[WIMom]

Walmart has camping facilities in many of their parking lots. My parents travel with a motor home and often when in large cities, they stay there. Most of the time it's free.

Here's the google search if you're interested - Walmart camping.

I haven't been following this story too closely, but it sure appears as if the government is hot on this couple. Every couple years we hear about this type of case. I have 3 daughters and if they were ever taken from me, I know I'd do the same. Luckily, my girls are older now.

[Catspaw]

Walmart has camping facilities in many of their parking lots. My parents travel with a motor home and often when in large cities, they stay there. Most of the time it's free.

Well, um, not exactly camping facilities. Most Walmarts--usually the Superstores, open 24 hours--look the other way when it comes to a few campers & RV's parked in their lot. I distinctly remember some municipalities in Florida banning overnight parking/camping at Walmarts & I saw a sign that banned overnight parking/camping at a Walmart in Panama City a couple years ago. I've also seen RV's parked in Walmarts around here. No one really cares.

[Apogee]

I was wondering what was meant by "pubic" parking lot. Walmart is very camper friendly, for instance, they know where you are going to spend your money.
Generally, police seem to honor the idea that the cab of a motor home is searchable in the same manner that the "lunge area" of a car is, but respect the notion that the area 'back of the line' of the motor home or bus, is a home, and if one has the bluster to stick to that, they should have to have a warrant. Any old hippy should be able to argue this.
Folks I know generally feel it is worth one parent sacrificing some freedom for "obstruction" or whatever while the other gets the children out of harm's way and over the nearest border. Seen too many foster kids to feel that it is a good system, or even acceptable compared to the home left behind.