Camped at Wal Mart

I am sure that many would be inquisitive as to why an RVer would stay in a Wal Mart. If you look at it only in regard to cost analysis, it really does not save us much money. Campgrounds average about $35 a night. At 8 miles per gallon and $3 gas, a RV spends that much on fuel to travel around a hundred miles. A campground provides security, good showers, electricity, water, sewer, and often cable TV and WiFi.

Setting up in a campground is a lot of work. First of all, most are back off the main roads at least a mile or more. When you arrive, you register, drive to your site, unhook your tow vehicle, hook up your water, electricity, cable and sewer, then begin to unwind and enjoy your evening. In the morning you have to go through the similar process to leave.

Wal Marts are located on the main highways and when you pull into a Wal Mart you find your place and park. That’s it. Some put out their slides, we do not. The generator provides power for the evening microwave and the morning coffee pot. You cook on the propane and it also powers the refrigerator. Light is provided by the batteries.

The main concern with nonRVers and “newbies” is security and parking lot noise. Have you ever looked around at a Wal Mart parking lot? From my present vantage point I can see 26 cameras. Needless to say, we close our curtains at night. Also, there is a parking lot protocol. The first one to arrive parks at the far end of the lot away from the store. If we are the first ones, we go into a holding mode. We do not stay if we are to be the only ones here. Even with the cameras, there is safety in numbers. As the second unit arrives, the drivers meet and assure each other that they are spending the night. Today, we pulled into the lot at around 4 p.m. There were no other RVs present. Within 20 minutes a second unit arrived. Now, at 8 p.m., there are 10 rigs parked around us, each placed so as not to interfere with another’s departure.

Almost everyone is tired of the day’s drive and is looking for a “get away” on arrival. The sequence is predictable. Park, open windows and vents if warm, check and lock the tow vehicle, and walk into Wal Mart. Often you find yourself in the RV aisle, perusing something like the latest thing in holding tank chemicals or other manufactured necessities.

The system works. It could be better. The first to arrive could be the designated wagon master and direct each arrival into parking in a large circle. A large fire could be built in the center, tables and chairs set up, and food could be brought out from each vehicle for all to share. Those with musical instruments could gather together for a jam session. Not to be. Gypsies (small g) we are. A clan we are not. We enjoy the freedom and the independence. Life “off the grid” is adventure. Yes, even if 26 cameras are watching you.