Overnight RV Camping at a WALMART Parking Lot! - Super Sketchy 👀
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ก.ย. 2022
- Our first time RV camping in a parking may not have gone so well, but we're determined to make it work! After all, you can't beat a free night's stay. But can we handle the sketchiness of Walmart after dark?? Get your own Anker Power Station! ankerfast.club/3eTSJlB
PREVIOUS VIDEO: ▶ Our PERFECT RV Road Trip Across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula 😍 - The Ultimate Guide • Our PERFECT RV Road Tr...
★ ACCESS SECRET VIDEOS & PERKS! ★
Supporters get access to never before seen vlogs and more! ► bit.ly/tea-patreon
★ MERCH ★
Get Your T.E.A. Merch!! store.theendlessadventure.com
★ MUSIC ★
Access Thousands of FREE Songs for YOUR VIDEOS with Epidemic Sound! share.epidemicsound.com/lTZRW
== OUR FILMING GEAR ==
★ Camera - amzn.to/3lcXF52
★ Lens - amzn.to/3Lb9GlL
★ Microphone - amzn.to/2KYEMCi
★ Drone - amzn.to/3yEuz6v
★ GoPro Hero 10 amzn.to/3MgT51f
★ Camera Belt Clip - amzn.to/2umw0DU
★ Large Tripod - amzn.to/34BYvye
★ Small Tripod - amzn.to/2u5iZ24
BROWSE ALL OF OUR GEAR ► bit.ly/tea-travel-gear
Above are affiliate links which means we receive a percentage of the revenue made from purchasing products via those links.
== Follow Us ==
❤ Twitter - / the_endless_a
❤ Facebook - / theendlessadventurers
❤ Instagram - / theendlessadventure
❤ Travel Blog - theendlessadventure.co
== About Us ==
We're Eric & Allison and we're on a journey to find the most interesting places and unique foods this planet has to offer! We've traded in our steady paychecks and permanent home for a life of travel and adventure. Come along and see the world with us!
This is how all travel vlogs should be. A lot of vloggers on TH-cam make everything seem perfect. But this is reality, and I appreciate it so much more.
Yes parking overnight is much harder than TH-cam makes it to be.
Yep, right up until the girl disappears.
@@TheSmdl Exactly! Panda Monium was one of the first TH-cam channels I started watching and she never made it seem like it was that hard to find overnight parking or boondocking, nor was it that scary or dangerous, which I found hard to believe.
@NaturalStateRebels (my channel) We try to show full time rv life 'as is'. We filmed the entire process from downsizing and selling everything we owned to nearly 2 years into it now. We are having lots of fun but as in life, there are challenges along the way. Overall we LOVE it way more than our rat race lives we were stuck in before.
We had plans to overnight in a Walmart parking once. Got there, did our shopping, but the parking lot felt sketchy. As we were putting our things away, this guy approached us and scared me a little at first. Turned out to be a nice guy in a beautiful nice camping van with his family. Told us someone left a note on his van saying there was overnight parking at the library. Ended up being a really nice and quiet place to stay. It was a weekend and the library was closed so it worked out great. Walmart parking lots may offer more "adventure" than desired. Stay safe, follow your gut instincts. Have fun.
Note for thought.: The water in the pond was not Garbage Run Off, excess water from parking lot. We like watching your adventures, but think before you speak. ie: when holding up the Pizza Pkg a few nice things were said, and then the comment went negative, all hope of a few coupons were lost. Think positive be positive. Safe travels, plan ahead.
@@Richard-ro2fp Why do they have to think before they speak in their video? Because they talk about the creepers creeping on them in the corner of the parking lot? There was plenty of room in the parking lot that the creepers didn't need to get so close to them the creeper peepers could have gave them some space. Or was it you Richard that was creepin on them in the corner and you are upset they called you out on it? So you should think before you speak and realize its their video and you have no place to tell them how to speak in it.
@@YesItsNotMe On the same ✋you've got no reason to chastise me! Kinda the pot calling the kettle black there don't ya think? 🤣🤣
That was me, so sorry I scared you. 🤣
I believe there are some RV sites/apps that people can use to see if the Walmart or Cracker Barrel is safe or not. I forget their names but that might be helpful if one needs to boondock in parking lot.
