A Real-World Guide to Business Boondocking for RVers (2025)

That night taught us our first lesson: most boondocking advice is written by people who haven’t actually done it recently. Generic blog posts and outdated apps won’t tell you how to read the subtle cues of a safe location, nor will they prepare you for the conversation with a skeptical store manager.

With the RV industry experiencing remarkable growth—RV shipments up nearly 14% in the first quarter of 2025 (RVIA, 2025) and approximately 11.2 million households now owning RVs (ConsumerAffairs, 2024)—mastering business boondocking becomes increasingly crucial. This guide provides the exact strategy we use: a proven three-tier business hierarchy, field-tested manager conversation scripts, and specific behavioral guidelines that keep you safe and welcome time and again.

Understanding the Current Business Boondocking Landscape

Business boondocking requires a “respectfully invisible” mindset where success depends on verifying permission for each specific location, performing safety assessments, and being the low-impact guest businesses actually want. The landscape has shifted dramatically, and what worked five years ago no longer applies in 2025.

Individual store managers now hold the only authority to grant overnight parking permission (DAT, 2024), creating a patchwork of policies that varies not just by chain, but by individual location. Community reports suggest as few as 58% of stores still allow overnight parking (Jalopnik, 2025), marking a stark downturn from previous years. This decline stems from legitimate concerns—managers have witnessed RVers deploying full camping setups, overstaying welcome periods, and leaving behind waste or damage.

The broader context makes this shift even more significant. The RV industry continues its rapid expansion, with shipments up nearly 14% in Q1 2025 compared to the previous year (RVIA, 2025). Approximately 11.2 million American households now own RVs (ConsumerAffairs, 2024), and with 72 million Americans planning RV trips in 2025 (RVIA, 2025), the pressure on free overnight parking options intensifies monthly.

Our 500+ nights across 45 states taught us that generic advice fails in this new environment. You can’t rely on apps that show a location “allowed” parking last year. You can’t assume permission based on chain reputation. The street sweeper incident in Florida happened precisely because we trusted outdated information instead of performing our own verification and assessment.

The solution isn’t complicated, but it requires abandoning the “park anywhere” mentality. Success in 2025 demands strategic location selection, explicit permission conversations, and behavior that makes businesses want to continue welcoming RVers.

The Strategic Business Hierarchy: Where to Park in 2025

Not all businesses welcome RVers equally, and based on 500+ nights across 45 states, we’ve developed a clear three-tier ranking system that prioritizes safety, official policies, and genuine RV-friendly culture. This hierarchy represents where we consistently found the safest, most welcoming environments rather than just convenience.

Data verified October 2025. Sources: Roadtrippers (2025); DAT (2024)

Our Tier 1 choice reflects lessons learned through hundreds of stays. Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops understand their customer base intimately—these are businesses built around the outdoor lifestyle, and RVers represent their core demographic. Nearly all locations allow overnight parking (Roadtrippers, 2025), often with designated areas that keep you separated from regular customer traffic. The Sidney, Nebraska Cabela’s exemplifies this perfectly: we parked on the far edge facing an open field, completely undisturbed, and woke to an unobstructed sunrise over the Great Plains.

Tier 2 locations earn their ranking through deliberate infrastructure. Cracker Barrel explicitly designates RV spots, removing the ambiguity that plagues other chains. Their smaller lots typically mean fewer late-night disturbances. Casinos in Nevada, California, Arizona, Washington, Oregon, and Michigan offer excellent overnight options (Roadtrippers, 2025) with security-focused environments. The 24/7 patrols and comprehensive camera coverage at casinos create one of the safest overnight environments we’ve encountered.

Walmart drops to Tier 3 not because the company changed its heart, but because execution has become unreliable. Individual store managers hold the only authority to grant permission (DAT, 2024), creating dramatic policy variations even within the same region. What worked last month may not work today. What’s allowed at one location is prohibited three miles away. This inconsistency means Walmart stays now require mandatory verification every single time, making them our last resort when better options aren’t available.

