Give them an inch, and they’ll take a mile. RVers can’t get enough of free camping at Walmarts across the USA.
This morning a YouTuber documented the situation on her cell phone and posted the video on YouTube.
Called Grass Roots Living on the video platform, she says, “It’s not even 6 o’clock in the morning yet, but I had to bring you outside to show you the Walmart parking lot.”
She continues, “I came out this morning and counted – and I know I can’t even see them all – I counted 20 RVs. I’m not even counting the big rigs that are here.”
However, Grass Roots Living didn’t mind the crowd.
In fact, they said they felt safe because of the numerous RVs.
Looks Like Celebs Overnight at Walmart, Too
Both Kristin Bell & Jimmy Kimmel are fans of parking overnight at Walmart. Even multimillionaires enjoy the simple things in life…like waking up at Walmart.
Bell says, “You can just go camp in the parking lot.”
This can’t be good for the future of Walmart overnight parking!
By the way: This celebrity exchange was also when Jimmy Kimmel totally ripped on the quality of his brand new RV.
Despite what Kristen Bell says, camping at Walmart is no good. We believe overnight RV parking is ok at Walmart…if you follow these rules.
What’s The Walmart Corporate Take on Overnight RV Parking?
Here’s what they have to say on an FAQ point asking “Can I park my RV at a Walmart store?”:
“While we do not offer electrical service or accommodations typically necessary for RV customers, Walmart values RV travelers and considers them among our best customers. Consequently, we do permit RV parking on our store parking lots as we are able.
Permission to park is extended by individual store managers, based on availability of parking space and local laws. Please contact management in each store to ensure accommodations before parking your RV.”
There you have it, straight from the Walmart Corporate website. Walmart as a corporation leaves the decision up to local store management teams and local laws.
Why Stores Across The Country Are Banning Overnight RV Parking
With the recent announcement about Cabelas rolling up the welcome mat for RVers and more and more Walmart stores banning overnight parking, one has to wonder: Why are so many stores banning RVers?
The answer here is pretty simple: abuse of the privelege.
Redditor DudeWithAMood12 hit the nail on the head with this quote:
“People don’t value anything free. Others have ruined it for everyone.”
This is why stores are banning overnight RV parking: a few bad apples have ruined it for everyone.
Free parking at public places is a privilege that shouldn’t be taken lightly, and unfortunately it’s abused by most people.
Rules and Etiquette for Boondocking At Walmart
There are some general unwritten rules about boondocking at Walmart. While they are unwritten, they should always be followed.
Being respectful about your stay and following these general rules will help keep these overnight parking options available for all travelers.
You know the saying “one person can ruin it for everyone” – don’t be that person.
Never fully set up camp. Walmart parking lots are for sleeping only – no setting up your camp chairs, rugs, or grills.
Avoid using your RV’s jacks if possible. They can cause dents in the asphalt of the parking lot.
The slide debate. There is much debate about whether or not you should fully extend your slides while “Wallydocking”. Some RVers can’t access their bedroom or bathrooms without them, so this is up to you.
Don’t overstay. It’s customary to arrive in the evening or at night and leave early in the morning. Some stores will ask you to leave by 8am. Never stay more than one night in a row at any store!
Patronize the store. Although overnight parking at Walmart is free, it’s a good gesture to purchase something during your stay.
Leave it better than you found it. This should go without saying but: don’t litter. Don’t let your tanks leak on the lot. Don’t leave anything behind when you go, not even food scraps or waste water.
Overnight RV Parking Spaces Disappearing Right Before Our Eyes
We’ve seen a bigger influx of new RVers hit the road over the last couple of years than in many years prior. And with the influx of new RVers comes the consequences, like losing some of our favorite free overnight parking spots.
From popular BLM and public land boondocking sites being shut down to private parking lots around the nation banning RVers, we’re seeing more and more camping bans almost every month.
With more people continuing to hit the road without much preparation, it doesn’t look like this trend will slow down anytime soon.
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Only 20? That woman has never been through Fort Stockton, Texas. We overnighted there last year at the Walmart. Campendium advises getting there early because the lot fills fast. Turned out to be an understatement. By morning the parking lot bore a strong resemblance to an RV dealer’s lot. People did pay attention to the rules, e.g., parking around the edges of the lot as far away from the entrances to the store as possible, but it still got pretty crowded.
Off subject of WalMart: the New York Times Style section 8 August 2021 included a spread on page 10 of trailer wedding chapels and honeymoon lodges. Fun, sort of. BParker
Any free perk from WalMart or anywhere else will eventually go away because of morons screwing it up for everyone else. Trashing the lot, putting out the awning, the chairs, even the portable fire ring or dumping your grey tank is NOT going to go well with the management OR the city authorities who love to boss people around with the slightest excuse to do so. You pizz off the city goobers and they’ll slap down an ordinance against all overnight parking quick as they can write one up.
