also stayed at a USFS campground in Arizona who thought the way to get unstable, homeless addicts off the street is to give them a cheap tent and sleeping bag from Walmart and a weeks worth of camping at the local USFS campground. This was told to me by a camp host, so it’s legit info. The subject came up because there was a young man a couple of spaces away from me who kept lifting this HUGE log and slamming down to the ground. Over, and over, and over. So, it’s not just Walmart parking lots that are sketchy. It’s really sad to see the destruction that had happened over the last few years.

@jchawkjr2 Ай бұрын

TL;DR

@brucefranklin6765 Ай бұрын

We’ve stopped staying at Cracker Barrel because their quality of food has gone downhill the last few years.

@RandC2 Ай бұрын

I never liked their chow.

@raallen1468 Ай бұрын

I doubt CB misses you.

@user-hi1kb8hf5n Ай бұрын

I am sure they won't miss having you stay theta. They probably prefer no rvs to pack up the parking area

@brucefranklin6765 Ай бұрын

@@user-hi1kb8hf5n why eat crappy food somewhere when usually there’s a better option that’s locally owned? CB has been closing stores with poor earnings nationwide.

@SWilson-rh7bm 23 күн бұрын

I don’t care for the food but the gift shop is great! I support them that way as a thank you when we stay overnight. They truly have something for everyone so I’ve been doing all holiday and birthday shopping at Cracker Barrel.

@twistcollins8554 Ай бұрын

Anybody who runs a generator after 10.00pm go and Pound on door until they come out and tell them to shut it off or call the police!!!

@donna1970 Ай бұрын

Guess you don’t travel in Texas in the summer or the states west of it, lol.

@FaithwalkerTodd Ай бұрын

We’ve never had that 2 AM knock at the door. But we have a relatively newer RV, we find out-of-the-way places to park and we never pull out our slide. In fact, we bought the RV with with the intention of never using the slide.

@diane_24 Ай бұрын

Just remember … state, local and regional parks are often booked 6-9 months in advance along the west coast. ARVIE sounds like a great option! Definitely will be checking it out thx!

@GratefulGlamper Ай бұрын

We love using Arvie for these scenarios

@Destin65 Ай бұрын

The reason you can't park at Walmart anymore is not because people were causing problems, it's because Walmart is engaging in greedflation and want people to pay. If you pay them, you can stay there overnight. I mean, look at how Walmart treats its customers, it's periodic news articles where Walmart is trying to claim all their customers are stealing from them and is why they are having to raise prices. Yet, the CEO/Owner of Walmart is also the CEO/Owner of the Denver Broncos who have made the two worst trades in sports history in the last few years that lost the Broncos a half-billion dollars. That's why Walmart is raising prices and stopping people camping for free in their parking lots. They want people to pay to park there overnight. Just ask! My source? My family as my fiancé and her mother both worked for G4S security and both were often assigned to patrol Walmart parking lots. They never had issues with RVers and car campers. And if you notice, they got rid of security patrols and replaced them with parking lot cameras with 2 people in a backroom who do nothing but just monitor cameras and then call 911 on anyone attempting to park overnight without paying.

@Jayda08 2 күн бұрын

#1 reason; because more and more people chose RV life due to housing prices being out of reach by more than half of people. And in the process you see A LOT of people on the road that live full time in RV. Thanks for listening to my Ted talk.

@googleuser8095 Ай бұрын

yeah the cracker barrel in Cartersville, Ga close to Buc-ees which is in Adairsville, Ga didn't have any RV parking.

@mrmotofy Ай бұрын

They don't allow overnight if people are wondering

@LawrenceTuckerFyretuck Ай бұрын

I have twice processed a request for a battery backup to my CPAP/BiPAP machine. All I needed was a statement by my prescribing doctor stating that I required the use the medical device every sleep period. The insurance processed it under the durable medical benefit. It is worth looking into.

@GratefulGlamper Ай бұрын

Great suggestion- thanks for sharing!

