As an RV owner, you know first-hand the challenge of finding safe, affordable places to stay across the country. With over 4,700 store locations nationwide, Walmart parking lots have become a go-to overnight oasis for road-weary RVers.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know about overnight parking at Walmart in 2024. I‘ve got you covered on the rules, tips, benefits, and more so you can decide if Walmart camping fits your travel style.
Is it Legal to Sleep in an RV at Walmart?
The first question every RVer has is – can I actually just park up and sleep overnight in a Walmart lot? The short answer is yes.
Walmart does not prohibit overnight RV parking, considering it private property. The decision is left to each store‘s manager, who generally allows it in the name of customer service.
In fact, Walmart proudly touts RVers as their most loyal customers. Over 1 million Americans hit the road in RVs every year, so Walmart is smart to accommodate them.
Does Walmart Allow Overnight RV Parking Nationwide?
Walmart openly welcomes RVers across the U.S., with over 3,000 confirmed RV-friendly locations today.
However, approximately 20% of stores now prohibit overnight parking due to city bans. For example, parking is banned in places like Jacksonville, FL and Salt Lake City, UT. Always call ahead.
This interactive map shows the status of Walmart overnight parking state-by-state. Be sure to click on individual pins for store specifics.
And check out OvernightRVParking.com to read reviews of Walmarts from fellow RVers. I always consult these before arriving.
Walmart Overnight Parking Rules and Etiquette
Free overnight parking is a privilege. To keep it, RVers must follow proper etiquette or risk stores banning parking.
The Escapees RV Club compiled these rules I follow:
- Ask permission from the manager on duty before parking overnight
- Limit stay to one night before moving to a new store
- Arrive late, leave early to keep a low profile
- Park away from entrances to avoid congestion
- No awnings or furniture like campsites
- Pick up all trash and leave the lot clean
- Spend money at the store as a thank you
I also avoid running generators late or early. With basic courtesy towards the store and community, my stays are always smooth.
How Many Nights in a Row at One Walmart?
To avoid overstaying their welcome, RVers should move to a new location after 1 night.
In rare cases you may get permission for a second night, but it‘s best not to push it. Stores can ban RVs if they feel taken advantage of.
There’s always another Walmart down the road. With over 4,700 nationwide, they make the perfect one-night stopovers on long trips.
Is Overnight Parking at Walmart Safe for RVs?
Personal safety is my top concern on the road. Based on my experience, Walmart parking is generally safe with a few precautions:
- Park under lights and near the store entrance, not the darkened periphery
- Assess surroundings – drive the area to check for any red flags
- Lock up – be sure your RV is fully secured each night
I also try to park near security cameras or even ask the manager if security patrols at night. An RV looks vulnerable, so take every precaution.
Real RVer Experiences at Walmart Locations
To give you an idea of what to expect, here are a few recent overnight reviews from fellow RVers:
- “Clean, well-lit Supercenter off I-35 in Temple, TX. We felt 100% safe overnight with constant security patrols.”
- “This Walmart in Kingman, AZ was truck friendly with a separate parking area. No trouble getting our 36‘ fifth wheel in for the night.”
- “Manager was friendly but said no overnight parking allowed at this Brandenton, FL location. We moved down the road to another Walmart that welcomed us.”
Money-Saving Benefits of Free Walmart Parking
Unlike pricey RV parks, staying at Walmart has plenty of money-saving perks:
- It’s 100% free – no nightly fees or reservations required
- 24/7 store access – grab supplies, pharmaceuticals, or anything else you need
- Fuel and propane – refuel and fill tanks during your stay
- Repair and maintenance – get your RV serviced at on-site centers
On average, RV parks cost $50 per night. If you stayed at 30 Walmarts over 3 months, you‘d save a whopping $1,500!
What Should I Buy at Walmart as a Thank You?
Although not required, it‘s good karma to spend a little money inside the store that’s hosting you.
On overnight stays, I like to pick up:
- Groceries or snacks
- Drinks like water, soda, coffee
- Toiletries or pharmacy items
- Auto care essentials like oil, wiper fluid
- Walmart gift cards to use down the road!
Even $10-20 shows gratitude for the free stay. And be sure to thank the manager on your way out!
Will My RV or Car Get Towed at Walmart?
If you follow proper etiquette, towing is extremely unlikely at most Walmarts.
Of course, each store manager has discretion to tow abandoned RVs, vehicles or trucks left for multiple nights unattended. But stayed just one night, the odds of towing are very low.
I still advise parking away from entrances/exits used by delivery trucks. And never park in handicapped spots – towing in those is guaranteed!
Getting Permission for Oversized RVs and Trailers
While Walmart accommodates most RVs, you may need special permission for oversized rigs like fifth wheels and travel trailers over 75 feet.
Simply call the specific store you’d like to stay at and politely ask the manager if they can accommodate a large trailer. Specify the length and width, and they will let you know if there’s space.
With some advance notice, most Walmarts will happily welcome oversized RVs. But it never hurts to check and make sure.
Winding Down for the Night: My Walmart Camping Routine
After a long day on the road, my overnight Walmart routine is key to a good night’s rest:
- I arrive after dusk once the lot has emptied out a bit
- Ask the manager on duty for permission to stay the night
- Pick my spot away from the front so I’m not conspicuous
- Disconnect the tow vehicle and plug into RV power if possible
- Lower blinds and shades to block parking lot lights
- Cook a quick dinner so food smells don’t linger
- Get ready for bed then lockup and activate the RV alarm system
- Say goodnight to the road for a free night of Walmart camping!
Conclusion: Walmart Overnight Parking in 2024
As you can see, parking overnight in Walmarts continues to be a fantastic option for RVers in 2024 seeking safe, free places to rest on their journeys.
By following some basic etiquette, we can ensure Walmart keeps welcoming RVers with open arms for years to come. Personally, I‘ll be relying on them for many more cross-country trips ahead!
Safe travels and happy Walmart camping! Let me know if you have any other questions.
