Are you an RVer who loves the convenience of pulling into a Cracker Barrel for a restful overnight stay and maybe a plate of biscuits and gravy? If so, you might be in for a surprise! Recent news has sparked concern in the RV community: is Cracker Barrel really banning overnight RV parking?
With rumors swirling and RVers sharing mixed experiences, it’s hard to know what’s true and what’s just another tall tale from the road. We did some digging to get to the bottom of this.
We found a great video from a popular RV channel that breaks down the situation with first-hand calls, official statements, and a few laughs along the way. Be sure to check out the full video at the bottom of the article for all the details and some bonus deer sightings!
1. The Rumor: Is Cracker Barrel Really Banning Overnight RV Parking?
The video kicks off with the hosts addressing a growing rumor: “Cracker Barrel is banning overnight parking.” They note, “We did receive comments people telling us that Cracker Barrel is no longer allowing overnight parking so we dug a little bit deeper.” Turns out, this isn’t just idle gossip—there’s been an uptick in RVers being told they can’t stay overnight.
But don’t panic and trade your RV for a tent just yet! Like most rumors, there’s a kernel of truth, but also a whole lot of confusion. (Honestly, at this rate, the only thing we’ll be allowed to park overnight is our sense of disappointment.)
2. What the Official Statement Says
After some digging (and a run-in with Cracker Barrel’s AI bot, affectionately named “Biscuit”), the video’s hosts managed to get an official response:
“I would like to inform you that many of our stores have designated parking spaces available for RVs and buses…Please note that our stores are currently unable to accommodate overnight parking.”
But, as with any good corporate statement, there’s a twist!
Later, they were told, “some Cracker Barrel locations do allow it while others may not. The decision is at the discretion of the individual restaurant manager.”
So, it’s a bit like playing RV roulette—you never know what you’ll get until you call ahead. (Maybe next, Cracker Barrel will have us solve a riddle to park: “What has wheels, a bed, and a craving for pancakes?”)
3. The Reality: Different Policies at Different Locations
The hosts tested the waters by calling two Cracker Barrels in Tennessee. “The first one I called…she said ‘Yes ma’am we do.’” But just down the road, “the next one I called…she said no, we do not, there is a city ordinance against this.” So, even within the same region, the rules can be completely different!
The takeaway?
Always call ahead, check the signs, and maybe bring a backup plan if you’re feeling unlucky. (It’s like a Southern version of ‘Will They, Won’t They’—but with more gravy.)
4. Why the Change? And What Can RVers Do?
So why the sudden crackdown? In some cases, it’s due to local ordinances, not just Cracker Barrel policy. The hosts warn, “The quickest way to ruin this as RVers is taking advantage of things…staying more than one night, setting up camp, right, campfire, propane, chairs.” Basically, don’t treat the parking lot like your personal campground. If we want to keep this privilege, we need to be good guests. (So, maybe hold off on that parking lot barbecue—unless you want your next overnight stay to be at the local Walmart…if they’ll have you.)
5. Final Thoughts and What’s Next
The verdict? “Does this mean that you can’t stay overnight at a Cracker Barrel? Absolutely not…just call the specific Cracker Barrel that you are headed to.” The RV community is still making it work, but things are changing fast. As the hosts put it, “Let’s hope that this doesn’t change because it is really a convenient way to stay.”
So, be courteous, call ahead, and share your experiences to help fellow travelers. (And if you see someone dumping their tanks in the parking lot, maybe just pretend you don’t know them.)
Don’t forget to watch the full video from the channel at the bottom of this article for more insights, a few laughs, and even a surprise deer cameo!