@bobabooie6389 Ай бұрын

Some people just don't give a f%&k, and it ruins it for the rest of us👍🇺🇲

@lns4048 Ай бұрын

Great information

@GratefulGlamper Ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@CuteBirdAwarenessLeague 10 күн бұрын

I love the idea of living on the open road. And I also don’t want to be classist, ever. But there is an RV that parks just below our condo complex and runs their generator all night long every few days or so. I can’t sleep with the vibration. This is a residential area of San Francisco that’s normally very quiet. I don’t want to be that person. But I’m tempted to call the police on them because it’s effecting my sleep.

@photogher 23 күн бұрын

Seems one necessary accessory to always have is: EARPLUGS and earbuds. Both the noise-dampening foam kind as well as ANC (active noise canceling) earbuds (like AirPods). I have neighbors who use gas-powered leaf blowers and I pop in my AirPods with noise cancellation technology, and it greatly helps. I shared a hotel room with a friend and she snored loudly. I used my regular foam earplugs for comfort while sleeping. Blissful.

@allisonprusa8747 Ай бұрын

Great video! It's sad the few have to spoil it for the many😔

@GratefulGlamper Ай бұрын

Tell me about it! Thanks for watching

@heatheradair7338 Ай бұрын

Our local Walmart had 4 rv’s that took up residence - slides, jacks, generators, barbecues, parties etc., and then used the facilities like their personal bathroom. Gee, I wonder why the local Walmart no longer allows overnight parking. We also have rest stops that were created for trucks but rv’s were able to use them - when they became camping spots, rv’s weren’t allowed anymore.

@jimaguirre5799 Ай бұрын

@deborahhefty2558 Ай бұрын

😂 I agree - it is devastating to pass a Buc-ees!

@user-ph1fc6gt8m Ай бұрын

Yep you said it, boondocking generally is overnight... Ie arrive late, no water, no dumping, no generator/power, no bins, get out earlier means higher propane cost, higher gas cost

@technomad9071 Ай бұрын

calling parking your car camping is too funny!

@doom4067 11 күн бұрын

If you can't fit in the RV space, you should unhook the vehicle and park it in a different space. You don't know the establishment's customer pattern and don't know that they won't need those spaces while you're parked there.

@dianewhittemore5350 Ай бұрын

Again thank you.

@annhysell6064 Ай бұрын

Hey, Love your channel and watch all the time. This seems like common sense. Yes, my mom is supposed to have O2 all night, which is a pain in the hiny (to be honest..and I'm a nurse so shouldn't say that) . Please keep up the great work. Thank you.

@125AXer Ай бұрын

RE: Cracker Barrel locations, with lines identified by pavement "RV" painted markings and posted signs.... People park their CARS in those spots. Very commonly, they are blocked by a single car, or two cars taking up each one.

@Knuckledragnation Ай бұрын

So a couple of things on this very subject and trust me I’m not pointing fingers at your channel or channels like yours for trying to educate people as well as don’t ever want to take the onus off of the Rv’r. It’s my belief that when you spread the word about a good thing, especially if it has free attached to it, it can and will lead to increased use and occasionally get Rv’rs who just don’t care. Not to mention when Corporate America starts getting involved it leads to costs somewhere along the line for the rest of us. In many ways I miss the pre-interweb/social media days and here’s why. I’m a fisherman & the first rule of Fisherman’s Club is you don’t talk about your favorite fishing holes or spots for obvious reasons.

@tobbywhitmore3721 Ай бұрын

I can understand needing air conditioning at night. So run your generator. However you should also have a quiet generator .

@MichaelWilliams-ro9bm Ай бұрын

Try this instead. Buy some lithium batteries ( maybe 4-5) and get a 12 volt ac. No noise, no bother. No generator!

@Youngathearttravelers Ай бұрын

Thankfully our only slide comes out the back and doesn’t go out beyond our bike rack (Thor Vegas 25.2). Otherwise we’d never put our slide out for overnight parking if at all possible. And we are firm believers in and adherers to the Leave No Trace philosophy. We value our lifestyle and want to do our part to get to keep doing this. ❤

@tolowreading6807 Ай бұрын

How would you rate your Thor overall? Would you recommend it as a brand?

