Sometimes when you are on the road you end up needing a safe place to spend a night in your camper. Things come up all the time when you are traveling that could force you to stop and take a break from driving. Most of the time, when people have to stop for the night, especially unexpectedly, Walmart ends up being a favorite safe place to overnight dry camp. If you end up having to park, you need to make sure you are aware of the dos and don’t of overnight RV parking at Walmart.
Everything You Need To Know about Overnight RV Parking at Walmart
Today we are going to look at a few things you need to know to make sure your overnight Walmart RV stay goes smoothly. There are quite a few unwritten rules, as well as some written rules, that you will need to abide by when you are dry camping in a Walmart parking lot.
In general, you just want to make sure you are being respectful, following the rules, and just using common sense. If you do these things and follow the Dos and Don’ts, then you will have a decent time camping for a night in the Walmart parking lot.
So let’s jump into our list so you can feel safe and confident next time you need to make an unexpected overnight stop.
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Know the Walmart RV Parking Corporate Policy
First and foremost, it is important that you know what the Walmart corporate policy is when it comes to overnight RV parking in their parking lots.
Walmart is the largest grocery retailer in the US. There is one pretty much anywhere you can travel in the states, and their parking lots tend to be favored by RVers due to the fact they have a lot of space and is typically extremely accessible. Walmart is aware of how their parking lot is attractive to RVers, so they welcome them with open arms.
While Walmart’s corporate policy allows for this, the local store managers do have the final say on overnight parking at their store based on local laws and ordinances.
Dos of Dry Camping in a Walmart Parking Lot
Be kind, be courteous, and make sure you employ all of these Dos when camping in a Walmart parking lot.
Check the Rules:
No matter where you are staying, it is always a good idea to check on the rules before you go. When Walmart dry camping, you will want to call ahead to the store if possible to confirm that you can stay. Remember, even though this is allowed by corporate, laws differ from town to town and state to state. Always try to talk to the store manager if possible. They will typically be very accomodating though, so just be kind in your conversations!
Park Out of the Way
When you camp at a Walmart, just make sure you park in an out-of-the-way spot. Usually, there are a lot of spots in the back of the parking lot, far away from the store itself. This is important if you have a large RV for sure, but it is also a courtesy to the other customers as well.
Arrive Late and Leave Early
This isn’t meant to be a long layover, just a quick overnight stop when you need it. Because of this, you should try to arrive late and leave early. This will help ensure that your rig isn’t taking up too much space that could be used for other customers during peak shopping hours.
Shop at the Store
This should go without saying, but even though it is not an official written rule that you should shop at the Walmart you are staying at it is still highly recommended that you do. This doesn’t mean you need to spend a ton of money, but go in and pick up a few little things. Chances are, you probably need something to eat or a few odds and ends to stock your camper with, so head in and grab them from the Walmart you are staying in.
Don’ts of RV Parking at a Walmart
Now that we know all of the dos, it is time to talk about the don’ts. Trust us, you want to keep these in mind so you can avoid a potentially embarrassing situation.
Don’t Try To Stay if You Are Told No
Look, we know it is frustrating to be told no, but sometimes we all have to deal with it. If a store manager tells you that you are not allowed to stay, just say thank you and move along. Don’t fight, don’t cause a scene, and absolutely don’t try to stay anyways!
Don’t Set up a Full Camp
As we mentioned earlier, Walmart parking is meant to be a quick overnight stay. Don’t set up a full camp! There is no need to take out your camp chairs and grill in the parking lot. We also recommend leaving your slides in if possible to avoid taking up more space than you really need.
Don’t Overstay Your Welcome
Again, this is meant to be a short pitstop to get some sleep and then get back on the road. Don’t stay multiple nights! Do what you need to do, get some rest, and move along to a new and better destination.
Don’t Run Your Generator All Night
Look, we know this one sucks, but it has to be said. Generators can be loud! And other people in this Walmart parking lot do not want to hear your generator running all night. Also, the fumes! So run your generator sparingly during your short stay.
Don’t Make a Mess
Again, this should be self-explanatory, but clean up after yourself. Don’t throw trash in the parking lot! Clean up after yourself if you make a little mess, and leave your spot looking like you were never there to begin with.
Now that you know what to do, and what not to do, you are ready to hit the road. Feel comfortable knowing you are aware of all of the dos and don’t of Walmart camping.
As always, be kind, be courteous, and be respectful! Those three things go a long way no matter what you are doing in life.
