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Last Updated on August 24, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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Overnight RV Parking at Costco: Is It Legal?
Costco often has spacious parking lots. This can seem like an ideal Costco overnight RV parking for RV travelers. However, the legality and policies can vary significantly by location and region. We aim to provide comprehensive insights about Overnight RV Parking at Costco: Is It Legal? and delve into the nuances that influence these policies.
- Always check with the specific Costco store beforehand.
- A suburban store might have a more permissive policy.
- Conduct yourself with courtesy and respect when parking.
- Neatly park your RV in a designated area.
- Don’t occupy more space than necessary or block traffic.
- Violating parking rules at Costco can lead to penalties.
RVing is fun. You can enjoy a road trip while having the comfort of home on the wheels. Many people plan the way before they choose to leave for a vacation. They outline every single detail. However, some don’t.
While traveling in an RV, you should preplan some essential details, including stocking up on your groceries, your route, and the expected arrival time at your destination.
These essentials also include, if need be, your overnight stay at a safe location during the journey.
The whole planning process also includes the expenses you may incur on your trip. Let’s say you want to cut some of your travel expenses by staying at an accessible place like Costco, Wal-Mart, etc.
You’ll need to know all the details, prerequisites, responsibilities, and numerous other factors.
Let’s dig deeper into Costco’s overnight RV parking, shall we?
Does Costco Allow Overnight Parking?
Yes, it does.
Costco allows overnight parking in their parking lots. However, every Costco location is different. While some let you park your RV overnight, others don’t.
In such a situation, it is always better to contact the manager before arrival and confirm if they offer this facility. Usually, it’s at the store manager’s discretion. He may or may not grant your overnight stay.
A manager has a lot of factors to consider before he allows you to stay overnight. Mostly, they have an area allocated for RV overnight parking if they allow it. Costco’s parking lot is well-lit, which is a favorable point.
If you’ve talked to the manager already, there is a strong chance he’d have a spot saved for you. You better get there during their business hours to meet the manager and learn about various things beforehand.
Local laws of a particular state, city, or territory sometimes prohibit overnight parking. Even the store manager can’t help you with your overnight stay at such places.
Are There Any Prerequisites?
There are no definite prerequisites for your Costco overnight RV parking. However, we recommend that you call that specific store’s manager beforehand.
Your call serves the purpose of checking if that specified location allows RV overnight parking. You can also check if there is any specific requirement you need to meet for your overnight stay.
Another thing you can discuss is the time of your arrival, i.e., if you’ll be arriving during business hours or after the store closure.
Do We Need a Membership Card for Overnight RV Parking?
This is a pervasive question people ask. However, the simple answer is ‘No’.
You don’t need a membership card for your overnight parking at Costco, as they allow it free of all costs.
However, you need a membership card if you plan to restock any supplies, groceries, or driving gear. You can’t refuel without a membership card, as well. Nonetheless, Costco offers enormous discounts on a variety of products. You may think about investing in one.
Some Responsibilities on Your Part
Although Costco doesn’t impose any restrictions or limitations on you during your overnight stay at their parking lot, it is only fair to be a responsible citizen. You must follow some self-inflicted rules strictly.
Some of these include:
- You must respect the permission granted for overnight parking and use it solely.
- Don’t damage the property.
- Avoid taking out chairs or extending awnings.
- Please do not consider it your camping area and start barbequing.
- Avoid any littering.
- In case of accompanying pets or kids, please clean up after them.
- Clean your trash, if any.
- Avoid playing loud music.
- Turn your generator on only if you have permission from the manager.
- Most importantly, stay for one night and be on your way the following day.
Is There Any Security or Other Concerns?
As mentioned above, Costco’s parking lot is well-lit for security reasons. In a general manner, it is safe. There are no immediate dangers.
However, being extra cautious in any new place is always wise. Since you don’t know much about the neighborhood, you should finish your chores immediately after arrival.
This is to avoid any unwanted exposure whatsoever.
In Case of Any Unexpected Activity
In some places, youngsters often use Costco’s huge parking space as a fun place for their muscle cars. They gather around for some entertainment and head out somewhere else.
We recommend you lock your RV and stay in the vehicle unless otherwise necessary.
