A few weeks ago we wrote a story about Love’s adding overnight RV spaces to their truck stops across the country. The story was one of our most popular ever. What does that mean? It means we need more places to stay overnight in our RVs, perhaps even last-minute. We’re talking about a night or two on our way from Point A to Point B. Will others follow suit?
What about Walmart? Cabela’s? Target? Home Depot? Sam’s Club? Most have huge parking lots that seldom fill. Wouldn’t it make sense to set aside one area, with a number of electrical pedestals to accommodate RVs! We’re not talking about “camping” here: We’re talking about stopping long enough to eat, grab some sleep and then head on.
For the sake of today’s poll, let’s look at Cabela’s. Would you pay $20 to stay overnight in a Cabela’s parking area with 30- or 50-amp electricity?
Please leave a comment explaining your answer. This should be interesting.
Yes, but only if it was the only option around.
Depends on the weather. If its going to be hot, I’d gladly pay $20.00 to get a good nights sleep in comfort. And DW could watch a little TV before bed. I could even save some propane by letting the fridge switch over, and cook in the electric skillet.
Save some of the more ‘primitive’ camping for more temperate days.
My thoughts exactly! I could do the winter without electric, but come the hot nights, nope!
Got a class b with enough solar and battery power not to need overnight plug ins.
We’ve stayed at Cabela’s several times in the past, but since we have lots of solar & battery capacity, I would not pay $20 to stay there. There are thousands of free campsites or boondocking areas available around the country, even in Florida, where most rvers think there is no free camping. We’ve spent the last month wandering in Florida, where we stayed for free or less than $20 every night, except for 2 nights in the Keys.
First off, it is still a parking lot! If I am to pay, it would be at a PassPort America park, where for at least that price I have not only electric, but water and a dump with a laundry available if needed! We also enjoy Boondockers Welcome sites and we are Thousand Trails members and have used them extensively. We also stay at Cracker Barrels, where we can wake up and get a good breakfast. Just saying!
$10 maybe as I am only using electricity and the space is not being used. I have yet to see any Cabela’s on my travels and would not go out of my way to find one. I also don’t want to spend a night at a Wal-Mart parking lot either, the asphalt jungle is not for me.
We have stayed at several Cabela’s in the past because they are safe, quiet, & conveniently located. We have also stayed overnight at a couple of the Ohio Turnpike rest areas that have RV sites ($20 last we checked) with power available, so I see no reason why we wouldn’t take advantage of this.
“Just-The-Night.”
This is a great idea, but, many of these places including Cabelas are not always easy access. It would not be fun to fight rush hour traffic, numerous red-light etc just to get a $20.00 spot. Depends on where it is located off my main route.
My feeling is yes. But it should be refunded if you shop at the store and spend at least that much on merchandise, which is not hard to do.
There are 8 service plazas on the Ohio Turnpike that have overnight RV parking that charge $20 for electric. Plus they have potable water and dump station available .
Restrooms, showers and a hot meal (?).
Our Class B Embassy RV has a 920 amp battery system, so unless we want long showers or private bathrooms, we really don’t need to pay to stay somewhere just for a hookup. I can definitely see an advantage for other motorhomes though. Many RV parks are now running around $35 and up, so a cheaper alternative may be in order.
YES!
What a BARGAIN.
Anyone with a 50 Amp hookup on their RV could easily use $20 worth of Cabella’s electricity in one day in the hot Summer months with their A/C running at full blast along with all the other modern electrical items that have been installed in RV’s over the last 5 years.
I would if i need to sleep. Am not going out of my way just to stop there and sleep. I like the idea if i spend money in the store and i get a rebate..
Yes I would. That is reasonable enough. I would take a fast look around the store too.
My issue would be spending way too much in store. But I’d do a night.
Already have at the Sydney, Nebraska world headquarters. Right off Route 80 and I “stumbled” upon it when it needed it most on the return leg of a cross country trip. The real question is was I RVing or even camping – inquiring minds want to know.
I agree with the concept of getting a refund if you spend at least a fair amount in the store. It would be another take on the Harvest Host game plan.
What a great concept! Love it when we are traveling to and from our winter homes. I hope this idea spreads to other businesses.
Why would I spend $20 just to have shore power for ONE night when I can stay for free NOW at any Cabela’s. If needed, I would spend the $20 or more inside the store and get something of value. If I need power, I fire up my 10KW generator.
Not ANY Cabelas. We stayed often at the one in Mitchel, SD. No more overnighting at that location for a couple of years now. Not sure how much that has spread to other locations.