Did you notice how many RV’s at that Walmart had parked across many parking spots, looked like most were parked very badly.
I would have to be pretty desperate to park overnight at a Walmart. I have been RV’ing over 30 years now and I am quite confident saying there is always a MUCH better option. Always!
I agree that it’s mostly because people are abusing the privilege. Alot of people are slobs where ever they go. Leaving ANY space better than when you arrived should be at the top of any RVrs list, but again..the slobs won’t bother because “they’re leaving..let the next guy clean it”. All it takes is a few slobs and poof..another spot bites the dust.
Do you have anything to share about RVing in canada and alaska.
Ok so in a major holiday weekend in some overpopulated RV park area a bunch of people decided not to drink and drive …Shut this nimrod up ask her if her local church gives free parking as they claim a not for profit tax deducation.
Glad to see comments on this great topic. We love Walmart’s over night policy and don’t abuse it. We always ask first and then shop.
Always Love A Free Camp Site.!!
Dan
Great video of WalMart parking lot with RVer’s! Love their RV parking policy where it is allowed! But do you ever have to be aware of where it is not allowed (I use AllStays app for very accurate info – red-W means not allowed and green-W means allowed). Video shows it as it really is and features the clean and discreet features of overnight parking at WalMart! We always go in and buy something to show our respect!
We have been RV travelers all our lives. Walmart parking has evolved. We always make purchases and let them know how much we appreciate it. We stay in a straight line and when you’re near the interstate by 10pm We see along line by us. In fact driving across the US??? You will probably end up camping by the same people. Lol
I love to park at Walmart over night
Unfortunately so many have no respect on what to do or how to park
Shame on them
The government has really changed the working man’s money..My wife and I are going to buy motor home at the end of the year..I’m 65 and fixing to loose everything. This world has really changed. I could go on but there are a lot of people who don’t have a choice!!!
Back in 2003, we were at a Walmart in A.K. and I counted 84 , R.V.s [campers],,that store had anything you could ever need to fix any R.V.in stock ,and were supper friendly with us all.,.C Brown
Tell this commenter to mind her own business. How does this effect her? I pick up after others, she has no skin in the game.
When traveling out west we always stay at a Walmart if we can find one. We don’t pull out the slide, awning, or chairs but I will use the portable grill. We always go in and purchase something as a courtesy. Hopefully the newer RVers will not ruin it for us seasoned ones.
It’s people like this KAREN THAT RUIN ANY CHASE TO BE NORMAL IF SHE IS SO UPSET AT ILLEGAL CAMPING CONTACT CITY STATE OFFICIALS AND ASK FOR LEGAL CAMPING IT WAS DONE IN DUST BOWL ERA WITH BAD GOVERNMENT CAUSING THIS MAYBE OPEN ABANDONED AIRPORTS OR OTHER SITES TO CAMPING OHH THAT WOULD BE TOO EASY /. I OFFERED TO MANAGE ABANDONED AIRPORT IN SANTA ROSA SIX TIMES TO BE TOLD NO
If only these campers would clean up or at least take their trash with them! The Walmart parking lot by me cannot keep garbage cans empty! So trash blow all across the streets up against the fence!
Walmart is my last resort. I pull in if I can’t find anything else. When traveling there’s not always a public RV park handy, and they don’t always have space available. When they do, some of them cost more than an overnight in a penthouse suite.Ive has something to say a few times to some of These abusers.Thats a good way to end up in the middle of something. They don’t care, and you’ll be the one causing a problem. That’s just how it works with those jerks. When I bought a new 2023 unit, I didn’t want a slide out for this obvious reason. Had a devil of a time finding a new trailer without one.
Tahoe Casinos used to allow RVs to stay in their lots. Until one nimrod dumped his holding tanks in the lot. Thanks to him, NO MORE!.
The person who did the video is not a camper person if you knew how hard it is to get bookings in campground s and if nothing available you got nowhere to go. I am just starting my first year as basically homeless with a camper senior and I thank God for Walmart. I could not book ahead 5 months for this year and all the weekends are booked everywhere. I am thankful to have my week covered. There are always people who are ungrateful and messy everywhere you go even home owners etc we do what we can and certainly no dumping grey tanks!! There are dumping stations along the highways you just got up look for them. It’s sad when people take advantage for everyone and the ones that need it the most probably will be refused due to this. So video person walk a mile in my shoes before you judge what you don’t know. It’s a parking lot and as long as the manager allows people to park is it really any if your business?
IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS NEGATIVE COMMENTER,REALLY DOESN’T HAVE A CLUE!!
