Walmart overnight parking

[Happycampers]

Originally Posted by tsunami

Has anyone experienced over nighting in a Wal Mart lot in Canada? I plan on going North of the boarder this year and started to wonder if the Canadiens are as friendly as we are down here south of the boarder about this?

Thanks in advanced...

I have seen them parked at ours. One 5th wheel was there for a few weeks with the truck unhitched and not even there most of the time.

Marvin

[newdundee]

Yes, we have parked there numerous times. Always out of the main parking area, and some stores have an area which caters to the transports and rv's.

[ticki2]

Parked in Moncton NB one Sat night late , there were three campers there . By morning when we left there were 27 rigs.

[richie rich]

this may seem a bit contrary, but when i hook up my as camper it is to get away from asphalt.i like walmart,the ones that are run well and use the parking lots to rest,regroop,try to figure where the heck i am.iwant to see the natural parks,not the parking lots.vintage photos show airsreams parked at sites which enrich the mind and soul. go park there,and look for seasonal rates to CURB the parking cost.respectfully richie rich.

[SilverBreeze]

Most stores out this way in California don't allow it mainly because of city ordinances. It seems the more rural the better, my brother inlaw drives for Swift and suggests the closer to a freeway the better the chance. Good Luck
Daniel

[gaylejoe]

Is it past time for the RV parks to realize there is a need for those just wanting a place to sleep overnight without having services? Unhooking your rig is another matter and more than just an overnight stop. I sure do not like paying $25 just to pull in for the night without unhooking my trailer.

I agree that staying on a paved parking lot is not my idea of camping but those paved parking lots are more convient than some isolated city parks.

If these RV parks are so concerned about losing business to Wal-Mart then they need to re-think their policy and make cheap overnight parking available. I agree some RV parks have a lot invested but there a lot which offer no extra's such as a pool, spa, TV, etc and stll charge over $25 a night.

To me its a safety issue. Having a place to stop for some sleep is a lot better than trying to stay awake when the eye lids get heavy. It keeps sleepy and tired drivers off the road.

[easyride]

I have never done the Walmart,I don`t completely understand the rest areas,with their NO OVER NIGHT CAMPING ,does this mean you can`t put out the awning,and fire up the barbi.I`ve pulled in to them many a time if in a rush,but that usually means a couple of cool ones,sleep, coffee in the morning and an early pullout.Haven`t been messed with yet,I figure if the trucker can do it I can too. Dave

[rickandsandi]

We just picked up a new Atlas at a Wal*Mart and it has a listing in the front of all the Wal*Marts that do/can allow overnight RV parking [notice I didn't say camping]. I hate Wal*Mart and do everything I can to avoid shopping there. It just seems taht once every four or six weeks we have to "run" in for one or two items. Never stayed at one, we always look for a Cracker Barrel.

[razorback]

We stopped at a Wal-Mart in Rapid City, SD two days ago to replenish our refrigerator and parked on the extreme edge of the parking lot. When we came out of the store we found that a shopping cart against the left front of our Classic. Unlucky for us the wind had set the cart in motion after someone just left it where they loaded their purchases in their car and it struck our AS. Lucky for us it hit the center of the stainless steel rock guard. If it had hit further back it would have done major damage to the aluminum or further forward I would have had a major dent in my TV. This incident brought to mind the hazard of parking on any lot that has shopping carts left that are subject to being runaway carts. This was just a stop for some supplies so I would think the exposure of an overnight park might also be a risk, especially if there were strong winds.

[eubank]

Gawd, I hate it when that happens. (Alas, what hit our truck at WM was heavier than a shopping cart. It bashed in the whole right-front fender -- and then left the scene. I was one very peeved individual.)

Lynn

Originally Posted by razorback

We stopped at a Wal-Mart in Rapid City, SD two days ago to replenish our refrigerator and parked on the extreme edge of the parking lot. When we came out of the store we found that a shopping cart against the left front of our Classic. Unlucky for us the wind had set the cart in motion after someone just left it where they loaded their purchases in their car and it struck our AS. Lucky for us it hit the center of the stainless steel rock guard. If it had hit further back it would have done major damage to the aluminum or further forward I would have had a major dent in my TV. This incident brought to mind the hazard of parking on any lot that has shopping carts left that are subject to being runaway carts. This was just a stop for some supplies so I would think the exposure of an overnight park might also be a risk, especially if there were strong winds.

[richinny]

e wind had set the cart in motion after someone just left it where they loaded their purchasesi always try to park at the top of any grade.