But, I’d pay $20 for 50amp shore power vs running the genny all night to have AC. If you figure a 1/2 gallon of diesel per hour for 8 hours, that’s four gallons. For a few extra $ I’ll dispense with the noise for good shore power.
$20.00 for 50 amp would be very fair fee. However, Cabela’s and even Bass Pro Shops are often not conveniently located.
I would like to see our “Interstate” rest areas/weigh stations utilized (similar to the Ohio Turnpike) for overnight (pull-through) parking w/50 amp service. Not a “campground” but a safe, level, parking area for the night.
I’d only stay if it was on my route to my destination.
I have to tell you how much I enjoyed your Easter present . I got emotional when you talked about homeless. They’re so many people that need help right now . I am proud to be apart of a group that helps others thank you for making my Easter Sunday be even better .
Electric is the one hookup we really rely on, especially in hot weather. We like to be comfortable, but we don’t want to “cook” the dogs. With so many tightly packed RV parks charging $50-90, and us only staying in most as an overnight stop, I’d much rather pay $20 for the only service we “need”.
We stayed at Cabelas in Sidney Nebraska a few weeks ago. $36. For 50 amp w/out any discounts. That was the least expensive site. If you want water and a table it was about $5 more plus tax.. According to Overnightparking.com most Cabelas and Bass Pro no longer allow overnight parking in the parking lot. We found the one in Box Elder, SD to no longer allow overnight parking.
We stayed there last year too. Worked great!
Great idea, long as generator use is prohibited for those that just want to park for free.
Near a big city with no RV parks? Yes. If there were other alternatives, maybe.
Only if the weather was hot enough to require air conditioning.
I chose “yes,” but my real answer is “maybe.” It would depend on how urgently we need electric. If we do, then we probably would if we preferred that over running the generator. If we did not need electric or preferred to run the generator, then we would not. I am pretty confident that running the generator all night would NOT use $20 of fuel. So, after thought, I think that my default should be “no,” instead of “yes.”
I answered no, but, like most folks it is really a MAYBE. If I just needed enough power to run the microwave for dinner, then I can do that with my generator. However, if I’ve been driving 13 hours and need power because it is still 90F, or 23F outside, then yes, I would. We recently stopped at a Casino outside ABQ where we paid $21 for FHU overnight. We probably could have just stopped at a Walmart or a regular park, but we didn’t need to spend that much for a short stay, but it was cold outside (27F) so the use of 50A was worth it.
stopped staying at Walmart. Unfortunately, they have a lot of stores in areas that are not considered the safest. Rather than trying to guess which one I am at, I either stay in a campground or a Cabelas, like many of you depending on the conditions will determine where I stop. Too old to enjoy sweating like I did when I was young………….lol
Absolutely would do that! I always prefer a spot with an electrical outlet, and sometimes if I’m in a hurry to get to a destination, a quick stop w/ no other amenities would suit me fine!
Yes, I would pay that if there were not another option near by with full hook ups. Having 50amp means I can run my ACs which is the problem with most places you boondock.
sure.
Maybe would be my better answer. If that was my best stay over option available at the time, i would go for it
I have always preferred Cabela’s/Bass Pro over Walmart or other parking lots for overnight stays. That’s because they don’t get the semis or cars driving through like these other options. $20 for 50 amp on a hot evening is a plus just to run the ACs plus we’re all-electric so cooking and such is a plus. I’d use more than that in fuel running the generator.
Absolutely Some time you just need a low key place to hang out to recharge. Walmart might be free but not a particularly comfortable place to stay.
Yes…we did in Nebraska! Smallish, self pay, pick your site, camp ground. Worked perfectly for the night. It was Harvest time so lots of harvesters camped there too!
Yes!
Yep, definitely would pay to stay. We usually will spend some money at the Walmart, Cabela’s or wherever. Could be cheaper than the $200+ dollars I paid for a new pair of binoculars at Cabela’s.
I’d use it for emergency only. Even on Boondockers Welcome some hosts are asking for money for electricity if you want to have it. It’s only fair in these inflationary times.
YES!! I could make my coffee with ease. I wouldn’t have to drag out anything extra to get MY coffee and DH coffee.
Yes overnight it would be perfect. To run my c-pap and AC you bet. 60+ dollars a night gets old fast. I’m all for it. Love to shop there anyway.
I put down “yes” for an answer, but only if it was really cold or really hot that night. Why else would you NEED electric for one night?
100% YES! I don’t need to pay $60 at a real campground when I just need to stay one night during a long trip. The electric hookup would be an added bonus so my husband can run his cpap for a better night sleep and be fresh on the road the next morning.
