Give me some assurance drydocking at truck stop or walmart

[Brumeiser]

We have never tried this before but I think in our trip this November we are really looking at overnight stay in a parking lot. I have read somewhere that at one truck stop I think Flying J there are security around and it is well lit? If you stop at one of these truck stops is there a place where they prefer the campers to be parked? Our first day we are leaving at 3:30pm and would like to drive until at least midnight and I think the easist thing to do would to park either in a Walmart lot or a Flying J lot. What are your opinions? Thanks everyone.

[BradyBz12]

We've stayed in WalMart parking lots for naps and quick overnights on our trips to WDW from NH. Some are noisier than others, and we've come up with a short list of the ones we like best. We always go with well lit lots that are patrolled and are fairly close to the highway.

We've done this since '04 and haven't ever had any trouble (knock wood!)

Just keep in mind that there are some counties where this is not permitted and in FL this includes pretty much anywhere remotely close to WDW and I believe the county Daytona is in as well.

Those lots are typically posted for no overnight parking/camping. I believe WalMart also puts out a directory as well.

I know some other folks here have had good luck with Flying J and other truck stops, but like everything else, I think it can vary widely depending on where you are.

[DaveInTN]

We've overnighted on several occasions at Walmart, and as noted above some are better than others. I always go in the store and ask management for permission, and where they would prefer I park. I also will do some shopping while there. For the most part, we've felt safe and secure, and you can't beat the price or convenience for some sleep. The cons? Well, Walmart parking lots are WELL lit all night, and there is usually truck traffic making deliveries during the night, so they aren't the quietest places around. If you have good night shades, and can run a generator to have a fan going, it's ok. However, my preference is still to find a campground so I can plug in and sleep more soundly.

[freshlybarked]

Let me give you what might be a better alternative. Cracker Barrel. We have done it once and it was quiet and well lit. We did have breakfast there the following morning. Many of our RV friends suggested this as an alternative to Walmart, which is not iffy at best in allowing overnights stays. A truck stop would work and I would think it is pretty safe, at least in the fact that there are other truckers there. We were alone at Cracker Barrel, but we parked in the RV parking under a light and felt okay. Just a thought.

[Captdonswife]

We have done all three. Cracker Barrell is a good option but of course it is closed at night so you are more than likely in a completely empty parking lot. You could have a trucker or other RVer there but possibly not. Walmart is always busy and always well lit. We do check with the manager and see if there is any particular place we should park if they allow overnighters. The Flying J is always busy as well but if you don't get there fairly early, you won't get a spot. Their RV spaces are well marked. Of course all of these places expect you to buy something - gas, food, supplies, etc.

One other overnight place we have parked is a casino. Most allow it but just check with the management or parking lot security. Likewise, they will want you to eat or gamble a little!

[drafthorsecrazy]

Are you planning on traveling south from Toledo on I-75? Its been our experience that there are surprisingly few truck stops in Kentucky & Tennessee. I just checked Flying J's website and could only find 3 along I-75 for Ky & Tenn. Not sure how far you'll get that night. But be aware that with the limited number of truck stops chances are by midnight or so they will be filled with truckers. We've ended up traveling much farther than planned just trying to find a place to rest in this area. The same with rest areas. I'm not trying to discourage you....just giving a heads up.

[BradyBz12]

Just curious whereabouts the Cracker Barrels you've boondocked in are? We tried there first when we started pulling the TT to WDW and none of the ones we tried along 95 allowed campers or overnight parking. :confused3

It would be nice to be able to grab a hot breakfast before heading out in the a.m!

[Brumeiser]

We are taking a new route that was suggested to us on this board. We are taking I75 down to Cincinnati and there is a route not sure of the number that will go over to Louisiville then we are taking I65 down. This gives me a few ideas, I will have to remember that the lot gets filled up. So I may have a back up plan to drive all night if I have too, if everything is filled up. Just want to get a feel on what options we have. Most campgrounds unless you know exactly where you plan on staying and prepay will not allow late visitors past 9pm, and I don't want to commit to a spot and still have time to drive on. Thanks everyone.

[Shan-man]

I highly recommend paying for a campsite. We have had a few occasions when vagrants came a knocking in the middle of the night. I'm sure they were looking to see at least if the camper was empty so they could rob it. Once they discovered it wasn't I fear they might have been willing to rob the people inside... but I'm a big guy so they just asked for a handout and went away. I tremble to think what might have happened if a smaller guy or woman had answered the door. If $30 is too much to fork over for a safe night, perhaps you should reconsider RVing... that's my opinion.

