pilgrim's progress
Beautiful southeastern Ohio
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I read in a very recent trailering publication (the name of which I don't recall nor can I find the publication)that an attorney has stated that, "...unless posted otherwise, any parking lot can be utilized for overnight parking by an RV." I'm wondering if anyone else read the article, where it was published and what your thoughts might be on such a statement. Being new at trailering, one of our concerns is where do we go if our plans change and we find outselves in a strange town/city/area with no campground? Or if we cannot make our planned destination for the night and have to stay elsewhere? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you very much.
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Bobbo
Memphis, TN
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I'm not a lawyer, don't play one on TV, nor did I stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night, but I think some good old common sense is in order here.
There are 2 types of parking lots, public and private. Public are the ones owned by the city/county/state/US. Private are lots owned by individuals or corporations. And no, a major store's parking lot is NOT a public lot, it is a private lot.
For the public lots, you are a member of the public so you have SOME rights, but still have to follow any rules the government set in place.
For the private lots, including Walmart, remember they are like your driveway at home, privately owned. Would you want someone to pull into your driveway and boondock overnight without asking? Anything out of the ordinary course of events for the store needs to be cleared with management on the front end.
Bobbo, Linda and the furry kid (German Shepherd)
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Gale Hawkins
Murray, KY
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Reed we have found by asking we most often get to stay were we are at when we park. At 32' and no toad we really fit quite well which helps. After a couple times we learned at WM if you will park where the trucks park you will not be asked to repark when you tell them were you are parked.
Over the last year we have been out over night for a total equal to a couple weeks and have stated a total of one night in a CG. It was in Nov and the place the Cub Scout leader selected. We were one of three RV's in a CG with over 50 spots. 
I think having kids helps some and our old rig does not have flowers, etc painted all over it.
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whimstock
North Texas
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Nicely explained, Bobbo.
I could use an example of a "public" parking lot where parking would be allowed. All the ones I can think of are private property of some kind, or government controlled.  I really don't think overnight parking would be tolerated, say, at the Post Office.
My thought would be to assume overnight parking is not allowed, unless you ask...or unless you have already checked the WalMart directory or books available at freecampgrounds.com.
Happy and Jeanie
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trnfla
Tampa
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I believe it was a letter to the editor in July 2008 good sam magazine that talked about this subject.
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pilgrim's progress
Beautiful southeastern Ohio
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Aha..........here is a synopsis of what the letter said about parking overnight. "Know Your Parking Rights
As a lawyer and RVer, I’d like to put to rest the notion that overnight parking is illegal, as suggested by previous letters in Highways. It isn’t. Parking areas generally accessible to the public are part of the public domain, except as specifically restricted by notice or ordinance. Simply put, if there are no signs, it’s OK to park—even overnight.
If there’s an ordinance restriction unknown to you, 999 out of 1,000 officers would only ask—or, at worst, tell—you to move.
We’ve camped at churches, schools, libraries, hospitals, motels, professional plazas, strip malls and, yes, even Wal-Marts. Of course, you just park. You don’t roll out the awnings and beach chairs. Use good judgment and relax.
Joseph G. Aprea, Melbourne Beach, Florida"
That's the article (letter to the editor) I had remembered reading. Any additional comments???
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Texlawdawg718
Longview, Texas
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We have never done it, but plan on stopping by ole Wally World for a little sleep soon. I think I will find the manager while I am inside getting some groceries and ask his permission.
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beemerphile1
NE Ohio
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The "public domain" philosophy is what I go by. Lots are considered public domain if it is an area where the public is invited to park, such as a retail store or business. This would not apply for a business that is not open to the public, and the parking is for employees, etc. Another key is "if not otherwise posted".
If there is an authority figure available, I will ask. If not, I will park. Pull in late, pull out early and no problems are likely.
Tim
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wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
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However do bear in mind that if you park so as to block traffic in the lot, or interfere with the normal conduct of business... You may be asked to move.
First: If asked to move.. Move
Second, I like to favor the less "popular" portions of the lot (IE: the side of the lot that's a quarter mile from the store)
And finally in several cities and a couple of states our forum sponsors, in concert with others, have lobbied the government to pass laws NO OVERNIGHT PARKING, type laws. In these cases.. There should be signs.
NOTE: in the case of blocking the lot, it need not be overnight. I recall one St. Pratick's Day when a local radio station set up their remote at a local pub which was passing out free food to the drinkers there in the morning.
When the neighboring businessmen came in to work, and had to park some distance from their own parking lots.. They called cops and tow trucks and cleared their lots. Well... One term for someone who has spent a bit too much at Patty's Bar is "Pissed" and many a patron was, even if he was stone sober.
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
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txtowman
central texas
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well that lawyer is definitely mistaken about parking in any city near disney in florida. they all have ordinances that prohibit sleeping in any vehicle(including RV's and big trucks) unless in an RV park, or truck stop with designated parking. this is personal experience. in a big truck and an RV.
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