@Youngathearttravelers 29 күн бұрын

@@tolowreading6807 we’re really happy with our Thor. I will say there are some design elements that I question as they make no sense, but overall we’re happy. I can’t speak to Thor’s full line of coaches as I’m not familiar with all products, but the Vegas 25.2 is a winner IMO.

@Thesaltymedic36 Ай бұрын

This topic is making me reconsider going full time. Guess if they outlaw overnight parking, then only outlaws will overnight park 🤷🏼‍♂️ So many homeless people with no where to go.

@eradicator187 Ай бұрын

It's only going to get worse.

@scotttovey Ай бұрын

"if they outlaw overnight parking, then only outlaws will overnight park" If they outlaw overnight parking, not only will they be classifying the homeless as outlaws, they will be classifying all truckers as outlaws as well. I think such laws would turn out to be unconstitutional, if a rights advocacy law firm chose to sue.

@Thesaltymedic36 Ай бұрын

@@scotttovey right 👍🏼 I get they don’t want people living in their parking lots, I get it. I’m just wanting to park for the night and leave ✌🏼

@scotttovey Ай бұрын

@@Thesaltymedic36 I hear what you're saying. I was homeless from March of 05 to August of 08 and lived in my van. I parked in a couple of lots at night and then moved on in the morning. People that pull out chairs and act like they are in a camping site are rude, they should be considered trespassers and arrested. I know that in Florida, a person can be arrested for vagrancy. I don't think that's constitutional, but it sure would put a check on the entitlement attitude that toxic RVers have.

@johnvowell6348 17 күн бұрын

Good luck with that generator advice. It amazes us how many people generators when they shouldn't. Doesn't the noise bother them as well?

@mikemanjo2458 Ай бұрын

We had HH for 2 years and were never able to use it. You have to plan ahead....the ones were checked were either already full or did not answer the phone. We decided that we had paid over $300.00 for no benefit to us. Plus, the fact that you mentioned the $30.00 spending requirement. We didn't renew this year. I think if you are a full timer, it might be more useful. Thanks, Charity, for always being helpful and positive! Love and prayers from SC, Jane

@GratefulGlamper Ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experience and for watching

@chuckcurtice7752 Ай бұрын

Cancelled my hh subscription last week for the reasons u mention. Really, it's not even low cost for dry camping. Love ur content.

@rondar960 Ай бұрын

Some of the Cracker Barrel’s I have stayed at in the past are becoming very shady. I think Cracker Barrel’s are usually in metro areas and with the homeless population getting higher it can be scary to stay at. I am headed north for the summer and have been staying at rest areas so far they have all said no longer than 24 hr stay but it may come down to only truckers can stay at some point.

@herbertbell9438 Ай бұрын

The "RV" in your example is a huge tip off. There are full time RVrs and there are bums living in old RVs. Running a generator is the least of what those people will do. Cruising the lot looking for cars to break into, shop lifting, drug dealing, drug use, public intoxication, fighting, pan handling, and much more similar behavior. Most of them are junkies, that's why they live like they do. It didn't use to be that much of a problem but since about the last 15 years or so you can see more and more broken down RVs with bums living in them. Prior to that you could see an old rig now and then but it wouldn't be just trashed the way they are now. It would usually be just an older couple that didn't use their rig that much , they'd have an old rig and take it out now and then. Harmless stuff. It's not that way now. Personally I'd get a 4x4 and just get way back off the road to camp, it's a lot safer that way.

@joygarrett8397 Ай бұрын

I know some people are sooo rude! A few years ago I was in a Walmart in Ludington Mi & 4 campers rendezvoused in the parking lot . . Not even far out in the lot . . had their campers pulled into a circle, all slides out, chairs out, & a firepit going in the parking lot! Shameful . . .

