I have using the app that shows what Walmarts allow parking for a while now. Recently I posted that a Walmart in Mobile had changed from allowing RV's to not allowing. I got a response back from the guy that runs the app. He said that more and more managers are changing their stores to not allowing RV's. This was disappointing to me, as my wife and I travel for work in the RV and have to use Walmarts a lot during the week because most campground offices close before we get in, and don't open by the time we leave in the morning. I think that we should all write nice letters to Walmart's corporate office and thank them for allowing us to park there. We should ask them to encourage their managers to allow RV parking and point out how much we spend there on groceries and fuel. If we are forced to use campgrounds every night, we will obviously be buying our food and fuel at the closest places to the campground. It will clearly cause some drop in their business. We should point out that we don't really see what harm the RV's are causing, as we usually park in un-used parking places and are very neat. The letters would not be threatening, but mention how much we appreciate them allowing us to park there up until now. Clearly, they didn't have to allow us all this time. I think if they get enough emails/letters, they may change their minds.Thanks

I totally agree. I have parked over night several time on my way south on vacation and every time I have purchased items from th store. It's a great option to catch a few hours of sleep. You should find and post the address to send these letters to.

The letters will not change the fact that there have been a number of serious and highly publicized negative events occurring at Walmarts because of overnight RV parking. They know the general public will drive a few extra miles to buy their cheap goods.

It's another case of a few bad apples spoiling the whole bunch. I think if Wal*Mart corporate documented a policy permitting overnight parking they would open themselves up to liability and put themselves at odds with local ordinances. Your best bet is to approach each store on an as-needed basis. Corporate would never issue a blanket policy allowing it, or worse could say it's not permitted at any store.

Does not surprise me. Everywhere I look, I see a minority of people abuse a charitable situation. And then it doesn't take long for that situation to be gone.

turbojimmy wrote:It's another case of a few bad apples spoiling the whole bunch. I think if Wal*Mart corporate documented a policy permitting overnight parking they would open themselves up to liability and put themselves at odds with local ordinances. Your best bet is to approach each store on an as-needed basis. Corporate would never issue a blanket policy allowing it, or worse could say it's not permitted at any store.Not really sure where You have been??????Walmart has their own Atlas which lists all of their stores and pretty much describes the RV parking........ and Walmart its company policy---- philosophy is to allow RV parking because of the increase business. Local ordinances are generally the ones that prohibited it.There is a you tube video, on another thread here..that will surely damage the Wal-Mart "overnight parking" idea.(Guy showering in the parking lot,outside his P.O.S. van)

Walmart Parking coming to an end?? | Good Sam Community

korbe
Explorer
Apr 12, 2015
toedtoes wrote:
Maybe someone should take up on a business idea here. Build a "one-night only - no utilities" campground. Make a paved parking lot with slots sized for the RVs and charge $10 per night. In no earlier than 9 p.m., out no later than 8 a.m. No amenities.

Wonder how many folks parking in a Walmart for free will change to a $10 parking lot set up specifically for a "quick overnight sleep"?

Once upon a time, highway rest stops were established for this exact purpose.

The state of California will require, restrooms, utilities, park lighting - the works.
Bird_Freak
Explorer II
Apr 12, 2015
rockhillmanor wrote:
bfast54 wrote:
.Local ordinances are generally the ones that prohibited it.

That is so not true. That is an urban myth that local ordinances and/or the CG's in the area are ticked off about Walmart overnight parking and on and on internet garbage.

The influx of Undesirables, Druggies, Mobile Meth Labs AND RV'ers who make a Walmart PARKING LOT their camping 'destination' are all that have contributed to Walmart having to rescind their offer to weary travelers and/or emergency stop overs in their parking lots.

Here is a flash. Walmart is not a CG. Never was and is not now.

I am an RV'er I full time and I will NOT even shop at a Walmart that have a lot full of 'destination' campers in the parking lot. They set up the scenario for the drug set to nestle in within the same area.

