Thank You Wal-Mart!
Dear Wal-Mart,
As of last Monday my family and I spent the night in out 200th UNIQUE Wal-Mart (in our RV of course). All together we’ve probably spent close to 400-500 nights in your wonderful big spaces…and for that I thank you. You have allowed my family of ten to experience America. You’ve made the unaffordable…DOABLE by allowing RVs and trucks to park overnight in your parking lots.
Years ago when we first hit the road, I remember asking my none-camping wife, “What do you think about overnighting in a Wal-Mart parking lot?” I was surprised when she said, “I’m up for it.”
Since then she has favored your massive and safe parking lots over wooded and, often isolated, campgrounds. Of 
course we try to be very conscientious guests and park out of the way, bring our carts back to the corral (along with a few strays), and of course load up on Wal-Mart supplies every morning.
We’ve celebrated with birthday cakes, special donuts, and bought cases of RV toilet paper. Oh, and the utter joy of being able to check off another unique stay is the highlight of my stay. Each morning I get out my handy dandy Rand McNally Wal-Mart Atlas (which lists all the Wal-Marts) and lovingly highlight our latest “hotel on the road.”
Your generosity has allowed us to experience the American Dream of affordable travel. Through your massive areas of blacktop you have given us countless memories and unforgettable family times.
From this very grateful father, “Thank you.” I look forward to many more memories and safe stays.
Todd Wilson
www.familymanweb.com
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You failed to mention the many WalMarts that DON’T allow overnighters. We have pulled into WalMarts, only to encounter pushy parking-lot golf-cart cops telling us “YOU CAN’T STAY HERE!!!” – this, at 3 PM in the afternoon and our only intent was to get some supplies. You may well guess we did NOT spend any money at that Wal-Mart…
Jim,
You’re right…there are some Wal-Mart police. But I’ve found these to be because 1) city ordinances have passed some kind of anti-RV laws 2) they’re “right off the highway” Wal-Marts that would be filled with every truck and RV on their way to whatever destination 3) they’re in high traffic areas like the Wal-Mart right beside Cowboy Stadium or the one outside of Disneyland.
I know it’s a pain to be pushed out (and I have been as well…on many occasions), but if you get the All Stays app that will help out a ton. Still…it happens. Even in a NO Park often the Wal-Marts will make concessions for us. Try to look and sound pathetic and leave a neat site behind. Some RVers leave carts and trash right where they camp.
Where do you empty the “you know what?”
Not at Wal-Mart!!! 🙂 They’re not that full service!!
Hey Jim!
Congratulations! I’m so disappointed we haven’t crossed paths one time this year that I know of. What is the app you mention in your reply to JimRV above? All Stays? Can you post a little more on that? Monica and I regularly stay in WalMarts too but typically we’ll call ahead if there is any question in our minds.
See you soon I hope!
~ Jim Hodges
The best app and website in the world…the RVers friend… http://www.allstays.com/
It’s easier to use the iphone or android app.
Hope to see you soon,
Jim…er…Todd
What am I saying?????
Hey TODD. Yeah. Your good friend Todd.