I was a Uber and Lyft driver pre covid.. I drove nights and hung out waiting for riders at Walmarts.. usually reading ROFLOL I guess I just heard what I looked like!! There are cameras and lights, I felt safe. ❤️
People often park by others without really thinking that they are parking by you, they just need to be by others. Also some will park by others because they hope for safety in numbers. On our last trip a few years ago I always tried to park away from others so the kids could sleep and it seemed by morning we would be surrounded. I did have some solo young ladies stop and ask if they could park next to us for safety in numbers and always say yes hoping they are not crazy. Hope your trip is going well.
Rules for Walmart parking lots: 1) it’s NOT camping. It’s last resort. Pull in late, buy something, get out again by the time the store opens. 2) no slide outs open, generators running, bbq pits,fires or open awnings. 3) leave nothing behind but memories. 4) realize that lots of car travelers stop there to rest on their trips too. 5) be ever vigilant
Exactly,you AWAYS PARK ON EDGES.
NEVER in the middle.
Why no generators if there are 18-wheelers there with their generators going?
@@janbanks3264 Semis are commercial,little travel trailers are not.
The general public has ruined Walmart,just like they ruin everything.
@@bcole3442
So
A generator is a generator is a generator.
I had no problem with other campers just the occasional late night shopper with loud exhaust made it a not likely experience to repeat.
@@bcole3442 yes ...because Walmart was, once, such a wonderful business dedicated to community beautification.
I'm one of the weirdos hanging out in parking lots. My reason is just that I get anxiety sometimes and need to get out for a bit. And then I usually end up in a parking lot where I can be social and alone at the same time. Never had any murder plans, and I don't think that's in my future either 😄 so that's my reason for possibly creeping people out lol
Think about the fact that your presence in the parking lot helps create the environment that invites others to congregate in that area.
We've camped across the US and used to stay at Walmart quite often but eventually quit doing that because of some bad experiences. We've been woken up with the carts and street cleaners many times. One really sketchy place pused us over the edge, lots of people just hanging out.and then when i pulled up behind another unit he began backing up into me, and would have hit me if i wouldnt have moved, he didnt want me there. I recommend Cabellas or Bass Pro, many of those have rv spacea and fill up most nights with other RVs , feels much safer, never had any issues there.
I think the reason walmarts are stopping the overnight free parking for RV's could be because like our walmart here in Eau Claire WI. alot of the homeless people are staying there night after night for months and the during the day stand on the corner asking for money and leave garbage and whatever else behind. I feel like this kinda stuff wrecks it for the RVers that need to stay for a night or 2.
Hey guys, you’re right be suspicious and alert rather than nonchalant when it comes to your safety. Great video as always and please stay safe. Best wishes from Britain 👍🇬🇧🇺🇸
Bear Spray, that's what is needed.
I love the irony of camping in the middle of a car park...whilst wondering and judging why anyone else might be using the car park 😅
Somebody reading a book at 1 a.m. in a parking lot does seem a bit strange (tho it could be an employee on break, like mentioned above). I think their biggest complaint (and totally fair) was people parking 💥THAT💥 close to them..when they were SO far away from the store. Right up their tailpipe. WTF?! 😠
Kind of dorky?
Look for a casino. Most of them allow free overnight parking and they usually patrol during the night and have lights for safety. They usually have a restaurant inside too !
The person in the car reading a book could possibly be living out of their car. Maybe they wanted a safe place to stay as well. Or maybe they work
the night shift at Walmart and they were on a break.
It’s great that you are cautious…..Free, isn’t always awesome.
I know if I wanted a quieter place to sleep, I wouldn’t choose Walmart. There is always something going on at Walmart 😅
Maybe you would feel safer at a camp ground. I know I would.
I was going to say the same thing. It is even harder for people living out of their cars to find a place to safely stay the night than it is for RVers.
and Walmart, often times, has a designated side of the parking lot for overnighters. You are NOT supposed to park in the middle of the lot, as they said they have previously done. I'm not even a blogger, but I have researched boondocking more than they have.
