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I’m sure you’ve seen the same recycled lists of stores that supposedly allow overnight RV parking – Walmart, Lowe’s, Cracker Barrel, and so on.
Well, I wanted to find out if any of them really do.
So, I contacted the corporate headquarters of 15 stores in search of the truth. Here are the results.
1. Walmart
Walmart is arguably the most popular overnight option for RVers. They have extremely large parking lots, are just about everywhere, and they do allow overnight RV parking.
In fact, they display their corporate overnight parking policy for RVs on their website.
Remember that the policy states, “Permission to park is extended by individual store managers, based on availability of parking space and local laws. “So, be sure to reach out to the store for confirmation before attempting to overnight.
Use the Walmart store locator to find a Walmart near you, or try out the AllStays app, as they list Walmart locations that have been confirmed to allow overnighting (still call and ask the store beforehand).
And be sure to follow our rules of overnight RV parking at Walmart if you decide to stay.
2. Cabela’s / Bass Pro Shops
Bass Pro Shops, which operates over 170+ Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shop stores across the country, is another popular store chain that RVers often talk about overnighting at.
But what did corporate have to say about the practice?
They are open to it on a store-by-store basis. Of course, you should reach out to the particular store you plan to overnight at for confirmation.
Use the Bass Pro Shops store locator to find a store to overnight at.
3. Cracker Barrel
I’m not going to lie. This one surprised me. I have personally stayed overnight at a Cracker Barrel, and I’ve heard from countless RVers in the community who have.
However, according to their customer service, they “are not able to accommodate overnight parking” at this time.
Of course, it comes down to the store. If the store has parking spaces that will accommodate RVs, the store manager may let you overnight, if their specific store policy and local ordinances allow it. While it may not be corporate policy to allow it, I know many RVers who have, so it’s still worth contacting the store and simply asking.
Check out the Cracker Barrel store finder to find ones that have RV parking, and check out our guide to Cracker Barrel camping for more tips and overnight info.
4. Camping World
In typical fashion, Camping World customer service was no help.
I then called, and no answer. But that said, I personally know a few RVers who have stayed overnight at various Camping World locations. So, while I may not have gotten a definitive answer at the time of publishing this, I recommend just calling the Camping World you wish to stay, and they’ll likely be accommodating.
Use the Camping World state directory to find locations nearest you.
5. 24 Hour Fitness
The good news is that 24 Hour Fitness has over 280 locations in 11 states across the US, so finding a location should be fairly easy. The bad news? Their corporate customer service department never got back to me.
While this store chain may be on many of the “best of” lists to stay overnight at, I cannot confirm nor deny that they will let you.
This may simply come down to a store-by-store basis, like most stores that allow overnight RV parking. But let us know in the comments if you have any experience staying at a 24 Hour Fitness location.
If you want to give it a shot, use the 24 Hour Fitness gym locator to find a location near you.
6. Planet Fitness
Unlike 24 Hour Fitness, Planet Fitness replied almost instantly, stating that they “do not have a universal policy,” but it is “at the discretion of the individual club or property manager” whether they will allow overnight stays.
Plus, they have over 1600 locations in the US! You can use their handy gym locator to find a location to contact.
7. Sam’s Club
Similar to Walmart stores (probably because they fall under the same parent company), Sam’s Club stores do allow RV parking on a club-by-club basis “due to local zoning regulations.”
In other words, their policy allows it, but local zoning laws might not, so you need to call the store and verify with the club manager if it is permissible.
Their policy also states that failure to notify club management could result in your RV being towed at your expense, so be sure to call ahead and confirm.
Use their club locator to find a Sam’s Club to potentially overnight at.
8. Costco
Getting a hold of a representative at Costco proved difficult, as they have no online contact form, and they didn’t answer the phone when called.
So, while I’ve heard of RVer’s staying at Costco, I cannot confirm nor deny whether it’s allowed. Like all other stores on this list, you’ll likely just need to contact the particular store you are interested in staying at and ask the manager for permission.
I’ll update this as I get new information. In the meantime, you can use their store locator and try contacting the store you would like to stay at and ask.
9. Love’s
Love’s has always welcomed RVers with open arms and has been open about allowing them to overnight at any of their 700 locations across 42 states.
