Updated January 9, 2023
Introduction:
If you are an RV camper, chances are you have considered staying overnight at a Walmart parking lot. Walmart is well-known for allowing RV campers to park and stay overnight for free in their parking lots. This can be a great option for travelers looking for a convenient and affordable place to rest for the night. However, there are a few things you should know before you park your RV at a Walmart. In this guide, we will provide a complete overview of Walmart overnight parking, including the rules, tips, and considerations you should be aware of.
What are the Walmart Overnight Parking Rules?
One of the most important things to know before you park your RV at a Walmart is the store’s overnight parking policy. While Walmart does allow RV campers to park and stay overnight in their lots, there are some rules you need to follow.
First and foremost, it is important to check with the specific Walmart store you plan on staying at to ensure they allow overnight parking. While most Walmart stores do allow it, there are some exceptions. Some Walmart stores, particularly those in urban areas, may not allow overnight parking due to local laws or other restrictions.
If the Walmart store does allow overnight parking, there are a few additional rules you need to follow:
Park in a designated RV parking area, if one is available. Many Walmart stores have designated areas for RV parking, and it is important to park in these designated areas to avoid any issues.
Do not park in a regular parking space, as this can block other vehicles and cause issues for other shoppers.
Do not park in a way that blocks access to the store or any other part of the parking lot.
Do not stay longer than 24 hours. Walmart’s overnight parking policy allows for a single night’s stay, and it is important to respect this time limit.
Be mindful of the store’s hours of operation. It is best to arrive at the store in the evening and leave in the morning, as most stores open early and close late.
Be respectful of other shoppers and store employees. Keep the noise level down and do not engage in any activities that could be disruptive or bothersome to others.
Dispose of any trash properly. Walmart provides trash bins for customer use, and it is important to use them to help keep the parking lot clean.
Tips for Walmart Overnight Parking:
Now that we have covered the basic rules for Walmart overnight parking, here are a few tips to help make your stay more enjoyable:
Check with the store before you arrive. It is always a good idea to call the store ahead of time to confirm that they allow overnight parking and to ask if there are any specific rules or guidelines you need to follow.
Avoid busy times. If possible, try to arrive at the Walmart store in the evening when it is not as busy. This will make it easier to find a parking spot and reduce the chances of disturbing other shoppers.
Choose a well-lit area. It is always a good idea to park in a well-lit area for safety reasons. Look for a spot near a street lamp or other light source to help make your RV more visible.
Keep a low profile. It is important to be respectful of other shoppers and store employees while you are parked at Walmart. Avoid loud music or other disruptive behavior, and try to blend in with the other vehicles in the parking lot.
Use your RV’s amenities. Instead of using the store’s restrooms, consider using the facilities in your RV. This will help reduce the burden on the store’s facilities and ensure that they are available for other shoppers.
Follow local laws and ordinances. While Walmart’s overnight parking policy allows for a single night’s stay, it is important to also be aware of any local laws or ordinances that may regulate overnight parking in the area. Some cities or towns may have specific laws or regulations regarding RV parking, so it is important to be aware of these before you park.
Be prepared for unexpected events. While it is rare, it is possible that the Walmart store you are parked at may close unexpectedly due to unforeseen circumstances. It is a good idea to have a backup plan in case this occurs, such as having the contact information for nearby campsites or other overnight parking options.
Consider purchasing Walmart’s RV Parking Permit. Walmart offers a yearly RV Parking Permit for $50 that allows RV campers to park overnight at any Walmart store that allows overnight parking. This permit also includes access to exclusive RV-only parking areas at select stores, as well as discounts on fuel and other amenities. While not required, the permit can be a convenient option for frequent RV travelers.
Considerations for Walmart Overnight Parking:
While Walmart overnight parking can be a convenient and affordable option for RV campers, there are a few things you should consider before you park your RV at a Walmart.