[RDBS]

Most campgrounds unless you know exactly where you plan on staying and prepay will not allow late visitors past 9pm, and I don't want to commit to a spot and still have time to drive on.

Every KOA has after hours registration. I have also come in after hours at a KOA when I had reserved a site and they had everything set up for us, including the WiFi codes.

We usually try to stay at KOAs when we are doing long road trips since we know what to expect and we have been generally pleased with the service. We have also arrived at other private campgrounds after hours with no problem.

I did, however, see on our return from FW this summer a public campground on the ocean with its gate chained and locked.

I have never overnighted in a parking lot, but will not rule it out. Ideally, a campground would give my kids a chance to burn off some energy.

Best of luck.

Joe

[CCIntrigue]

We always spend the night at Flying J in St. Augustine on the way down and Flying J at Brunswick on the way home. Never had a problem. RV area fills up quickly, but there's always plenty of room in the truck area. And in the truck area your neighbors won't complain about you running your generator overnight. Last time we were at the Flying J the people in the trailer next to us complained about the noise -- and it was about 40 degrees. We spent a cold night there! (Maybe they were jealous because they didn't have a generator too?)

[RDBS]

I meant to add that I have seen on several occasions the KOA manager come out to assist late-comers get into a site, even after mid-night.

Joe

[Kagoguen]

:) I'd like to ask a question if I could? We're coming down late October, and our 1st stop, I was planning on staying at the Flying J in Clear Brook, VA, we probably won't get there til midnight, do you think that time of year we would have a hard time finding a spot to park?

[tlh0726]

DH has stayed in super walmart parking lots a few times on his way down and back from Atlanta. He tries to get the ones closest to the interstate due to the easy of getting the rig in and out.

Super Walmarts are open 24 hours, have traffic in and out (including policemen) and security cameras are on.

[thecplusplusguy]

Staying at a truck stop or Walmart is not about being able to pay 30 bucks or not. I won't be stopping on my first night until about 2 am, I would be very annoyed if someone pulled into a campground that late. If you are stopping before 10 then going to a campground is reasonable in my opinion. If you get much later than that then you are disturbing people. That's why I don't do it.

On our trip in 2010 we will stay at a Walmart or flying J the first night (the 2 am night) then at a campground the second night which I will arrive at around 6pm if all goes well.

I have stayed at the 24 hr Walmart in Wilkes-Barre Pa. Which also has a cracker barrel. I have also stayed at a 24 hr Walmart in Maine (at which I bought a GPS so maybe I should have found a campground lol).

I will say as stated if you are a light sleeper you will not get any sleep at a 24hr Walmart.

Dan

[BradyBz12]

For us, since we really are just stopping some place safe to sleep, it's about the convenience and a quick in/out rather than the $$. We only stop at WalMarts right next to the highway, so it's 5 minutes in/out and we're on our way.

Plus the stop the night before our arrival (usually Jacksonville), lets us do our grocery shopping before we head out in the a.m. saving us an extra trip so we can go straight to FW.

But that's just us. :upsidedow

[OK GRUMPY]

I've stayed once at a Walmart in Live Oak. Worked out really well for me. Unfortantly we got a late start out of town and the early morning traffic at Walmart worked out for us as well! Got us going in the morning.

[Minnie&Mickey]

I never really gave it a second thought until now, but we just pull into a rest area and sleep. That's where we met Cheryl and Jeff (4Mickey2) for the first time...we both had stopped at the same rest area and the next morning started chatting while we took our dogs out. We were pretty surprised to find out that we had actually knew each other from the disboards! After reading this thread, I think I will be a little more nervous about staying in a rest area though.

[bigdisneydaddy]

We use a combination of rest areas and flying J, never had any trouble at either. We have used a KOA in Cleveland TN on the way home, just pull in late and leave the money in the envelope.

[m1tchells]

We always travel the night before our "official" vacation starts so that we can arrive at our destination early in the morning. Most of the time this means that we will stop for several hours to eat and sleep for a bit. Anyway, we have always stayed at rest stops and never had any problems. Tucked right in next to all the truckers and have always felt safe. Of course, we don't take anything for granted and are cautious (and "protected") but have never had any problems at all. Hope I haven't just jinxed myself!:worried:

[IslandHtsCampers]

I usually drive to my limit then I do one of two options:
I sometimes pull in to a flying J, fuel up then catch some sleep in the RV lot or I'll pull in to a cracker barrel and rest up before going inside for my next meal. I have never had any problems doing this in the past. We used to stop over at wal marts until we started finding alot of stores could not accomodate overnight parking due to local zoning laws. Walmart corporate still welcomes campers but the towns in which they set up shop are starting to frown on the practice.