[razorback]

We do usually try to park at the top of the grade also and even check which direction the wind is coming from on level lots, but the only space left for a big trailer was on the lower side of the lot and downwind. Should have been smart enough to expect that might happen. Live and learn.

[Nuvite-F]

Originally Posted by rickandsandi

We just picked up a new Atlas at a Wal*Mart and it has a listing in the front of all the Wal*Marts that do/can allow overnight RV parking [notice I didn't say camping].

Could you tell me more about this atlas with a listing of Wal-Marts that allow overnight parking?

I bought the latest Rand McNally Road Atlas (dated 2009, in fact) at Wal-Mart and it lists all the Wal-Marts, but I didn't see anything about ones that allow overnight parking.

We have just about given up on Wal-Marts for a quick overnight stop because the last 3 we tried (including one we had stayed at previously) were sporting "no overnight parking" signs. One had a pack of tow trucks waiting to prey on unsuspecting RVers.

I second the suggestion made above that more campgrounds consider expedited low- or no- service overnight parking for people trying to get somewhere else and just need a place to put the wheels for the night.

By the way, some states, particularly the sparsely populated ones, Texas, to name one, do allow overnight stays in their Interstate rest areas. Seems like most don't, though.

See you down the road,
Nuvi

[CaddyGrn]

The Wal Mart here in Yreka, CA allows overnight parking. Lots of folks stay at Wal Marts because the parking lots are fairly well lit, and thus ~ "safer" and convenient. The last big event in town the local police had was with drug dealers in our Wal Mart parking lot....

Our solution to the Wal Mart "dance" ~ travel shorter distances each day that you can, and plan ahead carefully so you can find an inexpensive or free place to stay (if budget is the word...) that isn't a total parking lot. Besides the 2:00 a.m. street sweeper thingy that cleans the parking lots just don't seem to care of you are sleeping.... We tend to look for the nearest USFS, BLM, or ACE camping spots... they generally have water and most have a dump station.

Lots of folks here on the forum offer courtesy parking! Bring your laptop and check out the areas you will be traveling to! Lots of Elks Club's have parking for their members, sometimes you can contact a local Elks Club and they will allow you to stay for a nominal fee... always worth a call or drop by the local Elks Bar to inquire.

Keep camping!

Mrs. NorCal Bambi traveling in S Tardis ~ from the Great State of Jefferson
My new blog: Yreka History

[N2XBW]

My Fellow Cheapo Alumilovers,

For a VERY comprehensive website for Free overnighting, including Wal*Mart, go to Jim O'Briant's Overnight RV Parking.

There is a small annual charge [worth it!] to subscribe, but actually can be free if you add something new to the data base. See complete details at the website.
I have no financial interest in the website except as a member/contributer.

If you decide to contribute, be sure to use the form, or it will make Jim a lot of extra work. Form : http://www.overnightrvparking.com/report.php

Also, Check out Jim's LINKS Page: Links and Resources

Happy Trails!

John / N2XBW

[Gregg S]

We are on an express trip to yellowstone nat park and stayed at Wal Marts in Fredonia NY, Peru IL and Worthington Minn. All the managers were very nice and we had to park on the outer edges of the lot. It was handy to be able to run in for food supplies. I would recommend it for anyone traveling fast.

[N2XBW]

Gregg,
Way to go! You are now an "Official" Cheapo! And thanks for asking permission. It's just good manners and makes all of us more welcome next time. We always ask, and NEVER "set up camp" or leave any other trace. If I see a security vehicle, I make a point of introducing myself to the officer and thanking him/her in advance for looking out for us. I have never had a problem or a negative reaction from the patrols.

Always find a flat spot so you won't even have to use your jacks. The rule of thumb when parking overnight on a commercial or other free lot, is be ready to drive away at a moment's notice. This also means no slides out unless absolutely necessary. Never use a storm drain for tank dumping. I know, this seems like a no-brainer, but there's no limit to the audacity and stupidity of some travelers. Sheesh!

With the availability of dump stations and good water at so many truck stops and municipalities, it makes little sense to me to pay for or hassel with a campsite while just quickly passing through an area. We only use campsites when absolutely necessary at our destinations, or at very interesting / sceinic spots along the way.

NB: See the reference to the Overnight Camping registry in my post #155 of this thread.

Happy Trails!
John / N2XBW

[jking09]

i have also used the walmart overnight policy.

[ts8501]

Used the Walmart in Stevens Point, WI last August. Manager was nice, and it worked out great. It really was Free!

[ITsIT]

It is the truth, he was an RV'r and it was in his will. Also the road atlas they sell has this info in it. Same goes for Cracker Barrels, the ones that have RV parking.
The rule is to park as far away from the store to not take space from shoppers.