I have read that some large outlets (e.g., Home Depot, Walmart, etc) allow parking overnight. Please confirm or provide a different list of likely free locations. I ask because I may unexpectedly need such a possibility, or simply wish to occasionally save a few bucks, or may find in trying to make a reservation that many campgrounds in the late summer-early fall season in my area of WA and OR are filled up.
Wed, 08/11/2021 - 18:51
#1
free overnight parking
yes walmart does, you are supposed to call ahead and ask the manager for approval. we did it on a trip to florida. there were close to 20 Semi-Truck Trailers there doing the same thing. I locked the doors (obviously) and it was fine. i did hear someone wiggling the door knob as i was falling asleep, but again they were locked so i didn't care. woke up, was fine, went in and got some breakfast and went on my way (they figure you buy something so it's worth it). we will do it again.
1987 Scamp 16
Truck stops like Flying J, Love's, etc. and Cracker Barrel restaurants are other good places. We have stopped at them.
Some city ordinances do not allow overnight parking and some Walmarts have stopped allowing it for various reasons, so you really need to call and speak with a manager to do it correctly and politely. Just like Harvest Hosts, I would always feel obligated to make a purchase. If it's a Cracker Barrel, that is SO NOT a problem! ;-)
We used to stay at Super Walmarts. However, we have found a significant number that do not allow over night parking including a place where we used to stop. Recently, a Walmart allowed us to stay overnight in a rain storm with tornado warnings even though they normally do not allow overnight parking. We were asked to leave a Loves that we had stayed at several times before. We have never tried Home Depot, Menards, etc. because we suspect they are "hit or miss." Cracker Barrels have always welcomed us. They have parking spaces in back that are marked for Buses and RVs. There have been no or few other RVs and the places have been reasonably quiet even though they might be near an Interstate. We are happy to buy food from them as an appreciation of their hospitality. Maybe, some day we will see another Scamp at a Cracker Barrel.
There are a number of apps that will help tell which locations allow RV parking. Look at RV Parky, Freecampsites.net, Pilot Flying J, and others to help.
most state turnpike's allow it as well. Ohio has actual spots and a dump station at each rest area on the turnpike. First come first serve.
1987 Scamp 16
Cabelas offers overnight parking here in Maine. Have seen campers at Cabelas in other areas but not sure they were staying overnight. For entertainment their fish and wildlife displays are amazing!
Many places that did no longer do. Too many people were CAMPING not PARKING.
Full set up, jacks down, awnings out, grills set up etc. There is a Walmart list on line but it is not correct. I was recently in DBQ,IA where the no parking / tow away signs were faced to be seen on the way out. Most rest areas no longer allow over night. Going west is better but east coast is bad for RV parking. Sometime it is not obvious that RV parking is not allowed, just a restriction of anything over six feet tall. Picture is from my South East trip calender of two years ago.