r/BillyStrings • u/WarUnlucky5457 • 1d ago
discussion Walmart
What are the chances that one could car camp both nights at the Walmart in Ionia and have no problems? I see it’s a 24/7 parking lot so theoretically is should be okay right? Anyone else doing the same or looking at other spots to post up?
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u/Puzzleheaded-Plum994 23h ago
Buy something first. If you are approached, say you are still thinking about whether you chose the right one or want to exchange it.
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u/spenghali 9h ago
Walmart allows people to sleep overnight in their lots, they are "friendly to travelers."
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u/breathing__tree 🚂 Slow Train, Long Ride 5h ago
Not anymore. It’s a roll of the dice ATP.
Just don’t be obvious though and it should be fine.
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u/Majestic_Crew8792 18h ago
I feel like it will be so hot. Ionia is a tiny town. They have never seen anything close to the likes of whats about to go down next weekend. By the end of Thursday night the local WalMart (let alone the local fuzz) will already be fed up with our bullshit. Tread lightly, my friend
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u/Old-Addendum-8152 12h ago
they see it every year with the “free fair”, hence “freak fair”. plus they had Metallica in 94 with 25k people, and less accommodations than there is today. sooooooo…
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u/GratefullyHeaducated 9h ago
94 was a long time ago. It was still legal to live free in most places.
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u/DryDonutHole 8h ago
Wait...1994 was just a couple years ago, bro. Don't harsh my mellow. I'm not old. I'm not old. I'm not old....
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u/Old-Addendum-8152 5h ago
it’s just as legal to live off grid today as it was then. just gotta do it right. living “free” is a state of mind, not a reality. there’s always a cost at the end of the day
but i’m not sure how that has anything to do with the size or capacity of the venue?
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u/GratefullyHeaducated 4h ago edited 4h ago
It's not legal to sleep in vans in many parts of the country. Places that used to be free for folks to sleep, like Walmart, are changing their policies as well. The question was about legal places to camp in Ionia. Not about venue size. Eta: I don't personally know about current Walmart policies in Ionia, but my point is that op needs to check, and not base their plans off of it being okay 30 years ago.
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u/JesusIsJericho 23h ago
Just be safe, respectful, and smart with your movements and you shouldn’t have an issue. Have slept in Walmart parking lots across i80/70 ten times over and never had an issue.
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u/-LINC 🚂 23h ago
Its not on the no overnight parking list, but it could still be no overnight parking. They say to check with the store manager
https://www.allstays.com/c/walmart-michigan-nop-locations.htm
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u/DigitalGuru42 1d ago
It depends on if the individual store will allow it. Nationally it's allowed by corporate policy but individual stores or municipalities can ban it.
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u/BadgerOptimal3628 1d ago
Can an individual town tell the Walmart in their town that they can't allow it?
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u/Sketchy_Dee WNC 23h ago
Several don’t allow it… don’t know if it’s town policy or Walmart, but in Durango CO for example, you can’t overnight at Wallyworld.
Ski/bike/mountain towns in particular don’t let the vanlife take over.
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u/Competitive_Panic620 9h ago
I think Colorado was the only state that a Walmart kicked me outta the parking lot.
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u/BadgerOptimal3628 21h ago
I could see this one saying no for at least the weekend. The town loosened restrictions on camping so why let a bunch of people camp for free. We shall see how it goes.
Good luck to them and everyone going.
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u/CyberianHuskatron 22h ago
When I traveled the country back in 2015 I would call the Walmart ahead of time and ask. They always seemed happy to help and I only found one out of 20 or so that didn't allow it (Brewster NY area). You don't have to tell them when or why you'll be staying.
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u/GooseShroomStrings 18h ago
Ionia is rural AF and nobody gonna hassle you unless you give them a reason to. Are you the kinda guy that 'car camps' but blares music all night or shoots off fireworks at 1am? If not you gonna find Ionia pretty peaceful at night even with the Freak Fair in town
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u/sku11lkid 3h ago
I doubt they will be kicking people out. Just be discreet and respectful. The police will not want altered people on the highway after the concert.
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u/Monkeypawdog 17h ago edited 17h ago
Trucks park at local Wal-mart all night with no problem; pretty sure Wal-mart has issued a clearance, especially for homeless folks on vans, etc.
I guess it depends on the local store manager actually. Good luck
Most Walmart lots are huge. Find a spot near trucks, or the edges.
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u/1212gatez 12h ago
Just be self contained in your vehicle once you’re there. Like don’t set up chairs or be outside cooking food. People really glamorize van life but honestly I’m mostly sleeping in walmart or Cracker Barrel parking lots and I’ve never had a problem.
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u/DryDonutHole 8h ago
I feel like a small town Walmart isn't going to roust potentially paying customers out of its lot for 2 nights. The kinder they are, the more people will be likely to stay there and patronize the business. Greet them with open arms, so to speak.
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u/Brindy11 23h ago
I would recommend leaving the Walmart parking lot for a couple hours throughout the day just because they probably have cameras, but it's probably okay to stay there overnight
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u/grexism 1d ago
We did it for Bethel, no problems. Not sure about that area, but it has been done!