@GratefulGlamper Ай бұрын

😱

@mrmotofy Ай бұрын

Yep I seen a full size RV at a walmart too. Sitting in a chair by his firepit

@TabithaRJuell 15 күн бұрын

We stopped at a Walmart in Washington on our move up to Alaska and were surprised to see the no overnight sign. We had a uHaul with a trailer and a 1st gen 4Runner, which we were sleeping in the back of. We figured if someone said something about us parked in the back of the lot, we'd tell them we were customers, which was true. In the 12 hours we were there, we started and ended the stay with Walmart purchases, with at least one other trip in the store.

@klatlap 13 күн бұрын

Amazing the differences between Aus and the US, we don't have that many RV and rely more on caravans, the big market here is with hybrids where most of the cooking is outside kitchens, the caravans here are getting smaller but more for overland use with 4x4.

@dianewhittemore5350 Ай бұрын

Haven't had one in almost 35 years. But understand the reasoning.

@chrissuzanneheiner4079 Ай бұрын

Posted or not I ask and I always get it. OK, they posted to get rid of the transients and the people that try to live in their parking lot.

@mikemanjo2458 Ай бұрын

You are so right. Why do a few ruin it for everyone???

@mrmotofy Ай бұрын

I visited a Walmart after dark...to shop. There was a full size RV in the lot. He was no joke sitting in his lawn chair...with a fire pit burning. Imagine my surprise a short while later the lot was posted no overnight

@GratefulGlamper Ай бұрын

🤦‍♀️

@jryland6 14 күн бұрын

The big problem is IGNORANCE, from some RVers who WON’T take the time to know what’s acceptable & what’s not. Come on people, play nice & learn camping etiquette!!!!

@joergstier6390 Ай бұрын

We have the same problem in europe, the behavior of some RV‘s are terrible.

@micheleelliott4726 Ай бұрын

I love camping in state and national parks.

@johnoudin5646 Ай бұрын

This is good info. I've thought about "putting a toe in the water" and getting a TearDrop camper. I'm certainly willing to pay for an overnight spot but everything (Florida, for example) is booked solid. State Parks in particular. Thus, I am really reluctant to pull the trigger on a TearDrop and deal with the hassle.

@GratefulGlamper Ай бұрын

We’ve found a great option for booking state parks that are full is using Arvie. You can learn more here: gratefulglamper.com/arvie

@bcrpeanutsmom Ай бұрын

Last year I stayed overnight at a Cracker Barrell and a huge 5th wheel took up 3 spaces with his RV and another space with his truck. He had slides and awnings out, camper chairs, mat, etc. I was relegated to next to the garbage bin and delivery entrance. I asked the management and they didn't want to offend the RVer.

@GratefulGlamper Ай бұрын

😒

@MsRotorwings Ай бұрын

Some people feel entitled, sadly. He clearly had no consideration for anyone else that needed to park there.

@MichaelWilliams-ro9bm Ай бұрын

All good points, but traveling in a sprinter van we have much less concerns. I can’t imagine ( again) RVing in a class A. But whatever floats your boat.

@dianewhittemore5350 Ай бұрын

I updated information. Don't have to happy about said information, but, appreciate effort.

@dianewhittemore5350 Ай бұрын

So Right!!!!

@JeffScheid Ай бұрын

RV life is way more expensive than people know. Space is $ high for lousy amenities or no amenities.

@lrobie123 Ай бұрын

might as well buy a hotel room but sleep in the camper in the parking lot. True about monetizing on RV'ers. The RV sales companies are sellling junk to people dropping more than $100k on campers due to manufacturer quality

@StacyAnneH Ай бұрын

When our Walmart first opened they allowed RV parking as well as people who were selling cars, trailers etc to park them out by the road. They only asked that a key for the car be left at the office in case the vehicle needed to be moved. But people took advantage of it. RVers dumping their trash into the Walmart cans and other rude behavior. Walmart finally had to put a stop to it. They do allow trucks overnight but otherwise, no

@cindyjohnston3134 Ай бұрын

when we are traveling in my car...we stay at rest stops or truck stops. we have even pulled off on an off ramp late at nite to sleep for about 3 hours.

