Buc-ee’s is a Texas-based gas station and county store, famous for its large selection of snacks and gifts, clean restrooms, and cheerful beaver mascot. So, it isn’t much of a surprise that some people want to park their RVs overnight at Buc-ee’s; after all, it has everything you want and more for an overnight stay!
But this begs the question, can you park an RV overnight at Buc-ee’s? And if so, does Buc-ee’s charge an overnight parking fee?
In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know when parking in Buc-ee’s, as well as overnight parking rules to follow when parking in a big box store.
Can You Park an RV Overnight at Buc-ee’s?
Buc-ee’s is available in 41 different locations. Most are located in Texas, but you’ll find several chains in some parts of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Kentucky. It’ll soon be launched in Colorado, Mississippi, Tennessee, and other parts of the US.
Since it’s monitored by security cameras, it’s one of the safer locations to park your RV overnight. But unfortunately, Buc-ee’s doesn’t allow overnight RV parking. They even have a sign that states “No Overnight Parking Allowed.”
“To maintain safety and security for all of our customers, we can’t accommodate vehicles in our lots for any extended amount of time,” Buc-ee’s FAQ section states.
However, it really depends on the location. Some Buc-ee’s managers allow overnight parking; some don’t. Still, you shouldn’t depend on the kindness of managers to score overnight parking at Buc-ee’s. Save yourself the hassle and search for a different location.
Why Don’t Buc-ee’s Allow Overnight Parking?
According to the website, Buc-ee’s doesn’t allow overnight parking to “maintain a safe and secure environment for the customers.”
Buc-ee’s is a gas station and convenience store; it’s not a restaurant or a rest stop. If you’ve shopped at Buc-ee’s before, you’ll notice that they don’t have tables for you to eat in. It’s an in-and-out type of gas station; most don’t even have Wi-Fi. So it isn’t really a surprise that they don’t allow overnighters.
As for why they don’t allow overnight parking, it’s for many reasons.
Buc-ee’s is huge. Really huge. New Braunfels’ Buc-ee’s holds the world record for the world’s largest convenience store at over 65,000 square feet. Plus, it holds the title of the “cleanest bathrooms in America” (yes, that’s a thing).
If Buc-ee’s allowed overnight parking, it’ll be an RV hotspot. It’ll probably raise their funds through the roof; after all, the longer a customer stays in their lot, the more likely they’ll purchase from the store. But this also opens the risk for long-term camping, trash and waste buildup, and suspicious activity.
By keeping the parking lots empty, it’s easier to maintain, clean, and detect individuals exhibiting less-than-noble intentions.
Where Can You Park Your RV Overnight?
Although Buc-ee’s is out of the question, there are still a number of places you can park your RV overnight. This includes truck stops, farms (with explicit permission from the owner), churches (through reservation), and certain rest areas.
Some big box stores allow overnight parking, but only if given permission. Walmart, for example, doesn’t permit RV parking as some people don’t follow the guidelines provided by the store (don’t litter, grill food in the parking area, etc.).
With that said, you can get permission to camp overnight from the area’s manager. He or she might say yes based on the local laws and the availability of the parking space.
The same is said in other stores such as Cracker Barrel, IHOP, and Denny’s. Politely ask the store manager first and don’t be offended if they say no. Remember: department stores aren’t camping grounds. Managers aren’t obligated to say yes, even if you’re a long-time customer.
Overnight RV Parking Rules and Etiquette
Regardless of where you’re parking, whether it be in your local Walmart or Cabela’s, there are several unwritten rules you need to follow.
- Always ask the manager permission to stay overnight, even if the place is known to host RV campers.
- Don’t overstay your welcome. Stay for one night only.
- Obey the lot’s rules and regulations by the letter.
- Don’t put out chairs, awnings, or barbecue grills outside your RV. You want it to look like you’re just parking, not camping.
- Purchase food, gas, or supplies from the store as a means of saying ‘thank you.’ Think of it as a renter’s fee. You don’t have to spend a lot, but make sure you’re spending just enough to justify your overnight stay.
- Don’t cause any problems for the area’s employees.
- Park wherever the manager tells you to.
- Be mindful of your trash. Leave the place as you found it and even cleaner, if possible.
- Don’t think of using hydraulic jacks on soft surfaces.
- Be a “Good Neighbor,” i.e., don’t make too much noise for other RV campers.
- Make sure you’re not impeding or blocking traffic for other people.
- Thank the manager for their hospitality before leaving.
These overnight tips don’t just apply to local rest stops and box stores; they’re also applicable to Elks Lodges, Harvest Hosts, Boondockers Welcome, and other areas that cater to overnight stays.
The lack of respect of a few RVers supersedes those who actually follow the rules, so don’t be one of those people. Always follow these guidelines to avoid trouble during your overnight stays.
Final Thoughts
Unfortunately, Buc-ee’s don’t allow RVers to park their vehicles in their parking lot, mostly to maintain the surrounding area and protect customers.
You can still ask the manager for permission but you can never guarantee the answer. You’ll have more luck asking the managers at Walmart, IHOP, Cracker Barrel, and Cabela’s. They’re more lenient to campers than Buc-ee’s.
If you do decide to stay overnight at one of these stores, always follow good etiquette.
Park the RV in an appropriate-sized space, preferably away from the entrance of the store. Also, never set up your campsite mat, fire pit, grill, or camp chairs. Your RV should just be as it is: parked.
Finally, leave the place cleaner than it originally is. There should be absolutely zero evidence that you’ve parked there overnight.