Truck Stop Camping

Todays post is about the most ideal place you could ever find to camp at while traveling.  Truckstops!  Not rest areas, or travel "centers", truckstops.  Although they are a little more scarce than travel centers, if you can plan your route to be able to reach one before you stop for the night, that is an ideal  spot to be, and we will tell you why.  First, Security, They are generally well lit and monitored by cameras at all times.  Second, amenities, open 24 hours, you can buy anything you need at any time, no waiting for the store to open.  Most all have laundry facilities and showers, which can go a long way towards making you feel like a human being again, instead of a road weary wreck.  Trust us, a hot shower will immediately put a smile on your face; and even better, most truckers get free showers provided to them by their companies, so if you mind your manners and remember please and thank you, most times all you have to do is ask and they can give you a shower ticket for free if you're running low on funds.  If not, purchasing one normally runs about $7.00-$12.00, but the hot water is practically unlimited, they provide washclothes, soap and towels, and if you're traveling with a companion, you can double up.  Their in-house food is hot and fresh, you can get anything from pizza, full dinners, soup, salads, and an almost endless variety of snacks and beverages.  Third, WATER!!!  your most important resource on the road and its unlimited anytime, which is so much better than having to haul it to your camp which could be far away from your site if you actually ARE camping.  Most have a very cushy lounge setup with everything from bigscreen t.v.'s, wifi, cushy chairs, sometimes even massage chairs to work out those driving kinks in your back and plenty of games to combat boredom if you are stuck their for a while.  And last but not least, probably the most helpful thing of all, the truckers themselves.  If it can be fixed, they will know how, if you are lost, they're more accurate than googlemaps.  If you're bored or lonely, or just craving a good conversation, they're your guys!  Truckers generally like to chat while they're on layover or just killing time.  Some of the best road stories i've ever heard come from those men and women.  Please keep in mind though, they do have a job to do, so try and be thoughtful in the way you use the facilities.  For example, time your laundry loads and showers to make sure they are free and available to the drivers making a living on a schedule, please.  Keep in mind that most of the world runs on first come, first served, but their livelihood depends on being on time.  Be courteous and they will appreciate it.  The best times for laundry and showers for you are normally during the day, as most of the drivers will be on the road till around 5-6 o'clock.    There are plenty of independently owned truck stops but the biggest chains are Love's, Pilot, and Flying J so if you see one of their signs, you're set!  Maps are also available online.

                          "freedoms just another word.."  be safe and have fun,   

                                                                         -Lady DyMe