As an occasional user of the free overnight camping/parking in a WalMart parking lots, I have noticed the WalMart near my home has put up new signs in the area where over-nighters normally park. Previously, there were no signs there at all but recently they have put up new signage stating “2 Hour Parking” and in-between those signs, additional signs that say “No Overnight Parking”.
Wondering why this change, I spoke with a WalMart employee and he said: “it’s because this WalMart does not own the building and parking lot and must abide by the rules of the landlord”. This store is part of a large strip-mall with a dozen other stores renting in it. My guess is some of the other stores wanted it stopped because some campers make the area look like a homeless ghetto (bad for business). Crime, where I live is escalating at a rapid pace, car break-ins, home invasions, and parking lot robberies are now common.
It’s a shame that we lose the ability to stay for free because of a few people abusing this great option. Van-Dwellers, people living in their cars or full-time RV’rs who simply have to or want to escape the government mandated lifestyle are being squeezed out of free places and the methods to live free. I fully expect the government will soon charge a hefty daily fee with short maximum stay’s on BLM Land
Just my thoughts!
So, what’s the truth about WalMart overnight camping/parking?
I went to the WalMart corporate site and found this statement in their FAQ’s:
“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 parking 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.”
Some parking lot photo’s including the new signage:
No Overnight Parking signs are posted along the entire fence of the west end of the parking lot. (where the overnighter's park).
Posted in-between the No Overnight Parking signs are 2 Hour Customer Parking signs.
A motor home who is a regular at this lot with his scooter.
A stealth van who is a regular at this lot.
The far corner of the lot where all overnighters stay. Today at about 3:00 shows 3 motor homes, a pickup and 2 cars.
My husband drives a big truck and knows all about the woes of trying to find overnight parking! I hadn't thought about RVs and motorhomes, but there's another need as well. It's true Walmart is usually driver friendly when it comes to overnight parking for large vehicles. I'd never heard of one being leased and so not being able to offer parking. Land owners always think the heavy vehicles will tear up their blacktop and chase them off.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure if it’s a common policy location wide for Wal-Mart stores to allow RV parking. I am guessing it would be dependent upon the individual store. In some lots, I see RV’s parked in the back near the tire and lube department. The corporate office did issue a statement, so maybe it is permissible to park.
ReplyDelete