We stayed at a Walmart only once. We were in a terrible thunderstorm and just climbed in the trailer late at night, not wanting to get wet going in the store. We never asked anyone, but did park between two 5th wheelers, hoping if they could do it we would be okay too. Next morning just a sunrise were on our way out.
In contacting management, do you just go to the service center at the front of the store?
No need to ask, just park in the outer limits of the lot away from the main traffice. Use it for overnightparking, not long term camping (setting up the slide outs, grill, awning, stealing power from the outlet on the light poles, etc. - You'd be suprised by how many people do this)
__________________ AIR 12256 Currently Looking 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 2001 Honda XR650R Currently Looking...for an Avion Truck Camper (or a Classic Argosy MoHo)
I've napped at a couple of Wal-Marts. I asked the manager (or whoever was in charge) both times, and one even directed us to, what he considered to be, the quietest area of the parking lot, away from the trucks and the local kids, who congregated late at night.
No need to ask, just park in the outer limits of the lot away from the main traffic.
Probably a good idea to ask, though, in case you missed the little sign out at the far corner of the lot that says, "Overnight parking prohibited - Municipal Ordinance xx-xxx Fine $500"
Probably a good idea to ask, though, in case you missed the little sign out at the far corner of the lot that says, "Overnight parking prohibited - Municipal Ordinance xx-xxx Fine $500"
(And yes, I have seen such a sign at a Wal Mart.)
I agree absolutely! It's just plain courtesy to ask. I usually push my cart up to the service desk and ask for a manager. Not only do I always get permission and directed to the local "best" spot, but am often THANKED for bothering to ask.
We NEVER put down the jacks, awning or anything else. We are prepared to pull away immediately if we should be asked to do so. We have moved during the night when an 18 wheeler pulls up beside us and idles the engine all night.
If there is a parking lot patrol, I always make a point of introducing myself and asking them to keep an eye on us. We've never had a problem at any Wal*Mart, though some are busy all night.
After an early breakfast and a quick trip to the store's restrooms, we're on our way.
Probably a good idea to ask, though, in case you missed the little sign out at the far corner of the lot that says, "Overnight parking prohibited - Municipal Ordinance xx-xxx Fine $500"
(And yes, I have seen such a sign at a Wal Mart.)
Good point on that - unfortunately those signs are only placed when/where the city has passed some ordinance or law restricting parking, not due to Walmart's rules.
Quote:
Originally Posted by N2XBW
I agree absolutely! It's just plain courtesy to ask. I usually push my cart up to the service desk and ask for a manager. Not only do I always get permission and directed to the local "best" spot, but am often THANKED for bothering to ask.
-John
John you are absolutely correct on the courtesy issue - and most people fail to do so. But it's a two edged sword sometimes. While I do appreciate it when someone asks, oftentimes I am quite busy dealing with other issues. Being called up to the service desk to deal with minor routine items can sometimes be a source of irritation after the 20th such call a day . (You might be supprised to know how many people think they need the manager to handle routine requests/problems/etc. every single day!)
On another note - even asking (at a Fred Meyer, not Walmart) one night didn't help. I got permission from the "manager", but got rousted at 3 am by some Barney Fife wannabe that wouldn't go away.
__________________ AIR 12256 Currently Looking 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 2001 Honda XR650R Currently Looking...for an Avion Truck Camper (or a Classic Argosy MoHo)
No need to ask, just park in the outer limits of the lot away from the main traffice. Use it for overnightparking, not long term camping (setting up the slide outs, grill, awning, stealing power from the outlet on the light poles, etc. - You'd be suprised by how many people do this)
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I can tell for a fact that I know 4 store managers in different areas all work for different stores, WalMart, Miejers, Food City, Krogers, and all say they do not have a problem with campers overnight except for those who dont have the courtsey to ask, and they have all had campers towed just because they did not ask.
I spent a night near a parking lot at a WalMart once. The city fathers had passed an ordinance prohibiting overnight parking, but they were a little too specific, as they spelled out what constituted a "parking lot". After the store manager gleefully explained this, he directed me to an unpaved spot next to the paved parking lot, where I spent the night without incident, and stocked up on some food and personal items while I was there.
