Urban and Suburban Camping

Urban Camping or even Suburban Camping sounds like some sort of oxymoron, yet some people find it appealing. A familiar version of urban camping is the "tailgate party", where you gather with your family and/or friends in the parking lot of a sporting event for refreshments, usually before and sometimes after the game.   Sometimes folks will stay in their RVs and watch the game on TV since camera coverage is often better than what you can see from the stands.   Sometimes you can arrive early and camp overnight to get a good spot.  Such activities are strictly regulated by the owners of the facilities and local ordinances, so don't assume you can just set up camp in any parking lot.   Check with the facility staff beforehand.  Most places allow pre-game tailgate parties but over-night camping is often prohibited. You might "tailgate" out of the back of your SUV, pickup or station wagon, or, for more comfort and convenience, use an RV.  There may be fire and alcohol restrictions, so be sure to check the rules. Breaking the rules can produce a quick exit with a police escort and impounding of your vehicle!

Developed Campgrounds are sometimes located in urban or at least suburban areas.  Staying in a commercial campground usually offers amenities you may not find in primitive forest, beach, or desert locations.  Some can be pretty fancy resorts, with lots of luxury services.  Commercial campgrounds usually have a camp store where you can purchase basic provisions and camping supplies.  Many have hot showers and full restrooms.   Most will have a picnic table and fire pit at each site.  Some have club houses with various indoor and outdoor games.  In some locations there are urban campgrounds located near popular attractions such as theme parks, museums, stadiums, and theaters, so they make appealing base camps for a variety of activities.  These locations are typically booked far in advance, so don't plan on dropping in and getting a spot.  There is usually pretty good access to shopping fairly close to many urban or suburban campgrounds, making it easy to stock up on forgotten or depleted supplies.

Walmart camping. Have you ever noticed the plethora of RVs in the Walmart parking lot?  That is because Walmart has a reputation as being RV friendly.   I've even seen Walmart billboards that show a travel trailer connected to a shopping cart.  However, not all Walmarts permit over night parking.  Call the store or stop in and chat with a manager to be sure.   Camping may be restricted by local ordinances or at the discretion of the manager.   Don't just assume because there are some rigs in the parking lot that over night parking is allowed.  They may only have stopped to do some shopping.  A Walmart parking lot can be a safe refuge for a fatigued driver to pull over and get some much-needed rest.   If you find yourself in that situation, be a good camper.  Park away from the store entrance so you don't inconvenience others shoppers and take up as few parking spaces as possible.  If there are already other RVs in the lot, park fairly close to them so you don't monopolize customer parking spaces.  Make sure you keep the area around your vehicle clean and free from spilled sewage.  And patronize the store -- you can buy almost anything you need at Walmart.   If you don't have any immediate needs, take inventory of your provisions and stock up on things you may be running low on.   Most Walmart stores have a fairly good stock of common RV supplies.   It will make the rest of your trip more convenient and it will help encourage Walmart to continue their RV friendly attitude.   You can almost always be sure Walmart prices will be lower than you'll find in campgrounds and remote communities.   Minimize the use of your generator and don't run your outside entertainment systems at loud volumes.   And don't overstay your welcome.  Overnight is usually OK. A day or two might be OK if you're having mechanical or medical problems.   For anything else, find a campground.  The Walmart manager may not complain, but local businesses and residents may and you may invite a visit from local law enforcement.   Restrictions may be imposed by local ordinances so don't blame Walmart or the manager if you can't stay as long as you want in a particular location.

Some other businesses, such as Cracker Barrel Restaurants, also cater to RVers.  However, it isn't acceptable in all places so it is a good idea to call ahead or stop by and ask the manager's permission before settling in for the night.   In some places local ordinances prohibit any overnight parking.   In others the specific establishment might have a no overnight parking policy for reasons that are very valid.   Many, but not all, Cracker Barrel restaurants have designated 40' parking spaces for RVs and trucks.   However overnight parking may not always be permitted even where there are long spaces for large vehicles.

Visiting friends and relatives. One nice thing about having an RV is it gives you a familiar and comfortable place to stay when visiting friends and relatives.   Just be aware of the impact your over-size vehicle may have on local traffic and make sure you comply with local ordinances.  Many cities have laws prohibiting or restricting parking RVs on the street or even on private property.  Some places have a limit on how many days an RV can be parked on the street so find out BEFORE you get ticketed or towed!   Most places I'm aware of allow at least 2-3 days of RV parking in residential areas, so long as they don't create a traffic hazard.  If it is legal, be considerate of the neighbors.   Avoid running your generator or vehicle engine when it would disturb them or turning on lights that might be offensive.  If you run power make sure the cord doesn't pose a tripping hazard for pedestrians,  And, of course, keep any audio systems at a reasonable level.  That's reasonable to your neighbors, not to you!

Rest areas.  Many freeway rest areas prohibit overnight camping, but most will still accommodate you stopping to get a few hours rest.  Some have areas designated specifically for RVs.   If not, you should park with the truckers.   Avoid taking up a bunch of regular car parking places just to get closer to the restrooms or picnic tables and NEVER block any roadways, driveways, or gates.  Don't drag out a bunch of camping gear and set up camp.  Keep it contained and you shouldn't get any negative feedback from local law enforcement.   In fact, most of them will be glad you're taking time to get some needed rest instead of pushing on and creating a traffic hazard.

Backyard or driveway camping.  Sometimes you may find it useful to camp in your own yard.   It is a good way to try out new equipment and to get used to a camping environment if you're new to the sport.   Setting up or even parking your RV in your own driveway may be restricted by local laws or CCRs for your property, so be sure to check that out before doing it.   Setting up your tent in your back yard is a good way to become familiar with how to do it and to get used to sleeping in a tent so you'll be comfortable when you do "really" go camping.

If you live in a high density urban area your options may be more limited.  High rise apartments seldom have places you can set up a tent or park an RV.   In some communities there may be city parks you can use, but camping is usually not allowed in city parks.  You may be able practice setting up your tent in your living room or in the parking lot and, if you have a balcony or patio you may be able to try out your camp stove or BBQ.   Just be sure to check with your manager first.   You don't want someone calling the fire department because of your campstove or BBQ!

Be sensible!