Security: While most Walmart stores are safe, it is always a good idea to take precautions to protect your RV and its contents. Make sure to lock all doors and windows, and consider installing a security system or other security measures to deter would-be thieves.
Noise: Walmart stores can be busy places, particularly during peak shopping hours. If you are sensitive to noise, you may want to consider staying at a more peaceful location, such as a campsite or RV park.
Restrooms: While Walmart stores do have restrooms available for customer use, they may not be as well-maintained or as spacious as the ones you find at a dedicated campsite or RV park. If you are looking for more comfortable or private restrooms, you may want to consider staying at a different location.
Electric and water hookups: Most Walmart stores do not have electric or water hookups available for RV campers. If you need these amenities, you may want to consider staying at a dedicated campsite or RV park that offers them.
Conclusion:
Overall, Walmart overnight parking can be a convenient and affordable option for RV campers looking for a place to rest for the night. Just be sure to follow the store’s rules, be respectful of other shoppers and store employees, and consider the factors discussed in this guide to ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free overnight stay at a Walmart parking lot.
FAQ
Q: Is it legal to park an RV overnight at a Walmart?
A: In most cases, yes. Walmart has a policy that allows RV campers to park and stay overnight in their lots for free, as long as they follow the store’s rules and regulations. However, it is always a good idea to check with the specific Walmart store you plan on staying at to confirm that they allow overnight parking, as some exceptions may apply.
Q: Do I need to ask permission to park my RV overnight at a Walmart?
A: While it is not required, it is always a good idea to check with the specific Walmart store you plan on staying at to confirm that they allow overnight parking. This will help ensure that you do not run into any issues during your stay.
Q: Are there any amenities available for RV campers at Walmart?
A: While most Walmart stores do not have electric or water hookups available for RV campers, they do have restrooms available for customer use. It is also possible to find other amenities such as a snack bar or pharmacy at some Walmart stores.
Q: Can I park my RV at any Walmart store?
A: Not necessarily. While most Walmart stores do allow overnight parking, there are some exceptions. Some Walmart stores, particularly those in urban areas, may not allow overnight parking due to local laws or other restrictions. It is always a good idea to check with the specific Walmart store you plan on staying at to confirm that they allow overnight parking.
Q: Is there a time limit for how long I can stay at a Walmart?
A: Walmart’s overnight parking policy allows for a single night’s stay, and it is important to respect this time limit. Most Walmart stores open early and close late, so it is best to arrive in the evening and leave in the morning to avoid any issues.
Q: Can I park in a regular parking space at a Walmart?
A: No. It is important to park in a designated RV parking area, if one is available, or in an area that does not block access to the store or other parts of the parking lot. Do not park in a regular parking space, as this can block other vehicles and cause issues for other shoppers.
Q: Is it safe to park my RV at a Walmart?
A: In most cases, yes. Walmart stores are generally well-lit and well-trafficked, which can help deter potential thieves. However, it is always a good idea to take precautions to protect your RV and its contents. Make sure to lock all doors and windows, and consider installing a security system or other security measures to deter would-be thieves.
Q: Can I use the facilities in my RV at a Walmart?
A: Yes, you can use the facilities in your RV while parked at a Walmart. This can help reduce the burden on the store’s facilities and ensure that they are available for other shoppers.
Q: Is there a fee for overnight parking at a Walmart?
A: No, Walmart’s overnight parking policy allows RV campers to park and stay overnight for free. However, Walmart does offer a yearly RV Parking Permit for $50 that allows RV campers to park overnight at any Walmart store that allows overnight parking. This permit also includes access to exclusive RV-only parking areas at select stores, as well as discounts on fuel and other amenities.
Q: Can I have guests or visitors while parked at a Walmart?
A: While it is not prohibited, it is important to be mindful of other shoppers and store employees while parked at a Walmart. Avoid engaging in activities that could be disruptive or bothersome to others, and keep the noise level down. It is also a good idea to limit the number of guests or visitors you have while parked at a Walmart.