[lawnspecialties]

I'm with Shan-Man on this one 100%.

We like to head down the day before our arrival date and stay overnight along I-95. In 2006, we stayed at Lake McIntosh RV Park on exit 58 in Georgia. Last year, we stayed at Country Oaks RV Park on exit 1 in Georgia.

We pulled in around 5:00-6:00 each evening and just chilled out. Ate a nice meal, got a good shower, and slept very well in peace and quiet. The next morning, we pulled out around 8:00am and would always arrive at the Fort around lunchtime.

Both campgrounds cost us around $20-$25 for full hook-up. Don't let saving $20 start your vacation to Disney with a possible bad situation. :thumbsup2

[Old Snipe]

I have taken up Flying J and Walmart on many occaisons of their invitation to RVers to overnight. I have limited time and want to spend as much time at my destination campground so it benefits me to use these companies parking lots as needed. :thumbsup2

One thing I won't do is pull into a strange campground at night. I don't take a chance of damaging my motorhome while driving in the dark around unfamiliar, narrow roads that many camprgorunds have. Call me cheap, but brushing a tree or a rock, or backing into an obstruction that is hidden in the dark is not my cup of tea. :headache:

I use the Flying J's and WM's instead. And in my 16 years of traveling in RV's all around the country, I have never been bothered by anyone at night. :goodvibes

Best Regards!

[wrongagain]

I have stayed at flying J's and at the few police patrolled, "cops are physically there" rest areas, and felt very safe.
That being said, I am big and scary looking, and would not hesitate to defend myself, "think biker meets ZZ top" and even though I have cornered the market on scary looking, you get some people that are off the wall,
scary-weird, dont leave the door unlocked, dont lose sight of your wife, mutants on the loose types.
99.9% of the people you meet are as nice as can be.
Just be aware of your surroundings at night and carry a 6 cell maglite flashlight, I hear they can also be used as a flashlight :rolleyes:.

[tlh0726]

Staying at a truck stop or Walmart is not about being able to pay 30 bucks or not. I won't be stopping on my first night until about 2 am, I would be very annoyed if someone pulled into a campground that late. If you are stopping before 10 then going to a campground is reasonable in my opinion. If you get much later than that then you are disturbing people. That's why I don't do it.

Dan


:thumbsup2 I am sure the rest of the campers in the campground thank you for thinking of them at 2am.

DH is just leaving SuperWalmart in Mooresville NC on his way home from Atlanta.

[Running_Bell]

We have stayed at the same Wal-Mart for two years and we will stay at it again in Oct. We usually are pulling in around midnight and have never been bothered or felt uncomfortable. The next morning we pop in and buy any supplies we still need and grab breakfast and the McDonalds inside. It's always funny to see how many RVs are also in the lot that we didn't notice when we pulled in. It's become a tradition now.

[Shan-man]

I remember one time a few years ago we got an epicly late start to our drive and arrived in north Florida around midnight and found a Wal*Mart near the interstate. There must have been 25-30 RVs already parked. So we found a spot and crashed. Despite the hum of several generators, semi traffic making deliveries, etc. we finally got to sleep. Around 3am the street sweeper arrived! He seemed to delight in slaloming between the RVs and getting as close as he could. He was there for a solid hour. When we awoke from our nearly restless night there were even more RVs than when we arrived and by the morning light I saw the sign that said no overnight parking allowed! Again, I am not a fan of boondocking in parking lots or rest areas. I don't feel safe and I NEED my beauty sleep.

http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w359/SLSettles/Web%20Graphics/ShantaClausSm.png

[RocklandRVers]

On nearly every trip we stay overnigt on the down and back at Flying J or a couple of times at Pilot. We always buy fuel at Flying J using their discount card. Its not a lot but every penny helps. We also eat in the restaurant or get take out from their fast food spots. Sometimes we splurge and get a shower. Do we save on a campground stay? Maybe a couple of bucks but we just need a place to duck off the road for a few hours sleep not for all the rigamaroll of a campsite. pirate:

[bigdisneydaddy]

Its not as much the money as it is the convenience. We usually stop on the way down at a nice campground in Perry GA, if I leave the evening before I will stop for 6 or 7 hrs just into KY and sleep, then get up and make it to Perry early. I need to make the best use of my time and often I just want to haul tail down the road.

