- Many Walmart stores allow overnight parking for RVs and other vehicles.
- Camping World locations also often permit overnight parking.
- Cracker Barrel restaurants are known for allowing overnight parking in their lots.
- Some truck stops, such as Pilot Flying J and Love’s, have designated areas for overnight parking.
- Rest areas along highways may also allow overnight parking, but it varies by state.
As a traveler, finding a safe and convenient place to park overnight can be an absolute nightmare. For those of us who love hitting the open road and exploring new destinations, the search for overnight parking is often filled with frustration and uncertainty.
So, what stores allow overnight parking? It’s a question that many of us have asked at some point in our travels. Whether you’re in an RV, car, or van, finding a spot where you can rest your head without worrying about getting towed or ticketed can be a major challenge.
But fear not! In this article, we’ll dive into the world of overnight parking and explore which stores across the country are willing to welcome weary travelers for a night’s stay. From Walmart to Cracker Barrel, we’ll uncover the best places to park for free (and legally) while on the road. So buckle up and get ready to hit the open road without worrying about where you’ll sleep tonight.
The Quick Answer:
Walmart, Cracker Barrel, Cabela’s, and Home Depot are popular stores that allow overnight parking. However, not all locations permit it due to local ordinances or store policies. It’s important to obtain permission from the store manager before parking and follow rules such as parking only in designated areas and no littering.
Popular Stores That Allow Overnight Parking
Some popular stores that allow overnight parking include Walmart, Cracker Barrel, Cabela’s, and Home Depot. These stores have large parking lots and often welcome RVs, campers, and other vehicles to park overnight. In addition to these stores, some casinos, rest areas, and truck stops also permit overnight parking.
Walmart
Walmart is one of the most popular choices for overnight parking. Many Walmart locations across the United States have designated areas for RVs and other vehicles to park overnight. However, it’s important to note that not all Walmart locations allow overnight parking due to local ordinances or store policies.
Rules and Regulations for Overnight Parking at Walmart
If you plan on parking overnight at a Walmart location, there are some rules and regulations you need to follow. These include:
- Parking only in designated areas
- Obtaining permission from the store manager before parking
- No setting up chairs or grills outside your vehicle
- No littering or dumping waste in the parking lot
Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel is another popular option for those looking for an overnight stay while on the road. Most Cracker Barrel locations have large parking lots that can accommodate RVs and other vehicles.
Rules and Regulations for Overnight Parking at Cracker Barrel
If you plan on staying at a Cracker Barrel location overnight, there are some rules you need to follow. These include:
- Parking only in designated areas
- No setting up chairs or grills outside your vehicle
- No littering or dumping waste in the parking lot
- No running generators after 10 pm
- Park in well-lit areas of the lot
- Lock your vehicle doors and windows
- Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight
- Stay aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to store management or authorities
- Be cautious when interacting with strangers and avoid giving out personal information
- Call the store in advance and ask about their overnight parking policy
- If they permit overnight parking, ask where the designated area is located and if there are any restrictions on length of stay or vehicle size
- Arrive early and speak with the store manager to confirm permission and receive any instructions or guidelines for parking overnight
- Show appreciation by purchasing something from the store during your stay
- Check the website for a “parking” or “policies” section.
- If unable to find information online, call the store during business hours and ask about their policy.
- Ask for the manager by name if possible.
- Present yourself professionally and explain your situation clearly.
- If speaking over the phone, take notes during the conversation including date, time, and name of person spoken with.
- Thank the manager for their understanding and willingness to accommodate you.
- If possible, make a purchase from the store as a way of showing appreciation.
Which Locations of Popular Stores Allow Overnight Parking?
As mentioned earlier, not all stores of popular chains allow overnight parking. It’s important to check with the specific store location or contact their customer service before planning to park overnight.
Walmart
While many Walmart locations allow overnight parking, there are some that have restrictions due to local ordinances or store policies. To find out if a specific Walmart location allows overnight parking, you can call the store or check online resources such as AllStays and OvernightRVParking.
