poodlecamper1
Naugatuck Valley, CT USA
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Joined: 09/25/2004
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We've foregone staying at campgrounds when it's a long trip and we're trying to make good time. Have stayed at Flying J's (a little noisy) a couple of times, and at WalMart maybe 3 times. Always stay at the 24 hour WM's, and of course ask permission first. Rest stops seem too dangerous to me.
The Erlingheusers
Carol & Frank & Ollie(camper) & Delilah (non-camper) miniature poodles
2010 Keystone Passport 245 RB
2009 GMC Sierra 5.4 V8 3.42
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top of texas
Texas Panhandle
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Joined: 11/29/2006
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Thanks for all the replys. We are traveling from the Texas Panhandle to Boston,Mass. Area and plan on leaving on 8/6/10 and need to meet our kids there on 810/10
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dieharder
Ottawa, ON
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Joined: 09/10/2009
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I've stayed at Wal-Mart for overnights. Never had a problem. In all honesty, I found the lots pretty quiet, but I haven't stayed at a 24h Wal-Mart yet.
1999 Itasca Sunrise
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poodlecamper1
Naugatuck Valley, CT USA
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24 hr Walmarts are quiet, I like to stay there because they don't feel deserted and scary to me. I'm in CT if you think you'll be doing an overnight near here--that's quite a drive you'll be doing. What's your route?
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top of texas
Texas Panhandle
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We are taking I-40,44,70,71,76,80,84,90,95. We are going to Ipswich,Mass. My grandson is going to school in that area.
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newk
Gillette, WY
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Joined: 08/18/2007
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We always prefer campgrounds but have stopped at rest areas a few times and at a truck stop once. They've been handy and quick but always a little noisy and not always level enough to sleep comfortably. The worst was the truck stop when a couple refrigerator trucks pulled in on both sides of us!
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joanne0012
Boston, MA
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Joined: 02/01/2005
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I stay at plenty of WalMarts when I'm just trying to cover ground. I call ahead to make sure that it's permitted and while I'm at it I ask if there's any particular part of the lot that I should use (or avoid). All the sites are pull-through, relatively level, and the "camp store" can't be beat, though the bathhouse is not top-notch.
Seriously, just find an area that's away from the main traffic pattern. If you park directly UNDER a light, then your rig will be well-lit, but the light from directly overhead won't shine in your windows. After a few stays you get a feel for which spaces work best. I feel calmer at the all-night ones, knowing that somebody will be around all the time.
Cracker Barrel is another company that has an official policy of permitting RVs to stay overnight. They even put out a handy map that's oriented towards long-term drivers (look up locations by highway number and exit etc.). I'd rather pay for a hearty breakfast than for a pool and other campground amenities that I won't use, no cleanup after just hit the road. Plus (like WalMart) they're mostly easier to find near the highway.
As somebody commented above, that's a lot of miles to cover in 4 days especially if you have a deadline ("need to meet our kids there on 8/10/10"). Driving in the Northeast isn't like driving in the middle of the country, even on the highways. Allow one more travel day if possible.
Joanne
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steelpony5555
Copperas Cove Texas
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Joined: 10/26/2007
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Here this may help you out-----Exit info---you can look up all Walmarts,Cracker Barrels and truck stops and will tell you if overniting is allowed. Still check with the mgr though
06 Montana 3000RK
07 Dodge 3500 Dually Sport 6.7 Diesel
07 Pearl White Ultra Classic (My new Baby)
10 Chrysler 300 Touring
Texas Boomers---Stop by for a Margie some time!
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poodlecamper1
Naugatuck Valley, CT USA
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The only advice I can offer is this: 84 from the CT line on is the site of frequent car accidents. When there is a right hand "slow" or climbing lane, try to avoid it-----they end abruptly with little or no warning (such as "right lane ends in 1000 feet")and there you are, trying to get over and no one will let you. CT highway drivers are mostly cutthroat and won't give an inch.
Stay in the middle lane through Waterbury----the right lane will end, locals know this, and there's usually a big slowdown there because of the drivers who don't know this. Good luck on your trip, drive safely.
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Handbasket
Asheville, NC
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Joined: 01/17/2003
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I've spend probably 200+ nights in the past ~8 years in truck stops, rest areas, and WM's, with never a problem beyond noise, which I expect. If it's hot or cold, I run my (pretty quiet) Onan for A/C or heat, and that covers up the outside noise nicely. If it's nice weather or there's some reason not to run the Onan, I use earplugs if needed. I have left a few places after looking around and not liking the 'feel' of where I was.
This past fall, I made a 3-week trip from NC to the Grand Canyon and back. Stayed in truck stops, rest areas, or 'true' boondocking spots the whole time, never a CG.
Jim, "Mo' coffee!"
'06 Tiger CX 'C Minus' on a Silverado 2500HD 4x4, 8.1 & Allison (aka 'Loafer's Glory') www.tigermotorhomes.com
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