We have boondocked at Walmart several times while traveling between campgrounds. I have noticed that some have signs stating: No 18 wheelers or RV's. A friend from California told me the other day that a lot of towns out there are passing ordinances to stop the boondocking. Have any of you ran into this, I can imagine it has something to do with those staying extended time in the parking lots. I saw a guy a couple of weeks ago, with the slides out, awning out and BBQ grill set up. In my opinion he was screwing it up for all.Joe

Restrictions have stemmed from people staying long periods or trashing the parking lot. Sometimes it's the city not wanting trucks and rv's parked in public lots....making them go to a campground as the campground says they are losing money. Truckers just have to find an exit ramp or truck stop to get some sleep. But sometimes when Walmart says no....Lowes & Home Depot will say yes..Cabellas & Bass Pro are options

Hopefully you mean you have parked overnight and have not boondocked at Walmart. There are many communities that have ordinances against overnight parking at Walmarts most likely motivated by folks abusing the privilege by actually boondocking (slides deployed, BBQ out, genset running, etc)

PDDGM wrote:We have boondocked at Walmart several times while traveling between campgrounds. I have noticed that some have signs stating: No 18 wheelers or RV's. A friend from California told me the other day that a lot of towns out there are passing ordinances to stop the boondocking. Have any of you ran into this, I can imagine it has something to do with those staying extended time in the parking lots. I saw a guy a couple of weeks ago, with the slides out, awning out and BBQ grill set up. In my opinion he was screwing it up for all.JoeJoe, While "other people" often screw things up for the rest of us by doing what you've seen, the restrictions for "over night" stays at many Walmarts stems from multiple reasons. One, there may be campgrounds close, (within anywhere from right next door to a few miles away) that have petitioned local counsils etc. to "Ban" the parking of RVs in Walmart parking lots due to loss of revenue, second, the local Walmart themselves have opted to ban RV stays due to exactly what you and many of us have seen, and that's folks actually camping there for extended periods of time. On those you'll see awnings out, chairs, tables, mats down, kids toys, (tow bars laying under the coach, indicating the presence of toad) and more. There may be ordinances already in place that prohibit the parking of RVs and or Trucks even before the Walmart was built. Walmart stated in the past that they are happy to provide "Overnight parking" for weary travelers. That was a while ago and for the most part, many, many RVers were very appreciative of it due to the fact that it was close to fuel, needed supplies, repairs, and of course, it provided for a semi-quiet nights sleep. We traveled from San Diego to Moab UT for the Easter Jeep Safari for 14 years in a row and, we always stopped at the Walmart in Mesquite NV for rest. I always went into the store and went directly to the store manager and asked permission to stay for our 8-10 rigs or so. I also stated that if there was ANY, problem with us staying, we'd move on. I also stated that we'd be gone at first light in the morning. The manager was always happy for us to stay there as he/she knew that we'd be in the store for supplies etc. anyway. And, as usual, we were gone by first light in the morning and would travel to a, neat, little "50s" type diner in Parawon for breakfast. So, as long as you obtain permission, are not there for two weeks while touring that part of the country, are out of the way and not blocking daily customers parking, be courteous in your own parking style, i.e. don't take up any more parking spaces then you need, you'll more than likely be OK to park there. But, do ask in side the store, for permission, even if you see other RVs there. If there are signs stating "No Parking" for RVs, Trucks etc. and you're dead tired, I'd definitely ask for permission. And don't be mad if they say no. Just move on.Scott

We have overnighted a few times at a Walmart when driving late into the night and just wanted to get a few hours of sleep. Hard to call it boondocking when trying to catch a few winks in a Walmart parking lot, dry camping might be a better word, but it really doesn't fit either as it is not camping in any way, shape, or form. Under similar circumstances, we have also stayed at truck stops, casinos, churches, and rest stops in order to get some sleep and get an early start.

Boondocking at Walmart | Good Sam Community

85 Replies

PDDGM
Explorer
May 13, 2013
bobkatmsu wrote:
JoeGood988 wrote:
Restrictions have stemmed from people staying long periods or trashing the parking lot. Sometimes it's the city not wanting trucks and rv's parked in public lots....making them go to a campground as the campground says they are losing money. Truckers just have to find an exit ramp or truck stop to get some sleep. But sometimes when Walmart says no....Lowes & Home Depot will say yes..Cabellas & Bass Pro are options
So what is the problem with RV'ers staying at a truck stop? I have seen many motorhomes and have stayed myself on a couple occasions. Also have stayed at rest areas on interstates and never had a problem.

