You’ve had a long day of RV travel, and you need somewhere to just park and sleep. You see a Lowe’s nearby, but does it allow overnight RV parking?
You know they have a large parking lot, and that seems perfect for getting a few hours of rest.
Let’s take a look at how to know if it’s okay to stop for the night!
Does Lowe’s Allow Overnight RV Parking?
Yes, some Lowe’s stores allow overnight RV parking. Lowe’s and other department stores are popular choices for RVers looking for a quick place to get some shut-eye. But not all stores allow it.
Let’s take a closer look at how to find out which Lowe’s stores allow overnight RV parking. And even better, how to find free RV parking when you can’t do it at Lowe’s.
How to Find out if a Store Allows Overnight Parking
The best way to find out if a store allows overnight RV parking is to call and speak to a manager. Some stores don’t allow overnight parking because of city or county ordinances beyond the managers’ control. And other stores won’t allow it out of personal preference.
The best way to find out is to ask.
Pro Tip: We know searching for parking can get stressful which is why we uncovered the best apps to help find parking in a pinch. Discover more about What is The Allstays App?
Which Stores Allow Overnight RV Parking?
There are many stores and chains around the U.S. that allow free overnight parking.
But all stores must follow local ordinances, so the experience isn’t consistent. Examples of stores that often allow free overnight RV parking include Walmart, Cabelas, Bass Pro Shops, Lowe’s, Cracker Barrel, Camping World, Costco, Menards, Target, and some casinos.
How to Find Free Overnight RV Parking
Aside from calling, apps and websites are the best resource for RVers to find overnight parking. Apps and websites to find free overnight RV parking include Campendium, Allstays, Freecampsites.net, The Dyrt, iOverlander, and more.
You can’t find every store on an app or website, however. Allstays has an app specifically for overnight parking at Walmart stores called “Walmart Overnight Parking.” But again, not all stores that allow overnight parking are listed in this app. The best way to find out if a store will let you park overnight is to ask.
Pro Tip: If you use Allstays Walmart app to find parking, make sure to first read The Don’ts of Walmart Camping.
Can You Park Overnight on City Streets?
In some instances, yes, you can park overnight on city streets. Generally, if no signs state that you can’t park overnight, you can do it.
Popular places to park overnight on city streets include residential neighborhoods or industrial areas. Avoid downtown areas. Look for other RVs or camper vans as a signal that it’s OK to park overnight on city streets.
Is it Legal to Sleep in Parking Lots Overnight?
It’s legal to sleep in parking lots, such as Lowe’s, overnight in some areas but not others. The legality of sleeping in parking lots varies depending on the city or county.
Some cities and counties have ordinances that ban sleeping in vehicles, and others don’t. The best way to find out if sleeping in parking lots is legal is to look for signs or check the city’s website.
Tips and Unwritten Rules for Sleeping in Parking Lots
Escapees RV Club has published a “Good Neighbor Policy” that highlights unwritten overnight RV parking rules. Let’s take a look at a few of them.
Arrive Late, Leave Early
When it comes to free overnight RV parking in a parking lot, you should arrive late and leave early. Parking lots are not campsites. They’re not somewhere you should plan on spending a lot of time. Overnight RV parking in parking lots is for overnight sleeping only.
Never Set Up Camp
Never set up camp in a parking lot. This isn’t a campsite or campground. You’re not paying for it, and you don’t own the area around your RV. This means no chairs, no grills, no camp rugs, and no accessories outside your RV. You shouldn’t be hanging out outside of your RV, either. You’re just here to sleep overnight under Lowe’s generosity.
Many RVers believe you should also keep your slides in (unless you have to put them out to access essential areas in your RV) and that you should never put your jacks down, either. Having your jacks down and slides out makes it look like you’re setting up camp. And if you’re just there to sleep, it’s unnecessary. In addition, RV leveling jacks damage asphalt.
Keep to Yourself
Keeping to yourself means not hanging out outside of your RV, not playing loud music, and generally just sticking to the idea that you’re only there to sleep. It’s not a campsite.
Patronize the Store
It’s good practice to stop in the store and buy something, even if it’s just a small snack. This is something RVers do as a “thank you” for the free overnight parking spot.
Stay out of the Way
When you’re using a parking lot for free overnight RV parking, try to park in an area that’s out of the way. Some stores have a designated spot for RVers to park in. Many times, if you call and receive permission from the store manager, they’ll tell you where to park.
As a general rule, the far back or far side of the store parking lot is where you can park your RV. If you see other RVs parked in a certain area, park near them.
Free Overnight RV Parking Is Awesome
Free overnight RV parking options are great to have, especially for the road-weary RV traveler. The roads are safer when drivers are well-rested.
As you travel and utilize these free overnight parking options, remember the unwritten rules. Being a courteous RVer, keeping things clean, and keeping to yourself will go a long way in helping ensure these stores allow RVers to park overnight for years to come.
Have you ever parked overnight at a Lowe’s or another store?
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