First time rookie question

[craest]

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Hi
Okay, this is our first time renting an RV and we're heading to Julian and Borrego Springs, Ca. Don't worry it's less than 2 hours away.2 adults one teen no pets.Here's the rookie part.Can we just park some where off the road over night ? I don't see RV's scattered about so I'm guessing you can't. Where can I find out the basic rules/laws reguarding this? Or can someone fill me in.

Thanks...oh...talk about rookie, we're leaving over Thanksgiving.

[murffdog]

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Hi
Okay, this is our first time renting an RV and we're heading to Julian and Borrego Springs, Ca. Don't worry it's less than 2 hours away.2 adults one teen no pets.Here's the rookie part.Can we just park some where off the road over night ? I don't see RV's scattered about so I'm guessing you can't. Where can I find out the basic rules/laws reguarding this? Or can someone fill me in.

Thanks...oh...talk about rookie, we're leaving over Thanksgiving.

A little confusing, if it's only 2 hours away, why stay overnight along the road? I've been on the road for many years, if I travel to FL or wherever, I will stop over at a Wal-Mart, Home Depot, etc.. Rest stops can be dangerous, always stay with others.

[geothom]

it has been some time since we have been to anza borrego, but the last time we were there you could park an rv anywhere in the preserve. you might try to contact the national park service in borrego springs. they have a very fine facility there. we are in glendora, ca & would be interested in where you are located

[geothom]

correction to my last post, anza borrego is a state park, not national. you can check with them about rv parking at (760) 767-3052 or (760) 767-3098 hope this helps

[craest]

Wow
Thanks to you both for your posts.
Murffdog,
I understand why I got you confused. I guess I just wanted to know that if campgrounds are full, where I'm heading, can I just park/camp somewhere for a day or two. There are no Wal-Marts, etc. in the area.Thanks for your safety warning.

Geothom,
We are from Cardiff-by-the-Sea,Ca.We love the beach but felt the need for change. You were right about being able to park anywhere in the preserve at no charge. ;) The phone numbers you gave me were helpful and put me in touch with a helpful woman at the nature preserve.She gave me the number of the visitor center(760-767-4205) and they were happy to answer all my questions. They are even open on Thanksgiving!

[highpockets]

No, you can't just park it anywhere. But there are places that you can stay for free. Large Malls (lg parking areas), but be sure to check with the business. Flying J and some other truck stops are RV friendly. Ask the local law inforcement for advice, some times there are city parks for overinighters. Hopefully this will give you some ideas.

I know it's after T/G, but this is for anyone else that might be reading.

One other thing, not all Wal-marts are RV friendly. They do sell a book, listing all of the stores that do & don't allow over night parking.

Happy RVing... d:^)

[edjhill]

Concerning the WalMart's, in most cases where they won't allow you to park overnight, it's because of a city ordinance banning it. WalMart, itself, has an RV-friendly policy.

In some cases, they've put up signs putting a limit on how long you can stay because some knuckleheads were setting up their own little campsite in the WalMart parking lot and staying for days at a time!

Concerning other parking - if I am just stopping for a few hours to rest up, I'm quite concerned about safety and security. I like to stop at Flying J truck stops because they have a parking area right up front for RV's AND there's almost always someone driving in or out. The chances of getting robbed are a lot lower than parking in a dark area away from everyone else.

I have pulled into a rest stop at night with the intent of getting some sleep BUT, when I saw some young guys walking around looking at other vehicles, I decided I wasn't THAT tired!

So, if you're just pulling over to take a nap, most any parking lot will be OK as long as you park off to the side out of the way. The problem comes if you stay there at night. Then, you need to ask the manager if it's OK.

Just use some common sense and courtesy and you'll be OK.

Ed Hill
www.enjoyrvtravel.com