This hierarchy isn’t arbitrary—it’s the result of hundreds of actual stays and represents where we consistently found the safest, most welcoming environments in 2025.

The Art of Getting Permission: A 60-Second Conversation Script

Getting permission isn’t about asking for a handout—it’s a quick, respectful business-to-business conversation, and over hundreds of interactions, we’ve refined a simple process that works nearly every time. The key is understanding that you’re addressing a manager’s legitimate concerns about liability, customer flow, and property management.

Timing matters more than most people realize. We’ve found the sweet spot is between 6 PM and 8 PM. Arriving during this window means the day’s main shopping rush has passed, making it easier to navigate the lot without blocking customers. More importantly, it’s early enough that the store’s manager-on-duty remains present and accessible, making the permission conversation straightforward. Rolling in near midnight feels secretive and often attracts unwanted attention from security or law enforcement.

Talk to the right person. Never ask a cashier, cart attendant, or random employee on the floor. They lack the authority to say “yes,” so their default answer becomes “no” to avoid potential trouble. You need to speak directly with the Manager on Duty. Individual store managers hold the exclusive authority to grant overnight parking permission at retail locations (Walmart Locator, 2024), and they understand both official store policy and any local ordinances. Simply walk to the customer service desk and ask, “Could I speak with the manager on duty, please?”

Use our field-tested script:

This script does several things simultaneously. The phrase “self-contained” tells the manager you won’t be leaving a mess or using their facilities—a key component of the industry-sanctioned RVers Good Neighbor Policy (Escapees, 2025). Stating you’ll park “out-of-the-way” shows you respect their customer flow and won’t block prime parking spaces. Offering to make a purchase frames the request as mutually beneficial rather than purely extractive, which aligns with the Good Neighbor Policy’s recommendation to “purchase gas, food, or supplies as a form of thank you” (Walmart Locator, 2024). Promising to be “gone first thing” assures them you aren’t planning to set up a semi-permanent camp.

Read their response carefully. If they give you an enthusiastic “Yes, absolutely! We love having RVers,” you know you’re in a genuinely welcoming spot. If they seem hesitant—”I… guess that would be okay… just be discreet”—take it as a sign to be extra low-profile and consider this a one-time location rather than a reliable future option. If the answer is “no,” the only correct response is a cheerful, “No problem at all, thanks for your time!” Never argue, never push back, and never try to negotiate. That single negative interaction can influence their decision for every future RVer who asks.

Our hundreds of permission conversations taught us that managers appreciate directness, brevity, and genuine respect. They’re evaluating whether you’ll create problems for their business. This script works because it addresses their three main concerns—liability, customer experience, and transience—in under 30 seconds.

Being Respectfully Invisible: Positioning and Behavior

Once you have permission, your goal is to become “respectfully invisible”—so low-impact that the business barely knows you’re there, which keeps these opportunities open for the entire RV community. This concept separates welcomed guests from RVers who get lots shut down permanently.

Positioning determines your entire experience. We always aim for the outer perimeter of the lot, far from the main entrance and away from any truck loading docks or cart return areas. Look for a level spot under a security light for safety, but not one that shines directly into your windows. Industry experts recommend parking near other RVers when it feels right, as being close to other travelers can add comfort and support (Roadtrippers, 2022). The Sidney, Nebraska Cabela’s stay exemplifies perfect positioning: we parked on the far edge of the lot facing an open field, completely removed from customer traffic, yet still under adequate lighting. We had an unobstructed sunrise view, and we didn’t interfere with a single customer arrival or departure.

Here’s the most important rule: you are parking, not camping. The industry-sanctioned RVers Good Neighbor Policy is explicit on this point: “No awnings, chairs, or barbecue grills outside your RV” (Walmart Locator, 2024). Your slides stay in, your awning stays retracted, and your camping chairs and grill remain in their storage bays. The moment you deploy outdoor living space, you transform from a guest into a liability. We’ve witnessed this transformation cost entire communities their parking privileges. One RVer setting up a full campsite can trigger a manager’s decision to ban all future overnight stays.

