Is it Safe to Camp at Walmart?

Is it still safe to overnight at a Walmart with the rise in homelessness and other issues across the country? Are Walmarts cracking down on people overnighting? We hear a lot of conversations in our RV Lifestyle Communities asking if it is safe to overnight in a Walmart parking lot and we always tell people generally it is, but it is important to be safety aware. ► Follow along on our blog here: rvlifestyle.com/is-it-safe-to...
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00:00 The RV Podcast 497
00:40 Gathering At the Gulf
08:53 Social Media RV Buzz
14:40 Is it Safe to Camp at Walmart?
36:56 RV & Travel News of The Week
47:36 Viewer Questions & Answers
49:55 Medical Emergencies - RV Story Time
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By background, we're journalists Mike and Jennifer Wendland and this channel is all about freedom and fun through RV travel! We travel North America in our RV doing travel videos,
how-tos, RV walk-through tours and video tips about how to get the most out of the RV Lifestyle. Thanks for joining in and being a part of our RV Lifestyle!

[@jeffrackovan6893]

Overnighted in Waterloo Iowa a few years ago. Went in bought groceries and two quarts of oil and a case of water. Spoke to the Manager he gave his blessing. We taped the receipt to the door and turned in. At 0530, I fired up the genny, watched the weather and made coffee. On prep to leave, while doing the walk around of the rig, the local Police were there. He asked if everything was okay. Said yep and he informed me he had been keeping an eye out for us off and on overnight. That was our first Walmart overnight. Never had any issues. Like you said, ask, buy and get up and get going. BTW, we had to put the bed slide out and had no issues. Thanks for the Podcast and video! Travel on my friends!!!

[@RVLifestyle]

Great story! Thanks for sharing. Like we said, Walmarts are as safe as anywhere else these days. Most experiences are as good as yours!

[@roxannerolstad2578]

Agree!!! Just carry-on .... 4 weeks ago, I called 911 & was picked up by ambulance at Tettegouche State Park, North Shore in MN. The manager at Tettegouche took care of my 2 yr old pup, River. I was taken to Two Harbors ER. They then sent me by ambulance to Duluth for emergency surgery. The Dr cleaned up scar tissue that was causing obstruction & fixed hernia with mesh. So I had basically the same thoughts, to just carry on. I will be 65 in a couple weeks. I picked up my Embassy class B RV the end of Aug 2023. I am a boomer that's a new retiree & just getting started on exploring this great country in an RV. I had a destination trailer in a seasonal resort on a lake here in MN for 8 yrs. Now it's time to roam. Thank you for your talks on safety & going with your gut instincts. One last comment, I explored the Emerald Coast, National Sea Shore & was grateful for an available site at Fort Pickens the end of Feb. Such an amazing place. God Bless!!!

[@randydexter5727]

Excellent Podcast!!! I like the story on Walmart and RV overnight parking. Wendy's Social Media buzz was great. Keep the RV stories coming.

[@BonnieYoung-gk1nw]

Love the podcast and your stories! Thanks for sharing

[@deborahann5552]

I was at the Walmart in Pensacola and the police showed up and was talking to a group of young people. I have no idea what was going on, but I did not feel comfortable and left. Luckily the next night I had reservations at Fort Pickins. I have several stories of strange things that happened at Walmarts in FL.

[@kevinweimerskirch6419]

Great info on Walmart overnighting, and love your closing stories. Thanks

[@connienovak1011]

I've never had a problem at a Buc-ee's in my 40-foot diesel pusher towing my Ford Flex. The RV spots are along the outside of the parking lot next to one of the dog walk. Makes it easy to walk my BIG dog and then enjoy my goodies from inside the store. Finally, I fuel up and get back on the road. Never had a problem.

[@janetfolkerts5827]

Your videos are ALWAYS so filled with a variety of enlightenment, THANK YOU for sharing.

[@Rejoicewithsinging]

Ya just popped up on my feed and I enjoyed listening soo much than ya got a New Subscriber 👍😊❤️ I am 50 and debating whether or not to sell the farm I’ve lived on here all my 50 years in Pennsylvania now that mom & Daddy have gone on to Heaven & get an Rv and go explore and was thinking it would be a good idea to have a home base and on this video you shared 2 options! One where you are in Tennessee and one in Arizona! God sure answers prayers in different wonderful ways~ Many blessings to you both~ ❤️Amy

[@dm285]

Based on the many videos I have seen about RVing...after couple years of major mechanical and failed warranty issues with your RV manufacturer, you will wish you had kept your property where you live! RVing has many major expenses and drawbacks....and after several years many full timers wish they had just flown to destinations and rented places. The only exception I have seen is the OLIVER fiberglass RV company ....buyers swear they are low maintenance and fun to own (used or new).

[@jeannetzer3308]

I like your story time!!!! Keep up the amusing stories!