You guys are making this far to hard. When I am traveling through I stop 90%+ of the time in a Wal Mart, Flying J, or Cracker Barrel. The only reason I would consider a campground is if it is above 80 degrees and humid.
Now that said years ago the I did ask waiters in a Cracker Barrel in Oh if it was OK. She did not answer but just walked away. 5 mins. latter the manager came over and asked. I hear you want to stay in a Cracker Barrel tonight. I said yes but we would roll another 2 o3 hours and then stop. He said good because I do not recommend you stay here. Why I asked. Well do you see how the restaurant is sitting 50 ft above the highway. The prostitutes sit up here and work the truckers with their CBs. The cops raid the lot several time each night.
I thanked him for his advise and went down the road.
Nuvite-F
I have notice that Our Local Wal-Mart (Holke RD and I70) has SANDYS on call ( I know you know who I mean) and has erected signs that say NO PARKING of Trucks or RV's. I am going to ask the manager on Friday when I am in there.
They have always permitted truck parking on the southside of the lot next to the interstate . I will check and report back, as to wheather this is a local thing or Corperate.
Roger
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Roger & MaryLou
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F350 CREWCAB SW LONG BED
7.3 liter Power Stroke Diesel
1977 27ft OVERLANDER KA8LMQ AIR # 22336
My your roads be straight and smooth and may you always have a tailwind!
A couple of years ago while in Las Vegas I just stopped to buy something at the Wal mart store and the security guard was right on us before the wheels stopped turning on the trailer.
We had no intention on spending the night anyway, so no harm done, but you might be hard pressed to find a Walmart in that area that allows an overnight stay. We had planned ahead and the hotel we were staying at in town let us park our trailer and truck behind their hotel.
A couple of years ago while in Las Vegas I just stopped to buy something at the Wal mart store and the security guard was right on us before the wheels stopped turning on the trailer.
We had no intention on spending the night anyway, so no harm done, but you might be hard pressed to find a Walmart in that area that allows an overnight stay. We had planned ahead and the hotel we were staying at in town let us park our trailer and truck behind their hotel.
Parking at Wal Mart is against Nevada State Law. It is not Wal Marts choise.
If you get a Family Motor Coach Atlas it will list every Wal Mart in the country you can stay at. There are only about 200 that you can not. Some by law and those in south Fl. where you will be killed. But the thousands of others are OK
I can tell for a fact that I know 4 store managers in different areas all work for different stores, WalMart, Miejers, Food City, Krogers, and all say they do not have a problem with campers overnight except for those who dont have the courtsey to ask, and they have all had campers towed just because they did not ask.
Sarge
On the other hand, some friends of ours needed a place to leave their fifth wheel overnight (without them in it) and asked the manager of a Kroger store if they could leave it in their parking lot. The manager said, sure, no problem.
When they came back the fifth wheel and tow vehicle were gone. They asked in the Kroger store and they didn't know anything about it. Next they called the cops and were told it had been towed. They went to the towing company to retrieve them (at beaucoup expense, needless to say) and the towing company said they were called by the owner of the shopping center where the Kroger was located. Turns out it was their policy not to allow overnight parking--but they never told anyone about it, just towed them away. There were no warning signs, either.
I checked with the local Wal-Mart manager today. Wal-Mart is at the intersection of I 70 and Hoke Rd Englewood OHIO . The manager said they welcome RV's " Just let us know you are out there" were the exact words. The city banned all Commerical Vechiles from there except for deliverys. It was not Wal-Marts Choice. But I am sure Wal-Mart is pleased because the trucks were tearing up the asphalt with thier tight turns and knockin down trees an breakin the curbs in the landscape.
The manager did have a smile when she answer my question.We all know what that smile meant TOO $$$$$$
Roger
__________________
Roger & MaryLou
___________________
F350 CREWCAB SW LONG BED
7.3 liter Power Stroke Diesel
1977 27ft OVERLANDER KA8LMQ AIR # 22336
My your roads be straight and smooth and may you always have a tailwind!
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. (You might be supprised to know how many people think they need the manager to handle routine requests/problems/etc. every single day!)
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