This is the sign I look for. :W

Your statement is not true. Doug, a long time friend is a regional manager for Walmart and he told me most times it is a city ordinance that restricts rv's. However the store managers have a say if it causes problems.
toedtoes
Explorer III
Apr 12, 2015
2oldman wrote:
toedtoes wrote:
Wonder how many folks parking in a Walmart for free will change to a $10 parking lot set up specifically for a "quick overnight sleep"?.
When folks will sit in line at Flying J to save $3.50 on a 100 gallons of gas, I have no doubt even $2 would be too much.

That's my suspicion also. Not that RVers are cheap or anything...
vic46
Explorer
Apr 12, 2015
Wal*Mart 2014 US annual sales were $473.1 billion. RV sales portion not likely any leverage!
rockhillmanor
Explorer II
Apr 12, 2015
bluegypsy wrote:
Ultrastryk wrote:
... have to use Walmarts a lot during the week because most campground offices close before we get in, and don't open by the time we leave in the morning. ....

I know it's off the Walmart subject, but wanted the OP to know that all RV parks and campgrounds we've stayed in (and worked in as workampers) has a "Late" or "After-Hours" Check-in - either some paperwork posted near the office or a bulletin board saying what sites are available, and payment envelopes and lock boxes to pay....

X10!
No one HAS to use a Walmart because of CG hours.

If the CG is not gated and gate closed you just go in no matter what time. And follow the signs to the office.

There will be instructions what to do with your check/money for the fee or instructions where to park or a note to: 'see the mgr in the morning'.

I full time and I use this service regularly because I do not make reservations and pull off the road where ever, what time, when I am tired of driving. I've pulled into many as late at midnight or even later. The late arrival is offered on the honor system to anyone RV'ing.

IMHO there just is no reason to stay on the side of a road, parking lot of any kind or truck stop. There will always be a CG along the way no matter what time of day or night to safely park your family and RV. :C
2oldman
Explorer II
Apr 12, 2015
toedtoes wrote:
Wonder how many folks parking in a Walmart for free will change to a $10 parking lot set up specifically for a "quick overnight sleep"?.
When folks will sit in line at Flying J to save $3.50 on a 100 gallons of gas, I have no doubt even $2 would be too much.
toedtoes
Explorer III
Apr 12, 2015
Maybe someone should take up on a business idea here. Build a "one-night only - no utilities" campground. Make a paved parking lot with slots sized for the RVs and charge $10 per night. In no earlier than 9 p.m., out no later than 8 a.m. No amenities.

Wonder how many folks parking in a Walmart for free will change to a $10 parking lot set up specifically for a "quick overnight sleep"?

Once upon a time, highway rest stops were established for this exact purpose.
2oldman
Explorer II
Apr 12, 2015
RobWNY wrote:
Why not just park at a truck stop that allows it.
Recent thread about truck stops
RobWNY
Explorer
Apr 12, 2015
I've never traveled far enough for the need to spend a night someplace like a Walmart but I plan to when I retire in a couple of years. Why not just park at a truck stop that allows it. There seems to be many of them that do and they are all right next to the Interstates. Easy on, Easy off, Fuel, Store, Showers if you need it etc. Why do a lot of people prefer a Walmart parking lot to a Truck Stop?
bluegypsy
Explorer
Apr 12, 2015
Ultrastryk wrote:
... have to use Walmarts a lot during the week because most campground offices close before we get in, and don't open by the time we leave in the morning. ....

I know it's off the Walmart subject, but wanted the OP to know that all RV parks and campgrounds we've stayed in (and worked in as workampers) has a "Late" or "After-Hours" Check-in - either some paperwork posted near the office or a bulletin board saying what sites are available, and payment envelopes and lock boxes to pay.

Also, as an alternative to Walmart parking, we park at casinos, many allow overnight RV parking, see casinocamper.com