If you’ve ever hit the road a little later than expected and needed a convenient, safe spot to spend the night, you know how valuable a Cracker Barrel parking lot can be. That’s exactly where we found ourselves on Saturday, April 12, 2025, when our planned departure turned into a later start. Luckily, the Cracker Barrel at 955 Airport Blvd in Morrisville, NC came to the rescue.
The Pre-Trip Chaos
Our weekend began with a long to-do list and only two days to get it all done. Shaun picked up the trailer from storage after a morning doctor appointment on Friday, but our packing progress stalled when a few unexpected projects popped up. A broken kitchen faucet from the winter freeze had to be replaced, and the new one, which was a household model, required an adapter to fit our RV’s water line. Then came the leak as we filled the fresh tank; a broken spray adapter led to water under the bathroom sink. Thankfully, we managed to overnight a replacement part, patch things up, and still find time for a quick dinner with friends before hitting the road.
It wasn’t until 6:30 PM on Saturday that we finally pulled out, already behind our hoped-for 5:00 PM departure. Knowing we wouldn’t reach our original boondocking spot early enough, we adjusted on the fly and settled on the Morrisville Cracker Barrel.
Our Overnight Stay: Quiet, Convenient, and Plane-Heavy
We pulled into the lot around 9:00 PM and were pleased to find a good selection of dedicated RV/bus spots in the back. As with most Cracker Barrels, there was no need to check in. There’s just a friendly, unspoken policy that welcomes RVers to stay the night. The lot was flat, well-lit, and felt safe. We weren’t alone – there were several vanlifers and car campers nestled into the standard spaces nearby, but the environment was quiet and respectful.
One notable detail about this particular location: it’s very close to the Raleigh-Durham International Airport. We’re talking planes-flying-overhead-close. For us, it wasn’t a big deal but light sleepers might want to bring earplugs. Flights continued until late at night and started again early the next morning.
We had no problem with cell service (T-Mobile and Verizon were both solid), though the store’s Wi-Fi didn’t reach the parking area. Still, it was a small trade-off for a free place to rest.
Southern Comfort Food—Twice in 12 Hours
We made it into the restaurant just 45 minutes before closing and were met with friendly staff who didn’t rush us, even though they were winding down for the night. The service was a bit slower, but we didn’t mind. The familiar comfort food hit the spot after a hectic two days.
The next morning, we decided to treat ourselves to a hearty breakfast before the final leg of our drive to Emerald Isle. We thought we’d beaten the Sunday church rush, but ended up with a 40-minute wait which isn’t too bad when you can get in line from your phone and hang out in your trailer out back.
Worth It for a Free Stay
Cracker Barrel parking lots might not have all the frills of a campground, but when the alternative was $100 a night just to sleep at our destination, this was a no-brainer. We felt comfortable letting our dog Seymour out for a quick walk before bed and had no safety concerns at any point.
Even though we originally planned to boondock at a different Cracker Barrel, this spot ended up being a great backup. And while it wasn’t our first time dry camping at a Cracker Barrel (you can read about our first experience in Abingdon, VA here), this time we were more prepared, especially with our power setup. We had our portable power bank hooked up, which gave us everything we needed for the night.
Would We Stay Here Again?
Absolutely. The Cracker Barrel in Morrisville is an excellent stopover for travelers passing through central North Carolina. Just be prepared for a bit of airport noise and a longer breakfast wait on a Sunday morning. For a free overnight stay with decent amenities and two good meals, it’s hard to beat.
If you’re road-tripping through the Raleigh-Durham area and need a quick, low-cost overnight stop, this Cracker Barrel delivers everything you need, with a side of biscuits and gravy.
