Parking Your Camper Overnight: Is Walmart A Safe Haven?

Walmart is a popular option for RV owners looking for a place to park overnight. The retail giant's founder, Sam Walton, wanted his RV customers to feel welcome and allowed them to park overnight in Walmart parking lots. While Walmart does not offer electrical services or other accommodations for RV customers, they are still permitted to park in the store's lots as long as they have permission from the individual store manager and there is enough parking space available. This permission is usually based on local laws, and RV owners are advised to contact the management of each store to ensure accommodations before parking.

Overnight RV parking is a necessity on long RV road trips, and Walmart, along with other chains like Cracker Barrel and truck stops, can be a cheap and convenient option for RV owners. However, it is important to be respectful during these stays, as retailers could easily change their policies if there are repeated incidents of disrespectful behaviour. RV owners should also be mindful of local zoning laws or ordinances that may prohibit overnight stays in parking lots, which are more common in larger cities.

Overall, Walmart's RV-friendly policy is a convenient option for RV owners, offering accessibility, 24-hour availability, and proximity to essential shopping needs.

Permission to park is extended by individual store managers

Walmart's official policy is that they do not offer electrical service or other accommodations necessary for RV customers. However, they value RV travellers and consider them among their best customers. Therefore, they do permit RV parking on their store lots as they are able.

To ensure that you have permission to park your RV, it is important to contact the management of each store before parking. This can usually be done by calling the store or speaking to a manager in person. Some stores may also have security guards who can provide information about parking.

In addition to obtaining permission, there are several best practices to follow when parking your RV at Walmart. These include:

• Only staying one night
• Being considerate of other customers and employees by keeping noise levels down and not obstructing traffic
• Shopping at Walmart as a way of thanking them for their hospitality
• Being aware of your surroundings and taking precautions to ensure your safety

Walmart does not offer electrical service or accommodations

Permission to park is extended by individual store managers, based on the availability of parking space and local laws. It is recommended to contact management in each store to ensure accommodations before parking your RV.

Some RVers mention that only Walmart SuperCenters allow overnight parking. But there are regular Walmart stores that allow overnight parking too. There appears to be no rhyme or reason as to whether or not they allow overnight parking.

Walmart founder Sam Walton always wanted his RV customers to feel welcome. So, he decided that he wanted them to have a place to stop for the night when travelling the country in their RV motorhomes.

Walmart's philosophy is that RVers make great customers; therefore, they’ve been welcome to park overnight at Walmart for a long time now. And Walmart is correct! They know hundreds of RVers who regularly shop at Walmart.

However, RV camping overnight for free at Walmart has become a problem in many areas. In some places, homeless people (and inconsiderate RV campers) have taken advantage of the overnight stay. They’ve littered, caused disturbances, loitered, panhandled, and generally caused problems for the other customers.

In addition, some towns have recently passed ordinances that prohibit overnight parking. So, if a Walmart is in that jurisdiction, they can’t allow campers to park overnight per city laws. A store might also prohibit overnight stays for safety reasons. Walmart managers typically won’t allow overnight parking in high-crime locations.

Finally, homeless people have started living in RVs. They park at Walmart because it’s free, and then they stay for long periods. There are reports of some of these folks begging for money and making a mess in the parking lot. If this happens too often, Walmart may have no choice but to close its parking lot to all overnight visitors in an attempt to avert the homeless problem.

RV travellers are considered among Walmart's best customers

However, the number of Walmarts permitting overnight RV parking has decreased over the years, with some sources estimating that only 58% of locations still allow it. This is due to various factors, including local laws, safety concerns, and issues with littering, disturbances, and loitering caused by some RV campers and homeless people.

To ensure a pleasant and safe experience for all, RV travellers should follow certain guidelines when parking overnight at Walmart. These include:

• Calling ahead and obtaining permission from the store manager
• Staying for only one night
• Being considerate of other customers and employees by keeping noise levels down and not behaving like they are at a campground
• Shopping at Walmart as a way of thanking the store for their hospitality
• Being vigilant about personal safety and the security of their belongings

Contact management in each store to ensure accommodations before parking

Contacting the management of each Walmart store before parking your campervan overnight is essential to ensure a smooth and pleasant experience. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you with the process:

• Contact Information: You can find the contact information for each Walmart store by visiting their website or using their store finder tool. Alternatively, you can call their customer service line at 1-800-WALMART.
• Permission from Store Manager: It is crucial to obtain permission from the individual store manager before assuming you can park your campervan overnight. Each Walmart store has its own policy regarding overnight parking, which is determined by the availability of parking space and local laws.
• Verify Accommodations: When contacting the store manager, ensure that they can accommodate your campervan. While Walmart values RV travelers, they typically do not offer electrical service or other accommodations necessary for RV customers.
• Ask about Local Laws: Inquire about any local laws or ordinances that may impact your ability to park overnight. Some cities have restrictions on overnight parking in commercial areas, so it's important to be aware of these regulations.
• Plan Ahead: Don't wait until the last minute to contact the store. Try to reach out a few days in advance, especially if you are traveling during busy holiday periods. This will increase your chances of finding a store that can accommodate your request.
• Be Courteous: Remember that Walmart is doing you a favor by allowing overnight parking. Be polite and respectful when speaking to the store manager, and express your gratitude for their hospitality.
• Follow the Rules: If your request is approved, be sure to follow any rules or guidelines provided by the store manager. For example, they may specify where you should park your campervan or if there are any restrictions on slide-outs or awnings.
• Patronize the Store: As a thank you for their hospitality, be sure to shop at Walmart during your stay. Purchase groceries, camping supplies, or any other items you may need for your trip. This is a great way to show your appreciation and support the store.
• Be a Good Neighbor: If there are other RVers or campervans parked at the Walmart, be considerate and respectful of their space. Try to minimize noise and keep the area clean. Remember that you are a guest, and your behavior can impact whether Walmart continues to allow overnight parking in the future.
• Safety First: While Walmart parking lots are generally safe, always take precautions to ensure your security. Park in a well-lit area, lock your campervan, and be aware of your surroundings. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe at any point, don't hesitate to leave and find an alternative location.

Some Walmarts have changed their policies regarding overnight parking

In recent years, an increasing number of Walmarts have stopped permitting overnight RV parking. This is often due to city ordinances prohibiting overnight stays in parking lots, or safety concerns in high-crime locations. Additionally, some stores have stopped allowing overnight parking due to issues with littering, disturbances, loitering, and panhandling by homeless people and inconsiderate RV campers.

To avoid arriving at a Walmart that doesn't permit overnight parking, it's important to contact the store manager in advance and ask for permission. There are also apps and websites that can help RVers find RV-friendly Walmarts and alternative overnight parking locations.

Frequently asked questions