[KPSmithSr]

Shan-man, it's a good thing you never had to sleep below the flight deck on an aircraft carrier. You would be uuuuugggggllllyyyy from no beauty sleep.

[H&Hmommy]

We always stay at the I 65 Wal Mart just south of Nashville. Never had a bit of trouble.

[ftwildernessguy]

Whenever someone asks this question I think of the situation that happened several years ago at a Walmart, namely the abduction and subsequent murder of an employee leaving Walmart after her shift. The killer was caught thanks to the fine surveillance cameras Walmart has. So much for Walmart security, who did absolutely nothing except provide the police with a copy of the tape after the fact.

http://www.kbtx.com/home/headlines/1203397.html

I have also not seen very many truck drivers at rest stops I would trust mine or my family's safety with.

[pmountain]

We have stayed at Walmart's several times without any trouble. We always try for a 24 hour walmart and park close to other rvs with the door facing the store. It has never happened, but the plan is that if anyone ever knocks on the door we do NOT open the door, they can talk to me through the window. On our way to FW in a couple weeks we will once again stop at the Walmart in Troy Ohio for the first night, and the second night at the walmart on I-75 just south of I-10(this one has a security truck that patrols the parking lot all night). If it is too hot to sleep without A/C and if we get there early enough we may stop at the Valdosta KOA.
Pete.

[shirley 38]

We need 2 nights stay over at either Walmart or Flying J. I have the book on Walmart but can someone tell me where the Flying J's are.

We travel on 95. Any suggestions, Thanks:cool1::cool1::cool1:

[guardwife66]

We always stay at a Flying J's or Walmart on our way to and from WDW. Also on any other trips that take more than a day for us to get to. We recently even went on a shorter trip and stayed at the Flying J's to save money. My daughter (who is now 16 and still loves it) thinks it is a grand adventure to be able to go to Walmart after midnight. :rotfl:

Walmarts are well lit and I actually think of this as a plus. It deters anyone from messing with the RV. There is traffic but you can usually park over to one side and it be not so noisy. Flying J's can be VERY noisy due to the semi's that are parked there and running. I once spent the night between 2 semi's. Talk about noise. :scared1: But I always feel secure with them around. (Just my preference):thumbsup2

We want to save our money for the World so this is always our choice. We run our generator and just crawl into bed. :banana: No getting out and setting anything up.:goodvibes

:disrocks:

[TheGreatGonzo]

We need 2 nights stay over at either Walmart or Flying J. I have the book on Walmart but can someone tell me where the Flying J's are.

We travel on 95. Any suggestions, Thanks:cool1::cool1::cool1:
You can find a list of all Flying-J's on this website
http://www.flyingj.com/flyingjPortalWebProject/flyingjPortal.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=flyingjPortal_portal_page_61

[BradyBz12]

Interestingly, DH and I were just having the Walmart discussion yesterday. We usually make 2 WM stops on the way, but this year our 2nd stop will be Halloween night, and I admit I'm nervous about being in a parking lot (even a well lit one) when the loonies are out and about. Which, given that Halloween is a Saturday..... :scared1:

We just found out that we have the ability to leave a night early, so I think this year we're just going to park at my uncle's for a couple of nights instead. He lives about 45 mins South of WDW, so it's a bit more driving, but it also gives us a chance to visit and only a 45 min. drive to FW the morning of our check in.

So, while normally I have no problem/concerns with boondocking at WalMart based on our past experiences, I'm not totally oblivious to the chances we may be taking when we do that.

[motherwild]

There is a walmartrving group on yahoo you could check out.
There is a list of Walmarts that don't allow over night parking. Flying J and Cracker Barrel also have websites with loction info. I like Flying J we stay at the one in Latta SC. We have never been bothered when park. We have on occation had people asking for money while we were fueling. All sorts of sob stories.

[ftwildernessguy]

Our local Walmart is open 24 hours. If I need a vacation, I sometimes go and sack out on one of the futons. I always feel safe there.

[I'mDownWithDisney]

I prefer to pull into a truck stop for a few hours sleep. The sound of a big diesel at idle puts me right to sleep. Walmart tends to have too much traffic for me to rest very well. Either way, I try to stop at an area that looks halfway decent, but I don't rely on others for my safety either.