It was too late for them to arrange for a place to stay.
yeah I was thinking a shift worker... and the other people could have been homeless. not something automatically to be scared of
The motorcoach bus that you saw is a daily scheduled bus service. It starts in Hancock, MI and ends in Milwaukee. For whatever reason they chose the Walmart in Marinette as their pickup spot. We are glad you made it through the U.P. Hopefully you can return to Wisconsin and Minnesota at some point. They are amazing for camping and exploring.
Fans banging on your door at 7am is crossing a major privacy line tbh.
Often, especially if there's woods around it, Walmart may have homeless encampments nearby. The guy reading in his car....he may be living out of it! 😁 Best to be alert, but, not jump to scary conclusions! 💙💛💚
Ya'll need to be more aware with yourself ♡ awww. No judgment
Thanks for uploading even when things don't go to plan. Thank you also for being genuine.
I still cannot believe a viewer felt entitled to wake you up at 7am. Guys... don’t do that!
When that happened, I was super annoyed for them. I don't know how that person thought that was okay. If I saw them out on a trail or as we entered a gas station or something, I would certainly say hello and thank you. But if they are clearly in their homes living their lives bothering them is not okay even a little bit, and that's putting it mildly.
Yea, like only on my second cup of coffee at 7am. How disrespectful.
Love your new rig! If you want to avoid people parking next to you, just move a couple shopping carts into those parking spaces! Stay safe you two.
Great idea
Anywhere can be sketchy now days. It never hurts to be prepared for trouble however ya choose. Be safe.
My friend works 3rd shift and goes to Walmart on his meal break. He can watch videos or read or do shopping. Sometimes he sets a timer and takes a nap.
Oh yes WalMart in CA at least has put the brakes on overnight camping. They were swamped by homeless people, which is fine just some undesirable peeps of the criminal type crept in and caused trouble. Of course some left messes and even abandoned RV's that needed to go to the dump. It was sad because so many homeless really needed a place to stay and took care of their surroundings well. A few ruin it for the majority. Glad your stay was brief and there were no bad guys hunting for you.
I really enjoy your videos. you guys are so real and just naturally happy people that I smile a lot when I am watching. Keep the good stuff coming.
Have you thought about getting cameras on the outside so you can see around your camper? They have phone apps too. Stay safe please!
Like some have said it's good to be cautious, there are lots of sketchy people out at night and if they are not run out by the police they hang around. I don't like when the windows are so blacked out on a black van you cant see who's in the front seat and they keep going by our spot more than once and, we camp with grandchildren. I always come prepared for the worse in our motorhome, its my home on wheels and my family that I plan to protect. Be safe as you can and keep the really cool videos coming. Being a cabinet maker by trade we admire you both's attention to detail
Just to offer a little reassurance: There were many years when I took myself to a parking lot to read. It was before mobile phones and the only place I could be absolutely certain that I would be left alone and could read in peace! ...and if that book was sensational, I was by God, not going home until I finished the book! My family knew, more or less, where I was so they we not worried and I was too young to imagine that I maybe should worry about them? 🤣
We have spent many nights in Walmart parking lots. We stay on the side that has the shipment delivery for the trucks. The parking area there is well lighted and has cameras and the parking lot sweeper doesn't come over there. We've been very lucky ,never had any weird people hanging around.
We love watching your adventures. But just remember that people do sleep in Walmart parking lots because they are homeless. They just might feel safer in the middle like you guys did too! Happy traveling! We are catching up on a few videos! Love that you came to Maine! The way life should be! 😘
The best overnight spots for us have always been rest stops that have security. You can find them on google maps. Sometimes they are a little bit out of the way but if you want peace and quiet for free, that's where we go. We're in FL and that's where most of our travels have been
This seems like the best plan at this point since Walmarts and similar places seem hit or miss now.
Especially if the travel is primarily interstates. Rest stops seem the most practical
LOL. Your overnight stay was 15 miles across the bay of Green Bay from me! You were more than likely providing cover for those people drinking outdoors from law enforcement. And those people boarding the bus were probably heading to a casino in the U.P.
