Where Will You Sleep Tonight?

The Complete
Lodging Guide

From free Walmart parking lots and BLM boondocking to Airbnb, Good Sam Club campgrounds, and boutique hotels — every budget, every style, every situation covered.

Free
Walmart parking lots nationwide
$0–$500+
Nightly cost range covered
13+
Lodging types explained
100%
Budget-friendly options included
The Secret Most Travelers Don't Know

Walmart Overnight Parking:
The Complete Guide

Thousands of travelers sleep for free every night in Walmart parking lots. It's legal, generally safe, and Walmart corporate policy allows it — though individual store managers can opt out.

1

Call the store ahead of time — ask to speak to a manager

2

Arrive after 9pm, park in the back or side of the lot

3

Keep a low profile — no chairs, awnings, or BBQ grills outside

4

Leave by 8am and buy something as a courtesy

5

Use the Walmart app or AllStays to find locations

What to Expect
CostFree
HookupsNone
RestroomsStore (24hr)
SecurityLot cameras
NoiseLow–Medium
PetsYes (in vehicle)
Pro Tip: Use AllStays App

The AllStays Camp & RV app ($9.99) shows which Walmart locations allow overnight parking, plus Cracker Barrel, Cabela's, and other free overnight spots along your route.

Get AllStays
Good Sam Membership Benefits
10% off nightly campground rates at 2,000+ locations
Roadside assistance for RVs and tow vehicles
Discounts on fuel at Pilot Flying J
Camping World retail discounts
Trip planning tools and route assistance
Emergency medical evacuation coverage
Join Good Sam Club

Affiliate link — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you

America's Largest RV Club

Good Sam Club:
Is It Worth It?

Good Sam has over 2 million members and is the most recognized name in RV and camping memberships. The $29/year membership pays for itself after just 3 nights at affiliated campgrounds.

For road trippers who camp regularly, the 10% discount at 2,000+ campgrounds, combined with roadside assistance and fuel discounts, makes this a no-brainer investment.

All Lodging Types

Find the right stay for your budget

Filter by budget tier. Click any option to see the full guide.

Walmart Overnight Parking
Free

Many Walmart locations allow overnight RV and car camping. Always call ahead — store managers have final say. Pull to the back or side of the lot, arrive after dark, leave by 8am.

Road TripRVCar Camping
BLM Land / Boondocking
Free

Bureau of Land Management land covers millions of acres across the western US. Most allows free dispersed camping for up to 14 days. No hookups, no facilities — bring everything you need.

Road TripRVTent
Harvest Hosts
Free (with $99/yr membership)

Stay overnight at wineries, breweries, farms, and museums across North America. Self-contained RVs only. Wake up at a vineyard or a working farm.

RVUnique
Boondockers Welcome
Free (with $30/yr membership)

A network of RV owners who host other RVers in their driveways for free. Think of it as Couchsurfing for RVs. Great for meeting people and getting local tips.

RV
Good Sam Club Campgrounds
$20–$55/night

Good Sam is the largest RV and camping membership club in North America with 2,000+ affiliated campgrounds. Members get 10% off nightly rates.

Road TripRVFamily
KOA Campgrounds
$30–$70/night

KOA is the world's largest system of privately owned campgrounds. Consistent quality, amenities like pools and laundry, and a KOA Rewards program.

Road TripRVTentFamily
Hipcamp
$15–$60/night

Hipcamp connects travelers with unique camping spots on private land — farms, ranches, vineyards, and forests. Often more scenic and private than traditional campgrounds.

TentUniqueGlamping
Motel 6 / Super 8
$45–$80/night

Budget motel chains with predictable quality and nationwide coverage. Motel 6 is pet-friendly at no extra charge. Book direct for best rates.

Road TripBudget Hotel
Airbnb
$60–$200/night

Rent a room, apartment, or entire home from local hosts. Great for longer stays, groups, or when you want kitchen access. Filter by price and read reviews carefully.

All Travel ModesGroupsLong Stays
VRBO
$80–$300/night

Vacation Rental By Owner — focuses on whole-property rentals. Often better for families or groups needing multiple bedrooms.

FamilyGroupsLong Stays
Hampton Inn / Holiday Inn
$90–$160/night

Mid-range hotel chains with reliable quality, free breakfast (Hampton), and loyalty programs. Book through their apps for member rates and free cancellation.

BusinessFamilyComfort
Boutique Hotels
$150–$400/night

Independently owned hotels with unique character, local design, and personalized service. Often the best way to experience a destination's culture.

LuxuryExperienceCulture
Glamping (Luxury Camping)
$100–$500/night

Glamorous camping — safari tents, treehouses, yurts, and geodesic domes with real beds, linens, and sometimes private bathrooms.

LuxuryUniqueCouples
Side-by-Side Comparison

Which lodging type is right for you?

OptionCost/NightHookupsShowerPetsBest For
Walmart ParkingFreeNoNoYesCar/RV campers
BLM BoondockingFreeNoNoYesSelf-sufficient RVers
Harvest Hosts~$99/yrNoVariesVariesRV owners
Good Sam Campground$20–$55YesYesYesRV + tent campers
KOA$30–$70YesYesYesFamilies
Motel 6$45–$80N/AYesYes, freeBudget travelers
Airbnb$60–$200N/AYesVariesGroups, long stays
Boutique Hotel$150–$400N/AYesVariesExperience seekers

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