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Whether you’ve gone full #vanlife or have gotten into RV travel since the pandemic made it popular again, you still might not know about this important and rather random fact about that slew of Cracker Barrel restaurants you see along the open road. They're also a great place to spend the night and wake up to biscuits and chicken fried steak in the morning.
Yes, that's right. You can park your RV at a Cracker Barrel -- for free! Game changer, we know.
A staple of roadside eats since 1969, there’s a Cracker Barrel in every US state except Alaska, Hawaii, Vermont, Washington and Wyoming. The chain is welcoming to travelers, and has become a go-to spot for a safe, free place to park overnight. The restaurants are typically located right off the highway, and many even have dedicated RV parking behind the restaurant.
This generosity is not to be taken advantage of, however. Long time RVers know to treat the restaurant and parking lot with respect and gratitude. It’s generally suggested that you arrive just before closing time and ask a manager for permission before parking. A Cracker Barrel parking spot is for parking, not for full-on camping, so don’t pull out your grill, folding chairs, astroturf or doggie fence. Road-tripping hooligans be warned: don’t spoil it for everyone else!
Most importantly, show the Cracker Barrel some love if you decide to park overnight. There’s nothing better than a big plate of eggs, bacon, biscuits and grits to fuel you up in the morning for a long drive ahead. Restaurants also have a shop where you can buy snacks and gifts (every RV could use a Horse Barn Glitter Globe or a Peacock Salt & Pepper Set).
Keep the Cracker Barrel map handy next time you hit the road, it could save you from those stressful situations when living your best life on the road leads to forgetting to plan ahead for the night.