With you guys there is always an adventure everyday....🎉🎉🎉Endless entertaiment for us..... Love it!
The Beans have been in a log cabin with a Moose and Otters as neighbours, Eric and Allison were in a Walmart parking lot with potentially sketchy people around. I know which location I'd rather spend the night 😁
And watch. I think Eric and Allison should change their channel name to “The Endless Calamities”.
No planning ! UPS delivery would have been held at UPS store of their choice...No plan...
Right? It was funny to watch their bad luck for a bit, but now it’s exhausting. I know it’s free and we don’t have to watch, but I really do miss their actual adventures.
@@marieneu264 their snafus are starting to feel like the never ending story. You’re right, we’re watching for free 😁 but I can’t stop the inescapable drawn out sigh when something else goes wrong and it becomes an entire episode of sleeping in a Walmart parking lot. Was that their visit to Wisconsin? 😂 I still love ‘em though and I particularly love them for introducing us to The Travel Beans!
HA HA I just watched the Beans episode👍
I have been OTR for 9 yrs, covered 27 states. coast-to-coast and border-to-border, have stayed in a Walmart in every state that I have traveled through and have never had an issue and only one knock. I have left various things in the back of my truck and have never had anything go missing. You just have to listen to your gut, if it tells you something doesn't feel right then do what you need to do to feel comfortable and safe.
I converted my suv into a small Rv before Vanlifing was a thing. I lived in it and traveled to 42 states over the course of 6 months. Here’s what I learned about using parking lots for overnight stays.
1 - Stay away from truck stops and rest areas. Lots of criminals like to loiter in the shadows and wait till you’re asleep to come bang on your windows asking for money or whatever (this happened three times before I changed my strategy).
2 - Walmart’s are ok but generally are busy and loud 24/7. I never got bothered there but rarely got good sleep.
3 - Hotel parking lots are the ritz of parking lot camping. Pick a place towards the back with other trailered vehicles. No one every asks if you’re supposed to be there. They’re almost always in quiet nice neighborhoods. And everyone else there is trying to sleep too.
Great advice!!
Sometimes "Independently" owned motels also can be persuaded to allow you to park in their lot for $10 or so cash and will not bother you at all. Does not hurt to ask.
I think Walmart’s policy is the same where they try to allow overnight parking. The problem is some towns or municipalities have “no overnight parking” laws. Or if they rent the land and the landlord doesn’t allow it. So you did the right thing, always good to call ahead and make sure. 🤞
You NAILED IT here in California the Few Times I parked at WalMart☘️👍☘️
Hey Eric.... That's not a "massager"... 😂😜🤔
Hey guys I love traveling soo much
Most importantly I love more when people do what I can't, you both are amazing 💛
Lot's of love and support from India 🇮🇳 ♥
Regarding Walmart: It's because people abuse it and ruined it for everyone. Can't tell you how many times we've seen people actually camping out in their parking lots. Stabilizers down, slides opened, lawn chairs out and not just overnight.
The local gov-ment’ often tell Wallll-mart, no more...😕
Parking taking up several places has also been the complaint of business parking lots. Several retailers have stopped allowing overnight parking.
Walmarts have not been 24 hour since the pandemic began, However keep in mind the store is open to employees stocking 24 hours a day.
Additionally many locations stopped allowing RV overnight due to a high incidence rate.
cracker barrel is better anyway
I used to read in my car in the parking lot on my lunch on the graveyard shift at 3 am.
@@Baka_Oppai They're ending allowing overnight stays too.
We end up at Walmart's once in a while and appreciate the privilege. We have been in many awkward stops in which we just left and others where we gave the area a chance. Finally, I figured out that a chill and earplugs make a world of difference. Good luck out there, its a wonderful adventure.
Love you’re videos n people recognize you guys because you’re channel is growing so fast ! 💨
I found your channel today and am now hooked! I love your adventure and I'm Wisconsin so I feel like a part of your journey and that's cool too. Keep being you! You guys Rock!!
