Parking an RV Overnight at Cracker Barrel: 7 Things to Know

If you’re wondering, “Does Cracker Barrel allow overnight parking?”, the answer is yes. Although Cracker Barrel offers only a parking lot (no hookups), these locations are generally well-lit, safe, and accommodative. Also, they are typically situated right off a freeway, making them easy to access. But before you plan on parking an RV overnight at Cracker Barrel after a long day of driving, there’s a lot you need to know.

Learn how to find a Cracker Barrel with RV parking, how to conduct yourself when you arrive and other alternative free parking spots if there are no Cracker Barrel locations near you.

A Word on Cracker Barrel

In case you’re not familiar with the charms of Cracker Barrel, here’s the lowdown.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is an American chain of restaurants and gift stores with a Southern country theme. Since its establishment in 1969, it has been serving traditional made-from-scratch Southern comfort food. Its gift store sells throwback toys, vintage candy, and unique local finds. Every table also has a peg game for patrons to pass the time while waiting for food.

In total, there are 663 Cracker Barrel stores in the US, situated near interstate highway exits. Only five US states don’t have their store — Wyoming, Vermont, Washington, Hawaii, and Alaska. Additionally, most of their restaurants are found on the East and Southeast coasts, while a small number are located in the Midwest and West Coast areas

Reasons RVers Love Overnight Parking at Cracker Barrel

For many years, Cracker Barrel has always been at the top of RVer’s minds when looking for stores that allow free overnight RV parking. And there are a few benefits of overnight boondocking at Cracker Barrel:

RV-Friendly Policy – Cracker Barrel restaurants have always prided themselves as being welcoming to RVers. In fact, newer outlets have even included specific RV spaces on their properties and placed trash cans.
Free Parking – Of course, the main reason people love staying at Cracker Barrel is because you get an overnight spot without paying.
Spacious Parking – Most of the Cracker Barrels have huge parking lots that can accommodate even the longest trailers or motorhomes.
Privacy – Many of their parking lots are designed in a way that offers some privacy from other patrons — either behind or beside the store.
Safety – Although safety is never guaranteed when boondocking anywhere, Cracker Barrel is generally a safe place. Some stores have private security or police patrol at night. They also have proper lighting, although you can pick a spot with less glare.
Excellent Comfort Food – Cracker Barrel is an awesome place to take a break from the weary road and treat yourself to home-style cooking. They offer breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. There’s no better place to experience southern hospitality at its finest.
Convenient Gift Shop – Their old-fashioned-themed general store is usually loaded with a selection of treasures to commemorate your trip. They have toys, games, books, furniture, ornaments, wall decor, and nostalgic electronics.

Up Next: Boondocking in an RV — 9 Helpful Tips

Do All Cracker Barrels Allow Overnight RV Parking?

Not all Cracker Barrels are open to free overnight parking for RV campers and do not have RV parking spaces. However, a majority of them are accommodative and don’t mind you parking an RV overnight at Cracker Barrel, as this helps them attract more business. The best way to verify if a location will grant you the privilege of overnight parking is to talk with the store manager during business hours. It’s usually up to each outlet’s manager to make the final call. Note that some state and city regulations do not allow overnight parking, so you’ll need to do some research in advance.

How to Find Cracker Barrel Locations for Overnight Parking

The best way to find out which Cracker Barrel allows overnight RV parking is to first visit Allstays. They have a list of Cracker Barrel locations in every state. Once you click on the state, it shows a map highlighting all outlets. If you click on a specific outlet, you’ll be able to read some reviews of that location. To get better details and peruse all reviews, you’ll need to upgrade to Allstays Pro.

Another easy way to find a Cracker Barrel camping spot is to visit the location page on the Cracker Barrel website. It will highlight locations near you. You can also search by city name and they will bring you all restaurants in that area titled by their location. You’ll also find phone numbers so you can call the store and ask if it allows overnight camping.

Top Tip: If you want to park overnight at Cracker Barrel but prefer not to call, head to Google to research whether that outlet offers free overnight parking. For instance, if you’ve looked up Austin, TX on the Cracker Barrel site and found an outlet in Round Rock, enter search terms like ‘Round Rock, TX Cracker Barrel RV parking’ or ‘Cracker Barrel Round Rock TX overnight parking.’ Click on results from sites like Campendium, RV Parky, and Park Advisor, as their reviews are skewed toward fellow RVers.

If you are unsure whether the parking site can accommodate your big rig, use Google Maps satellite view. This will help you view the restaurant’s parking lot accommodations in question from above. Thankfully, most spaces are about 50 feet long, so most larger rigs will fit. However, if you want to make sure your large Class A motorhome can be accommodated, the best thing to do is call ahead and ask.

