using Walmart over night.

RV Parky gives me an idea of whether the WM allows overnights but I confirm with manager on duty. If I see other RVs I usually park in that area and quickly level side to side before asking.

It's a good idea, many cities and municipalities have bylaws against the practice.

I just pick an out of the way place and park, near other RV's if there are any. I never call or ask an employee. If they have signs that say "No RV Overnight Parking" then I move on. No one has ever asked me to move on, never been a problem.

We used to ask but haven't in awhile. If there is a local law they should have signs posted. We usually see a couple other RVs so don't worry about it

We don't call ahead, just pull in, if there are a number of other RVs already there, we just find a spot out of way by not totally isolated, Go into the store and spend some money, usually food, usualy double check with a manager. If there are no other RVs (or only 1 or 2), we will definitely ask the manager.
I enjoy driving in the evening 6-10pm, less traffic. This only done on portions of trips, where sightseeing and scenery is not important (like the 20th trip on I75 in winter.

Ken

GHOST1750 wrote:
I know this is opening a can of worms but......I have been RVing since 2001 and can count on one hand the times I have stayed at Walmart. One time I stayed because I saw a Prevost there. I thought if it was good enough for him it's be OK for me.

If you do use Walmart do you call ahead or talk to the manager or employee? We are headed back to the Midwest in a few days and was interested in ideas.

You're not opening a can of worms, it's a well discussed subject but, it's no big deal. We've used Walmart several times and it's worked just fine for us. Yes, we'll take a nice campground if, IF it's hot out there and we need to run the air all night. We're not one for running generators all night so, we'd rather have a campground if the air or, possibly HEAT is needed.

Other than that, Walmart is just fine. Now, two things. One, that's if the particular Walmart you're thinking of at the time, ALLOWS RV overnight parking. I have a complete list of all the Walmarts across the nation and, whether or not each one of them allows RV parking or not.

Second, even though there may be an RV already there by the time we pull in, before I get setup, I go into the store, and go right to the Customer Service Center and ask for the manager. If the Assistant manager is there, that person will do. I simply tell them we'd "LIKE" to park over night if that's ok and, we'll be completely out of the way of normal customer passageways or, delivery truck passageways.

100% of the time, they answer: "Yep, you can park there with no issue". We then proceed to buy SOMETHING, just to show appreciation for their hospitality.

I then go get set up. We've put down the jacks, put an awning out if, IF the situation calls for it. Some folks go ballistic if any one either mentions putting one out or, does put one out. Well, go ballistic all you want. We're there for the evening and or night and, 100% of the time, we're gone by sun up with absolutely zero traces we were ever there. So, your choice. You'll be fine, even without a Prevost to keep you company.
Scott

GHOST1750 wrote:
I know this is opening a can of worms but......I have been RVing since 2001 and can count on one hand the times I have stayed at Walmart. One time I stayed because I saw a Prevost there. I thought if it was good enough for him it's be OK for me.

If you do use Walmart do you call ahead or talk to the manager or employee? We are headed back to the Midwest in a few days and was interested in ideas.

we don't use wally much anymore but back in the day we always asked permission before parking. it's polite and tbe right thing to do.

Make sure you speak to a member of the management team. An employee may give you permission erroneously and get in trouble.

We always ask. It probably depend on where you are traveling, but so far we have never been told no. We don't try to stop in any touristy locations though.

Only used WalMart once for an overnighter. Went to the manager to ask if OK. It was. I think the company itself welcomes overnighters, but if where it is located (township, etc) does not, WalMart cannot accommodate you. There will be signs up.