After a long day of driving, a safe place to sleep and a hot meal are much needed. That’s what makes overnight RV parking at Cracker Barrel restaurants a great option for RV travelers.
This affordable, homestyle American restaurant chain dots the routes of major highways. Its primary clientele is roadtrippers, breaking up a long drive with a basket of biscuits and unlimited coffee. Cracker Barrel accommodates RVers stopping in for a meal break, and many locations also allow overnight stays.
What to Know About RV Parking at Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel locations are most common in suburban areas near major highways. The restaurants are more prevalent on the East Coast, but they can be found all over the U.S.
Most Cracker Barrels have between two and eight designated parking spaces for buses and RVs. The spaces are often located behind the restaurant. These parking spaces are first come, first served. If they’re occupied when you arrive, you should move on and try to find another location to park. You don’t want to use up multiple customer parking spots with your rig.
Cracker Barrel’s overnight parking is intended for patrons, so plan to eat a meal or two at the restaurant during your stay. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Both dine-in and take-out options are available at most locations. Cracker Barrel is known for its Southern-style cooking, which includes fried chicken, pot roasts, fish, cornbread, potatoes, and sides of vegetables.
Business hours vary by location, but most Cracker Barrel locations are typically open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., making this a convenient option for RVers driving late into the night.
How to Find Overnight RV Parking at Cracker Barrel
It’s important to know that not every Cracker Barrel allows overnight stays. Roadtrippers Premium makes it easy to find Cracker Barrel and other locations that welcome RVers. On the website while on the map click on the Purple P icon to show places that offer overnight RV parking.
In the app while on the map, tap the Search & Explore bar and select Overnight RV Parking from the list of categories.
Even if the Cracker Barrel location you want to stay at is verified, it’s recommended to call the restaurant in advance to double-check, or inquire at the host stand when you arrive. If the information differs from the app, make sure to submit an update for future travelers.
If you’ve confirmed that overnight stays are permitted, there’s no need to inform the staff that you intend to park overnight when you arrive. However, it’s always polite to inform management if you feel inclined or for additional safety measures.
What You Should Know Before Parking at Cracker Barrel
It’s important to remember that permission for overnight RV parking at Cracker Barrel is a courtesy intended for RV travelers who simply need a safe place to park and sleep. You should only spend one night at Cracker Barrel, and no more than 12 hours. You shouldn’t leave your RV in the parking lot while you head out to explore.
Don’t open awnings, unhitch, or set up any gear outside your rig. If required, it’s okay to extend slide-outs to access your RV interior, but if you do, try to park on the side of the lot so your slide-outs don’t interfere with another parking space.
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Your stay shouldn’t disrupt the business, so don’t play loud music or use generators. If you require a generator or electric hookup, RV parking at Cracker Barrel isn’t the best option for you. Your RV should be completely self-contained. There are no hookups available at Cracker Barrel locations, and the restrooms are closed at night.
Travelers should also know that most Cracker Barrels are located right next to the highway. If traffic noise keeps you up at night, find a different kind of overnight stay or use earplugs and a white noise machine.
Above all, RVers should remember that RV parking at Cracker Barrel is a generosity extended by the restaurant. Be courteous guests and purchase from the business so future RVers can continue to enjoy this privilege.
Common Questions About Cracker Barrel and Overnight RV Parking
You shouldn’t run an RV generator at Cracker Barrel locations.
Check the Roadtrippers website or Roadtrippers app (using your Roadpass Premium account) to verify that a Cracker Barrel location allows overnight parking or ask the host at the restaurant.
Cracker docking is boondocking, or staying overnight in your RV without hookups, at a Cracker Barrel restaurant.
It’s safe to park overnight at Cracker Barrel restaurants, but be aware that you are staying in an unsecured public location. Don’t set up camp—meaning no awnings, camp chairs, or slide-outs (whenever possible).
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