Until the MOC started in 2002, I had been a member at many other RV boards. At one of them, the WalMart RV parking topic was a hot issue. We developed a version of the "Unofficial Guide to Overnight RV Parking at WalMart". Of course the guidelines themselves became a hot topic to argue over also. I was so glad when the MOC started up as it was truely the "calm" out there in the sea of "stormy" RV discussion boards...*LOL
One thing I do wonder about is how casinos can get away with allowing overnight RV parking and neighboring campgrounds/neighbors aren't screaming for local ordinances against it like they do for WalMart RV parking? Is it because they actually have an area set aside for RVers to park and signs posted directing RVers to that area? Maybe that's what Walmart should do. I'd like to see Walmart and casinos get together and put their power together in over-ruling these local ordinances that prohibit RV parking overnight in their parking lots. But then a thought just came to me.... isn't the land that (indian) casinos are on not subject to local rules and ordinances?
Just before I posted this, I went to the WalMart site to see the current Walmart statement on RV Parking and it appears they have taken the statement off their website. Or at least, I can't find it anymore.
Anyways, I knew I had this on disk somewhere and have found it to share:
Unofficial Guide to Overnight RV Parking at WalMart:
1 Don't stay if "No overnight parking" signs are posted. If you do, be prepared to be asked to leave during the night if you don't have prior permission. You might also be issued a citation by the local law.
2 If you arrive during store hours, always go in and ask for permission to park overnight. Get the name of the person you get permission from.
3 If you arrive after the store is closed, park in the furthermost corner away from the store. If you'll be arriving after hours and already know that you'll be staying at the store, call the store ahead of time for permission. Always get the name of the person you talked with.
4 Don't unhook your tow vehicle or towed-vehicle and leave the RV. This is not a campgound. It is okay to unhook however, if you have repairs that need to be made to the tow vehicle and you are taking it to a local shop for the repairs. Never do any repair work in the lot yourself.
Put something under your supports so they don't damage the parking lot surface. Discuss it with the store manager first, so that they know what is going on and they also may be able to direct you to a local reputable repair shop.
5 It's okay to open the slide-outs, but do not put down stabilizer legs, supports or jacks. It's understandable that you might need to open the slides to have access to areas inside your RV.
6 Never put outside any chairs, or other personal belongings. Do not open your awning. In otherwords, the only thing you own that should be visible is the RV and the tow vehicle.
7 Never cook outside of your rig.
8 No loud music or tv. Try to be as quiet as possible.
9 It's okay to use your generator in very short intervals. Never run it for more than absolutely necessary, and never after 10pm at night or before 7am in the morning.
10 If traveling with children, do not let them run around and play in the parking lot.
11 The dumping of ANY tanks in the parking lot is
NOT okay. Report anyone who does to the store management right away.
12 Be good neighbors to the store. Purchase something during your time there.
13 Never stay more than one night. Period. RV parking at Walmart is only a place to get some sleep when you are so tired that it would be dangerous to keep driving. If you have a reason that it's absolutely necessary, discuss it with the store manager.
14 Leave the area cleaner than you found it. Don't ever leave any trash.
15 Carry a pack of post cards with you. After you leave the store after staying the night, send one to the manager thanking him/her and noting that you purchased something while there (if you, in fact, did).
It all makes very good sense, doesn't it? We the RVers, should do everything possible so that Wal-Mart continues this gracious policy in towns where there aren't ordinances prohibiting it.