[guardwife66]

Our local Walmart is open 24 hours. If I need a vacation, I sometimes go and sack out on one of the futons. I always feel safe there.

Make sure you get some pillows from the household aisle. :rotfl2: Makes it quite comfy.

[Dirtslinger]

We usually stop at a FlyinJ late at night then leave early in the morning. We always fuel there too. Last year we took our time on the way down and just stopped at hotels because setting up the 5'er is harder than just taking in a bag when it is cold out. We now have a class A so it is back to the J on the way down. I've never done the walmart thing but have seen many there when we drive by. We have also stayed at a campground on the way to and from but that is usually a hassel to set up for one short night with the kids that are asleep anyway. So on this trip we will stop somewhere before Atlanta and on the way home we will go straight home like last year.

[dtum]

Have to agree with Shan-man. We prefer pulling into a campground. Usually plan on arriving between 5-6 p.m. if possible so we can relax, hook up power and watch some TV :-) That said, we never leave after work. DH tends to fall asleep driving so it's safer to get up at 4 a.m. and leave. We get up early to go to work so it's not a big deal to get up early and drive. Leaving after work would also put us someplace in WV when we need to stop and there aren't many place (none) on the WV turnpike. That's just us thougho--to each their own.

[Shan-man]

I have a hard time driving at night as well... plus with our old rig it is risky to drive at hours where roadside assistance is not readily available. Which means we prefer to not be on the road on holidays and Sundays either. Early departure is much easier for us as well.

http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w359/SLSettles/Web%20Graphics/ShantaClausSm.png

[Carousel_OF_Disney]

I have stayed at more Rest Areas and enough WalMarts than I care to count.

Coming South from Louisville - the first rest area past the city IS GREAT. Good lighting and since it's so close to the city oddly - light traffic. The second one is dark and usually lots of people pulling in. After that I think is the state line.

Nashville - Priceline always has deals for Airport area hotels, bidding $22-$25 (plus fees) - we usually get a hotel.

The Georgia/TN State line rest areas have always been great for sleeping either direction.

Going South on I-75 - I think you go from Rome, GA to just past Forsyth, GA without a rest area, but I love that one as it's right at the I-475 bypass around Macon. (75 miles or so South of Atlanta).

Saw someone mention Perry, GA. Heard yesterday on a radio loop (1610 Am) the great stuff they offer. Will have to start making this part of my stops.
"The Welcome Center is a modern, comfortable facility that many traveler's have made their routine place to stop through the years. You are always greeted with southern hospitality and a friendly smile at the Perry Welcome Center! Visitors enjoy the amenities of our beautiful facility including:

• Free Coffee
• Clean restrooms
• TV/Theater room for viewing the weather channel or the latest news
• Picnic pavilion
• Dump station for RVs
• Free Georgia Maps
• A fenced dog park
• and plenty of helpful travel information" --**Radio said free WIRELESS TOO
From the North:
Take Exit 135. Turn left at the end of the exit ramp. Travel to the first traffic light and turn right. Travel about a 1⁄4 mile and the welcome center will be located on your right just past the Red Carpet Inn.



The Georiga I-75 rest area's are fine. Nothing special.

Valdosta has a great Wal-Mart that we slept in recently. It also has a Sam's Club. Either of the two main exits in Valdosta will get you to it as you can see it from the Interstate.

After that it's only another 15 miles to the Florida Welcome Center.

Next rest area is just past Lake City. Next is just past Gainesville, Next is just past Ocala and lastly just after you get onto the Turnpike.

ALL the FLORIDA rest area's have NIGHT TIME SECURITY. So I usually prefer to utilize those vs WalMart for faster moving after waking up and less noise.

If you're on the turnpike and want to avoid a couple of tolls and drive around to Disney, you can exit US -27 ($1.25) - towards Kissimmee. The first WalMart I think is no over night parking. BUT THE second one (20 miles off the turnpike) is great. Very quite and right on the corner of US-27 & 192. About 7 miles to Disney. I like this one for stocking up on supplies. Plus on 192 you still pass 1 - Publix, 1 NEW Super Target - 1 Winn Dixie and lots of other food places for anything else you may need.

Going South on 192 past Disney and I-4 you'll find another WalMart about 7 miles towards Kissimmee. THIS IS NO OVER NIGHT PARKING, which is a shame since it has non-stop moving security.

