Walmart is one of America’s most ubiquitous one-stop shops. For RVers, it has served as an oasis from long drives, and been a dependable rest stop for travelers on the road.
But times, it seems, are changing.
There was a time when travelers could count on staying overnight at a Walmart without incident, but due to varying city ordinances, a massive influx of new RVers, and the bad behavior of some visitors, Walmart is cracking down and limiting overnight stays.
So, if you’ve been hoping to grab a bit of shut eye at a Walmart while on the road, here’s a detailed look at the three main reasons you might be in for a rude awakening…
Reason #1: Local Ordinances
Every city has its own set of laws, many of which discourage people from sleeping in their vehicles. For RVers, such local ordinances are a rude awakening; For many, RVs are their tiny homes on wheels…
But the long arm of the law does not see RV-living in the same light. Indeed, most laws classify full-time RVers as “homeless”.
Such laws and classifications typically mean one thing: Day time RVing is allowed; It’s doubful you’d get the dreaded “cop knock”, but when the sun goes down, the rules change.
Los Angeles California’s ordinances, for instance, do not allow sleeping in any vehicle overnight- cars, trucks, RVs, or vans are forbidden. The first time a person is caught, they’re given a $25 ticket. The second offense means a $50 ticket. After that, a sleeping RVer will get a $75 for each following offence.
Due to these laws, it’s important to do your due diligence and check out the local rules and legality of RVing in the city you’re planning to visit before you start your journey.
What Does This Mean for Walmart Parking?
Walmart, although a privately owned business, still must follow local laws and ordinances. So, if the city in which a Walmart is located has laws against overnight sleeping in vehicles, they are required to follow- and enforce- those rules.
Unfortunately, an increasing number of cities are passing laws against sleeping in vehicles, making the ease of an overnight RV stay a thing of the past.
With nearly 5,000 locations, there are currently less than 58% of Walmart stores across the US which still allow for overnight parking; Down from 78% just a decade ago. And as each year ticks by, and more ordinances are passed, that number is sure to dwindle even more.
Still, it’s worth checking which Walmarts remain hospitable to RV travelers. Some cities and states remain open (typically found in the East), while others have all but closed their doors to RVers (the West coast and states like California, especially). You can check out a Walmart RV-parking locator here.
Reason #2: Too Many New RVers (Post-Covid)
Summers have always been the busy season for people to take trips in their RVs: People head to the beach, mountains, campgrounds, and take cross-country road trips. Many of these folks and their families stop by a Walmart on the way to their next destination…
But in the wake of Coronavirus pandemic, shockingly, RV sales skyrocketed. And there’s more RVs on the road now than ever!
This cultural rediscovery of RVs during the pandemic is due to a few reasons: First, many people felt that staying in large cities with high population density was no longer as safe as it once was pre-Covid. There were large numbers of people who rented or purchased an RV to go to areas with less people, yet remain in a self-contained home (on wheels).
Second, due to the effects of the pandemic, millions of people found themselves laid off, furloughed, and otherwise unemployed. Without a monthly paycheck to depend, there were many people who traded their sticks-and-bricks for an RV.
And third, state lockdowns forced millions to stay at home, leading to a strong desire to travel once bans were lifted.
Not only have flights out of state and out of country been limited, but peoples’ general desire to travel via plane have been dampened due to the concern of contagion.
For many, the ability to travel in an RV satisfies a post-quarantine wanderlust.
But with even more people in RVs than in past years, its likely that once-friendly stores like Walmart will no longer be willing to give their parking lot spaces to a massive influx of RVers.
Not only do Walmart locations have too limited a space for such a large increase in overnighters, but some of those RVers bring with them a few bad habits…
Reason #3: Bad RV Etiquette
In any group of people, a culture arises. This is true for RVers, too.
When these cultural mores and norms are broken, it can gain the ire- the ol’ stink eye- from those within the group who continue to uphold and follow the rules.
Now, when it comes to RVers staying overnight in a Walmart parking lot, there are a few basic expectations which make the stay comfortable for all surrounding campers. Unfortunately, over the years, there have been plenty of RVers who’ve taken advantage of Walmart’s overnight hospitality and not respected RV etiquette….
Slide Outs, Awnings, and Grilling
Walmart stays were never meant to serve as an alternative to a campground. Instead, open locations were supposed to merely serve as a night stay (maybe two), giving drivers a rest from a long drive.
However, many RVers have been known to set up shop, hunkering down for longer stays, setting up slide outs, pulling open awnings, and getting out the grill, thereby taking up a ton of space.
But Walmart isn’t an island getaway. It’s a business.
Not only does such a setup give bad optics to Walmart, but it also shows a lack of respect for the establishment and fellow travelers who are using the surrounding space, as well.
If you do find a Walmart that still allows overnight stays, make sure to keep those extra amenities tucked away until you find an actual campground.
Running Generators
One of the biggest pet peeves of RVers and businesses: Running a generator (especially in the early morning or through the evening).
When Walmart allows for RV parking, it is always boon docking. Meaning, there are never any hookups, including electric.
For those dry camping in a parking lot, it’s tempting to push the generator’s button to run appliances or recharge the battery. But…
Generators are loud. And can often smell of exhaust.
While those inside the RV running the generator might be living in the lap of luxury, for those outside- fellow RVers, Walmart customers, and employees- they are forced to listen to a noisy, smelly machine.
Running a generator in a Walmart parking lot for a short stay is a “no-no”.
Not Supporting the Business
Walmart providing parking was a nicety, not a dictate. RVers showing appreciation for a free overnight stay, is important.
Giving support through patronizing the business- no matter how small- is an important aspect to reciprocity. And if there are thousands of RVers who use Walmart parking spots, but who do not make any purchase from the host, it quickly turns into a losing venture for the business.
And there have certainly been many travelers who’ve taken advantage.
One of the big draws for RVers is Walmart’s one-stop-shop status; They carry numerous odds and ends for RV needs, from camping equipment, to groceries and personal care products. If you come across a Walmart that still hosts RVs, make sure to give a little support in exchange for a good night’s sleep.
Where Else Can RVers Park Overnight?
As Walmart’s RV parking becomes increasingly limited, there are still a number of other places to find overnight parking.
A few of the most popular places to go include:
- Camping World (ask the store manager)
- Cracker Barrel
- Flying J
- Truck Stops
Wrap Up
The Golden Age of Walmart overnight parking have come to an end. Although there are still some locations that continue to allow RVers to stay for a night or two, these numbers are decreasing every year.
Reasons for this decrease in RV-friendly Walmart locations include city ordinances, an influx in RV visitors, and a few bad apples spoiling the bunch with bad RV etiquette.
But, even with a decreasing number of Walmarts willing to host travelers, there are still a number of other options available, from Flying J rest stops to the ever-popular Cracker Barrel!
So, get out there on the open road! With other options- besides Walmart- available, RVers are still able to find a place to grab some shut eye before continuing the adventure.