Dougie123
CT
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Joined: 03/25/2004
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Hi All:
I need some humble advice about overnighting at Walmart parking lots.
My wife,+2 of our kids, and a friend of my wife and 2 of her kids, are planning a trip out west this summer.
Although they plan on staying mostly at campgrounds, there is a chance they might have to stay over at a Walmart from time to time.
Being the DH, I am a bit worried about 2 women and 4 kids overnighting in a walmart....mostly because i've never done it, and I don't know anyone that has ever done it.
So, are walmart stay-overs generally considered safe? Or would you highly suggest my wife and her friend avoid them?
Many thanks in advance for the tips/advice.
Doug
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Jackthewonderdog
United States
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Depending where the Wal-Mart is located, by and large they are as safe as most any place. Tell them to keep the door locked when inside, do not open it for anyone and let the manager know they will be staying there. I have never had even the smallest issue staying at Wal-Mart, other then it can tend to get a little noisy at times.
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Twomed
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Avoid only because you pretty much just stop and sleep..kids out playing?? Probably not a good idea. JMHO...sure you willget lots of others. 
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mockturtle
WA
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I'm sure there are plenty of campgrounds on their route west. Use the Trailer Life Directory and RV Park Reviews to plan the trip.
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dqdick
Council Grove, KS
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One thing you have to plan on is that some Walmarts don't allow overnights. Usually it's a local ordinance that's the issue, but you can't stay there. It's a good idea to call ahead so if you can't stay there you can find another location. All Stays has an app to locate Walmarts and tries to keep up on which allow overnites and which don't. You can use the app and then call ahead to confirm.
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2chiefsRus
USA Somewhere
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We have stayed overnight at WalMarts without any problems. We only stay at stores that are open 24 hours. We always have an alternate plan in place if we arrive at the WalMart and it looks to be in an area that doesn't so good. Basically we plan our overnight stays at WalMart the same way we plan our stops at campgrounds in a new area. If we pull into the campground and it doesn't look so good, then we move on to our alternative plan.
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harold1946
Surprise Arizona
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I will add that most Walmarts that are open 24 hrs. also have roving lot security.
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rr2254545
Minnesota
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Find a way to get extra money so that they can stay in a campground.
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Dougie123
CT
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Thanks all. This is great.
Its not so much trying to save money, as opposed to flexibility in schedule.
For example, if they decide to say longer at an attraction, or see something interesting along the way, they might have to cancel the campground for the night, and stay at a Walmart someplace in between for the night instead.
So I'm gathering that 24hr super-centers in decent neighborhoods are reasonably safe. My wife and her friend are "street-smart" and have good discernment in that respect.
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FunnyCamper
Southeastern
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I go into AllStays.com
it shows walmarts by state and who allows overnight. just be sure to ask the manager if they stop. Stay in a well lit area and everything should be fine using common sense.
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