With over 500 stores across the US, many RVers want to know if overnight parking is allowed at Costco. After all, it would be convenient to park for the night at the same place you shop and fill up your gas tank.
It’s no secret that RVers love Costco. It seems counterintuitive since Costco sells bulk items, and RVs are small compared to residential homes. But RVers have found shopping there is better for our wallets.
We can stock up on staples like canned goods, coffee, and paper products for significantly less than traditional grocery stores. Plus, we can get gas and fill our propane tanks all in one stop.
We scoped out RV overnight parking at Costco, and here’s what you need to know.
Does Costco Allow Overnight RV Parking?
Yes, some Costcos allow overnight RV parking. However, it’s not a free-for-all.
Just like at a campground, there are rules to follow and common courtesies to keep in mind. If you plan to take advantage of this convenience, keep reading.
Pro Tip: We recommend using AllStays to find out which big box stores allow overnight parking.
Do You Have To Be A Costco Member To Park Overnight At Costco?
Fortunately for RVers, you don’t have to be a Costco member to park overnight. This is a free option open to all. Shopping inside the store and filling up at the Costco gas station, on the other hand, does require a membership.
Annual memberships start at $60.
Does Costco Have Specific Parking Areas For RVs?
Generally, Costco locations that allow RV parking will keep a portion of the parking lot lit overnight for this purpose. It may be behind the store, off to the side, or in the back of the parking lot.
If there is no designated RV parking area, it’s polite to park in the back of the lot.
Costco parking is temporary.
Never stay more than one night. You should park after the store closes and leave the next morning. Costcos usually open at 10 AM and close at 8:30 PM on weekdays and 6:00 PM on weekends.
And, always verify parking overnight with an on-duty manager.
Courtesy Tips For Overnight Parking
Again, overnight parking is a generous convenience provided by the managers of Costco stores. It could quickly go away if abused. RV etiquette is a must if you’re going to park at one of their warehouses.
Here are a few courtesy tips to follow.
Keep in mind: Walmart also offers free overnight RV parking at some locations.
Call The Business Ahead Of Time
Some Costco locations allow overnight RV parking, not all. They do not provide this information on their website, so you need to call ahead and ask.
If the answer is yes, be sure to find out if they have a designated parking area for overnight RVs. If the answer is no, you’ll need to find another place to stay for the night.
Never park overnight if the store prohibits it. Not only is it rude, but you might find a police officer knocking on your door in the middle of the night asking you to leave.
Don’t Spread Out
Costco parking lots are not campgrounds. You shouldn’t spread out and set up your parking spot like a campsite. Instead, aim to keep your footprint small. Keep your slides in, if possible.
And keep your RV gear packed away. Don’t set up grills, camping chairs, or anything else you might typically put out at your campsite.
Additionally, keep noise to a minimum. Avoid playing loud music inside or outside of your RV, and don’t use a generator. Even if the store management says generators are allowed, it’s discourteous to other RVers parking overnight.
Costco parking lots aren’t clean by accident. Before you head out the following morning, clean up any trash and pet waste, leaving no signs that you were there.
Shop Or Eat Where You’re Parking
As a way of showing your appreciation, it’s always nice to shop, eat, or purchase gas.
Your overnight stay is the perfect opportunity to stock up on your Costco favorites or fill your stomach and your gas tank before hitting the road.
Park Underneath A Light Or Visible Area
Overall, parking at Costco is safe, but it’s still wise to use common sense. Park under a light or in a visible area. Not only will you be able to see your surroundings, but delivery drivers and employees working the night shift to stock shelves will be able to see you.
Lock your doors, and don’t leave anything outside your RV that someone could steal.
Most importantly, you should always trust your gut and leave if you feel unsafe for any reason.
Should You Park Overnight At Costco?
Parking overnight at Costco has many benefits – convenience being number one. Other than Walmart, there are very few places where you can get some groceries, gas, and sleep all in one stop.
If you’re a Costco member, there’s no reason you shouldn’t take advantage of it.
Be On Your Best Behavior
Being able to park overnight is just one more reason RVers love Costco. Still, we can’t reiterate enough how important it is to be a courteous guest. Several places across the country, from stores to boondocking sites, are starting to ban RVers due to poor behavior and lack of respect for rules.
If you want Costco overnight parking to remain free and available, treat it like the gift that it is.
Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA
To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).
You should give it a try!
As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.
Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers who love to score the best site!
We’ll send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). Access the list by submitting your email below:
I have travel the USA for over four years and stopped at many Costco’s. I’ve asked at Everyone and I’ve always been denied. Never found a Costco I could spend the night at.
What do you think is the best app that shows where RVs are allowed and the amenities offered?
No, you cannot. Costco doesn’t want to become another Walmart campground. If you can afford the RV, go pay a designated campground fee or find a legitimate boon docking area. Nothing worse than stopping by a place to purchase food/merchandise and you have a bunch of yah hoo’s in the parking lot camping out.
We love your website, you have great information. Thank you