Yes! We use Harvest Hosts a lot for overnight and $20 is their recommended spend amount. We have solar but no generator. If hot, being able to run the AC would be worth it.
Yes. No question, hard yes.
Yes, we have already used the Love’s RV sites. When going from point A to point B, some days we like to drive until we are tired with no set stop in mind. We run on solar with lithium but running the A/C when it is hot is nice.
Absolutely!
It would be great when traveling multiple days to use this option one night. My wife has COPD and we need electricity for her machine and AC when temperatures are warmer. She might even like to go shopping while we’re there. 👍👍
No need for the power but a quiet, safe place for the night. Instead of $20 fee ask to support the establishment, whatever it happens to be. May actually generate more money. I also feel, Loves is overpriced. I’m just overnighting, save the amenities for the destination.
Exactly, maybe if they let you stay overnight with the purchase of more than 20 or 30 dollars inside the store!!
Safety would be the #1 issue…having an area that is lighted. This would need to be in an area of the parking lot that is in plain site and is going to be monitored in some fashion. Also, as for payment…money spent at the host company lot should be factored in to the overnight cost.
Yes!!!
Yes, we’ve stopped at Cabela’s in Lacy, WA many times. Water and dump station available for a fee, free with shopping receipt from the store.
yes I think you should get free if buy. it has been a long itme but I stayed free at cabellas in a trip and spent 210 dollars in store. somehow probably less likely to do that if they still charged me the 20 or 30 dollars.
I have often said that I would pay a small fee to stay in a parking lot to get from point A to point B.
I am sad to hear that a number of travelers are trashing places. We MUST leave it better than we found it. I ALWAYS clean up after others…because it’s the right thing to do. I’m saddened by how much litter there is in sooooo many places! We must take better care of what our world 🌎 offers!
Tread lightly.
We had a mud truck and a camper. Same rule applies to both. Leave it as good as or better than you found it.
Yes, but 90% of the time I’d rather pay $10 and not have the electricity. A small fee or purchase would help greatly to keep the bad people out who trash things. Self contained only.
This
Heck yeah! I wish Cabela’s would actually do this.
I would gladly pay $20 for overnight parking with electricity. Shopping malls and vacant Kmart and strip malls could easily be converted into safe clean no frills economical RV parks. I’d like to see time limits of 48 to 72 hrs maximum. I’d also like to see better use of local fairgrounds and city/county parks as possible sites.
I love the idea. But I believe the cost should be base on size. You may just need to sleep a few hours and do not need anything just sleep. Also if you’re a CDL driver you need to stop.
But add warm box so the can have food delivery that would be nice
I would absolutely pay $20 to Cabela’s for a sleep stop. If you haven’t planned exactly where you will stop, it’s often difficult to find a space or even a campground office open to register in.
Cabela’s is even better because they are often near a highway and open early with a great breakfast, sweets and coffee.
If just stopping to sleep, I don’t want to pull the coffee maker out and dirty cups. Then have to pack it all up.
A quick trip in the store while one of us is getting a quick wash up is perfect to get back on the road.
I’ve driven cross country 4 times in about 6 years and this would be a huge improvement. I agree with the concept, just a 18-24 hour parking spot to get off the road, cook some food and stretch your legs. Enforcement would be tough, but I would imagine these massive companies could find a way to hustle their taxes and have it a practically free new marketing strategy or getting feet in the door (hypothetically). Plus there’s SOO many variations of liveable rigs on our road systems now. Gotta keep up with the trend I don’t see losing steam moving forward.
Probably if I can’t find a place to stay over before dark. I don’t tow in the dark especially thru city’s I’m not familiar with. I’ve had setbacks where I couldn’t get to my next destination on time and had to find a closer place usually due to unexpected weather (the weather is getting crazy out there) I’m a little more than half way to my summer destination on a family ranch in Michigan. I just Wintered in Quartzite my last stop was a Harvest Host location I had to cancel because of a severe storm between me and the farm I was trying to get to. So I had to find a dump RV park to continue the next day. So yeah if more places had dedicated spots I would probably use them often when weather or a break down slows my travels.
I don’t even need the power I have a decent solar system on my rig. I’ve never run out except on really cloudy days. I have enough battery capacity to last 48 hours without sun or external power. I think it only happened once that the sun couldn’t provide enough power over 5-6 really cloudy days I had to run my generator for a few hours to compensate. I don’t have enough Solar to run an AC for more than 2-3 hours before needing help.
