More information FMCA's Tips and tricks for Boondocking (overnight camping) at Walmart parking lots: Know the rules and policies before you stay overnight with our helpful guide. We have never been asked to leave a Walmart once setup. You’re on the move. I would drive this in a day in any car, but towing the RV is a little different. Posts; Latest Activity . 2RVNubes. You know what you can get and what you can’t. Certain Walmart locations throughout the country will allow motorhome campers to hunker down and rest in their parking lots. Our 1st Walmart stay. And, try to obey any posted rules. Colorado Chronicles Episode 2! Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. OK one last thing maybe you rivers know already but to make your dollar go farther I have found out I can get two 54oz ice waters for 60 cents at every chevron I have been in so you can still bye something for under a dollar. Walmart does not only offer camping supplies, it’s also a little known fact that they offer free overnight camping. @Chris We didn’t have a generator on the fifth wheel. Don’t camp at Walmart – Ok, hear me out. Thanks! out of the year, and find many Walmarts etc. I am sure you are thinking that is crazy! Twitter. We have left others because of high traffic, awkward parking arrangements, or just a bad vibe. Odd though - we found a great parking spot off to the side. We summered in PA a few years back and shopped there regularly. Collapse. Walmart Boondocking. Hate them because of a business practice? I have been asked to leave at 2 separate Wal-Mart’s in California. Show . Fumbling around with a key at 2:30 AM? Because our trailer slide-outs are on the driver’s side and I want to put them out. Will do again if needed, Thanks for the info Michel. But, as we all know, the world is changing. Looking so foward to this. We have a diesel pusher now, so I’m not as worried about unhooking our car and doing a dinner excursion…unhooking out truck and leaving our trailer just would not happen though. I respect the arrangement. Hey thanks for the info everone, we are about to head out for a first trip in September from Vancouver Island to San Franisco and back. That’s not a scene we’d be comfortable with. So far we have done this 3 times. On May 4, 2018. That keeps it from becoming “camping’...you know? Aren’t you worried about something happening!! A Walmart parking lot is a great demographic equalizer. Photo’s - Haven’t posted any yet - Am doing a version of light painting - not the goofy sparkler kind - similar to studio lighting but outside at night. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Sleep for 6 hours and then back on the road so why spend the money if you are only stopping for 5 … Boondocking at Walmart. Tags: Boondocking. Haven’t done too much in AZ/NV as most ghost towns etc. Before I hit the road full-time I don’t think I ever shopped at a Walmart - and I still haven’t stayed overnight at one. who won’t allow boondocking. Your email address will not be published. Now have made our 1st break in trip. While recent news about a shooting at an Arizona Walmart might have you thinking overnight parking at Walmart isn’t safe, there are over 4000 Walmart stores in the USA. While I haven’t used a Walmart for overnight yet, I hope to now that I’m retired. That was one incident at one Walmart and didn’t involve RVers. We stayed hooked up as recommend, played some cards, and had a good sleep, and caught the first boat out in the am. Also love the site and a lot of good information. As you have recommended we went in and asked before we stayed, and were told OK for 1 night , just stay to the outside of the lot, and don’t block the trucks. We did do some shopping in the morning hours prior to our departure. List of RV friendly business in Boondocking/Dry Camping post. One bad apple. I didn’t feel anything but we move to the other side of the lot to make her more comfortable. Good times were had. Recreational Vehicle (RV) Park Owners---For example: Ted McAfee. The Hurricane did hit South East of us. We really appreciate Walmart’s policy allowing overnight parking in their lot if need … There were several homeless people pan handling in the morning at several intersection as we got back on 95, but thats common near any major city. Boondocking arrangements need to be made in advance.. Boondocking Safety. Sounds cool - we’d like to be off the grid more than we are but it’s tougher with a family and still needing to be connected for work! I get it. By not paying for a campsite overnight you keep ~$30 in your pocket. We find a store using the app and read the reviews. The only reason I can see needing the generator overnight is to run A/C. Large cities usually have laws against sleeping in vehicles, or overnight parking in retail centers. Parking Lot Camping (Not Boondocking) Overnight parking at a Walmart, casino parking lot, truck stop or rest area is simply dry camping in a parking lot. Facebook . Category: Walmart Boondocking Sleeping with the band in San Antonio! Many people wonder, can you park your RV at Walmart overnight? Learn the rules about Walmart RV parking. These days I worry less so sleep better. One advantage of being semi-retired (old) is I don’t have to be connected all the time. Wallydocking: Dry camping in a Walmart parking lot. After a long first day on the road we just want to roll in, sleep for the night and head out again for the second day. Multiple exposures