Overnight rver.com
RV Parking at Walmart
Many RVers seek Walmart stores for parking overnight. The frequently asked question below is from the Walmart Corporate website regarding RV parking at Walmart stores.
Question
Can I park my RV at a Walmart store?
Answer
While we do not offer electrical service or accommodations typically necessary for RV customers, Walmart values RV travelers and considers them among our best customers. Consequently, we do permit RV parking on our store lots as are able. Permission to park is extended by individual store managers, based on availability of parking space and local laws. Please contact management in each store to ensure accommodations before parking your RV.
Note:
Of the 4,000 or so stores nationwide, more than 1,000 prohibit overnight RV parking for one reason or another. Oftentimes local ordinances prohibit overnight RV parking. In some cases, Walmart is only a tenant and does not own the property their store is located on nor do they own the parking lot. In these cases, landlords may prohibit overnight RV parking.
Permission to park is granted by individual store managers. Some managers may not allow overnight RV parking because of previous bad experiences while others may choose to allow it. It is possible to speak with different managers at the same store on the same day and receive different answers regarding overnight RV parking. That’s why it is important to ask management for permission to park. Don’t just assume it is allowed because there are other RVs in the parking lot.
We are not affiliated with Walmart This website is not owned or associated with Walmart, Inc. When seeking a Walmart location for overnight parking, the recommended procedure is to obtain permission from Walmart management by calling the store directly. Some RVers don’t do this for one reason or another; these RVers risk being disturbed during the night and being told to move on.
The map Link below shows the location of Walmart and Walmart Supercenter stores. It also displays the unofficial* overnight parking status. A green circle with a check mark indicates overnight parking is most likely allowed. A red circle with an “X” indicates the location has been reported as not allowing overnight parking.
*We use the term “unofficial” because this website is not owned or associated with Walmart, Inc. When seeking a Walmart location for overnight parking, the recommended procedure is to obtain permission from Walmart management by calling the store directly. Some RVers don’t do this for one reason or another; these RVers risk being disturbed during the night and being told to move on.
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Overnight RV Parking Etiquette
Some of the most respected RV consumer clubs have joined together to support your right to park on private businesses’ parking lots overnight under the following code of conduct. The code pertains to establishments that permit “dry camping” on their lots. Dry camping means camping without the use of external hookups for electricity, water supply or waste disposal.
Industry-Sanctioned Code of Conduct
(Good Neighbor Policy)
- Stay one night only!
- Obtain permission from a qualified individual.
- Obey posted regulations.
- No awnings, chairs, or barbecue grills outside your RV.
- Do not use hydraulic jacks on soft surfaces (including asphalt).
- Always leave an area cleaner than you found it.
- Purchase gas, food, or supplies as a form of thank you, when feasible.
- Be safe! Always be aware of your surroundings and leave if you feel unsafe.
If your plans include touring the area, staying for more than one night, or necessitate conduct not within the code, please relocate to a local campground. It’s the right thing to do!
Most of the complaints lodged regarding RV parking on business parking lots have to do with aesthetics and perceived abuse of the privilege. There are a variety of competing interests that were balanced to arrive at this industry-sanctioned code of conduct. As you can see, this Code of Conduct is nothing more than an “Good Neighbor” policy.
Not following the code has serious consequences and is detrimental to the rights of all RVers. Already, some municipalities have passed ordinances to prohibit parking on private business property overnight.
This code of conduct is only provided as a reminder that RVers must be perceived as good neighbors, or there will be more pressure to institute state, county and local ordinances to prohibit parking on private business property.