Can You Park Your RV Overnight at Home Depot?
Many RVers know about Walmart, Bass Pro, and Cracker Barrel, but did you know some Home Depots allow RVs to stay overnight?
You might just need one too. It seems like everybody and their mother bought an RV in 2020. It’s not just campgrounds that are filling up.
Some RVers are having trouble getting spots through services like Harvest Hosts as well. As a result, some RVers are thinking outside the box for overnight camping spots.
Let’s take a look!
Are RVers Allowed to Park at Home Depot Overnight?
The more than 2,200 Home Depot locations in the country often feature massive parking lots. These lots are usually empty, especially later in the evening and overnight. Big construction trucks and trailers use them to load up materials, but can you park your RV there overnight?
You can try checking on popular apps like AllStays and Campendium. However, you should always ask permission from an establishment before setting up camp for the night. See if you can speak with a manager to get the OK.
Even if a big-box retailer typically welcomes RVers, local ordinances supersede any corporate policies. If a city or local municipality prohibits overnight camping, you’re out of luck. If you decide to park anyway, you may get a knock on your door in the middle of the night.
Pro Tip: We prefer Cracker Barrel Overnight RV Parking over all others.
Do Parking Enforcement Officers Kick You Out?
While many places prohibit camping overnight in parking lots, whether you get kicked out is up to chance. You may get lucky. However, you could get kicked out and receive a ticket. That will probably cost you more than a campsite.
Tips for Parking Overnight at Home Depot
If you plan to camp overnight at Home Depot, we’ve got a few tips to make the most of your stay.
Call the Store First
No matter what app or website you’re using to find camping spots, you should call the store as well. You don’t want to drive out of your way to discover that local or store ordinances prohibit camping. Calling ahead can save you from a major hassle.
When you’re calling ahead, it’s also important to make sure you talk to someone with authority. Most Home Depot employees can’t grant permission for overnight stays. Getting a manager’s permission can help protect you from potential issues in the middle of the night.
Park on the Outskirts
When picking a spot, there’s a couple of things to keep in mind. Don’t pull into any spot you can’t get out of. When you’re looking for a parking spot for your RV, make sure you know how you’ll exit it.
By parking on the outskirts of the parking lot, you provide plenty of space for other vehicles. This can prevent another vehicle from blocking you in.
Don’t Set Up Camp
It’s important to keep in mind that your overnight stop is not a campsite. It’s not the place to pull out your camping chairs, entry doormats, and lights. Maintain a clean environment and be ready to leave quickly if necessary.
Many RVers won’t unhitch to limit the work required to leave in the morning.
Keep in mind: Safety is a huge factor with overnight RV parking. Here’s the truth about how safe it is.
Is Camping at Home Depot a Good Idea?
Staying at Home Depot can be a great option, especially if you’re looking for a quick overnight stop. While it likely won’t provide an epic view or any amenities, it’s a free spot to stay for the night.
Home Depot can be more than just a place to get lumber or a power tool. It can be a great place to park your RV for the night. Have you stayed in your RV at Home Depot or another big-box retailer?
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Francois Feyter
Saturday 13th of November 2021
So sad people miss use free night parking , I don’t think it should be free , plus a damage Deposit 🤷♀️And a time limit,these RV are big
John
Friday 13th of August 2021
I see articles like this posted a lot all over the place and one thing that I think is missed in most of them is that a lot of the times parking lots aren't owned by the stores that use them, but usually a property management company. It is possible to still get a knock on the door at night even if you have permission from the store. But it might not be law enforcement, it may be a tow truck driver.
Marcus Tibesar
Saturday 7th of August 2021
America used to the Land of the Free. Now it is the Land of the Regulators.
Eve Isaacks
Friday 6th of August 2021
I work for Home Depot. The vast majority of Home Depot locations do NOT allow overnight parking in their lots. In fact, it is only in municipalities which require big box retailers to allow this (I think some whacked out counties in CA) that the Home Depot does allow it. Our company actively calls the police and/or towing companies on any vehicles left in our lot overnight, every single night.
Captain Quirk
Saturday 31st of July 2021
I'm always a bit wary of the (universally given) advice to call and get permission in advance. Of course, that's the safest and most conservative approach, but it makes it very easy for the manager to say "no".
I tend to subscribe to the adage that it's easier to get forgiveness than permission. Unless Campendium or the other usual sources say overnight parking is not allowed, or there are signs specifically prohibiting it, I would just go ahead and take my chances. (Using common sense, of course, to park on the outskirts of the lot and otherwise keep a low profile.)