I have seen signs in some rest areas that limit the time you can be there or no overnight..The truck rest areas in some states are for trucks only and are most likely not that safe. Truck stops are just to noisy for me.
bobkatmsu
Explorer II
May 13, 2013
JoeGood988 wrote:
Restrictions have stemmed from people staying long periods or trashing the parking lot. Sometimes it's the city not wanting trucks and rv's parked in public lots....making them go to a campground as the campground says they are losing money. Truckers just have to find an exit ramp or truck stop to get some sleep. But sometimes when Walmart says no....Lowes & Home Depot will say yes..Cabellas & Bass Pro are options
So what is the problem with RV'ers staying at a truck stop? I have seen many motorhomes and have stayed myself on a couple occasions. Also have stayed at rest areas on interstates and never had a problem.
TEO
Explorer
May 13, 2013
My trips north always require an overnight stop at Cabela's in Hamburg, PA. I could spend a whole day in there getting supplies for fishing and camping further north. They have accommodations for dogs, horses, and more and RVers are welcome. In Scarborough, Me, there is another Cabela's, and although they have the kennels and corrals, overnight stops are not allowed because the company that actually owns the land forbids it. Fortunately, the Customer Service girls give directions to the nearest Wal-Mart, where we were allowed.

Paul
Don_Don
Explorer
May 13, 2013
Go to a campground. That's what they are in business for.
shaneperch
Explorer
May 13, 2013
The nearest Walmart in Lebanon Mo has all kinds of trucks motorhomes horse trailers never seen them chased away. I like the church parking lot idea!! I would try the Catholic churches as they have a rectory and the priest lives on property, knock on the door (if it isn't too late) most times they will say yes. another good place to park is in a hospital parking lot and some have RV spaces like the one in Springfield. park somewhere else where there are spaces far from the building. As people use those RV spaces when they get Radiation treatments. There are plenty of places to park overnight. I never had an issue when driving buses home.
mike_brez
Explorer
May 13, 2013
2oldman wrote:
Robert78121 wrote:
Funny that no one has ever thought to discuss this topic on here before.
Really. Must be at least once a week.

I took it as sarcasm :h
2oldman
Explorer II
May 13, 2013
Robert78121 wrote:
Funny that no one has ever thought to discuss this topic on here before.
Really. Must be at least once a week.
Blaster_Man
Explorer
May 13, 2013
I always call ahead and get permission from an Asst Manager.
rockhillmanor
Explorer II
May 13, 2013
the silverback wrote:
Someone needs a post or list of what Walmarts are safe!!! There are some I have run across that I was hesitent to shop at, let alone stay over night. the earkier comment on guns my be useful. My feeling is Walmarts are for shoping, camp grounds are for camping.

Ditto x10. I have pulled into 'many' Walmarts during the day for the sole purpose to pick up groceries and was shocked of all what was going on in the parking lot in broad daylight. Shudder to think of a family pulling in and staying the night.

I went in to tell the Manager at one Walmart that I observed 4 men going up and down each lane of the parking lot and literally 'grabbing' the arms of elderly people trying to sell them stuff hanging on to them the whole time and scaring them half to death.

The store manager's answer?
Yea I know about, happens every day, not much I can do about it. :E The hell he can't. Yes it is private property but they CAN call the police in at any time to assist.

I pulled off the road to read a map at night in a Wallmart parking lot and parked the MH at the furthest end. Within 2 minutes 2 cars pulled up along side the MH and a drug deal went down using my MH as a shield from the store.:R

So nope, I certainly don't recommend spending a night in ANY wallmart.
the_silverback
Explorer
May 13, 2013
Someone needs a post or list of what Walmarts are safe!!! There are some I have run across that I was hesitent to shop at, let alone stay over night. the earkier comment on guns my be useful. My feeling is Walmarts are for shoping, camp grounds are for camping.

Forum Discussion

Boondocking at Walmart

85 Replies

About Motorhome Group

Related Content

Walmart overnight parking

Walmart parking

Walmart Overnight Parking

Walmart etiquette?

Walmart / Generator???