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Cracker Barrel Overnight RV Parking: Problems and Legality
Cracker Barrel Overnight RV Parking: Problems and Legality is a topic that raises many questions among RV enthusiasts. While appealing for its convenience, this policy often presents challenges that must be addressed appropriately.
- Limited Spaces: A common issue due to limited RV parking.
- Size Restrictions: Some locations may not fit larger RVs.
- No Amenities: Lacks hookups for electricity, water, and sewer.
- Noise and Lighting: Restaurant lots may disrupt sleep.
- Legality: Depends on local ordinances and store policies.
- Permission Recommended: Always ask the store manager or corporate.
RV gives you the feel of the home on the wheels while away from your house. It brings joy, delight, and glee to a regular, boring road trip when you can move around, relax, and even nap while your partner drives.
You can travel to your favorite destinations, enjoy the scenery, visit new places, meet new people, and much more, but most of this is not free. Wouldn’t it be lovely if you find a few things that you can do for free, such as overnight RV parking?
Many RVers know that numerous stores offer overnight parking for free in their parking lots, but not all of them know that Cracker Barrel does that for you, too!
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is an American chain of restaurants and gift stores with a Southern country theme. It’s a trendy store with over 650 outlets throughout the United States.
What’s better than free overnight RV parking?
Free overnight RV parking at Cracker Barrel, with its tasty food, country-themed store, and interior!
Find everything you need to know about Cracker Barrel overnight RV parking down below:
Does Cracker Barrel Allow Overnight Parking?
Yes, it does.
Most Cracker Barrel outlets allow overnight RV parking at their parking lots. However, some don’t.
You can call the manager before arriving to confirm if they allow free overnight RV parking. Usually, it’s at the outlet’s manager’s discretion to deal with such permissions.
The managers at Cracker Barrel mainly allow you to stay overnight and are very welcoming. But in a few cases, they may deny your request as a manager has to consider various factors before they allow you such a privilege.
You must know that sometimes the local ordinances don’t allow overnight parking or staying at any parking lot, taking the authority from the manager.
RV Parking Lot At Cracker Barrel
When you plan to stay at a Cracker Barrel’s parking lot, look for a bus silhouette under the restaurant’s sign on the highway. The sign usually indicates they have 40-foot-long parking spaces for buses and RVs.
If you have talked to the manager at Cracker Barrel and he allows you to park and stay overnight, you can drive to the area specified for RVs, mostly (not always) at the backside of the restaurant.
This parking area can have three to ten parking spaces marked for large vehicles. However, every cracker barrel differs; some may have ten wide parking spaces, and others may provide three narrow designated areas.
The parking lot is well-lit, which is a favorable point.
Why Do Some Outlets Do Not Allow Overnight RV Parking?
Some outlets do not allow overnight RV parking due to various factors. Some of these are discussed below.
- At Cracker Barrel, the 18-wheeler food delivery truck usually arrives to stock up the supplies in the morning. If there is less room for the vehicle’s maneuverability in the parking lot, the manager won’t allow you to park overnight or request you move early in the morning before the truck arrives.
- The prohibition of overnight stay and parking by local jurisdiction in many states requires the authority of the manager to allow such an act.
- The crime rate in that particular town is high, so the manager doesn’t allow overnight parking at their parking lot to ensure your safety and avoid any unforeseen situation.
- Due to the misconduct of some people who don’t understand their foul behavior, they can take privilege from themselves and others in the future. For instance,
- Staying more than one night or the time allowed by the manager
- Making the area dirty by littering or leaving trash behind
- Damaging the restaurant’s property
Are There Any Prerequisites?
No prerequisites are written in stone for your overnight RV parking at Cracker Barrel. However, we recommend you call the restaurant’s manager before arrival.
You can ask if that specific Cracker Barrel outlet allows overnight RV parking. Moreover, ask if there are any particular requisites you need to meet for your stay through the night.
Don’t forget to ask the following questions as well:
- Can you extend your awnings?
- Are you allowed to run your generator?
- Can you spread out your slideouts?
- Are you allowed to put your leveling jacks down?
Another essential thing to discuss is the time of your expected arrival, i.e., whether you’ll arrive during the restaurant’s opening hours or after the pack-up.
It is always better to arrive before closing to meet personally and introduce yourself to the manager.
Be Responsible and Courteous
Even though there are no restrictions from the management of Cracker Barrel during your overnight parking and stay at their parking lot, you must abide by a few rules of your own free will.
Some rules to follow:
- Be courteous and stay away from any dispute or quarrel whatsoever.
- Do not lower your leveling jacks down without permission.
