Finding a parking lot to spend the night in can sometimes be challenging. Most people may think it’s easier, given that they plan to sleep in their car, not mind what company’s car park they’re in. Well, don’t forget that your car is on private property.
Several things can make finding a private parking lot to sleep in difficult or impossible. It might be that the area isn’t safe, or the security guards don’t fancy the idea.
However, most people claim Walmart allows campers to spend the night in their parking lot. But if you’re a camper and planning to give it a shot, we urge you to make proper inquiries to avoid getting disappointed.
We discussed several things you need to know about sleeping in a Walmart parking lot in this post. So, keep reading to know more.
Now, before we go deeper, let’s address the question below.
Can you sleep in a Walmart parking lot?
The short answer to this question is yes. You can spend the night in a Walmart parking lot. No national law prohibits people from passing the night at Walmart’s parking lot. The store also doesn’t have a policy prohibiting people from sleeping in their parking lot.
However, whether you can spend the night in a Walmart parking lot or not depends on the security guards and store manager. If the store manager permits you to sleep there, count yourself lucky. If they don’t, quietly look for another place to sleep.
Don’t argue with the staff there, claiming you have the right to sleep there as a customer or citizen. You’re on private property and must respect the owner’s decision.
So, if you want to sleep in a Walmart parking lot, seek their permission. Let the manager and security know about your request. They may keep an eye on your RV and ensure no harm comes to you while sleeping there.
Keep reading to know more about sleeping in the Walmart parking lot.
Do You Have To Pay To Sleep In Walmart Parking Lot?
Walmart owners value overnight campers. Otherwise, they won’t be welcoming them with open arms.
Now, here’s another shocking fact. Walmart doesn’t require a dime to let RVs and campers sleep in their parking lot. In other words, it’s free!
You don’t need to be a Walmart customer to secure permission to sleep in their parking lot. You can also sleep overnight without buying anything from the store during your stay.
But then, if you choose to purchase something from the store during your overnight stay, it’s your personal decision.
Can I Sleep In Walmart Parking Lot Without Permission?
Unfortunately, you can’t. If you’re unlucky, the security guard will ask you to leave. It’s a huge risk, so don’t do it. Such an act could ruin your camping trip and leave you in a dire situation.
Walmart security guards could see you as a trespasser and behave harshly towards you. But, on the other hand, they have to protect the company’s property at all costs, so don’t blame them.
So, before you sleep in a Walmart car park, walk into the store and ask the store’s management for permission. The official website states that store managers have the authority to grant permission to sleep in the parking lot. The manager also has the power to extend your stay based on local laws and available space.
Why Do Many Campers Prefer Sleeping in Walmart Parking Lot?
Most campers fancy spending the night in Walmart parking lots in their RVs. Many prefer Walmart to other options for several reasons.
So what makes the Walmart parking lot special? Let’s discuss four possible reasons.
1. Walmart stores open late and early:
Have you thought about the dangers of driving around town so late searching for a store to purchase items? You’ll also spend more on gas driving around an area you barely know.
Excitingly, you might not face such problems when you spend the night in a Walmart parking lot. Why? Most Walmart stores stay open late and early. So you can get the items you need without wasting gas or endangering your life by moving around town so late.
2. Basic amenities:
When granted permission, you won’t only get the chance to sleep in the Walmart parking lot free of charge. In addition, Walmart boasts basic amenities like a bathroom, which you can access free of charge.
You can take your bath there before continuing your journey. Having such amenities would make your trip an interesting one.
3. In-store restaurants:
Another reason most campers prefer spending the night in a Walmart’s parking lot is the opportunity for campers to eat good food whenever they feel hungry. Walmart boasts in-store restaurants, which offer a range of meals you may fancy.
Now, what foods do Walmart restaurants serve? You can order salads, seafood, grilling vegetables, hot dogs, snacks, etc. They have a wide range of foods to satisfy anyone.
So, the in-store restaurant is one of the reasons many campers prefer Walmart’s parking lot. Other parking lots don’t have such an option, forcing campers to drive around town to find where to eat or purchase items.
Excitingly, Walmart opens late and early. So, you can find delicious meals to eat regardless of whether you drove in late or plan to continue your journey back home earlier.
4. Top-notch security:
Spending the night outdoor and in a parking lot is a huge risk. Anything can happen when one is fast asleep or even awake. But if you’re spending the night in an RV or a car parked in Walmart’s parking lot, security should be the least of your worries.
Why? Walmart’s security team is doing a great job of protecting the company’s properties. And you’ll receive similar protection if you’re in the parking lot.
Walmart’s security team uses security cameras to monitor every nuke and cranny of the parking lot, a reason it feels safer than other options.
A Handy Tip: Round-the-clock security guards patrol Walmart’s car park hourly. They don’t rely on security cameras alone. Walmart is doing everything humanly possible to keep its parking lot, store, and property safe.
But then, you also have to play your part. Learn about the area’s security situation before you move in. Find out if anyone has been attacked while sleeping in the parking lot where you intend to spend the night.
How Many Nights Can You Sleep In Walmart Parking Lot?
Most people may like to stay in a Walmart car park for days or as long as their finances can carry them. But unfortunately, you can only spend a night at a Walmart store’s parking lot at a time. You may choose to continue your journey and approach a different Walmart store to seek permission to sleep there.
Walmart doesn’t keep track of RVs that passed the night at one of their stores. So, there’s no way the new manager will know that you have slept at one of their branches’ car park.
How To Show Gratitude To Walmart After Sleeping In Their Parking Lot
Walmart doesn’t request a fee to let people sleep in their parking lot. They also do not force people to purchase items for permission to spend the night in their car park.
However, you can show your gratitude in several ways.
- Purchase something from the store before you leave. No one is forcing you to buy. It’s a personal decision.
- Please, make sure you don’t litter the environment before leaving. And if you did, create time to clean up the mess before leaving.
- No barbecue grills. Please abide by this important overnight parking etiquette.
- Don’t turn the parking lot into a playground, event, or party center. Please remain in your RVs so that the security team can do their job of securing the area. If you must come out to stretch your body, do so calmly.
- Seek permission from the manager before you sleep in the parking lot.
Conclusion
Can you sleep in Walmart parking lot? Yes, you can. Walmart adores RVs, and they’ll allow you to spend the night in their car parks. But then, you have to notify Walmart about your intent to sleep in their parking lot. In that case, you have to drive down and ask the manager for permission in person.
Most people prefer to sleep in the Walmart parking lot when camping for several reasons. First, the security is top-notch, and there’s an in-store restaurant to purchase food whenever you feel hungry. And what’s more, Walmart car park is free to access and boasts basic amenities like a bathroom.