Moreover, if you witness any suspicious activity, never take matters into your own hands. It’s always better to stay put and call the police.
Are You Alone in the Parking Lot?
The answer to this question depends upon the various situations.
Sometimes, your RV may be the only vehicle parked for the night.
Conversely, in some cases, you may find other RVs parked in the parking lot, indicating other folks are staying for the night.
Moreover, there is a huge chance that some workers stay late at night while restocking or performing numerous other chores.
The working hours may end by 8:30 p.m. on weekdays and a little later on the weekends for the shoppers. The workers, however, may have to work another shift while unintentionally providing you the comfort of a company.
Enquire About a Potential Threat
Numerous stores refrain from letting you park your RV in their parking lots at night. That’s because of the attention your RV may garner from some criminals.
The attention could be due to the fact that RVers usually have cash with them. It makes them a potential catch for lawbreakers. We would recommend you to discuss this particular issue with the store manager.
In addition to that, calling the local police station and checking about that specific store is also a good idea.
Does it Cost Money?
Costco overnight RV parking doesn’t cost any money. Their well-lit parking lot is for free. However, you don’t get electricity or water connection compared to the campers’ areas.
This overnight stay is strictly for parking. You don’t get to extend your awnings or lounge in the parking lot. The sole permission is to park and spend the night.
What’s in it for Costco?
Costco doesn’t get any monetary benefit. However, deep down, permission could be a way to prompt you to make some purchases from the store.
It is only fair if you buy gasoline or other supplies to return their kind favor since they provide you with a relatively safe place for your overnight stay without charging you a penny.
How do you find the closest Costco that allows overnight RV parking?
As we know, not all Costco outlets allow overnight RV parking. However, there are some ways through which you can know beforehand if the store you’ll come across allows overnight RV stays or not.
Calling the Store
One way to know it is by browsing their website and checking the store you will visit.
Since the website doesn’t provide any information about overnight RV parking, we recommend you call the store and ask the question directly.
Another important point we should mention here is that not all employees are aware that the authorities allow overnight RV parking.
In such a situation, you must ask for the manager and talk to him about the concern. He can discuss the permission and inform you if there are any preconditions.
Overnight RV Parking
The other way to know about permissions regarding overnight RV parking is using the ‘Overnight RV parking application.’ It is an authentic way to know about the specific store’s status.
Its database includes over 14000 Costco locations, affirming RV parking or No RV parking locations in the United States and Canada.
As the application provides the status of either approval or disapproval of overnight parking locations, there is no ambiguity whatsoever, thus allowing you to plan otherwise.
Why Do Some Outlets Do Not Allow Overnight RV Parking?
Many Costco outlets used to offer free overnight RV parking in all of their stores earlier, but the number of locations that still allow it seems to be dwindling due to various factors.
With prohibitions on overnight RV parking imposed by local laws in various states, store managers of those regions have no authority to permit anyone.
Another important reason is the misconduct of some folks, such as:
- Misunderstanding the favor given by the store manager by staying outside instead of inside the RV
- Misusing the courteous offer by visiting longer than the predetermined period – more than one night
- Making the parking lot dirty by littering or leaving trash behind
What Are the Alternatives To Costco Overnight Parking Like Walmart?
There are various alternatives when looking for a free RV overnight parking alternative to Costco. These alternatives are free and offer almost similar facilities for your convenience. Some examples are Walmart, Cabela’s, and Bass Pro Shops.
1. Walmart
Wal-Mart stores are all over the United States and Canada. Since Walmart is almost everywhere, travelers don’t have to go entirely out of their way and park.
However, some stores offer free overnight parking in their parking lots while others don’t.
The drill is similar to when you plan on staying at Costco for overnight parking. Call that particular Wal-Mart store manager and check if you can visit. He may allow you if there is no objection from the local ordinances.
Another way to check if the concerned store allows overnight parking is by using the Walmart Locator. You can check the state, the city, and the specific store location on this website and confirm if they allow or deny.
The App called Overnight RV Parking is another authentic and handy way to confirm.
Walmart does not offer any hookups for your RV.
2. Cabela’s
You can also park your RV overnight at Cabela’s. They allow you to park at the back of their store.
There is a designated area for RVers. However, it’s on a strictly first-come, first-served basis, and you must call ahead to get a spot booked.