[@michellebieke2589]

Parked overnight one night at the Riverview, Florida Walmart last spring 2023 (after my friend spoke to Store Manager). We were in her Motorhome and disconnected towed Jeep right behind us. We were awakened at 5:00 AM by an old tow truck that pulled up right behind her Jeep. A guy in flip flops jumped out of the tow truck leaving his driver door open and he was looking over her Jeep. I woke my friend up and told her what was going on. She yelled out at the guy and asked him what he was doing! He mentioned something about the Store Manager… my friend quickly told him she talked to the Store Manager. Thankfully he then jumped into his truck and took off. There were other overnight campers around us. He did not do anything about them. So he was up to something no good. He was definitely targeting her Jeep either to steal it or was going to try to get her catalytic converter. This was my first night ever boondocking in a Walmart. So thankfully I was on high alert.

[@desireelamarche7149]

Yes! To story time. Love you guys ❤️🙏🏻

[@kencooper5201]

Enjoy the stories! Keep them up.

[@SandiDodson]

You go, Jen! I love the rooftop yoga pose!

[@sheenadunlap1775]

OMG, Bo almost takes up the whole bed! LOL!

[@donf3877]

My "issue" with over-nighting at Walmart is... most are in larger cities. And, the last place I want to be sleeping is in a big city. Even medium size cities are off my list.

[@the_fry_way]

We're full timers for 5 1/2 years and we've never encountered any problems at Wal-Mart. Other than Cookeville, TN - college town - we kinda expected the noise. LOL Been listening to you for years now - thanks for the info! ~Lynette

[@CarrieLaCubana]

Walmart would do well to set aside specific parking spaces for RV overnighters #walmartrvparking

[@haletotheadventure]

Another Great Video! Here is a story for you! I thought I won a Motorhome from a scratch-off from a donut shop. Scratched it off and it said "Win A Bagel"

[@RVLifestyle]

LOL

[@Elsessioms]

Comment. I live in NW Florida and you're correct. We have the best beaches and lifestyles here!

[@baitguru9197]

Sorry, to ask, as I go to the Destin area frequently (previously Ft. Walton Beach), and even Niceville, and Pensacola (Big Lagoonn State Park) but isn't Navarre, Florida West of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. Between Pensacola and Ft. Walton Beach. I don't believe it is between Ft. Walton Beach and Destin. We stop in the area (sometimes just in the Navarre rest area, but never at a Walmart, especially the crowded lot of the Walmart in Destin) on our way to Tampa, and the Florida Keys, as it helps break up the long drive to North, Texas (above Dallas). We have twice stopped at Buc-cees in Alabama and spent the night in our 21' Concourse Class -C (after asking) they let us spend the night, and told us we could park next to a couple in a 40' Dynamax Super-C on the South East (right under their "Beach Express" sign. We just purchased brisket sandwiches, with desserts, and drinks, (and road snacks), after we topped off our 36 gallon fuel (they even have ethanol free fuel). It was around midnight on December 25th, and may have been the reason they were so friendly. Thank you, we enjoy the show. -Michael

[@kathiebauer5165]

Our first Walmart overnight we were the 3rd unit to pull in. Come morning there were close to 20 units. Slept good, never heard the neighbors pull in, & picked up a few things before we left.

[@RVLifestyle]

Good experience. That's the way it is almost all the time.

[@mikecrosby3374]

Question for you. With the Class B Lithium set up, has your RV maintained a cool environment even in Florida summers? Specifically, can the AC keep the RV 25 degrees cooler than outside temperatures?

[@akgobears]

Like everything else boondocking , the area has a lot to do with the safeness of parking at Walmarts...We have parked for a nite at a few...Fernley NV (several times) , Rock Springs WY, North Platte NE.. Newton IA, etc ....Have never once encountered a problem...We visit the in laws in Crescent City CA often, i would not stay at the Walmart there for anything as its a haven for homeless w/ RV's that look to be parked there for some time...Last time there , it looked to be cleaned up, but not sure...Great alternative to overnite walmart parking are Casinos...Its become one of our main go to's for overnite stays going to and from destinations....

[@kathiebauer5165]

I started watching on a video when your kids got you Bow, how long ago was that?😊

[@RVLifestyle]

8 years ago! How time flies!

[@philc.9280]

Unfortunately, here in California and many west coast states are totally closed off to overnighters at most Walmart's and other stores. That privilege was taken away a long time ago due to abuse.

[@RVLifestyle]

Yeah. California has a lot of problems. Blam it on your fabulous weather! It attacks a lot of homeless folks.

[@suerop]

I think saying "camping" at Walmart is inaccurate. It should only be considered when you can't find other overnight accommodations. And then it should only be used for the fewest number of hours needed. Refrain from bringing out chairs, outdoor cooking, awnings, and slides, if at all possible.

[@nomadnorm]

I have stayed at many walmarts. I do not stay on major cities. Please don't call it camping at walmart. It is an overnight. We are losing these places because all these people that set up camp. No awnings, no outside chairs or grills. Go in spend money, and park out of the way.

[@Fldonna]

I will never support Bucee's. I support Love's, Pilot, TA, Flying J, and other travel stops/gas stations that allow overnight parking. Love's is my favorite.

[@RVLifestyle]

We are not fans of Bucees, either, for the same reasons.

[@helpinghands1993]

GOD is HOLY and HOLY is HIS name. Psalm 111:9 (ESV): 9 He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name! Luke 1:49 (ESV): 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.