This is also know as urban boondocking, stealth boondocking, stealth camping. I don’t like using the term boondocking or camping when spending the night in business parking lots. For us, boondocking means camping in the boonies.

Overnight at Walmart?

Walmart “overnighting,” has its attractions. Low costs, easy in and out, handy to shopping, the list goes on. Of course, it’s not without its detractors. And not everyone who looks down on “Camp Walmart” owns or manages an RV park in the same town as a Walmart. There are RVe

rs who think that RVers who overnight at Wally World bring other RVers into a bad light.

Some time back a list began circulating among RVers (you may have even found it stuck under your windshield wiper on awakening at a Walmart some morning) that tried to encourage proper etiquette among pavement campers. Here’s one version of the list:

•Stay one night only!
•Obtain permission from a qualified individual.
•Obey posted regulations.
•No awnings, chairs, or barbecue grills outside your RV.
•Do not use hydraulic jacks on soft surfaces (including asphalt).
•Always leave an area cleaner than you found it.
•Purchase gas, food, or supplies as a form of thank you, when feasible.
•Be safe! Always be aware of your surroundings and leave if you feel unsafe.

The principle behind these suggestions was to not burden our hosts, nor “stick out” in the community. Most of the suggestions make sense, certainly not dumping your trash on the pavement or damaging the parking lot with levelers should be pretty obvious.

A Walmart parking lot is a great demographic equalizer. We’ve seen beat-up RVs in Walmart parking lots that didn’t look like they could move under their own power. We’ve also seen $500k bus type diesel pushers that look rock stars travel in.

Mostly it’s your average RVer on the move from one part of the country to another chasing the perfect 75 degree weather.

Budget and convenience. By not paying for a campsite overnight you keep ~$30-$75 in your pocket. Walmarts are easy to find and are usually highly accessible. RVs are usually self-contained so don’t need hookups for a simple overnight rest.

Is It Camping? NO!

We have seen people referring to this as “Camping at Walmart”. It’s not. People park their RV’s in a Walmart parking lot and sleep for the night.

We have seen those with an awning out, chairs out, or cooking food outside their rig. Don’t give the impression that you are living there.

Mostly we only see folks taking their dogs out or stepping into the Walmart to buy something we almost never see the people from the other RVs.

There are many opinions on how to do this in the RV world and we don’t agree with all of them.

The general consensus in the RV world is that you should always call or talk with the store manager before tucking in for the night.

We do that…sometimes. If we get to the Walmart and there are 6 other RVs (or semis) already setup we don’t bother inquiring but only if there are not any signs prohibiting overnight parking.

Driving into the Walmart lot we first scan the perimeter and look for spots.

Our ideal Walmart parking spot is along an edge, away from traffic, with some distance from other RVs. Keep in mind there are delivery trucks coming and going all night long. Look for the lane heading to the loading docks and stay as far away as possible.

Walmart can be the most expensive free camping you will find.

We don’t purposefully go spend money to pay for our site. But invariably we need something and we might as well get it while we’re there…..