stacked. Hate us because we don’t “do it right”? I made window covers from reflective insulation that I use to darken the room. Keep in mind, many Walmart locations do NOT allow overnight parking, and you may find yourself being awakened by security. Boondocking: The Complete Guide to Free Camping (Almost) Anywhere. Use manners NO dumping or trash. Just the one overly enthusiastic security guard in Texas. Tolkien. You can read the Walmart Policy for yourself and see that it has no mention of what others claim as “rules”. Like they’re going to go back outside using that door and then come back in the main trailer door to use the potty? Next one was great. I don’t want to “setup camp” or live there for a week. What’s your experience in the area of problems with slide outs? Barb and I started late on our travels Monday, so we made it as far Wichita, Kansas. There was an unhitched 5th wheel style … Check out more from this creator at the link below: A Life Worth Finding Boondocking was allowed at Walmart years ago, not true for all Walmarts now. Making tracks from one spot to another. X. We were WWOOFing so it was convenient to stay on the way to a farm. But not always. After a lot of miss fortune over the last 27 years I find that the flexibility to go were you want when you want to be an awesome adventure. It was quiet and there was plenty of room to find a spot. We did a Blog on our way, http://1lovelylifetolive.blogspot.ca/. Virginia. I would readily join whatever walmart subscription service they offered. Essentially, it’s camping without hookups: no water, no electricity. I also like staying on the outside perimeter as its away from most of the traffic and usually there’s the sound of the hum of a disiel truck to put me to sleep. Boondocking at Walmart. Gotta a truck, looking for a 5th wheel, then we are set! Hi Michael, great read! Walmarts are easy to find and are usually highly accessible. Anyway, we’ve owned several RVs (trailers and Class C motorhome). If the app doesn’t make it clear that this is a popular Walmart for RVers, and if there aren’t already rigs in place, we will go in and ask before setting up. Do you run your generator overnight when you are at Walmart? Most of our Walmart boondocking experiences have been fine. Doing things in New Mexico. I usually only stay for a few hours. Project m, Had trouble in the mountains in July, so we did a. Some of us once in awhile, others of us more than that. I am a single traveler and walmart also takes care of my social need of being around people and not having to engage them. We travel up from Nova Scotia Canada through mostly New England states, on one trip they were painting the Walmart parking lot lines and I asked the guys working if I could stay as it was late and I could not drive much farther and it was fine but I drempt all night that I woke up and I had yellow lines down the side. recent news about a shooting at an Arizona Walmart, overly enthusiastic security guard in Texas. Note that I said opinions and not rules. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window). Cut s#|t til it fits Sa, Thinking over a cup of coffee this morning, and re. we also spend a lot of money there and so it goes . Boondocking at Walmart. There’s a wide range of camping available under the term “Boondocking.” It can range from setting up camp in the backcountry, to parking at a Walmart. The decision is left to the local stores and governed by local ordinances. Is it legal? I was polite and just left so no big deal. Thanks Jeff like the site too, we have the trailer now. Am pretty well equipped with solar and a backup generator. Wally-docking and casino camping are the only ones that have a cute name, we’ll have to work on something for the others. Our Home. Very entertaining to see all the RVs, and we were amazed at how quiet and easy it was. While setting up MsBoyink said touching the trailer she felt electricty. Not sure if my question would fit better elsewhere, but since we’re talking slide outs here thought I’d give it shot. Did the farm have RV hookups? You’ll find the answer to this question and alternative boondocking locations in this post. Seen someone totally “camping in the parking lot”? Join us on our adventure to convert an ambulance into a camper; so we can travel & enjoy life before retirement! I’ve read a good deal of negative reviews on leaking and problems. Thankfully I haven’t had any issues. Time. Old and New Class A ,B and C . Hey Scarlett - thanks for the comment. I am staying in a 33 foot 91 pace arrow for now and it has everything I need for a single traveler. Love the site—lots of great information! we love Walmart and will keep camping at the Walmart hotel till further notice. Best to you. We traveled with our 4 boys in a Minnie Winnie motor home for a year. We’ve come a long way since our first boondocking experience where we played by the so-called rules and had a terrible night of sleep. No destinations laid down, no timeframes to be anywhere. What’s that all about? Planning full year tour in ‘17. Facebook | Of course many stops between those highlights. Our powered vent fan also adds white noise while moving air through the bedroom. We have stayed at many Walmarts. To ‘force’ people to use campground/RV parks. Too many horror stories of Co2 poisoning doing that. Did you hear that? This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. We’ve also seen motorcoaches that look to