Community Forums

az bound · 01-14-2012, 05:08 PM

I have never seen a list but I would think it may be best to check with the manager at each location.
Most Walmarts that are open 24hrs. also have security patrol.

Fred and Bonnie · 01-14-2012, 06:48 PM

I have never overnighted at a WallMart and never will--think safety!!!

fred

Mr_D · 01-14-2012, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred and Bonnie

I have never overnighted at a WallMart and never will--think safety!!!

fred

I do, that's why we stay there, along with dozens of other RV'ers. Never had a problem there, rest areas are a different thing!

gray ghost · 01-14-2012, 07:10 PM

I have travelled I10 from Kerrville to Atlanta many times, overnighting at Walmarts or truckstops with no problems. If you pull into one, and it doesn't feel right, just move on to another spot. Since you know about how far you want to go a day, plan out about where you would be and ask about some specific spots in that area. That might get you better info.

mahon1993 · 01-14-2012, 07:15 PM

When we pull into a Wal-mart to spent the night we pull into the lot and just sit there for a while and check out the traffic and activity going in and out of the parking lot. You can determine if you want to stay there for the night by just observing things for a while.
Greg

historyljc · 01-14-2012, 07:30 PM

John, if you think you might want to stop at the Walmart in Jennings, LA, be aware that they have low hanging barriers. You can access the the store but you have to go around the end where the semi deliveries go in. PIA,

PyrateSilly · 01-14-2012, 10:13 PM

There are more places to camp for not alot or free. Rest areas, truck stops, alot of shopping centers (not just walmart).
These sites may help you:
RV Unfriendly
Free Camping-Boondocking-Inexpensive RV Parks
Overnight RV Parking
USA | Free Campsites
RV Dump Stations, Sani Stations, Dump Points; a comprehensive Directory
Free Campgrounds for RVs
Campground Directory and National Forest Campgrounds
Affordable RV Adventure Travel
BLM - The Bureau of Land Management

Madrona · 01-15-2012, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laker17

<snip> A brief overnight stay in WM can be a very big help. However, those who abuse the the privilege and convenience of this offering should stop and consider the negative impact that their less than courteous behavior will have on their host (WM). Please be considerate of your overnight neighbors as well.

Do you have any examples of this abuse and negative impact you're talking about?

I've never seen any abuse at any WM lot. Who wouldn't be considerate of their overnight neighbors or WM? I'm not sure what your comments are intended to convey, exactly...

I've stayed at plenty of Wal-Marts and other than the occasional overnighter that wants to be too close, everyone has been just an RV'er spending the night with WM's blessing. Never seen anything out of the ordinary. I would love to see your pics or hear specifics of your experiences to the contrary.

Phil

zip0 · 01-15-2012, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Madrona

Do you have any examples of this abuse and negative impact you're talking about?

I've never seen any abuse at any WM lot. Who wouldn't be considerate of their overnight neighbors or WM? I'm not sure what your comments are intended to convey, exactly...

I've stayed at plenty of Wal-Marts and other than the occasional overnighter that wants to be too close, everyone has been just an RV'er spending the night with WM's blessing. Never seen anything out of the ordinary. I would love to see your pics or hear specifics of your experiences to the contrary.

Phil

Phil,

Not sure just what type of abuse Laker17 is referring to, but what I would call abuse of the system I have more than once.

Example: We frequent Lancaster PA and while there pass WM often. I can remember seeing the same campers in their lot for days with toad unhitched and sometimes gone sometimes there. Awing out, BBQ set up ect.

Example: 5th wheel or TT unhitched landing gear down sitting there for days. Only seeing the TV there at night but not during the day.

It is my opinion that these are some of the reasons that some WM and or towns have stopped allowing overnight parking. Some people abuse a good thing.

Dunner · 01-15-2012, 09:14 AM

If any Walmart objected to the so called "abuse", Walmart should instruct security(if they have any) to look for this "abuse". Walmart should be the ones to call it abuse.

Mochisme · 01-15-2012, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PyrateSilly

These sites may help you:

WOW, thank you.. That is quite a list of outstanding information, thanks for sharing.

dsbike · 01-15-2012, 09:57 AM

IMHO, A drive by or thru the WM parking lot does not tell the whole story. There could be uncontrolled circumstances that would keep someone parked at a WM for more than an overnight or afternoon rest. I think too many times we jump to conclusions and then find ourselves embarrased due to the owner haveing had some sort of mechanical or medical problem & asked the manangement for permission to stay longer. As Dunner said, it is up to the WM management to determine abuse.

An example of that is last week while driving our MH to FL I pulled into a WM to park for a few hours after filling up with gas at the WM parking lot filling station. We pulled up the map of RV parks in the area & were going to leave the MH there while we took the toad to check out several parks in the area. After reviewing the maps we decided to drive both the MH & the car to the nearest park. Now we did not leave the MH there but what happened next could have just as easily happened in the WM parking lot & this would have had us parked ther for a couple of days.
We arrived at the park which was about 10 miles from the WM via back roads, ect, ect. We went into talk to the management, got a place for the night & went to move the MH. As I applied the brakes the brake pedal went to the floor, I was able to move to the campsite which was only about 200'. The rear brakes were still working. I climbed under the MH & found that one of my brake lines had rusted through. Now this is not an older MH,2004 with only 13K miles. It took me 2 days to get the parts & make the repairs. If this had happened in the WM parking lot, I would have been there for those 2 days, hence the extended stay at WM. You just never know what might happen next. We thank God we did not lose our brakes coming down the highway at 70 mph in the past 544 miles we had driven that day. And yes I did end up back at that WM to buy brake fluid & a tool I needed.

zip0 · 01-15-2012, 10:12 AM

Walmart Corporate web site FAQ's

Walmartstores.com: Most Frequently Asked Questions

Q : Can I park my RV at a Walmart store? [Back to top]

A: 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 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.

Another site

No Overnight Parking at Walmart | Walmart Atlas

Laker17 · 01-15-2012, 10:16 AM

Thank you Zip0, the examples that you have cited (in your earlier post) are exactly the kind of "abuse of a privilege" that I was referring to.
Now most folks are very thoughtful and considerate, but there are the few... Anyway, it's just common courtesy that when someone offers us overnight accommodations with no strings attached, we can, at the very least, be gracious guests. And certainly, what we perceive as folks taking advantage, might just be an emergency situation. Nuff said.