I’M A FULL TIME RVER, BUT LEFT CALIFORNIA AFTER 7 YEARS, BECAUSE OF ALL THE CRIME, AND HATERS OF RVERS!! I’M A DISABLED VETERAN WHO COULD NO LONGER PAY THE RIDICULOUS RENTS!! ALSO, ALOT OF NEWBY RVERS ARE WELL OFF,AND CAMPSITES HAVE GOTTEN EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE NOW!! PLUS, MY RV IS A RESTORED 1997,WINNEBAGO ELANTE, AND IS PAST SOME OF THESE CAMPSITES 10 YEAR RULES!! YES, MY CAMPER IS TOO OLD FOR THESE CAMPSITES, AND HAVE BEEN TURNED AWAY!! WITHOUT PLACES LIKE WALMART, I WOULD BE DEAD BY NOW!! THINK OF THIS, I WAS WOUNDED IN COMBAT, FIGHTING FOR FREEDOMS, AND I DON’T HAVE ANY!! THIS PERSON WHO WAS FILMING, NEEDS TO GET A GRIP!!
I found a lot of helpful information
Having worked as an advisor for Legislators in Nevada and having a wife who was a Nevada State Legislator, It is almost comical how people are so naive to believe the “ruined it for everybody” lie. The reason these places are being shut down is because lobbyists for campgrounds are wining and dining lawmakers and convincing them (dumber even than the public) that camping outside a campground is dangerous and contributes to a loss in tax revenue. Cities and municipalities then pass laws the lobbyists have crafted themselves, and Walmart is forced to put up no overnight parking signs. When are we going to stop falling for this nonsense about “a few ruining it for everyone”? It’s always about money and we are always dumb enough to take the bait when they deceive us.
Yes, I like your article, and, I agree, “don’t be that person..” 🙂 we have experienced Wallys but have preferred CBs -Cracker Barrel- lately.. closer to the highways.
People need to have respect sleep and leave 😴 that is what is for a good night’s rest
The biggest two contributes to this issue is the new RVers and cost or lack of campgrounds in an area. The new RVers, many of them have no idea of etiquette no matter where they are. Many of these people got their rvs because of the shutdowns and are very entitled. The campground issue is born out of this influx as well. First reservations fill up fast and leaves people unable to make reservations. Also, this results in over priced campgrounds which has frankly priced many people out. The final issue is that many state and national parks won’t let you arrive and get a site. When I traveled via camper I could go to one of these parks and if not full and get a site. Now, many you can not pull in and get an empty site further some don’t allow same day reservations. So this leaves many passing through an area using these free places. The entire rv experience is bad now.
In Canada most Walmarts are leased properties and not owned by Wal-Mart so they don’t always have a say in the overnight parking issue,and in the last year I have seen an increase in old beater rv,s parked for extended stays which is going to cause issues down the line. People always screw up a good thing!
Thank you for this
I love parking overnight at Walmart. I always leave it clean when I leave. I wish more people would respect the rules of these places that allow overnight free camping.
I bet those folks in parking lot in RVs aren’t walking out with cart loads of goods while poor Security Guards are helpless. Thanks WalMart for letting our family get some sleep while creating Memories on the road!!
Sad that some people are pigs and ruin.it for all! 🙁
Well, I think the quickest and best way for one person to blow it for everyone else, is to bitch about it in a public forum like this one. Seems like they want to make it more public and cause for concern that may or may not be justified. Basically, it putting your nose in business when you don’t belong. Why does it bother you? Could you not find a parking space? Where they making too much noise? Cat calling you?
Like the article said, it’s up to the store manager. I’m sure there will always be someone that takes things too far. Like “camping out” in stead of over-nighting, making a big mess, or littering.
And thank you for pointing out the big rigs there too. Until you’ve learned all the crap a truck driver has to put up with, let’s make sure you robust them out of their “REQUIRED” 10 hour rest brake after delivering the things you go to the store for. Sometimes Wal-Mart is the only place than can get to before violating their hours of service.
Anotherwords, mind your own business. Go shopping and go home!
It’s been our experience that the WalMarts not allowing overnight camping are located in tourist towns that have camping. Beach towns or Moutain retreats.
Just did a short overnight at a Walmart out side of Sioux City. We got there around 3 am put our slides out and woke up around 7:00. We stayed till the store opened and grabbed some food( breakfast), drinks and other items we realized we had forgotten. We did not ask first since we were coming in at 3 am and it wasnt a 24 hr Walmart, but we did check to make sure there were no signs that said ” No overnight parking”( we would have left if it had said this)and parked along the edge of the parking lot by other rvs.After driving for 16 hrs the Walmart parking lot looked like the Holiday Inn!! We were there for a total of 6 hrs and then were on our way. It’s a place to pull over and stop to sleep. Not a campsite. Leave it clean and shop at the store. Don’t ruin it for everyone people. Just be respectful humans.
I work at a WalMart & yes, sometimes it is taken advantage of. I’ve seen some set up their chairs, rugs, sweep their area (least that keeps it clean). I’ve also seen how they’ll leave their garbage. What annoys me is when they feel they have the right to park sideways, taking up anywhere from 3-5 parking spaces, directly under the shade trees. I’m all for it honestly, but sadly there are those who ruin it for the rest