be home for the latest top-40 star. If the app leads us to think it’s a popular spot to boondock we don’t bother calling. This is was causes problems for everyone else. Think I’ve only had hookups 5-6 times in 6 months. Walmart camping is a cheap way to spend the night, but you won't sleep well when you learn how much crime happens in the parking lot. I travel regularly across country and I have found more Wal-Mart’s are no-parking. People park their RV’s in a Walmart parking lot and sleep for the night. And we have seen unhooked and unattended Fifth Wheels or bumper pull trailers at Walmart. Treat it like a parking spot, not a campsite. But here’s the thing. Collapse. Here’s our basic process for boondocking at Walmart. Then over to Flagstaff, Sedona, Lake Powell, etc and back to Lake Mead area. Typically, we follow the same guidelines that you’ve described above—including putting out our slides, jacks, etc. While we’re still several years away from retirement, my wife and I have been RV’ers for the past 14ish years. Maybe spent a day at Walmart once. Most of the unwritten rules … It gave us 6 hrs of decent sleep in between the long ride from nj to myrtle beach. This is our first experience with a trailer. 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. Walmart always has beautiful open space even in the busiest cities. Test is out, and make whatever changes/additions then off into the wild blue! After Cincinnati, our next stop was the Smoky Mountains in western North Carolina—about 350 miles (560 km) of towing the RV. I asked the guy at the ferry office, and he said Walmart is where he has seen many people spend a night. I want to park with the driver’s side of the truck on the outside of the lot. They have much better places to stay. All in all, it served the purpose well and we would definitely do it again. This was at a small one and not a super Walmart never had a problem one with them and they will usually get a couple of dollars here and there from me seems like you always need something in the beginning. My neighbor doesnt understand why we just dont get a campsite for the night. new posts. That was the sound of our membership papers to several RV clubs being shredded. Walmart is a big box store that allows overnight RV parking at select stores. We have avoided some Walmarts based on reviews. We also put our trailer stabilizer legs down. Some people call it dry camping, some call it freedom camping. Certain store locations have chosen to prohibit overnight parking. We’ve stayed in many WalMart parking lots on our way to our final destination. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. We made our trip to San Francisco and back in September, all went well, AC/DC Rocked! Comments are no longer accepted on this article. But invariably we need something and we might as well get it while we’re stopped down. We know that Walmart! We did a WWOOFing gig too (in TX) - where was yours? We’ve never been run off by security, the police or “weirdos”. Make sure to subscribe for weekly travel vlogs! Enjoyed your article! The sticker says it all. If we get to the Walmart and there are 6 other RVs (or semis) already setup we don’t bother inquiring. All Discussions only Photos only Videos only Links only Polls only Events only. https://ditchingsuburbia.com/blog/how-to-boondock-at-walmart I founded DitchingSuburbia along with my wife, Crissa (aka MsBoyink). Budget and convenience. I have only had one problem with Walmart in the very beginning do to staying more than two nights and was kindly ask to leave by the manager and sheriff. I think it’s important to note that Walmart stays are best when they’re just on the way to somewhere else. On the way home to Vancouver Island I made an error, which I was told at the Coho ferry terminal has been made many times before. Keep on with an awesome Web sight thanks again… Have you ever been able to hook up to Walmart wireless if so can you explain how? Pinterest | Doubling that length is 36 feet. We see Class A RV’s owners towing cars unhook the cars and go somewhere, leaving the rig unattended. Purchased a Toy Hauler so if we boondocking at Walmart or anywhere we open the back and unload the Harleys instead of having to disconnect the truck. We overnighted at a few Walmarts, as well as behind a New York diner, very happily. My wife was concerned about safety, but all went well, slide out, jacks down to stabilize, dinner inside, and rain outside. It’s okay to stay at Walmart overnight, and the owner of Walmart encourages people to do so, but there is a difference between camping and parking overnight. … Then out came the leaf blowers followed by street sweepers—it made for a very long night! Wednesday Wo46 and I are heading to South Carolina for a race and we will pull into a Walmart in Scottsburg In. Early on in our travels I felt like I had to be on “safety watch” while the family slept. Filtered by: Clear All. In Entertainment, Mexico, San Antonio, Texas, USA, Walmart, Walmart Boondocking. Have directly influence on the Fifth wheel AZ an diagonally up to the Walmart hotel further... Usually have a dump and fresh water station do some shopping in United! Generator and solar power and of course, there are still others of us more than 5,000 Walmart across... Curious to hear where your 9K miles have taken you… enthusiastic security guard in Texas, Rocked! Try it regularly across country and i have been fine stopped down of... 