Sound travels further at night than you expect. What seems like normal conversation volume inside your RV can carry surprisingly far across an empty parking lot. We’ve learned to keep voices low, avoid slamming cabinet doors, and never run our generator after 8 PM or before 8 AM. If you must run a generator, do so only briefly during early evening hours and only when parked far from other vehicles. The Good Neighbor Policy explicitly addresses hydraulic equipment: “Don’t use hydraulic jacks on soft surfaces, including asphalt” (Walmart Locator, 2024). Many locations now prohibit generator use entirely, and violating this creates noise complaints that end parking privileges.

Your departure completes the cycle. We maintain a strict rule to be rolling out before the first wave of morning customers arrives, typically by 7 or 8 AM. The Good Neighbor Policy’s first rule is unambiguous: “Stay one night only” (Escapees, 2025). Before pulling out, do one final walk-around of your spot to ensure you haven’t left a single trace of your stay—no trash, no gray water stains, no evidence you were ever there. The goal is to leave that parking space even cleaner than you found it, following the principle to “always leave an area cleaner than you found it” (Walmart Locator, 2024). This attention to detail is what separates RVers who preserve these opportunities from those who destroy them.

You’re parking, not camping—this distinction is what separates welcomed guests from RVers who get lots shut down. Every action you take either strengthens or weakens the relationship between the RV community and business owners.

Troubleshooting Common Scenarios

Even with perfect planning, you’ll eventually encounter tricky situations, and staying calm and professional while having backup plans ready is the key to maintaining positive relationships. Here’s how we handle the most common scenarios based on real experience across hundreds of overnight stays.

1. You get “the knock”

If security or law enforcement knocks on your door, don’t panic. Be polite, open your door promptly, and explain that you received permission from the store manager. Nine times out of ten, they’re just doing their rounds and will leave you alone once they know you’re authorized. Keep your tone calm and cooperative. If they still ask you to leave despite your permission, comply immediately and without argument. The Good Neighbor Policy emphasizes safety: “Be safe! Always be aware of your surroundings and leave if you feel unsafe” (Walmart Locator, 2024). Thank them politely, pack up efficiently, and move to your backup location. Arguing accomplishes nothing except damaging the reputation of future RVers.

2. Another RVer is breaking the rules

You pull into a lot and see another camper with their slides and awning deployed, running a loud generator at 10 PM. This happened to us in Arizona, and we made a critical mistake: we tried to politely suggest to the other RVer that their loud generator might cause problems for everyone. The conversation went poorly, they became defensive, and we ended up looking like the troublemakers when security made their rounds. RV community experts warn that “not following the code has serious consequences and is detrimental to the rights of all RVers” (Walmart Locator, 2024). Now our approach is simple: do not confront them. Your best move is to park far away from them or simply choose a different location entirely. You don’t want to be associated with their behavior when a manager decides to clear the lot.

3. You’re alone and feel unsafe

There’s a distinct psychological shift when you pull into a massive parking lot and realize you’re completely alone. You received permission and parked correctly, but something just feels wrong. Maybe a suspicious car is circling the lot repeatedly, or you’re the only vehicle for acres. Trust your gut immediately—safety experts recommend that if something feels off, you should move to a different spot or choose another location (Roadtrippers, 2022). Check your cell signal strength—if you can’t get help in an emergency, reconsider staying. Position yourself closer to the main entrance and under a primary security camera if possible. Walmart parking lots typically lack on-site security patrols unlike casino locations (Roadtrippers, 2022), making your personal vigilance even more critical. It’s always better to pack up and move to your backup location, even if it’s late, than to stay in a situation that feels unsafe. We’ve done this three times, and we’ve never regretted prioritizing our safety over convenience.