@paulmckenna5224 13 күн бұрын

I'm a tent camper, so I never overnight in a parking lot. But reading the comments there are 2 things I don't understand about RV parking at a place like Walmart or Cracker Barrel: 1. Why would anyone think it's ok to stay there more than a day (unless some emergency happened)? I wouldn't think the property owners want people living on site. Overnight, fine. More than that, nope. Who would want to? 2. Is it truly bad to have your slide-outs and stabilizers in place? I mean, if they aren't in the way or damaging the lot, why not? The idea of being able to start up and pull away quickly doesn't make that much sense to me...emergency situations? I suppose if you're camping in a wildfire zone, perhaps, but under normal circumstances, no. Happy to hear any clarifications.

@MsJRod2012 Ай бұрын

For overnight parking, I have found rest stops to be great, where they have truck and RV parking.

@BrianParks Ай бұрын

I'm full timeing; not interested in moving a lot. 3 or 4 times a year max. A guide or app to places to park long term would be great.

@robgoffroad 22 күн бұрын

I stopped staying at Walmart years ago because of noise. And now most of them disallow it anyway. Then there's the county ordinances you spoke of... some areas are extremely anti-RV so they don't want ANY RV parking ANYWHERE in the area that isn't a park. The county where Reno Nevada exists is one of those counties. EVERYWHERE you might think you could park overnight is clearly marked NO OVERNIGHT PARKING. This includes off-road trailheads, state/city parks, etc. It's one of the main reasons I refuse to go to Reno anymore.

@jpoulton815 Ай бұрын

The exhaust from generators is terrible too. We stayed one night where it was loud and the wind kept changing direction and randomly blowing exhaust inside to us. It was too warm to sleep with everything closed. Ruined our first boondocking experience.

@TheCSRTech Ай бұрын

The problem with Cracker Barrels, during business hours, is illustrated at 10:54 in the video with 4 wheelers taking up RV/Trailer parking. We see this all the time and many times have had to drive right back out of a CB parking lot due to the RV parking being occupied by one or more 4 wheelers.

@125AXer Ай бұрын

SAME experience I have had. It is very common in Michigan and Ohio CB's.

@mikeparker8382 Ай бұрын

Reply to your reply to my initial comment. Well aware that Buc-cees doesn’t allow overnighting. My point was, that a HH overnight is considerably cheaper than a Buc-cees stop, bcuz you walk in a Buc-cees and leave with over a $100 worth of stuff - that was my point. 👍😃🍻

@johns6284 Ай бұрын

I'm amazed at the number of people who travel long-term (live) in their car, van or RV and go from place to place in an attempt to live for free - for months or longer. I assume these free places are getting overwhelmed. Not just Walmart, Cracker Barrel and rest stops but residential streets, empty fields (not public property), etc. I hate to say but a lot of these people are not resting while travelling in their nice vehicle....but rather very aged vehicles many of which are not designed to be live in. It's actually very sad.

@MsJRod2012 Ай бұрын

I wasted money joining Harvest Hosts. They were low on conveniences, not flexible, had restrictions, etc. This was the only membership I believe was a complete waste of $$ and time! So of course, I did NOT renew. Thanks for your information as always!

@qshrek Ай бұрын

too many people living in RV's just don't care about anything but themselves. I always try to get a smaller spot in a truck stop early, idling trucks/APU's dont bother me enough

@imanoleonardo6902 20 күн бұрын

With exorbitant equipment cost, shoddy construction from manufacturers, insurance, maintenance, and all the problems that you mentioned it just doesn’t make sense to RV on a part-time basis. Why on earth would someone pay ridiculous fees to be on top of one another like in a parking lot. Quite frankly, I think for the part-time RV’r makes more sense to just stay in a hotel.

@pookiesmamma Ай бұрын

We found that free attracts a lot of riff raff, you get what you pay for? We LOVE state (California) and National parks! You can get free or discounted camp fees if you stop at a park service office and show your DD214 or DD261 if your are a Gold Star family.

@GratefulGlamper Ай бұрын

That’s awesome! Thanks for watching