Alternative camping spots verses campgrounds

[WaltP]

My first choice is Cracker Barrel. Some even designate RV parking areas, and breakfast is just out the door.

Walt

[Byron Kinnaman]

There was some comment earlier about "no free lunch" and attempting to chastise people for using places other than campgrounds. My response to that is I have paid for rest areas with gas tax. I've paid for Walmart parking by shopping at Walmart. I pay my way at truck stops by eating a meal at the truck stop restaurant. I pay my way at a gas station by purchasing gas.
Therefore is makes no sense to pay again to support some campground or another when most overcharge to begin with.

I calculated what it would have cost me in camping fees above gas, groceries, and meals if I had stayed in campground this past winter trip. 5 nights on the road, the a week at Padre Island "campground". 3 nights to New Orleans, then at bayou Signet campground for a week. 4 nights back to Oregon Pipe Cactus in AZ then 20 days there. Eventually getting to Death Valley after a few Days in Lake Mead Recreational Area. From Death Valley 1 night on the way home. If I had of stayed in those RV Parks/Resorts it would have cost me 13 nights at average of about $40.00 per night. $520.00 even at have that price it be $260 that's a lot of gas.

[Glenn Baglo]

If I had to camp in Walmart parking lots to save $520, I'd sell the trailer and save even more in gas.

[M_C]

The following link list has a filter for free camping, campendium.com.

[Byron Kinnaman]

Originally Posted by Glenn Baglo

If I had to camp in Walmart parking lots to save $520, I'd sell the trailer and save even more in gas.

Why don't you just send me that 520 dollars since you seem to have money to throw around.

[Glenn Baglo]

No money to throw around, but I'd rather stay home.
You won't find me in one of those RV Resort / Parking Lots either.

[Cathi]

Our latest five weeks cost us about $330 in camping fees. Approx two weeks in off-peak at Army Corps for $6/night with senior card, approx two weeks in-season for $10/night ACE with senior card, one week private campgrounds $15 per night (half price weekdays only with Passport America membership) and one Walmart when we never did find the campground we thought we were going to. (spent about $70 there, mostly food)

[BillE]

LOL...well Glennie boy..send me your cash...

[Glenn Baglo]

Sure. Just post your address, phone and bank account.
I'll send all my spare cash.

[Mike Magee]

I'm not much of a parking-lot overnighter; that's my last choice. Yet I will look for an inexpensive CG or, better yet, a free boondock spot. An example of the latter is the Felt, OK picnic site in the Rita Blanca National Grassland where I overnighted on my way to the Rockies... it was peaceful, quiet, and somewhat scenic, and I had the place all to myself. I'll pick that sort of place any time I can find one.

[Darwin Maring]

Alternate camping, did that for 20+ years in the Army. Now want clean, protected, fun camping.

[WaltP]

We've got the typical wide variety of camping styles showing up here. that's one of the great features of good RV forums like this one, even if the same points keep cropping up.
On my longer trips I often just need to get there on time and need quick overnight sleeping spots and then back on the road.
When that's the case I want something close to the interstate and don't need to unhitch or hookup to water/electric. Why would I choose to wander out in the country and spend $30-$40?
On other trips, if I have the time to spend at each stop and explore the countryside, that's a totally different matter.

Walt