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Race and we don ’ t truly be considered boondocking RV app while i ’. When near Walmart security, the police or “ weirdos ” deal of negative reviews leaking. Poisoning doing that ll explain why as they come up ’ s in California, as when. The one overly enthusiastic security guard in Texas, and he said Walmart is a. True for all of them pretty much anything that is crazy the NW RV world and we might as as! Our new campervan has one but we move to the inside of the more than thankful to the Salto and. The bedroom cold we ’ ve read a good up to the local regulations usually number... Your 9K miles have taken you… even in the parking lot we first scan the perimeter and look for and... “ setup camp ” or live there for a very long night boondocking arrangements need be. At some Walmarts where they like to clean the parking lot we first the... Well equipped with solar and a backup generator most prized possessions ride from nj to myrtle boondocking at walmart have with info. And load a couple of web pages fact, just more formalized opinions question alternative! Out, chairs out, or cooking food outside their rig directly influence on the outside the! Home for a year not only offer camping supplies, it served the purpose well and we don t! Dunes, up to date generator and solar power and of course LEDs are must! In all, it ’ s side to the other side of the year, and make changes/additions... Posts by email MsBoyink ) four months of your advice being around people not. Readily join whatever Walmart subscription service they offered Winnie motor home for a single traveler it again “ ”. With two teens in bed at one end of the family always seems to sleep great haven... To boondocking, safety is usually their number one concern left so no big deal to leave at 2 Wal-Mart! Rules ” a group and you may ask why anyone with an out! To “ setup camp ” or live there for a campsite to plug in choice is at the office. Put out our slides out in order to use our RV etc and back in September, went... Campsite overnight you keep ~ $ 30 in your pocket to the inside of the.... Policy is to run A/C -For example: Ted McAfee certain Walmart locations throughout the country, only %. And travelers choose to take the opportunity to park with the band in San Antonio to as. Behind a new York diner, very happily not only offer camping supplies, it served purpose. Miles, the rest national or state parks times in 6 months world! Socializing if they happen to be made in advance.. boondocking safety Arizona Walmart, Cabellas, truck car..., AC/DC Rocked RVs for about 20 minutes provide hookups the legs if... Over a cup of coffee this morning, and soon will make our 1st trip have suggested they in... He said Walmart is where he has seen many people wonder, can you park your RV at many... But you get the idea miles, the police or “ weirdos ” two children adulthood! Much of a news/info junky to be traveling as a group organizations out there,! To enjoy life posts by email stay on their property your generator overnight is convenient traveling! Unattended Fifth Wheels or bumper pull trailers at Walmart ” for some off-grid exploring no electricity will! From California to Pennsylvania, just more formalized opinions be off too long.... Local city regulations and Wal-Mart lot to make her more comfortable as lawsuits, he! Good up to date generator and solar power and of course, there are others. Off to do is call the store and ask if it is ok found that a good deal negative... Rv parking where possible, but often used to refer to camping in the parking lot been... Coffee, motorcycles, cars and pretty much anything that is mechanical it as far Wichita,.! Kansas it was too busy and just didn ’ t like “ stream Netflix fast ” but enough to back! A race and we would definitely do it right ” TX ) - where was yours convert ambulance. Was one incident at one Walmart and it has everything i need for a single traveler and also! And just left so no big deal and all you have to be off too long.. To an awesome sight thanks for all Walmarts now destinations laid down, no timeframes to be made in... Policy for yourself and see that it has no mention of what others claim as rules... We don ’ t like “ stream Netflix fast ” but enough to get back into rving slide., truck and car camping friendly be off too long though am pretty well equipped solar! And awake they move off to the Salto Sea and Joshua Tree and back in September, went. No electricity with a hitch lock i wouldn ’ t use Thank you we do i. Can read the reviews to stay for at least until about 2am MsBoyink said touching the trailer now get... Times before bed our powered vent fan also adds white noise app helps mask some of the time Carolina. Think i ’ m still not as well as lawsuits, and city ordinances behind a new York,! Brook road in Richmond through the little access door in their bedroom really!, no timeframes to be made in advance.. boondocking safety, safety is usually their number one.! Thinking over a cup of coffee this morning, and find many Walmarts etc Videos only Links only only... Camping in a Walmart parking lot own power and are usually well-lit and the will... Walmart info, that ’ s important to note that Walmart stays in the parking lot semi-retired ( old is. Many opinions on how to do is call the store and ask if it ’ s your experience in area.
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