Tips for RV Parking at Cracker Barrel

Before you park your RV overnight for free at this restaurant chain, you’ll need to learn how to conduct yourself. Being considerate allows these businesses to view overnight RV parking more positively. Abusing the privileges hurts the entire RVing community at a time when many businesses and jurisdictions are prohibiting overnight parking due to misconduct.

Here are a few etiquette tips and “unwritten rules” for parking your RV at Cracker Barrel.

Obtain Permission from a Qualified Individual

Don’t assume every Cracker Barrel welcomes overnight parking. If you can’t find out online whether RVers are allowed to stay overnight at a specific store, call the manager to confirm. If you park without permission, you may end up being asked to leave. Plus, some local ordinances don’t permit overnight parking. Get the green light first!

Patronize the Business

Cracker Barrel offers their parking lot for free as they are hoping this will attract travelers to eat in their restaurant. So, return their kind gesture by eating at their restaurant or purchasing a gift. Thankfully, their meals are reasonably priced and delicious, and their shop has awesome gift ideas.

Don’t Park In Front of the Restaurant

Always park your RV near the back or side of the lot. Parking in front of the store takes up the best spots, which is an inconvenience for regular patrons who are coming to have a meal and leave. Also, choose a space that doesn’t impede traffic and don’t park across an entire row of spaces.

Don’t Set Up Camp

No matter how quiet the lot seems, don’t do any camping activities in their lot. No open awnings, lawn chairs, barbecuing, or running a generator. Also, don’t extend your slide-out unless your sleeping quarters can only be used when the slide is open. In this case, camp at the furthest end of the lot.

Don’t Use Hydraulic Jacks

If your RV has electric or hydraulic leveling jacks, don’t use them at a Cracker Barrel store parking lot. The jacks can sink into the asphalt or crack it because of the RV’s weight. This leaves the facility with a damaged parking surface. Even placing pads or wooden blocks under the feet of the jacks isn’t advisable.

Leave Your Site Cleaner Than You Found It

One of the main reasons many stores are beginning to lock RVers out of their properties is due to sustained problems with trash or waste in the parking areas. Most Cracker Barrels have trash cans, so make sure you use them. If the previous person left some trash, please pick it up. If there is no place to dispose of trash, pack it out. Make sure you also clean up after your pet.

Be Polite

When talking to the manager or employees, always be courteous even when asked to leave. If you’re requested to only park at a specific spot, do that. And when parked, don’t play loud music, don’t loiter, keep your conversations down, and obey posted rules. If you have a furry friend, teach it to obey your commands in advance, so it doesn’t bark.

Don’t Overstay Your Welcome

Only stay for one night. If your plans include staying for more than one night to tour the area, consider booking a local campground or heading to another boondocking spot on the second night. It’s also courteous to arrive quite late after their traffic decreases significantly and leave immediately after breakfast before the lot gets busy.

What’s it Like Parking an RV Overnight at Cracker Barrel?

Cracker Barrel outlets are located close to busy highways, so you should expect a little road noise. Of course, don’t expect any hookups or RV facilities, as this is not a designated campsite. You’re just offered a parking lot to park for the night. The lots usually have just enough lighting not to be bothersome, making it easier for you to sleep.

While Cracker Barrel serves tantalizing comfort foods, such as its famous kettle-fried chicken, many of their meals aren’t friendly for people who want to sustain a healthy diet. This may mean having to eat unhealthily whenever you park at their stores. If you prefer not to eat there, you could show your appreciation for the free overnight stay by buying something at the gift shop.

Which Other Stores Can I Sleep in My RV Overnight?

If all Cracker Barrel lots are full or you can’t find one in your area, there are other stores that allow overnight parking if you talk to the manager. They include Walmart, Costco, Cabela’s/Bass Pro Shops, Camping World, Home Depot, Lowes, and REI. Other areas include truck stops, rest areas, casinos, and fitness centers.

Enjoy Free Overnight Stays at Cracker Barrel

If you just want a free place to rest for the night before hitting the road early in the morning, Cracker Barrel is one of the best overnight boondocking spots. Their stores have an RV-friendly policy, and the restaurants have some tasty food for you to refuel.

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Cynthia Measom

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Cynthia Measom is the founder and main content creator of RV Top Tips. Not just a writer, she’s a dedicated RV owner and enthusiast, alongside her husband, Joe, who is an experienced RV tech. With their joint knowledge, the two are up on the latest trends and technologies in the RV industry, as well as practical camping and lifestyle tips.

The couple own a 2020 Coachmen Chaparral fifth-wheel that they absolutely love. Their secret to being so satisfied? They purchased the model after a solid year of researching different fifth-wheel campers in person and online to find the perfect fit for their family of three.