Forum Discussion

mericksonjr's avatar
mericksonjr
Explorer
Sep 05, 2014

Staying at Walmarts and such

I am taking a trip this November to see my son graduate from Air Force Basic training in San Antonio. We are traveling from Wyoming. We have a campground reserved in San Antonio for when we arrive but are planning on just driving as far as we can and staying overnight somewhere with out paying fees. We want to do this both on the way there and back. Do all Walmarts allow you to camp overnight? Any safety precautions recommended? Are there other companies that allow the same kind of thing Walmart does? I am looking on suggestions of places since we are going to drive as far as we can and we dont know where we will be when we get tired. Any help is appreciated.
Class A
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Sep 05, 2014
    From Allstays and they have an App. In the center of the country almost all WalMarts allow overnighting.

    Boondocking / Guides Sample
    Road Guides: Gas Food Stores
    Store Locators
    Free Camping
    Wal-Mart Stores
    Sam's Club Stores
    Costco Stores
    Camping Worlds
    Cracker Barrels
    Flying J Truck Stop
    Loves Travel Stop
    Petro Truck Stops
    Pilot Travel Center
    TA Travel Centers
    All Truck Stops
    Truck Washes
    Rest Areas
    Weigh Scales
    ...and much much more
  • Mandalay_Parr's avatar
    Mandalay_Parr
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2014
    Most do but some don't due to local laws. Look for trucks and RVs in their parking lots.
    Truck stops are an option.
  • GlennLever's avatar
    GlennLever
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2014
    mericksonjr wrote:
    I am taking a trip this November to see my son graduate from Air Force Basic training in San Antonio. We are traveling from Wyoming. We have a campground reserved in San Antonio for when we arrive but are planning on just driving as far as we can and staying overnight somewhere with out paying fees. We want to do this both on the way there and back. Do all Walmarts allow you to camp overnight? Any safety precautions recommended? Are there other companies that allow the same kind of thing Walmart does? I am looking on suggestions of places since we are going to drive as far as we can and we dont know where we will be when we get tired. Any help is appreciated.


    We have parked in Wal-Mart parking lots overnight. I would say you need to look at the area the Wal-mart is in. I have never had a problem, but there are some that I would pass up. The same goes for truck stops, I like Loves.
  • rgatijnet1's avatar
    rgatijnet1
    Explorer III
    Sep 05, 2014
    Some Walmarts/Sams Clubs allow overnight parking and some do not. All you have to do is ask, or phone ahead. Some highway rest stops allow overnight parking and some do not. Some truck stops allow overnight parking but they are usually a little noisy. Here is a website that may help you: Free Campgrounds
    Since you are leaving Wyoming and going to Texas, I assume that you will be armed which should take care of any security concerns, but situational awareness of your surroundings is always the best thing to do first. If it does not feel safe, move on.
  • John_Joey's avatar
    John_Joey
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2014
    No, not all WalMarts allow overnight stays. You need to ask inside if it's OK.

    Is it safe? depends on the neighborhood. Good sign is if there are others spending the night. Will it be a peaceful well rested night, usually not.

    We usually do not overnight in parking lot's unless we're out making miles like you are. When we do, our best nights have been at Casinos, Bass Pro/Cabela's, and Cracker Barrel.
  • Dick_B's avatar
    Dick_B
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2014
    Why not stay at a campground? Most have a late arrival registration process, are usually safe, have hookups, and it helps the local economy.
  • mericksonjr's avatar
    mericksonjr
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2014
    Dick_B wrote:
    Why not stay at a campground? Most have a late arrival registration process, are usually safe, have hookups, and it helps the local economy.

    Camp grounds are an option I just dont know how far we will get. And this trip is already costing enough so we were just thinking we would save where we can if we can. Safety is number one priority thats why I am asking opinions. I am new to the MH thing and still learning the secrets :)
  • darsben's avatar
    darsben
    Explorer II
    Sep 05, 2014
    mericksonjr wrote:
    Dick_B wrote:
    Why not stay at a campground? Most have a late arrival registration process, are usually safe, have hookups, and it helps the local economy.

    Camp grounds are an option I just dont know how far we will get. And this trip is already costing enough so we were just thinking we would save where we can if we can. Safety is number one priority thats why I am asking opinions. I am new to the MH thing and still learning the secrets :)

    Okay now learn the secret of the search function on this forum.
    In the box labelled search: type the words Walmart Parking
    11 pages of info will come up.
    Read each thread a little to see if it answers your question.

About Motorhome Group

38,705 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 20, 2025