Washington state residents irked by Walmart boondockers
The policy that allows RVers and truckers to park and stay overnight for free in parking lots across the nation isn't sitting well with some residents of Wenatchee, Washington.
According to the Wenatchee World newspaper, many campers are keeping neighbors up at night by continuously running generators, shining headlights into yards, talking outside their vehicles at all hours, drinking and even relieving themselves along adjacent fences.
"I can't stand it anymore. It's a virtual truckstop out there,' Carol Straight, who lives directly across from the part of the parking lot most often used for boondockers, told the newspaper. "Walmart provides lots of jobs and is generally good for the community, but they make lousy neighbors."
A Walmart spokesperson told the Wenatchee World that the company views RV travelers among its best customers and that most stores permit overnight parking. However, the decision is left up to each individual store.
RV enthusiasts say that boondockers should not abuse the privilege by being considerate of the area and those around them. RVBasics.com says setting up "camp" in a free overnight area is simply poor boondocking etiquette.