You might like the the "Park Advisor" App. It will point out parking/boondocking locations along any given route, along with camping locations, too. Between that app and Boondockers Welcome, I've found many safe, no or low cost, overnight parking spots. With your great set-up, you could go quite a few days both safe and "rent free"! 🚿
I still cant believe that someone would wake you up at 7am to say hi.
Maybe the car that parked behind you were also nervous about staying in the car park so wanted to park nice and close.
I dont think I would have got a good nights sleep with people hanging around outside but I do like people watching so I think I would enjoy the car park experience haha.
I drive back and forth from south Florida to Canada a few times per year, alone. I usually rest in my car, usually at truck stops. Sometimes I read, catch up on emails, or play games just to get a break from driving. I’ll park near but not next to other vehicles, because honestly, parking in a corner alone feels less safe.
Living vicariously. You fall in love with a new place then you have to leave so it was something I had to come to terms with too. THANK YOU!
You guys are awesome ! So upbeat no matter what happens !
Love hearing you guys talk about how weird people are in general. 😂 There are some truly odd people out there for sure!
35 and living the life!! love it. keep it up guys. loving the road trip
Most likely, the people sitting in their cars are passing time waiting for delivery jobs, whether it be fast food, medical, etc. I have a friend that does deliveries and can be available whenever he wants. Seems like a popular job these days.
A lot of times the city the Walmart is in calls the shots. Some cities have no overnight parking ordinances regardless of Walmart's policy.
Y'all seem to make the best of any situation great vid
Be careful out there, like I say nothing good happens after midnight, stay safe out there ❤❤
It's admittedly easier to stay in parking lots when you have less subscribers 😅I was always looking outside and checking noises, but it is better not to look. It's usually better when there are a few campers, but always under a light or camera vs the outside. It's a big lot, there's room!
This is hilarious! Love you guys. Got a good education on the night going on’s Of a Walmart Parking lot.
In Clementine, if the vibe isn’t right you could just grab keys and drive away. Here, you have to get out into the dark and into truck. That may be adding to the fear factor.
Even though that’s a great set up, Miss Clementine.
I LOST it when you realized your sunroof was opened the whole time. But I'm glad I'm not the only one who's hyper vigilant and paranoid of my surroundings, I would feel the exact same. Haha.
Omg, even when I go to the local shop, if I park far away from the entrance, someone always parks next to me! I could be parked on mars and someone would join me! I understand the pain! 😅😂
I felt so anxious watching this. I am glad you were ok.
Alien tape is the best tape ive found so far, when your constantly on the move. Travel well... keep on keepin on...
That’s pretty normal for a WalMart. You get used to it. I gave up trying to figure out why people show up hang for an hour then leave. Some tips. Avoid speakers as some lots crank the music when the store closes. It takes about an hour for the lot to settle after closing. A lot of the people hanging out on the perimeter are often waiting for friends or family to come off shift after store closes and closing shifts end. Avoid parking near traffic patterns, lots of locals use parking lot as short cuts and drive through fairly fast. Avoid parking near semi truck area, they like to idle engines and are coming and leaving at all hours. People like parking in clusters, so look for spots where that is impossible. You’re also better off parking closer but not next to other campers. Sketchy cars tend to not come as close. Newbies to being homeless will circle for a long time looking for the perfect spot because they are nervous and don’t feel safe.
It's an adventure! At least no critters hitched a ride with you like what happened to the Beans! Bummed you guys were unable to meet up, but even more excited about seeing you guys back in Asia!! It's been far too long!
I'm a Canadian nomad and have had some walmart stays . I'm so glad we have dogs . We sleep they stay on gard and get the feels of people and there intentions.... One stop we had we woke up took the dogs out and there was needles and bad people in the bushes . I sleept great the night before cuz we rolled in super late 😳 ....
I would honestly drive by because of how cool the rv is.
Finally, good for you
Appreciate you for overnight parking.
Love this! You guys are so cute! We did our first ever truck stop overnighter about 3 weeks ago and it was kinda cool!
I love Anker products! They're a dream sponsor of mine. Congrats y'all!!
Ah, the Beelers (Bielers?), keepin' it real since always! We love you guys. Continue to stay safe and God bless you both.