- Turn on your generator only if the manager allows you to do so.
- Don’t make any unnecessary noise.
- Clean up after your pets if you have any.
- Don’t litter or leave any trash behind.
- Avoid extending your awnings or slide out.
- Don’t forget you’re just staying overnight; it’s not camping, so avoid lounging on your chairs or taking out your grills to barbeque.
- If the manager has allowed you on the condition of moving out before the delivery truck arrives, respect his trust in you and keep your word.
- Last, stay for one night and hit the road the following day.
Are there any Security or other Concerns?
Generally, the area specific to RV parking is at the back of Cracker Barrel. It is a well-lit place that poses no immediate danger.
Nevertheless, being extra cautious in a new place is always better. You know nothing about the people or the site.
Get done with your errands, finish all you need to do before the restaurant closes for the day, and get inside the safety of your RV. Lock all the doors, windows, and storage compartments, and be safe.
Are You Alone in the Parking Lot?
The answer to this question is variable.
Sometimes, you are alone with no one parked beside you, while sometimes, you can see other RVs parked near you or somewhere else in the parking lot. It indicates that you are not alone and other people are also spending the night at the parking lot.
You can also check if there is a security guard at the parking lot. If yes, we recommend you introduce yourself and kindly ask him to watch over you.
Furthermore, since Cracker Barrel outlets are mainly along the highway, you can always hear road noise, which wouldn’t make you feel lonely.
What to Do In Case of any Unforeseen Activity?
If you happen to witness something sketchy, refrain from leaving your RV, never take matters into your own hands, and call the police if necessary.
The Cracker Barrel restaurants are mainly located on highways. If, in any situation, you feel something vague or don’t feel right, you can always drive away and stay somewhere else for the night.
Nothing is more important than your safety.
Do Your Research and Know About the Place Ahead of Time
Sometimes, an outlet is present in an area with a high crime rate. As you are traveling and can’t possibly know that beforehand, we recommend you take some precautionary steps.
Ask the manager directly and discuss your concerns with him.
You can also call the local police and enquire about that specific outlet. They can give you a better idea or recommend a better option if the one you’re looking for is not feasible.
Does It Cost Money?
Overnight RV parking at Cracker Barrel is free. They don’t charge you anything for your stay. However, the permission is strictly for parking only; you cannot camp there.
Don’t consider extending your awnings or lounging on your chairs while grilling in the parking lot. Park your RV as if you are another customer who has come to enjoy a delicious meal and will be going afterward.
Are there any Hookups Available at the Cracker Barrel Parking Lot?
No, there are no hookups available at the parking lot. You get a place to sleep, reboot, and refresh. It’s not a camper’s area where you get all the facilities.
Please remember that neither electricity nor water hookups or dump station facilities are available. You won’t get anything to charge your gadgets, so prepare yourself accordingly.
In addition to that, you can only run your generator if the manager allows you. If you get permission, please ask if there is any quiet time that you should abide by.
The quiet time ensures that your generator’s noise isn’t disturbing the other folks in the parking.
What’s in it for Cracker Barrel if the Parking is Free?
The management of Cracker Barrel wants your business. They won’t charge you a penny for your overnight stay, but deep down, expect you to buy a meal or two in return.
Why not have dinner at Cracker Barrel or buy unique and cool items from their store? It is only fair as you are getting a well-lit and safe place for free.
Nevertheless, their food is delicious, and the country-themed store has some exceptionally sporadic items.
Most stores have a book-on-tape subscription service where you can join and then pick up and drop off new audiobooks at any other site nationwide.
It’s a win-win situation for you. Stay for the night, have a delicious dinner, sleep sound, and hit the road after having a delightful breakfast.
How do you find the closest cracker barrel that allows overnight RV parking?
Isn’t it frustrating that unexpected expenses almost ruin your budget?
You plan to stay at a location, assuming it would be accessible, only to find they don’t allow overnight parking. How can you check if the specific outlets you visit offer one in such a situation?
Well, here are some ways that can help you find an answer to your questions:
Visit the Website
You can visit Cracker Barrel’s official website and check the location of the closest outlet. Their locations section will show you a TRIP FINDER/ STORE LOCATOR page that allows you to see Cracker Barrels along your route.
Call the Manager
We mentioned earlier in the article that you should look for a bus silhouette under the restaurant’s sign if you’re looking to stay overnight at Cracker Barrel. However, you must know that the sign doesn’t necessarily mean you can park overnight.
Allowing the stay is still at the manager’s discretion. The sign can only indicate the presence of a 40-foot-long parking space, which could be for their delivery trucks. Thus, calling the manager and asking him is always the best thing to do.