Space is limited if they have a spot for five or six RVs and are already full. There’s nothing you can do.
Some of Cabela’s outlets have their dump station, which means you’re not without hookups completely. You can dump your gray or black water upon paying some dollars.
Some outlets also have water connections; however, the water is not potable.
3. Bass Pro Shops
Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s are under the same proprietorship. You can stay at their parking lot, too, subject to permission granted.
Bass Pro Shops do not have any designated space for RVs or more oversized vehicles. It means if there is no large enough space for your RV, you have to move ahead and find some other place for your parking.
In addition to that, most of the Bass Pro Shops are attached to some big malls or shopping centers. It means they have to follow the mall’s policy.
Usually, malls do not allow overnight parking or stay at their parking lots, which brings us back to the point that you must call the store and talk to the manager way ahead.
4. Camping World SuperCenter
Camping World Supercenter also allows you to park your RV and stay overnight.
You get water and dump station facilities at their place. If you stay overnight at Camping World SuperCenter, you can visit their website.
Search by scrolling down to the RV services; check the location in concern to know if they allow overnight parking.
5. Cracker Barrel
Most people are unaware that they can stay overnight in their RVs in the parking lot of Cracker Barrel for free.
Although among 650+ outlets of Cracker Barrel throughout the United States, few don’t allow overnight parking. We recommend you call ahead and ask the manager if you can stay overnight.
Some reasons why they may not allow you overnight parking at their parking lot could be:
- Local areas’ jurisdiction doesn’t allow overnight parking.
- Their eighteen-wheeler truck is scheduled to restock their groceries or food items that day.
You may have a nice dinner and breakfast the following morning at Cracker Barrel if you stay at their parking lot for free. It could be your way of showing appreciation.
Some Other Alternatives
Numerous other places allow overnight parking for free. You can check by calling beforehand if they have a spot for you. Some of these places include:
- Flying J Truck Stops
- Lowes
- Home Depot
- K-Mart
- Grocery Stores
- Pilot Flying J Travel Centers
- Rest Areas
- Planet Fitness (subject to membership)
- Casinos
Are Any Of the Alternatives Better Options?
Many alternatives are better than staying at a parking lot without electricity, water, or a dump station. However, they may not be completely free.
BoonDockers Welcome
Many RV owners around the United States have formed a club called BoonDockers Welcome. They offer free parking at their property to fellow RVers for a night or two.
With the club expanding, they have more than 1000 locations throughout North America. The owners may provide you with electric and water connections as well.
The parking spot is usually close to the owner’s house, so you may be allowed to meet and know new people residing in the area.
Harvest Host
If you want to avail yourself of Harvest Host’s attractive locations, you need to buy its membership. Its annual membership is 79 dollars for a year. You can access their website and App to stay at these incredible locations.
These incredible locations include wineries, breweries, farms, orchids, and hundreds of other serene spots. You get access to more than 650 sites.
Your access can go up to 1000 locations if you buy an additional annual subscription of 20 dollars. Thus, at 99 dollars per year, you get access to over 300 golf courses around the United States for overnight RV parking.
Can I Sleep Anywhere in an RV?
While the prospect of sleeping anywhere in an RV may seem appealing, there are legal and logistical considerations to bear in mind. The freedom of the open road does not necessarily translate into the freedom to park and sleep wherever you desire.
Commercial establishments and localities have specific rules and regulations prohibiting overnight RV parking.
For a hassle-free and legal RV experience, it is advised to plan your stops and opt for designated RV parks, campgrounds, or places where overnight parking is permitted.
Therefore, “Can I sleep anywhere in an RV?” is nuanced; it depends on local regulations and permissions.
Final Thoughts
The question “Overnight RV Parking at Costco: Is It Legal?” has varied answers depending on the store’s location. Each specific Costco store might have different policies, particularly suburban stores, which may be more permissive.
Hence, it is always recommended to check beforehand. Once granted permission, it is crucial to conduct oneself with courtesy and respect.
Park your RV neatly in the designated area and ensure you don’t occupy more space than necessary or obstruct traffic. Please be mindful that violating parking rules at Costco could lead to penalties; thus, adhering to the rules is essential.
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