Free overnight stay near Santa Rosa, California?

[JaneM.]

Hello all! We’re heading north next week and planning on overnighting it near Santa Rosa, California. I’ve checked and the Walmart in SR apparently has a no overnight parking policy. Does anyone know if it’s enforced or of other free one night parking? Thanks in advance.

[Ron in BC]

There are a couple of different aspects to Walmart overnighting, of which we're heavy users.

One reason for them saying it's not permitted is because they're only tenants in the mall and the mall owners/managers don't want overnighters. Most times the person you ask about it will say something that sort of indicates although it's the policy....... I'd rather have a straight forward "yes, it's OK" but might stay if I don't have an easy alternative.

The other situation, no overnighting because it's a local ordinance, I worry about more. Even if the store says that they've never heard of anyone being ticketed I tend not to stay. Even if the risk of a knock on the door in the middle of the night is low it's not something I'd want to happen.

So, "no over night parking" can mean different things. The best source is googling it and see if you find write-ups that indicate several folks used it without incident.

Ron

[caddoster]

There is a casino nearby (Graton Resort and Casino) maybe you can overnight there? We've never try that ourselves tho.

[Ron in BC]

Not anymore, unless you pay for a room and don't use your rv.

I have to admit that the area is a little harder than most to come up with a free camping site. Nothing close on "casino camping". Even the county park is a little pricey for a county park.

Couldn't find anything about Lowes policy there. In cases like this I've emailed the store or casino directly and asked what the situation was. One casino responded and apologized that while they did have free overnight parking they couldn't provide any power.

Ron

[JaneM.]

I checked Allstays regarding the Wal-Mart near SR and they report that signs are posted and a security guard patrols all night and raps on the window if sleeping.

We can stay at the county park but since we’re on a 6 week trip and this is just a quick overnighter we’re trying to save some $.

[Ron in BC]

I'd check with Lowes, Catati. I can't find anything that gives info about them.

Ron

[dfandrews]

We have found that the general case along US-101 and the I-5 corridor in California, and Oregon as well, is that there is no overnighting at parking lots, nor highway rest areas in CA.

[Ron in BC]

Fortunately there's Rolling Hills and the Harris Ranch. As a last resort there's always the truck stops.

Ron

[Rossue]

How's the smell at Harris ranch for camping? We have to hold our noses just driving by at 75 mph sometimes.

[EdColorado]

Looked into this issue on our last visit. Seems the rules are still the same.

You can park in a rest area for up to eight hours. Enough for truck drivers and motorists to get some needed rest so they can safely proceed.

Rest Area Usage Policy

[Iowa Dave]

Originally Posted by Rossue

How's the smell at Harris ranch for camping? We have to hold our noses just driving by at 75 mph sometimes.

Our mayor used to respond to complaints about odors by taking a deep breath and remarking that it smelled like money. I’ve lived in stinky towns and in the stinky country all my life. Doesn’t bother me.
Iowa Dave

[Lisa M.]

I have stayed free at fairgrounds before when I didn't use hookups.

[Hilola]

I know a place just north of SR in Windsor but I don’t think my son would appreciate me sending folks to his driveway. 8-))

[oldstation]

we've stayed at walmart a lot of places , and some do have signs saying no overnight parking, some we've stayed at with signs are Apache Juction AZ, St.Augustine Fl. even though the signs are there they still have overnight campers there, we never had any issues at these , when you think about it, with the signs in place, this most likely would release them of any liability in the event of any accident or foul play, robbery etc. and if you ask the store manager if it's ok they most likely are instructed by their superiors to reply NO , A Yes could automatically make Walmart liable in case of an event.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Rossue

How's the smell at Harris ranch for camping? We have to hold our noses just driving by at 75 mph sometimes.

Hi Ross , is that where the cattle stand in dirt , no grass and it stinks real bad ! If it is can't wait to get out of there ! Pat

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by Rossue

How's the smell at Harris ranch for camping? We have to hold our noses just driving by at 75 mph sometimes.

Originally Posted by oldstation

this most likely would release them of any liability in the event of any accident or foul play, robbery etc. and if you ask the store manager if it's ok they most likely are instructed by their superiors to reply NO , A Yes could automatically make Walmart liable in case of an event.

Fortunately the stock yards and the parking area and restaurant are a world apart.

No, the official policy of head office is to allow parking. The biggest factor on parking allowed or not are conditions not under their control. You can get a list of all the Walmarts where overnight parking is officially sanctioned.

Ron

[craiginpetaluma]

JaneM You're more than welcome to park next to our Escape on your journey. We are in the country, 1 mile from the Petaluma KOA . We have a circular drive that allows you back straight in to a level spot and no need to unhook.

Craig

[JaneM.]

Originally Posted by craiginpetaluma

JaneM You're more than welcome to park next to our Escape on your journey. We are in the country, 1 mile from the Petaluma KOA . We have a circular drive that allows you back straight in to a level spot and no need to unhook.

Craig

Hi Craig,
That is very kind of you! We’d love to take you up on this generous offer - is tomorrow ok? If so, let’s exchange contact information privately.
Thanks! Jane

[CADreamin]

You can also stay at the Fairgrounds but it does cost. And consider joining something like Harvest Hosts where you can stay at selected sites free for one night.

[GeorgiaBill]

Originally Posted by craiginpetaluma

JaneM You're more than welcome to park next to our Escape on your journey. We are in the country, 1 mile from the Petaluma KOA . We have a circular drive that allows you back straight in to a level spot and no need to unhook.

Craig

Hi Craig,
That was indeed kind of you to reach out to a fellow traveler. Good for you.


Also, I notice you list a tow vehicle as old as mine. Hope it continues to serve you well.