If you frequently or sometimes stay overnight in a Walmart parking lot, do you ask the store permission first to stay, or do you just pull in and set up and not ask permission? Does it depend on the Walmart or if there is signage?
Also worth noting: Some RVers say they’ve been waved in or even welcomed by store employees, while others report being asked to leave despite no visible signage. So, the experience can vary widely depending on the store, location, and even the time of day.
Some RVers, we’ve been told, will pull into an area of a parking lot where there are already at least a few RVers there for the night. They’ll just assume it’s okay to stay if others are already there. Is this you?
There’s also the question of what “overnighting” really means. Some RVers simply park, keep a low profile, and stay just long enough to rest, while others might put out slides, set up chairs, or even barbecue. That kind of setup can draw more attention and may be frowned upon, even if overnight parking is technically allowed.
We give you a few options on the poll, but please feel free to leave a comment after you vote and tell us why you ask for permission or why not. We’re curious to hear. Thank you!
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If you enjoyed this RVtravel.com reader poll, keep in mind that we have polled our readers at least 5,000 times through the years. It’s fascinating to see how they have responded, sometimes very surprisingly. You’ll find an archive of some of the polls here. So what are you waiting for? Check ’em out.
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RVDT2951
We enjoy staying at Walmarts for a variety of reasons and always call ahead. We have never asked to speak to a manager, we’ve always gotten reliable information from whoever answers the phone.
We have stayed at Walmart a lot, but big trucks and noise has caused us to use Cracker Barrel, much better, also we can have dinner or breakfast.
I voted never have asked because I have never stayed in a Walmart parking lot and never would. I have actually never overnighted in any parking lot.
I have never stayed in a parking lot and have no future intentions but I didn’t vote since the title, content and poll is specifically polling “Walmart Campers”.
If there are other RV’s in the parking lot, we typically do not ask. However, if we do not see any others we go in and ask. Good thing we did one time! The manager told us the area around that Wal-Mart completely “changes” once it gets dark….
Not Walmart but ‘boondocking’ overnight at casinos without on-site campgrounds – always ask. Usually not a problem if the casino is operating 24 hours. Many tiny casinos will say ‘only when the casino is open’.
We have frequently stayed at Walmart in our 16 years & counting, of fulltime travel. We always ask at the service counter or a greeter, because we have stopped at many Walmarts that have “no truck parking” or No overnight parking signs posted, but when we ask, they say it’s ok. Sometimes the posted lots are not owned by Walmart, but the employee will say that no one ever bothers overnighters. Other times, I think the signs are mandated by Corporate, but the store manager ignores the posting in the interest of attracting the rver’s business. Frequently, employees will tell us that “technically” there is no overnighting, but no one will bother us if we stay. So, always ask.
Always ask when staying on a lot. Most will tell you to stay near the trucks but out of their way. I had this happen at a Walmart in a town that does not permit overnights in RVs. The area CGs were closed (shoulder season). We were more than grateful after a long day homeward bound.
We did. 100% of the time.
We’ve had better luck calling than by asking in person. We’ve learned it depends on who you speak to, since we’ve had different responses at the same store in the past. If it’s late and several other RVs are already there, we would assume it’s OK. On our recent coast to coast trip, we only used a W once. We used Flying J and other resources more. When staying more than 1 night, we find always a park.
We have never stayed at a W lot – and I wouldn’t now – however, I have stopped at the outer edge of a shopping center or store lot to make purchases. The Fargo ND Walmart has now posted “No Rv Parking” signs on their lot! I would guess they would welcome a brief buying stop!
Walmarts frequently have truck drivers resting overnight. Refrigerated trailers running all night isn’t RV friendly. Plus some Walmarts are in the sketchy parts of cities, and dark brings out the criminals. Prefer asking at Cracker Barrel, manager tells you where to park overnight. Have breakfast next day. Also stayed during travel-day nights in Bass Pro, Cabella’s, and church lots (weeknights) with permission. Most casinos charge but have used some selectively. Since Sam Walton died, Walmart isn’t the same.
Some Walmart’s have changed because people took advantage of the situation. Opening slides, cooking outside and basically “asphalt” camping more than overnight.
Our local WM has signs that say “No truck trailer parking”, but I see Walmart trailers parked right in front of the sign. And the tractors pulling those trailers are not owned by Walmart.
Double Standard?