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Reading Time: 6 minutesLast Updated on July 17, 2025 by Paul Clayton
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Does Walmart Canada Allow RV Parking Overnight?
As a prominent retail corporation, Walmart Canada has long been known for its broad range of services and products. “Does Walmart Canada Allow RV Parking Overnight?” The answer to this query can vary based on individual store policies and local regulations.
Key Takeaways:
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- Variability is Key: There’s no universal “yes” or “no” to overnight RV parking at Walmart Canada. While Walmart generally values RV travelers, permission is store-specific and depends on the individual store manager’s discretion, local municipal bylaws, and parking availability.
- Legality in Canada: Generally, overnight parking in Canadian shopping mall parking lots is illegal, with Walmart often being a notable exception where permitted. Rest stops are strictly prohibited for overnight stays.
- Always Ask for Permission: It is highly recommended to call ahead or ask the store manager/security personnel in person before parking overnight. Policies can change, and what was allowed yesterday may not be permitted today.
- Respectful Etiquette is Crucial: To maintain this privilege, RVers must adhere to strict etiquette:
- Research local regulations.
- Park away from entrances, preferably at the far end of the lot.
- Keep noise levels down (avoid running generators overnight).
- Limit your stay to a single night only (Walmart lots are not campgrounds).
- Clean up thoroughly after yourself.
- Do not extend slide-outs or set up “camp” (awnings, chairs, grills).
- Consider purchasing at Walmart as a token of appreciation.
- Consequences of Non-Compliance: Overstaying or failing to follow rules can result in a request to leave, formal citations from local law enforcement, or even towing.
- Alternatives: If Walmart isn’t an option, legal overnight RV parking is primarily found at designated campgrounds (which can cost $30-$60/night).
Is overnight RV parking allowed at Walmart Canada? In Canada, spending the night in a shopping mall parking lot is illegal.
Walmart is an exception to this law since it allows RV parking on its store lots wherever possible. Before settling in for the night, ensure you have obtained permission from the store manager.
In most cases, campgrounds are the only locations in Canada where you can legally park your RV overnight, except at designated Walmart locations.
Spending the night at rest stops or shopping malls is strictly forbidden.
Ensure that the campgrounds you choose support RVs when making your selection.
Depending on the season, the destination, and the number of facilities, a camping site can cost between $30 and $60 per night.
Spending the night at a rest stop is strictly forbidden. You may decide to gamble, but there’s a fair chance you’ll be woken up in the middle of the night and asked to leave.
Walmart is located almost everywhere in the United States and Canada. They mainly offer overnight RV parking in Wal-Mart SuperCenter parking lots.
Some businesses do not allow overnight parking due to policy changes, municipal code restrictions, or other factors. Please double-check with the store manager first to confirm.
Can You Rent an RV for a Year?
Does Walmart Have Overnight Parking?
Most Walmart stores in Canada, for instance, allow overnight parking under most conditions, making them convenient stops for long trips.
However, the policy is not uniform across all stores. Some stores that previously permitted overnight parking have recently revised their policies and no longer offer this service.
Conversely, some stores that had once prohibited overnight parking have now revised their policy to include it. The reasons behind these policy changes are not always clear or consistent.
It is highly recommended that travelers planning to use Walmart parking lots overnight call ahead or inquire in-store about the specific rules and regulations for overnight parking.
This would ensure a clear understanding of current policies and prevent unwelcome surprises.
Can you open RV Parking at Walmart?
While many Walmart locations permit overnight RV parking, this is not a universal policy that applies to all stores. It’s essential to note that even if a Walmart store permits overnight parking, RV owners must adhere to specific restrictions.
For instance, RV owners are not permitted to open extensions or slide-outs while parked at these locations. This rule ensures the safety and accessibility of the parking lot for all customers.
Therefore, if you’re considering using a Walmart parking lot for overnight RV parking, it’s strongly recommended that you check with the store management beforehand.
Always respect the rules and regulations set by the store to maintain a harmonious relationship with the business and its regular customers.
Walmart Overnight Parking Etiquette
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Research Local Regulations: Before parking your vehicle overnight at Walmart Canada, it’s essential to research the local regulations to ensure compliance. In some cities, overnight parking may be prohibited due to local laws or store policy.