These scenarios taught us that preserving your safety and the community’s reputation always takes priority over pride or convenience.

Becoming a Boondocking Ambassador

Business boondocking isn’t a secret hack to exploit—it’s a relationship built on mutual respect between the RV community and business owners, where every interaction shapes how future RVers will be received. After thousands of miles and hundreds of nights, we’ve learned that success isn’t defined by a checklist but by a mindset.

Think of yourself as an ambassador for the entire RV community. Every interaction you have shapes how that business owner views future requests from other RVers. With 72 million Americans planning RV trips in 2025 (RVIA, 2025), maintaining positive relationships with businesses becomes more crucial than ever. The Escapees RV Club has spent decades protecting overnight RV parking options by “monitoring detrimental bills, working to defeat adverse laws, and educating city, county, state and federal officials” about the RV community (Escapees, 2025). The math is simple: more RVers competing for the same spaces means we must collectively demonstrate why businesses should continue welcoming us.

See the situation from the manager’s perspective. They’re balancing corporate policies, local ordinances, customer satisfaction, and property management. The industry recognizes that “most of the complaints lodged regarding RV parking on business parking lots have to do with aesthetics and perceived abuse of the privilege” (Walmart Locator, 2024). When you approach them with genuine respect rather than entitlement, you’re not just asking for a favor—you’re offering to be a responsible, low-impact guest who strengthens their willingness to help the next traveler.

The best business boondockers we’ve met share certain characteristics: they’re genuinely curious about local communities, they understand that free doesn’t mean without obligation, and they’ve learned to read situations and adapt quickly. They carry themselves with quiet confidence because they know they’re offering something of value—they’re customers, they’re respectful, and they make good neighbors even if it’s just for one night. As one veteran RVer observed, following these simple overnight parking rules ensures “everyone can continue to enjoy the privilege” (Always On Liberty, 2024).

This approach has opened doors we never expected. Business owners have recommended their favorite local restaurants, warned us about road construction ahead, and sometimes even invited us back during future travels. These connections happen because we approach each situation with authentic respect rather than trying to game the system. Municipalities across the United States have passed ordinances prohibiting RV parking on business or private property, and “unfortunately, it’s because the lack of respect from a few that supersedes the respectful RVers” (Always On Liberty, 2024). By being a quiet, respectful, and invisible guest, you help ensure these valuable opportunities remain open for the next traveler who needs a safe place to rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I really need to ask permission every time at Walmart?

Yes. Individual store managers are the only authority who can grant permission (DAT, 2024), and the industry-sanctioned Good Neighbor Policy explicitly states: “Obtain permission from a qualified individual” (Walmart Locator, 2024). Policies vary dramatically by location even within the same chain. What was allowed last year may not be allowed this year, and what’s permitted at one location may be prohibited three miles away.

Q: What if the manager seems hesitant but says yes?

Take it as a sign to be extra low-profile. Park far from the entrance, keep everything buttoned up tight, and consider it a one-time stay rather than a reliable go-to spot. Their hesitation often reflects past negative experiences with other RVers who violated the Good Neighbor Policy guidelines (Escapees, 2025).

Q: Can I run my generator overnight in a business parking lot?

No. Never run generators after 8 PM or before 8 AM. If you must run one, do so only briefly during early evening hours and only when parked far from other vehicles. The Good Neighbor Policy specifically addresses equipment noise concerns to maintain positive relationships with businesses (Walmart Locator, 2024). Many locations now prohibit generator use entirely due to noise complaints.

Q: What’s the difference between boondocking and business boondocking?

Boondocking typically refers to “dry camping” on public lands like BLM land without hookups, often for extended periods. Business boondocking specifically means parking overnight in commercial parking lots with explicit permission—the Good Neighbor Policy defines it as “camping without the use of external hookups for electricity, water supply or waste disposal” (Walmart Locator, 2024)—usually for a single night only.