If you’ve spent any time RVing, you know the thrill of spotting that iconic Denny’s sign glowing like a beacon of hope when you’re rolling into town after dark. I mean, who doesn’t love a stack of pancakes at 2 a.m.?
But when it comes to crashing in the parking lot overnight, you’re probably wondering, “Is that cool?”
Well, I’ve been there, done that, and here’s the real deal on whether you can park your rig at Denny’s and call it a night.
Spoiler: It Depends
So, here’s the scoop—Denny’s doesn’t have some universal policy that says, “Hey RVers, come on in and stay as long as you want.”
Nope, it’s more like a case-by-case situation.
Some locations, especially in smaller towns or places that are a little off the beaten path, are totally down for you to hang overnight. But if you’re in a city or a tight parking lot near a shopping mall?
You might get a hard pass.
Pro Tip: Always Ask First
The key to parking overnight at Denny’s is simple: just ask! I know, I know—sometimes you’re tired, hungry, and just want to park your rig and collapse.
But trust me, go inside, grab a coffee (because, let’s be real, that’s half the reason you’re there), and ask the manager if it’s cool to park overnight.
Part of the time, if they have the space, they’ll give you the thumbs-up.
Why You Might Get Shut Down
Even if the manager is nice, sometimes it just doesn’t happen. Here’s why:
City Ordinances: Some cities have rules that make overnight parking in commercial lots a big no-no, even if the manager wants to help out.
Tiny Parking Lots: Let’s be real, some Denny’s are just tight. If they’re near a mall or smack in the middle of a busy highway intersection, they may not have the room for your rig. It’s not personal—it’s just logistics.
Safety Stuff: Sometimes, it’s about liability or keeping the place safe. Managers may worry about stuff happening overnight, so they play it safe and say no. Can’t blame ‘em, honestly. It could be due to their insurance policy.
How to Be a Good Overnight Guest
So, if you do get the golden ticket to park overnight, here’s how to keep it chill:
Park in the Back: Don’t hog the prime spots near the door. Slide your rig to the far end of the lot where you’re not in anyone’s way.
Don’t Be Messy: You’re basically a guest in their lot, so keep things clean. No leaving trash, no dumping (duh), and try not to fire up a generator if it’s gonna wake up the whole block.
Stay Flexible: Even if you get the green light, be ready to move if the situation changes. You never know when another customer or a cranky night manager might need your spot.
So, What If Denny’s Says No?
Let’s say Denny’s doesn’t work out for overnight parking—don’t sweat it. There are other solid options out there for us RV warriors.
Walmart: Yep, the OG of overnight RV parking. Most Walmarts are cool with you staying overnight, just ask first to be sure.
Cracker Barrel: If you’re into RV-friendly restaurants (who isn’t?), Cracker Barrel is another solid spot for parking overnight, especially at those highway exits.
Truck Stops: Flying J, Pilot, Love’s—they’ve all got spots for big rigs and RVs. Plus, most of them have showers, food, and other perks that make it worth stopping.
My Takeaway of Overnight Parking at Denny’s
So, can you park overnight at Denny’s? The short version: Maybe. It’s all about the location, the space they’ve got, and whether local laws allow it.
Just do the right thing—ask for permission, be respectful, and enjoy those late-night pancakes without worrying about where you’re crashing.
In my personal experience, after I asked, I got turned away due to city ordinances. It’s better to know in advance than to get a knock on the window in the middle of the night.
And if Denny’s isn’t in the cards, no worries—there’s a whole world of RV-friendly spots waiting for you.
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