While you can typically stay overnight at Love’s for free, they are upgrading many locations with Love’s RV Stops, which offer various amenities like full hookups, water, and dump for a fee. They currently have over 45 locations that offer this service, which ranges from $37 – $48 per night.
Use the Love’s locator to find a store, or check out the Love’s RV Stop locator to reserve a space online.
10. Pilot Flying J
Similar to Love’s, Pilot Flying J is open about letting RVers overnight at certain locations. They have a page dedicated to it on their website. Many of their locations even have RV fueling lanes, an RV dump station, and propane refueling.
Download their RV Locations list, which details which Pilot Flying J locations have RV parking, dump stations, propane, and more.
If you plan to overnight at a location not on the list, call ahead and double-check with the store manager that it’s allowed.
11. Home Depot
Home Depot has more than 2,300 store locations across the United States, so no matter where your RV travels take you, there’s probably a store nearby.
That said, Home Depot does not have a universal policy on short-term or long-term parking at their stores. Furthermore, they didn’t specify whether it’s on a store-by-store basis.
Again, it might be worth contacting the individual store and talking to the manager to see if it’s OK to overnight in your RV at that particular location. Remember, sometimes local zoning laws don’t allow it, so it’s not always up to the store either.
You can use the Home Depot Store Directory to find a location.
12. Lowe’s
Lowe’s, another home improvement store with 1,700 locations across the country, does not have a corporate policy regarding overnighting at their store locations, according to customer service (I was actually able to reach a live person over the phone).
Contact the Lowe’s store you want to stay at for permission.
13. Menards
I’ve seen Menards on several lists of places to overnight for free, so I was a bit surprised that they, at least at a corporate level, “do not participate.“
If you’ve gotten permission from a Menards store to overnight, let us know in the comments below.
14. Tractor Supply
Believe it or not, Tractor Supply Store (TSC for short) has 2,198 Tractor Supply stores in 49 states! That’s pretty impressive and makes it easy to find a store near you as you travel across the country.
And while they don’t have a corporate policy, they are open to the idea on a store-by-store basis.
Just make sure to contact the store beforehand, as it’s “up to the store manager to make the final decision.“
Use their store locator to find a Tractor Supply Store near you.
15. Buccee’s
Buc-ee’s got its start back in 1982 in Texas and stayed a Lone Star secret for decades. That changed in 2019, when they opened their first location outside the state in Alabama. Since then, it’s been full speed ahead with stores popping up in Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, Colorado, Missouri, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Virginia – with even more locations being built or planned.
The stores have earned a devoted fanbase, and some even say it’s got a bit of a cult following. But do they allow overnighting?
Unfortunately, corporate policy doesn’t allow overnight or extended parking, even for RVs, according to their website.
If you’re traveling in an RV, Buc-ee’s is a great place to stop for gas, food, or a quick break. Just don’t plan to spend the night.
If you’ve overnighted at any of these or any stores I didn’t mention, let us know in the comments below!
if us rvers use a site for overnight stays it would work out fine but we all know we put out slides, tables and chairs and grille out at their parking lot- no wonder there is a problem
Agreed!
I don’t do that I respect that they let me park , I don’t put out my slide also. And I go in and shop or eat
Have found many stores have had past not so great dealings with RV’s and their not so common sense habits when they allow overnight parking in their lots.Loves does not allow overnight rv parking and have just stopped going to them and even wasting time asking. They will allow 8-10hr parking but that’s it and they point ya to a parking lot that only accommodate small van rvs and not large ones.Loves exit 87 off I20 in SC did this and I said to manager I have a 40 dp pullin a trailer in Your Semi fuel isle so i cant even get into the parking area your telling me to park in let alone even park there so Ill just go over to Lowe’s who do. I find Most lowes are ok with parking as long as you go in and speak with them. If they don’t then your in a area best not to stay in anyhow.Columbia SC lows and Walmart is such places.Go further to Lexington or camden sc lowes/Walmart who allow overnight rv parking but don’t ruin it for others. You aren’t camping , your overnight parking so use common sense and be polite.All they can say is no and you thank them then leave to another spot. There are plenty as long as people don’t ruin it for next rv.
I have never seen an RVer put out table, chairs or grill while overnighting on a store parking lot. But I have seen slides out which I don’t think it’s a problem as long as it is not blocking any roadway.
