Walmart Bans Overnight Parking?

If you think that Quartzsite is the only place where rumors spread like wildfire, you only need to visit a computer forum of just about any stripe. The latest one runs something like this: 'A campground membership salesman told us that Walmart has a new policy--that soon you won't be able to stay on any Walmart lot anywhere in the U.S.'

Coming from a resort club salesman, it almost sounds a little too pat, huh? Well, it did start a flurry of comments, from folks who almost bought the story, hook to sinker, to those who simply attributed it to the usual puff passed around by salesmen. Finally, cooler heads prevailed, and a forum member picked up his telephone and phoned a Walmart corporate office. Have things changed? Nope, not really. Walmart still has no "official" welcoming policy on RVers overnighting on their lots--it's a decision largely made by local management and of course, prevailing government ordinances.

Where does that leave us? The same place we always are--some Walmarts (and other big parking lot holders) will say you're welcome, others will send you packing. Of course, it never hurts to restate the obvious: Make yourselves welcome by your conduct--don't trash the lot, dump your holding tanks down the storm drain, or set up a 'long term' camping territory. Do show your gratitude by patronizing the store, pick up some inconsiderate visitor's trash . . . the usual Golden Rule policy that thankfully, the majority of RVers seem to instinctively know and do.

Photo: Dr. Warner on flickr.com