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Request Permission: Always ask for permission, whether it’s from the store manager or security personnel, before parking overnight. They can provide information about any specific rules the store may have.
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Park Away from Entrance: To minimize disturbance to other customers, park your vehicle away from the main entrances. Ideally, park at the far end of the parking lot, as this is less likely to interfere with regular customer traffic.
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Keep Noise Down: Be mindful of the noise level. If you have a television or radio, keep the volume low to avoid disturbing nearby customers or residents. Avoid running generators overnight if possible.
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Limit Duration: Overnight parking should be for a single night only. Walmart’s parking lots are not designed to be campgrounds or long-term parking facilities. Avoid staying multiple days in a row to respect the rights of other customers and comply with store policies.
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Clean Up After Yourself: Always maintain a clean environment. Dispose of all trash properly and leave your parking area clean and tidy. Remember, this is a store parking lot and a shared public space.
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Stay Safe: Check your belongings and ensure your vehicle is locked before you go to sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you camp overnight at Walmart in Canada?
Please note that spending the night in a shopping center parking lot is prohibited in Canada. The exception to this rule is Walmart, which permits RV parking on its store lots where possible. Be sure to ask the store manager’s permission before settling in for the night.
Can you live in a Walmart parking lot?
Walmart generally allows campers and RVs to park overnight because it knows its customer base. However, if you try squatting long-term, it will boot you out. Many US cities and towns have bylaws prohibiting overnight parking, even on private property, such as a Walmart parking lot.
Can I park at Home Depot overnight?
Home Depot doesn’t have a corporate policy allowing RVs to park overnight in its parking lots. That decision is left to each store manager. Because most Home Depots close at 10:00 p.m., you can still find plenty of open parking areas late at night.
Can I leave my car at Walmart overnight?
You may have already heard that parking and sleeping overnight in your vehicle at all Walmart parking lots is entirely legal. This has been true in all of our experiences. We have seen RVs and campervans set up permanently at some Walmart locations.
Is Walmart’s parking lot private property?
Most parking lots at Walmart stores are considered private property, and the majority of accidents in Walmart parking lots involve vehicles in low-speed collisions. However, some parking lot accidents at a Walmart may include slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall premises liability accidents.
Does Lowe’s allow overnight parking?
Lowes is in the same category as Home Depot and Kmart. Many stores allow RVs to park overnight on their lots for free. The best course of action is to check with the store manager and obtain permission.
Where can you park overnight for free in Canada?
Parking overnight at Walmart is a well-known free camping option in Canada. It’s nothing fancy, but it can be convenient on long road trips and while exploring urban areas.
Will Walmart tow my car if I leave it overnight?
Most Walmarts will allow one or two nights of overnight parking for RVs and possibly other vehicles, provided you obtain permission from the store manager in advance. Any vehicle left for an extended period will be towed once it’s spotted, as it’s considered abandoned.
Is it safe to park overnight at Walmart?
It is safe. Many Walmarts nationwide allow overnight parking for RVs and campers; some also have security patrols.
However, checking with the store management before planning to park overnight is always advisable. Parking in well-lit areas and securing your vehicle is also recommended.
Is there a penalty for overstaying at the Walmart parking overnight?
Walmart’s policy regarding overnight parking is primarily determined by local laws and the individual store’s management.
Although there’s no nationwide policy, it’s essential to note that overstaying in the Walmart parking lot may result in penalties. These could range from a simple request to leave to a formal citation by local law enforcement.
It’s highly recommended to always ask for permission from the store’s management before deciding to stay overnight.
Final Thoughts
The policy on overnight RV parking at Walmart stores across Canada varies significantly, often depending on the location of the store.
For instance, stores in urban areas such as Vancouver and Toronto tend to have stricter policies than those in less densely populated regions.
It is strongly recommended that RV owners contact the management of the specific Walmart store they intend to park at for clarification before planning their overnight stays.
Additionally, RV owners should be aware of any restrictions regarding the maximum number of nights they can stay parked.
Moreover, they must respect the store’s and other customers’ property by avoiding disturbances and maintaining the cleanliness of their surroundings at all times, thereby fostering good relations with the store.