Another factor to remember is that not all the employees are aware of the restaurant’s policy on overnight RV parking. Please ask for the manager specifically and discuss the need. Don’t forget to inquire about any prerequisites.
Overnight RV Parking
A trendy and authentic way to know about overnight RV parking is through an app known as OvernightRVParking. This application provides data on over 14000 overnight parking spots for RVs in both the United States and Canada.
You can get the exact status of an outlet, be it ‘RV parking allowed’ or ‘No RV parking.’ The approval and disapproval eliminate any doubt, prompting you to act accordingly.
Moreover, you learn about rules regarding overnight parking at a specific location.
The membership costs $29.99 annually, and you get real-time updates and reviews from many RVers.
What Are the Alternatives to Cracker Barrel Overnight Parking Like Walmart?
What if you get to a Cracker Barrel only to find full parking or the manager not allowing overnight RV parking?
Don’t worry. There are plenty of other options available that allow almost similar facilities. You can stay there for free as well. These places include Costco, Walmart, Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, Flying J Truck Shop, and many more.
Costco
Costco stores are available at numerous locations in the United States and Canada. Most of the sites allow free overnight parking for RVs. However, some don’t. Always call the manager before arrival and confirm if you can stay there overnight.
The reason for denying the permission could be the ban from local ordinances or some other factor that the manager decided not to extend this facility.
Although you need a membership card for shopping and refueling, overnight RV parking is free. It would be best to remember that no hookups are available at Costco.
Walmart
Walmart stores are available all over the United States and Canada. You don’t have to go entirely out of your way to find one. Some of these locations allow overnight RV parking.
You can use the OvernightRVParking App or Wal-Mart Locator to check which location allows overnight RV parking.
We recommend you call and talk to the manager to eliminate ambiguity. The manager always has the final say in the matter if there is no restriction from the local authorities.
No hookups are available for your RV at the Walmart parking lot.
Is it safe to sleep overnight in a Walmart parking lot?
While sleeping overnight in a Walmart parking lot is technically possible, there are several safety and legal considerations to bear in mind.
Walmart parking lots are not designed or intended to be used as campgrounds, and the company does not encourage overnight stays.
Safety can also be a concern, especially if you are alone and the store is closed. Therefore, if you must stay overnight, it is recommended that you park as far away from store entrances as possible to avoid attracting unnecessary attention.
However, seeking designated camping or overnight parking areas where such activities are permitted and regulated is always safer and more advisable.
Cabela’s
Cabela’s offers complimentary overnight parking space for your RV. They have an area designated for RVs, mainly at the back of their store. However, the spots are limited and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Call the manager beforehand to confirm the store’s policy and book the place.
Cabela’s offers a dump station facility for your RV. You can dump your gray or black water for five dollars. Moreover, you get a water connection, which is not potable.
No electricity hookup is available.
Are any of the Alternatives Better Options?
What if you don’t want to stay overnight at a dull parking lot with no hookup available? You still have a variety of options available. These alternatives don’t come completely free, but they are worth it.
Harvest Host
Harvest Host brings you access to more than 650 locations all over the United States through their website and App upon a subscription of $79 per year.
These splendid locations include wineries, farms, orchids, and hundreds of other unique spots with scenic views. You can get access to more than 300 golf courses around the United States if you get an additional subscription of $20 as well.
BoonDockers Welcome
RV owners in the United States have formed a club called Boondockers Welcome. They assist each other by listing their property and offering it to fellow RVers for free overnight parking.
There are more than 1000 locations all over North America under Boondockers Welcome.
The owners may provide you with free electric or water hookups as well.
Final Thoughts
Cracker Barrel Overnight RV Parking: Problems and Legality should be thoroughly examined by RV owners planning to utilize this service.
One of the most common issues these individuals face is the limited availability of RV parking spaces.
Due to the smaller size of Cracker Barrel lots, not all locations can accommodate the larger sizes of some RVs. This lack of space often results in size restrictions, which can significantly inconvenience those with larger vehicles.
Additionally, these parking lots lack amenities such as electricity, water, and sewer hookups, which are essential for a comfortable stay.
Another potential issue with Cracker Barrel Overnight RV Parking is the noise and lighting from the restaurant lots, which may disrupt sleep and overall comfort.
The legality of overnight parking also varies depending on local ordinances and specific store policies.
In some areas, overnight parking may not be legal and could lead to fines or other penalties. This makes it crucial for RV owners to always seek permission from the store manager or corporate before planning a stay.
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