Spending the night at a Truck Stop?

[DonnaD]

We're planning a trip in August and we were hoping to stop for the night in a state park in Southern Delaware. We just found out there's a 2 night minimum stay there. My husband doesn't like the idea of staying in a Walmart. Has anyone stayed at one of these truck stops? I'm looking at one off Rt 13 in Laurel DE called Oasis Travel Plaza. It says they have overnight parking. Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?

[Bob Landry]

I've stayed in many of them while traveling. Some have designated parking for RVs. I think they are probably a bit safer than roadside parks and rest stops.

[norty1]

Take ear plugs. They might mute the sound of trucks running and parking. I would look some more.

[Doug]

Originally Posted by Bob Landry

I've stayed in many of them while traveling. Some have designated parking for RVs. I think they are probably a bit safer than roadside parks and rest stops.

X2

[DocBrown]

Its a crap shoot. Some are fine, others, well no way. Same for rest stops and Walmarts. If you pull in and things don't "feel" right, go with your gut and stay somewhere else.

[Jcatone]

How much is the spot? Maybe the extra 30 bucks is worth paying for 2 nights and staying for one if you’re not comfortable in parking lots..

[greenenvy1]

Spend many nights in truck stops while transporting RVs. And yes earplugs are a must. In 7 months I've yet to have an issue with any drivers. But again if it looks shady move on...the TA in Lake Station, In makes my skin crawl lol

[FPM III]

Just down US-13 in Delmar MD is Woodlawn Campground. I can't tell you anything about it, but here's the address and telephone number. It doesn't sound like anything fancy.

1209 Walnut Street
Delmar, MD 21875

(410) 896-2979

Here's what RV Park Reviews had to say about them.

http://www.campgroundreviews.com/regions...nd/Delmar.html

Good Luck!

[J.Lockhart]

Originally Posted by greenenvy1

...the TA in Lake Station, In makes my skin crawl lol

I agree. IF you manage not to lose your truck, trailer, and life falling into one of the many chasms they refer to a "pot holes" in that parking lot. It's like the NW Indiana version of the Grand Canyon out there.

Save yourself. Avoid NW Indiana altogether...

[DonnaD]

Thanks for all the responses/suggestions! We're seriously thinking of taking "Jcatone's" idea of just paying for the two nights. So I went back on the State Park web site and saw something I hadn't seen before. If you book within 14 days of your arrival date, you can book a one night stay! Of course, you risk the place being all filled up, but at this point, it's wide open. I think we'll keep checking it every few days- if it starts filling up, we'll book the two nights. Otherwise, we'll just wait and book 1 night when it gets closer ☺

[Donr827]

If the truck stop has limited parking area I will not take a parking spot that a trucker might need later on in the evening. I can find a cg where the truck driver can not.
Don

[RoyBraddy]

I spent one night once in ALA somewhere at a truck stop... Very noisy with trucks coming and going. The diesel trucks like to stay idling all night as well otherwise they may hard to start the next morning... I also don't think the truckers like the idea of "civilians" parking in their spots

We also had trouble with "LOT LIZARDS"... Came knocking on the doors all night long... You'd think they would know a RV was a family thing... This happens at WALMARTs as well hehe...

just my thoughts
Roy Ken

[TeamFoxy]

When we are traveling, we generally fire up the computer or the I-phone at our lunch stop and look for a KOA or Good Sam campground in the vicinity of where we will wind up being at the end of the day. The we call ahead and reserve a spot for the night. Always works out except on a 3 day holiday weekend.

[DonnaD]

I had to google "lot lizard". OMG! Unbelievable! That's creepy.

[villain2000]

We have a similar trip planned, but we are going to try Walmart for the first time. Called the one in Denton, MD and was told we would be welcome to park there. It's a little over an hour from Rehoboth Beach. Juts my .o2, but I wold think a Walmart would be better than a truck stop. Looking forward to the adventure.

[norty1]

Originally Posted by DonnaD

I had to google "lot lizard". OMG! Unbelievable! That's creepy.

Me too! I thought it was a used car salesman. HaHa

[Bassdogs]

Your husband needs to rethink the Walmart thing. Have overnighted in many while on the road to a vacation destination. Have never been turned away or harrassed in any way. In fact have always felt welcome by the staff. Walmart is very RV friendly and its not out of the kindness of their hearts. Rather its about their desire to sell you stuff while you're there. Have never failed to spend at least $100. We generally leave home with minimal groceries and perishables. The last nite on the road, we hit the Walmart market and stock up on what we need.

Just find a level area somewhere on the outer edges of the parking lot. Look for other RV's as by an hour before sundown there are usually 2 or more already set up. The parking lots are well lit, covered by security camera's and often have roving security personnel. You are safer than in a truck stop and can shop for the things you need without having to make an extra stop the next day. My favorite spot at Walmart is somewhere near the outdoor garden stuff. Usually an area is cleared out for landscaping materials and such. Pretty quiet over there after dark.

[mikmurphy]

in TX, many small towns have city parks that are set up to host RVs overnight, usually at no cost. Amenities vary; but they are usually quiet and a fine place for a quick overnight. You may have to put up with kids playing basketball 'til all hours, though, that might be a consideration when scoping one out. We haven't traveled outside of TX enough to get a feel for how other communities do it, though.

[Denise]

We've done truck stops, Walmarts, as well as a few other rv friendly overnight spots over the years. Pro's and cons as mentioned in posts above, but always remember to double check with the manager/customer service person ahead of time for instructions on where to park as many have preferences on where you do so (some WM's it's obvious.... but when you're the first to arrive and pick the wrong area, there may be a security person on duty who'll knock on your door and direct you to the rv area ). When we have stayed at places other than a WM and it's not obvious where to park, we always check in with the staff. Here's a great website to help you locate rv friendly truck stops, WM's, etc. http://www.allstays.com/c/wal-mart-locations-map.htm Happy travels

[cekkk]

Originally Posted by healthi

Here's a great website to help you locate rv friendly truck stops, WM's, etc. http://www.allstays.com/c/wal-mart-locations-map.htm Happy travels

That's a keeper, thanks!