Can You Park an RV at Walmart? Facts & FAQs
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Ed Malaker
- Last updated:
Owning an RV can be fun, but it’s not always easy to find a place to park it. To make matters worse, your adventure can take you to unexpected places, where you forget where or are unable to make reservations ahead of time. If this sounds like your situation, you might be wondering if it’s okay to park at Walmart for the night. The short answer is yes, but there are a few things that you might need to do first, so keep reading as we discuss what you need to know about parking an RV at Walmart, as well as other available options.
Can I Park My RV at Walmart?
You can usually park an RV at Walmart overnight. However, you shouldn’t just drive in and park at any Walmart location. You’ll need to make sure you won’t get into trouble, as not every store allows overnight RV parking.
- Park your RV in an area designated for large vehicles.
- Go into the store personally, and speak to the manager to make sure they allow RV parking. It also helps them know who you are, which improves safety. If you park without notifying the manager, you might get a citation.
Why Does Walmart Allow RV Parking?
Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart, felt that it was important that RV customers were welcome and designed a place for them to rest for the night in his stores’ parking lots. He felt that RV travelers made good customers because they frequently needed food and supplies to keep going and would visit the store in the morning.
What Are the Downsides of Overnight RV Parking at Walmart?
Though RV parking is allowed at many Walmart stores, there is a growing safety concern. Many people are creating a litter problem that is expensive to clean up and makes the stores look bad. There is also a growing concern about safety because some people don’t identify themselves to the store managers, and no one checks the vehicles to make sure there are no dangerous items inside.
- Related Read: What Stores Allow Overnight RV Parking? 6 Great Options!
Is Walmart Changing Its Policies About Overnight Parking?
Walmart has not yet changed any of its rules about allowing overnight RV parking. However, more stores are starting to say no when asked due to safety concerns or a previous unpleasant experience.
Are There Other Safe Places to Park My RV?
If there are no Walmarts in the area or the Walmart manager did not permit you to park overnight there, you can park your RV at any highway rest area for the night. You can also try one of several other locations, but you should always follow the same steps and identify yourself to the manager when parking to ensure that you have permission.
- Cabela’s
- Camping World
- Cracker Barrel
- Flying J Truck Stops
- Home Depot
- Kmart
Summary
Fortunately, most Walmarts will allow you to park your RV in the parking lot overnight. However, you will often need to speak with the manager to get permission. They may ask several questions or even want to see the vehicle because of increasing concerns about safety and litter, and the manager may also limit the amount of time that you can stay. Still, you can usually get at least one good night’s sleep. If you can’t find a Walmart, there is typically a rest area on a nearby highway, and a few other businesses also allow parking.
Featured Image Credit: InsaPictures, Pixabay
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