A lot of those could be people on their lunch breaks. Especially the guy reading lmao
We always bring our security team camping with us. Ava and Archer our German Shepherds.
It's always good to trust your gut and be cautious. Safety first.
A video today 😊😊. Totally made my day. Luv from 🇨🇦
I've used Walmart and similar lots just to figure out my GPS or calling someone so that I'm not using the phone while driving. The back lot of Walmart is also a great way to avoid stop lights on the busiest street in town. It's not so weird that some people just drive through the lot and leave. The people who were seemingly staring you down do seem truly creepy, however. They were likely just interested in your rig, but that's not okay in the middle of the night no matter where you are.
Nice adventures you two.
Happy Travels!
Thanks so much for sharing about you're parking lot stay !! Ignore the negative comments - I'm with you 100% :)
Stay vigilant and stay strapped. You may chuckle at the seemingly innocuous goings on around you; however, there is always someone ready to pounce. This is a disgustingly violent world. Safe travels.
I think you need a nice DO NOT DISTURB sign, for sleeping hours.
Stay safe you both felt abit anxious for you...make sure you lock up at night! Love from England 🇬🇧 x
I stop at Walmarts and Crackerbarrel alot, no issues. I would recommend always parking with your door facing the parking lot instead of the woods.
Nice trailer. Fun times in Walmart parking lot
Good to see you.
I’ve slept in a Wal-Mart parking lot before. It was cool out, and I opened my moonroof in New Hampshire on a road trip. I slept at a couple other ones as well. Yeah, you always have to be aware of your surroundings. There’s strange and evil people out there.
Hey. I found your channel through watching the Travel Beans. Love your vlogs and I'm an instant fan.🙂
Still addicted to your vids! And yeah, Walmart parking lot perimeter at night (no matter what state you're in) = no bueno.
Some cities and towns do not allow overnight parking at Walmart. Other Walmarts have stopped allowing overnights because people abused the privilege and caused problems.
Safe travels and good health.
I love your plants❤❤❤
Loved this for the scare factor 😆
The "Will they or won't they make it through the night" definately kept me hooked 😆
Our favorite place to boondock is Cracker Barrel. We have had good experiences at Walmart. Truck stops are a bit noisy, that is always our last resort.
It happened few times with us too s0me times they are also staying overnight and they feel safe with other over night camper.
Just got to be vigil.
Great video thanks for sharing
We wal mart and cracker dock all the time. We have a class b van so we don’t have to go outside which we feel safer. Love y’all videos!! Really enjoying y’all travels in the U.S. . Y’all are so positive and fun!
So good to have some international travel back on the cards! Any time your coming back down to Australia soon?!
On our last van trip, before moving to a boat, we did run into a few Walmarts that weren't Rv friendly. Some had "No Overnight Parking" and twice security approached us as we settled down to tell us we couldn't sleep there. Other vans and RVs were also getting the talking to by the friendly security patrol.
We've had tons of great nights at Walmarts also! That or Lowes are our go-to's for a quick night's sleep. We ALWAYS park facing outward and under a light incase we need to make a getaway
Boss tells them to not let people stay overnight, the guards are just keeping food on their table as the boss is. They aren't in business to provide over night parking, but it is great when they do.
@@AttorneyBCollins We're not bashing the security patrol at all. Just stating that we were asked to leave. FYI this was a Walmart corporate idea, such as Lowes and Cracker Barrel as a way to drive business. It is then up to individual franchise owners if they'd like to allow it or not.
@@RoamingRupps No, no. I was just saying they weren't doing anything out of meanness in general. You guys are great! Hope someday to meet you on the road when we get our skoolie on the road.
@@RoamingRupps No, you misunderstand, I didn't think you were bashing them, I was just pointing out they are just doing their job to anyone else reading.
Very interesting. Always wondered what it’s like
Love Anker products
I discovered today you via “The Beans” channel. You two are awesome!
I just tuned in to this. You guys are funny and enjoyable to watch. Bass Pro, Cabelas, Lowes are some more to overnight.
Funny video. Look forward to the next one
Love the camper 👌 Awesome.