Subscribe! Sign up for the free RV Traveler email newsletter. News and info twice a month. Your email address is kept private -- always and forever!

---

Yuma, Arizona Wal-Mart
April, 2002

The Yuma Wal-Mart is a "on your own risk" store. Wal-Mart welcomes you - but the city police will not.

In March I talked to Wal-mart employees. They said it was OK but that police may, or may not, ask you to leave. that in some cases fines have been levied (yet there are NO signs forbidding parking!). I got to the store early a couple mornings and talked to RVers parked off to the side. They had stayed all night and had no problem! It appears to be only certain policemen - or some nights when they have nothing better to do that they will route theRVers from their sleep and make them leave.

So - Yuma is a gamble! Maybe you'll be ok, maybe not. I parked all one day (from 10 am to 5pm) and had no problem what-so-ever. I unhooked the toad and ran all over town (after doing my Wal-Mart shopping). I chickened out on the overnight gamble though and went out to BLM land.

Destin, Florida Wal-Mart
April, 2002

Having just returned from Destin,Fla. I can understand why they are not wanting to allow overnight camping at their store. reason one is it is on Fla 98 which is quite busy and could cause an visibility problem with trying to return to the highway. reason two and more than likely the main reason is that there were people that had their lawn chairs set up, awnings out, and grills going. And were scattered all over the front of the lot and through out it which I am sure caused a traffic flow problem in the lot itself. I quess therefore that what I am saying is that the loss of this lot is caused mainly by way this lot is being abused and is no ones fault other than those that have abused the privilege. Once again a few are ruining something for the many. -- Ralph P.

Slab City, California
April 2002

I personally have stayed at Slab City. This is a very large free area, just three miles east of Niland, Calif, Many organization members boondock there. There are several small club's with entertainment on certain evenings. I, along with another solo RV'er,  was even asked to dance at a ladies RV club also camping here. I have willingly paid local membership at some of these small clubs ($10). You can find fresh coffee brewing when you wake up, a BYOB happy hour, a library to use, or even donate old books/magazines when you're through with them. Campfires, genial conversation/games abound in this area. You can see coaches from home-made, to six figures camped here. Plenty of room to walk/hike/bike around, and even hear a few private music sessions outdoors in the evening. Pets are around, but you are expected to observe courtesy regarding these, and/or your own noise limits.(as like anywhere else). Niland is a quiet, small town, friendly, and free water was even available at the southern part of town. I would not hesitate to refer any boondocker to this area. I came in from Baja, badly suffering from a burn. A local boondocker immediately offered his help. As anywhere, you will find a mix of folks/RVers. A chain super market is about 12 miles away, in Brawley. What more could a boondocker want?

Do you know of any additions or changes we should make to this list? Please let us know.