I-4 - On the East coast side of Disney/Orlando (30 miles I'd say) is a decent rest area. I really like the rest area on the West coast side of Disney/Orlando. Plus you have a Love's truck stop nearby. We use this one when leaving Disney area late at night, but too tired to drive to Tampa.

I-95 S / I-295 junction- just past Jacksonville is a very busy rest area, but sometimes it has to do. Big truck stop 1/2 at the next exit too.

If you can go past St. Augustine we really like that rest area. Nothing between that and the one before Orlando if going to Disney.

---

While I'm at it - The cheapest Regular Gas (stations and truck stops) between downtown Atlanta and Florida are as follows. I-475 Exit 3 - several regular gas stations ($2.08 as of 10/1).
I-75 South Exit - 5 - Speedway Truck Stop ($2.14 as of 10/1) - which I use for cheap gas and showers, but recent prices the past year have been cheaper at Exit 2 - Flying J ($2.19 on 10/1).

Make sure to fill up before crossing into Florida, no matter how you enter. Prices for miles into FL / exiting FL are much higher.

Exit 350 in Ocala - Racetrac has been the best after crossing into Florida on I-75 South. But several Truck Stops past that have been good too ($2.27) lately.

The HESS in the Magic Kingdom parking lot next to the R.Petty Speedway has been a decent enough price my last few trips as well. Plus they are open 24 hour, full pizza, fries, burgers, subs, dogs etc fresh food too.

The Racetrac just South of I-4 and 192 towards Old Towne/Kissimmee is the best in the area though ($2.26 on 10/1).

[YorkieMom]

Can you park overnight at the Florida Rest Areas ?

[BradyBz12]

None of the rest areas we've ever stopped at along I95 allow overnight parking. Not sure about other areas of FL.

[ftwildernessguy]

The Florida welcome center at the Georgia border is always packed all night with RV's and trucks.

[laura-k]

we drive about 26-30 hours so we usually leave around 11.00 on Wednesday (got to get that half day of school ) pick up Grandma and are on the way about noonish -I usually eat something around 5 or 6 and try to go sleep -my husband drives to around Effingham, IL or a little further then I drive us overnight to somewhere before Atlanta by that time it is morning and the traffic is bad so I stop go get my truck stop coffee and donut, sit shotgun awhile and off to sleep and sometime weather being ok the night before we arrive around 4 to FW !
When we stop and fuel we usually take our time or eat but usually we like to keep moving -hey more time at the world ! -When I stop at night it is usually at a flying J or really big bright truck stop to gas up and stretch -

[becky1960]

Not all Florida Rest stops have Security, we stop at some that dont, and we have stopped at these for more years than I can count..

[Carousel_OF_Disney]

You can stay at many of the Florida rest areas.

They will have a sign at the front as you exit that says - 24 hr security or Night Time Security. I don't know of any that don't have security between GA and Disney on 75 or 95 South.

The heavily traveled ones have FL State Troopers for security.

The states website says they all have security.

--The ones with welcome centers and the turnpike turkey lake center all have 15 min. of free wifi (per laptop) now too.

[I'mDownWithDisney]

I emailed the Perry Ga Welcome Center to verify that they allow overnight parking and got this response.


I’m sorry for the delayed response but you are welcome to make a one night overnight parking stop here at the welcome center. Please let us know if you have any questions.


Looks like we will be stopping here on the way down. I normally stop in this general area anyway.

[wmah]

When I bought my van, I bought it intending to use it for overnight stops while traveling from place to place. When I get to the place I am going to I use a hotel as the van is simply a cargo van with a bed in the back and an air conditioner in the back window and I do use it as an rv.

I haven't taken it to Florida yet but I intend to use either truck stops or rest areas. I have gone to California with it and I did use truck stops and rest areas. I have nothing against walmart lots but it can be a bit of a pain to use a restroom that I don't have in the van and when the store is closed. And yes I would buy something there as a thank you for letting me stay. I do that at truck stops.

On my last trip to Florida using the truck I did stay in a hotel parking lot for a few hours of sleep. I picked one that seemed to have a lot of people staying at. I'm not sure if an actual rv would get away with it or not. hardest part there was trying to sleep sitting up which is why I bought the van.

I say limited space cause friend has her power chair with her and it takes up a good amount of space, and the chair is another reason I like using rest areas and truck stops as I know the rest rooms will be better set up for her. I still see a lot of campgrounds that are not friendly for wheelchair users.