It would be great as you are just passing through…also hate driving at night…most rvs are self reliant as you don’t need anything except electricity to run every thing. RESPECT THE PROPERTY
I’m an urban stealth car dweller. My vehicle is a newer mid sized SUV. I park for free at many businesses and other locations. I have a power source and no need for electrical hookups.
I understand this question is about RVs, but changes in the RV life affect everyone who camps and lives in their vehicles.
I don’t like the idea at all of being charged to stay in parking lots overnight because I’m doing it for free right now. I’d hate to think the days of parking overnight in the city will now become even more difficult.
“urban stealth car dweller”? You mean you’re homeless and you live in your car. Call it like it is. You should especially have to pay because at receiving services that cost money to set up and operate. It’s not “free”.
Pretty sad to see you crap on someone for being homeless! It’s very expensive to be homeless, so every penny that can be saved on parking must be saved, or the roof over their heads may even be jeopardized! Stop hating, and put more love and acceptance in your heart.
I totally agree. the lack of compassion and superiority on this site re discussions like above are so sad. “there but the grace of god goeth I.”
No. Every time I stay I always go in and usually spend more than 20 dollars. Only use them for overnight stay, gone by morning. Not using for campground. Will not stop if charging.
I’ve wondered for years why there are not more rv stops with just power hookups! My wife and I both use C -pap machines and would be happy with a 20$ fee!
I definitely would pay the $20. The access to power is worth the food in the fridge and my safety. I love Cabelas, and locations are an easy stop.
We have stayed at one of their sites before, $15 a few years ago. Nothing fancy, but perfect for the night
I really do not like the idea of more places charging just to park your vehicle for the night. We are currently going through a housing crisis in this country. In that investment corporations are buying up single-family dwellings. The rent they charge is horrible. Even trailer courts are being bought up by investors. Seriously people if you get down on your luck and find yourself in your vehicle what are you going to do when there is no money for rent?
Yep. One night and headed out in the morning.
Yes I would gladly pay for hookup for the night, wouldn’t need to run the generator to have furnace or AC or microwave to work. Would be nice when you’re trying to cover a lot of ground and don’t want to set up a site ahead of time at a campground.
Absolutely
Yes, I would pay $20 for an overnight stay with electrical hookups for running the air conditioner while traveling from one destination to another if it’s not too far off the interstate. It would also have to be a pull through parking spot so I wouldn’t have to disconnect my tow vehicle.
Absolutely. That’s cheap to have electric and then you don’t have to run your generator.
Yes, because I need a place to charge my devices. However, this is just another example of capitalist exploitation. Currently, the thousands upon thousands of homeless people living in their cars across this country, after having lost their housing to extortionist rent hikes, are parking in these lots at night to have a safe place to sleep. I know because I’m one among tens of thousands of them.
Those same people purchase a lot of merchandise from those retailers. However, instead of just being thankful for the business (and increased FREE security), they have to find a way to squeeze an extra dime out of a population that has already been sucked dry by greedy capitalists who have not one shred of human decency, not one ounce of human compassion.
All they can think of is a way to exploit the situation, and the people in it, to make an extra buck.
You obviously misread the question. The price included electrical hookups (maybe more?). Your rant suggests you are looking for or want something for free. When we travel my family is grateful for small conveniences and security offered. I am sorry you are unhappy but I wish you well.
Maybe you should go inside Cabela’s and apply for a job. You sound like an expert at how to run a business without making a profit. And in case you didn’t learn in GED classes, the United States is a capitalist nation.
maybe you should thank god every day that you are not in the position some people are in these days. Many are vietnam vets who still suffer from how they were treated in war and when they got home etc. your lack of compassion and sarcasm only diminish you.
Right on
No if they have a dump station I would pay 10 and be ok with it
If you have an Access Pass or Senior Pass you can camp at some COE campgrounds for $10-15 per night with hook ups. Cabella’s sure as heck isn’t nicer than an actual campground.
Last night (April 14) we got caught in a blizzard west-bound on I-80 just after passing the Cabela’s store at Sidney NE. We are towing an RPod 179 with a Honda Pilot. We managed to get turned around at the next interchange and headed back to Cabela’s. I grew up in snow country in Canada and this was the most white-knuckle drive of my life! The camping fee at Cabela’s was $30, not $20, but were we ever grateful for the hook-up and warm showers in freezing conditions!
I would if there is a restroom. Many small trailers do not have toilets.
Yes yes & yes
Sometimes you just need to stop & rest . Power is the necessity
Yes yes and I’ll take a burger with that please 😋 😉
I have a solid solar setup, so no. Water/dump is more important for me.
Absolutely! 100%