A lot of RVs,especially smaller ones,slide has to be out to access bed and bathroom. I always make sure I am not blocking anything
The golden gate gas station in lovelock nevada has a new rv park area not sure of the price but they also have a dump station for 5 dollars i think
The best thing us Rver’s can and should do, is talk to management in the store before planning on staying overnight. That is just being respectful. Store properties are considered private property and when you are on their property, you are there as a guest. If they do not allow overnight parking they have a good reason for it and they will usually have signage up saying no overnight parking. The big stores like Walmart, have cameras everywhere and they know who is on 6he property and when they arrived. Plan your stop early enough so that if you do run into an area that won’t allow overnight, you still have time to move on and find a place that will.
Exactly Tim! And good tip about planning your stop early. Thanks!
I would rather stay at a KOA. Feel safer, have hook ups and can put my slides out and have a fire.
I agree with you for the most part … I didn’t spend what I spent on motorhome to spend my nights in a “big box” store parking lot. However, like most of these general conversations there is a huge BUT. I live in metro Detroit – and regularly find myself heading south in early January. I’m loathe to drive much more than 350 miles in a day (that’s 6 hours of driving). In January – that means my first night is still in the “cold zone” … where most RV parks (KOA or otherwise) are closed for the season. That first night out as we head south is always a challenge – looking to find someplace to spend 8-10 hours “off the road” without driving miles from a freeway exit. Over the 10 years we’ve been doing this – we’ve seen the Walmarts we once stayed shut down overnight parking. Finding somewhere to overnight that first night out is getting tougher and tougher. I’d happily pay for a KOA that’s right off the highway. The fact or the matter is that in January – there are not many options. That second night (which puts us well into Kentucky – is a whole ‘nother story. RV parks are readily available. But that first night of the trip … that’s just not the case.
I live in Windsor and head south on I-75. The KOA in Lebanon (Cincinnati) is open year round as is Corbin KY and. Both within 300 miles and nice campgrounds for an overnight stay
I am from the same area, I break up the drive and do 4 hour power naps at a Rest Area, so I don’t have to get too far of the expressway. Going north in the summer I like to stop at the West Branch Wal-Mart 2 nights before, work from the lot in the morning after I go in and get some donuts for breakfast and leave so I can time it to make it to my destination right before check-in.
That’s fine, but when all is said and done, that cost can add up over time, especially for a stay of 8-10 hours. What would be nice is if these campgrounds had spots for dry camping at a reasonable price. Everybody wins in that scenario
Just wondering. I’m new to the RV life and every KOA i have checked with has the highest prices and the least amenities of any campground in the area
From what I have heard, many of these stores are located on property that they do not own. Only the land owner can grant permission. Therefore, there can be no corporate policy.
Leese’s are in charge of daily operation and trespassing rights. A lessee can prosecute a trespasser without the owner so they can also give permission.
I’ve traveled by RV for over 40 years and currently travel in a 44′ 5th wheel toy hauler pulled with a Freightliner M2. I’m on the road 50+ days a year so finding free places to park is a huge financial savings for my travel budget. I have always used store parking lots for overnight stays because they are quieter than truck stops and rest areas, and usually just down the street from fuel (I like uninterrupted sleep). I pick large lots with ample lighting, park out as far from the store as possible and make sure my rig is out of the way. Most big box stores have roaming security or police drive-bys at night for safety. I have never had a problem pulling in after store hours in the evening and leaving before the stores open in the morning. Normally this allows for an 8pm to 8am stay. Using your pull outs is fine, but don’t detach from your rig or put down levelers. On the occasions when I need to purchase items, I go into the store when it opens, thank the staff and assure them I’ll be pulling out after I get the items I need. In 40+ years, I’ve never had an altercation with store personnel, not even about parking in their lot, and that is at any store where I’ve parked. A lot of RV travel comes down to common sense and curtesy – if your rig interferes with the stores business, you’ll have an issue, if it doesn’t, you won’t. Don’t camp multiple days nor during the business day in store parking lots unless you are there for repairs, but feel free to stay overnight almost anywhere in the USA and Canada (I stopped travelling with an RV in Mexico in the mid 80s and don’t suggest it to anyone now).
Thanks for sharing your experience, Ken!
Helpful tip for boondockers. Need a shower on the road? Get a Planet Fitness membership. It’s cheap.. Skip the workout- enjoy the clean towels and hot water.
Good tip! Thanks