Cabela’s
Cabela’s is another popular choice for overnight parking. However, not all Cabela’s locations permit it due to local laws or store policies. You can check with the specific store location for their policy on overnight parking.
How Long Can You Park Overnight at Popular Stores?
The amount of time you can park overnight at a popular store varies from location to location and depends on their policies. Some stores may have a maximum limit of one night while others may permit longer stays.
Walmart
Most Walmart locations have a 24-hour policy on overnight parking, meaning you can stay for one night only. However, some stores may allow longer stays if you obtain permission from the store manager.
Cabela’s
Cabela’s does not have a set policy on how long vehicles can park in their lots. It’s best to check with the specific location before planning your stay.
Safety Concerns to Consider When Parking Overnight at Popular Stores
While many stores allow overnight parking, it’s important to be aware of safety concerns when doing so. Here are some things to consider:
Process for Obtaining Permission to Park Overnight at Popular Stores
If you plan on parking overnight at a popular store, it’s important to obtain permission from the store manager. Here are some steps to take:
Process for Obtaining Permission to Park Overnight at Popular Stores
Introduction
Overnight parking at popular stores has become a common practice among travelers. However, not all stores allow overnight parking in their lots. Therefore, it’s important to know the process for obtaining permission before parking overnight.
Researching the Store’s Policy
The first step in obtaining permission is researching the store’s policy on overnight parking. This information can usually be found on their website or by calling the store directly. It’s important to note that policies may vary depending on location and time of year.
Tips:
Contacting the Store Manager
Once you have determined whether or not overnight parking is allowed, contact the store manager to obtain permission. This can be done either in person or over the phone.
Tips:
Show Gratitude
If given permission to park overnight, it’s important to show gratitude towards the store and its employees. Be respectful while parked overnight and leave no trash behind.
Tips:
In conclusion, obtaining permission to park overnight at popular stores requires a bit of research and communication. By following the steps above and showing gratitude towards the store, travelers can enjoy a safe and hassle-free overnight stay.
In conclusion, there are several stores and establishments that allow overnight parking for travelers or RVers. It is important to research and confirm their policies before parking overnight to avoid any inconvenience or violation.
Frequently Asked Questions about What Stores Allow Overnight Parking
Can you sleep overnight in a Walmart parking lot?
Walmart has a policy that allows RVers to park in their parking lot overnight with the permission of the specific location. However, some cities have zoning laws or ordinances that prohibit overnight stays in parking lots, which are more common in larger cities.
Does Home Depot allow overnight RV parking?
When it comes to overnight parking for travelers, home improvement stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Menards are usually open to it. However, the local store managers are responsible for deciding whether or not to allow it. So, it’s a good idea to call ahead and confirm if overnight parking is allowed.
Where is the safest place to car at night?
If you need to park your car on the street, it is important to choose a well-lit spot, preferably under a streetlight or as close to one as possible. If possible, it is also best to park as close to your home as you can, although this may not always be feasible.
Can I sleep in my car?
Usually, it is not against the law for you to sleep in your car as long as you are parked in a secure and suitable location. However, there are certain situations where it is not recommended to sleep in your vehicle.
Can I sleep in my car overnight in Florida?
There is no nationwide law preventing individuals from sleeping in their cars, but Florida restricts drivers to sleeping in their vehicle for only three hours at a time. Overnight parking and sleeping in your car is not permitted in the state.
Can I sleep in a Walmart parking lot in Florida?
There are currently no laws at the state or federal level that dictate whether or not it is allowed to park overnight in private business parking lots. Some states do have regulations regarding parking in rest areas, which can be found in more detail elsewhere. As of 2022, no state in the US has definitively prohibited sleeping in a vehicle.

Nick Renford is a seasoned traveler and parking expert who is passionate about helping people find the best parking spots and save money on parking fees. With his insider knowledge and commitment to providing trustworthy information, Nick is dedicated to empowering readers to make informed parking decisions.