Overnight at Walmart

[Duramax]

Anyone ever stay at Walmart overnight while traveling? Have a long road trip coming up and thinking about staying at a Walmart overnight on the way. Wondering how it was?

[Eagleback]

We have, but some do not allow it, Here is a website that has some information https://www.walmartlocator.com. But its up to the manager of each store if they will allow it, so asking is you best bet. and some city ordinances do not allow it, so it will be a no in that case. as for the experience. Some stores are nice and secure and you end up with a good night sleep and some not so much. Its hit or miss. also try to avoid opening up the slides if possible. it sometimes draws unwanted attention. and NO generator at night the noise might be a problem. And stay at the 24 hour stores only.

[mlh]

Our local Walmart doesn’t allow overnight parking according to Allstays but every morning there will be several campers and tractor trailers that have stayed there. So do go ask.
Walmart is my favorite place to stay overnight while traveling. No hassle close to the Interstate no cost, perfect.
Lynwood

[PNW Fireguy]

As mentioned check with local stores. I have stayed at several Walmarts no problems. Some better than others. If you check online with each state's highway department or DOT you can quickly find out about rest stop overnight parking or length of stay limitations. These are good for quick stops as welll.

[Loneoak]

I use Allstays to plan all our trips. Not only does it tell you which Walmarts you can park at, but it also gives reviews from people who have stayed there.

Allstays is a aid app, and well worth the money. It shows you campgrounds free parking, low bridges, etc.

Another place to consider free overnighting is at casinos.

[BB_TX]

If you know in advance where you want to stop for the night, look at google maps satellite view of that Walmart. Many have large open easy in/out parking lots. And you can get an idea of where best to enter and where best to park to be out of the way. But some have parking lots that, while typically large, are not very easy to maneuver in. There are five WMs within about 6-10 miles of us. Three would be pretty easy. But two you would almost have to go to the back side and park in a somewhat remote side parking lot. Front area would be difficult when heavy traffic, which is most of the time.
If you need to open a slide(s), park along the perimeter so that the slide(s) open away from the parking/driving areas. Don't take up 10-12 parking spaces in the middle of the lot.

[DQDick]

If you belong to overnightrbparking.com you can get information on Walmart and other free places to park and reviews on what to expect as well as places to eat and fuel nearby.

[PNW Fireguy]

I routinely look for the truck entrance using either Google Earth or Google Maps. Easy in and out. I avoid the front retail entrances of Walmart’s at all costs.

[richfaa]

Our Choice.We have never overnighted at Wall mart or any big box store, rest area, truck stop ,etc. At the end of a day on the road we like to lay back, shower have a good meal and take it easy. We use campgrounds passport America has good rates.

[Hblick48]

Used Walmarts on two cross country trips...no real issues although big rig reefers are very noisy. Noticed that some seem to have one area that RV's use, and another for big rigs.

Always go in and check with manager on duty.

[PNW Fireguy]

For us Walmart’s are just another tool for us to utilize. Walmart, Cabella’s, Cracker Barrell, Passport America, Harvest Host, Boondocksrs Welcome, etc.. If it’s convenient for me and a company is willing to afford me the ability to park at their facility overnight I will and in turn patronize their business in return. With the right setup one can have all the creature comforts to relax and enjoy these brief stops. Give me Solar, lithium a cocktail and an instant pot and I can make any pit stop enjoyable.

[psomers]

We have never overnight in a Walmart but see nothing wrong with it for one night if common sense is used. We go to Pigeon Forge, Tn. at least once a year and always have to visit the Walmart. We have observed campers with their slides, awnings and lawn chairs out. Have even seen some that have their trucks unhooked. These are the ones that wonder why Walmart is stopping this perk.

[mazboy]

You will just have to try doing it. Some WalMarts are great, others not so much.
In Denver area you may not be able to stay or stay one night.
In Florida, I'd recommend, don't waste your time.


I dropped my trailer in a walmart in flagstaff, az...didn't ask, and ended up with a locked trailer and a $300+ fee to get unlocked.

[Sdgood1]

We have stayed at LOTS of Wally Worlds. Occasionally I would go in and ask. What we were told by almost all of the managers we spoke with was this. Walmart likes RV’s to stay there and patronize their business. IF it is marked no overnight parking it is usually a local town or city ordinance NOT Walmart. Even the ones marked no overnight, we were Never asked to leave. The one in Cody Wy. even had a dump station and allowed us to unhook.. we usually plan our trips around places that have a Wally World.

[Greg and Sherry]

Missoula, Montana is a No due to city ordinances. Sad too, because the town has so much to offer.

[WaltBennett]

We've used Walmarts extensively on our five cross country and three Canadian trips. Like already said, check AllStays or the Walmart website on which ones allow overnights. That's almost always due to local ordinances and the like. We've only had one noisy one where some teens/young adults wanted to party in the parking lot, but the local cops eventually showed up and chased them off. A couple of times semi's were parked nearby as well. Usually they are quiet and since there are video cameras, safe. Can't put out the awning and have a campfire though.

[Trailer Trash]

We have only done it once and while we didn't have any problems we weren't really comfortable so when we are in warm climates we find a campground and if it's winter and we are headed somewhere warm and sunny we will get a hotel room for the night.

[TrailTrackers]

We've stayed plenty of nights at Walmarts across the country and have never had a problem. I've always pulled in after dark and left before around 8am. I even unhook the trailer and put the slides out. I've even ran the generator occasionally if we need to cook dinner cause we couldn't find a fast food place. But I always have put the slides out cause ours closes up tighter than a nun's corset. I always park way out of the way too. And every time we've stayed we will purchase something from that Walmart whether we need it right away or not. Never had any problems or even been approached; ever.

[hitdrd]

We went crosscountry and stayed at our share of Walmarts. Like someone said “some do snd some don’t” even if its posted, I still went in and asked the managers permission That being said, if you are ever camped in a lot and security or police ask you to move., we were told if you say you have been drinking, they legally can’t force you to go.

[Daryles]

I might try it when the temperature gets cooler. Right now I prefer 50A FHU to run both ACs.