An RV means a recreational vehicle designed for people to have temporary accommodation. Examples of these are campers, motorhomes, trailers, caravans, and campervans and they are not parking friendly, so the question many people have is can I park an RV at Walmart? Let’s talk about that…
Now, this is the answer to your question.
Of course, you can most definitely park an RV at Walmart! Some Walmart stores have designated parking areas for recreational vehicles. But even if they do not have signs indicating designated areas for recreational vehicles, they still allow recreational vehicles to park in their premises if it is safe to do so.
THE PARKING PROBLEM
The most basic feature of a recreational vehicle is it has living quarters and a cooking area. But more luxurious recreational vehicles may even have a toilet and bath, an air condition unit, a mini bar, entertainment section (like a television, and etcetera).
A whole lot more other features are added for the comfort of its owner and whoever uses it.
Recreational vehicles are often used by travelers. And the most common problem they encounter is where they can park their recreational vehicles, especially during the night. There are some places where you can park your recreational vehicles, other than camping sites.
PARKING YOUR RECREATIONAL VEHICLE AT WALMART
All you have to do is to talk to the store manager and ask permission to park your RV in the premises of their store. Make sure that you park away from the customers’ entrance of the store so that they will not cause inconvenience on the part of Walmart’s customers. You can even shop at Walmart while you park.
Important Tip: take note of this very important tip. Regardless of where you park your recreational vehicle, make sure to lock your doors, and keep all your valuables safe.
Remember that you are sleeping on the road. Different kinds of people pass by and you may encounter some with not so good intentions and motives.
Always ensure the safety of your valuables, and of course, the safety of yourself and whoever else is with you for your trip.
WALMART STORES WHERE PARKING IS NOT ALLOWED
Although most Walmart stores allow overnight parking for an RV, there are other Walmart stores which do not allow overnight parking of recreational vehicles in their premises.
There are Walmart stores in California and Mexico which do not permit people to park their recreational vehicles in their store’s premises. That is why, you need to be alert and be on the look-out for signs indicating this, or otherwise.
But if you see no signs, it will not hurt if you seek out the store manager and ask if this particular Walmart store allow recreational vehicles to park overnight in their store premises.
PARKING AN RV IN SCHOOLS
There are schools which allow you to park your recreational vehicles in their parking areas, provided it is empty. But before you do so, you should first ask permission from school authorities, or whoever is in charge, if you can park your recreational vehicle in their premises.
If you have been given permission to do so, and are allowed to park in a school’s property, make sure you park an RV on the place they designate you to do so.
PARKING YOUR RECREATIONAL VEHICLES AT CASINOS
Some casinos allow people to park their recreational vehicles in their premises. But by doing so, they charge a small fee for this. But still, there are others which allow recreational vehicle parking in their parking areas for free, provided you do not disturb their patrons by parking near their entrances.
Park far away from the entrances of casinos as possible. There are casinos which have designated parking spaces for recreational vehicles. So it is best that you consult their management, or whoever is in charge and ask for permission regarding this.
PARKING YOUR RECREATIONAL VEHICLE ON OTHER PEOPLE’S PROPERTY
By this, we mean private properties of other people. There are those which allow you to park an RV inside their private property.
There are people with large open spaces or even just a parking space big enough to accommodate your recreational vehicle.
But do not get me wrong. This does not mean that if you are traveling across the country in your recreational vehicle and you have to stop and park to spend the night along the way, you cannot just go to somebody’s place and ask if you can park an RV in their property.
This is a big no. They may get annoyed with you, or worse, report you to authorities.
Parking your recreational vehicles in private properties mean that if you have friends and relatives living in the area where you need to spend the night on.
And if you cannot find a place where you can park your recreational vehicle, you can consider going to them and ask if you can park your recreational vehicle in their property.
PARKING YOUR RECREATIONAL VEHICLE AT REST STOPS
There are places where you are allowed to park an RV at rest stops overnight. But you need to ask and verify first because there are other places where parking your recreational vehicles in rest stops along the road is permitted, but only for a short period of time.
Overnight parking of recreational vehicles in these places are not allowed. So to avoid being reprimanded by authorities, make sure you verify first regarding parking your recreational vehicle in a rest stop overnight.
PARKING YOUR RECREATIONAL VEHICLE AT TRUCK STOPS
Truck stops are not exclusively for trucks. Truck stops also accommodate other kinds of vehicles like recreational vehicles. So it is safe for you to park your recreational vehicle in a truck stop overnight.
But before doing so, you must ask the permission of whoever is in charge because there are truck stops which have designated parking areas for vehicles other than trucks.
OTHER PLACES WHERE YOU CAN PARK YOUR RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
In some countries, you are allowed to park your recreational vehicles in the city. But of course, it cannot be just anywhere. Some cities have “park and go” facilities where you are allowed to park your recreational vehicle.
In some cities, you can park at several parking areas. Some parks and other open spaces also allow you to park your recreational vehicles in them.
One thing you must never forget, though. Even though you know that recreational vehicle parking is allowed in a particular place, it is still best that you inquire and ask permission from whoever is in charge of the place as a sign of respect and courtesy.
There are cases where overnight parking for recreational vehicles is allowed before, but now not anymore. So it is still best to ask and verify to be sure. It will not hurt if you do so.
And besides, this may keep you out of trouble and avoid the hassle and stress if you are apprehended.
PARKING YOR RECREATIONAL VEHICLE FOR MORE THAN A NIGHT
The purpose of having a recreational vehicle is for you to have a different form of camping out. Basically camping out means sleeping in a tent or sleeping bags. Recreational vehicles offer a different form of camping for nature lovers and those who love the outdoors and adventure.
Parking your recreational vehicle for more than a night means you are camping out. So if you do this, do so in legally designated areas to avoid having problems with the law.
Natural forests are good spots for camping and parking your recreational vehicles for longer than overnight. Camping is allowed in these places. There are natural forests which are developed campsites.
If you park outside the camping area, you may not be charged with a fee. You can park and set up anywhere allowed outside the camping are free.
COURTESY AND PROPER ATTITUDE
Remember that some of the places where you are allowed to park our recreational vehicle is for free. The best thing recreational vehicle owners must do is to be responsible recreational vehicle owners.
Showing courtesy and respect not only to your fellow recreational vehicle owners but also to the owner and management of the place where you park for the night is very important.
Keep the place where you park clean. Do not scatter your garbage. Dispose of your trash properly. Park only in designated parking areas for recreational vehicles.
Respect and consideration is also important. Make sure that your recreational vehicle will not cause any inconvenience on the part of the store management and their patrons.
Remember that you are there, parking your recreational vehicle, for free. So the least you can do is show a little respect and consideration. This also means you are appreciative of the favor they have given you.
By observing proper attitude and decorum like showing respect, consideration, appreciation, and courtesy to property owners and managers and to your fellow recreational vehicle owners, you project a good image, making other recreational vehicles welcome to park in these places anytime.
If you do otherwise, then a negative impression will be projected, making other recreational vehicles not welcome to park in these places anymore.
