Free Camping In The US: How To Find Gorgeous Free Campsites

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What Is Free Camping

You might think “free camping” is all about saving money … BUT that is not the only reason people do it.

The scenery is amazing in many free camping locations and the solitude is something you just can’t get when you are camped right next to your neighbor and feeling like sardines in a can at campground or RV park camp spots.

Free camping goes by many different names, like:

• boondocking
• dispersed camping
• wild camping
• remote camping
• primitive camping
• dry camping
• off-grid camping

What To Expect

When people use these terms to mean “fee-free camping”, they generally mean the same thing (there are some exceptions) …

• You are camping for free in an area that does not have hookups, facilities or services.
• Essentially free dispersed camping areas have no amenities, no restrooms or pit toilets, no trash cans etc. You’ll need to observe the leave no trace principles of “pack it in & pack it out”.
• The land is publicly owned and regulations legally allow campers to stay as self-contained units.
• Camping reservations are not accepted. If you are unfamiliar with this, we have an entire post dedicated to explaining What Are Walk-Up Only Campsites: 7 Tips For Getting The Best Ones.
• Because free campgrounds can often be in remote areas, you will be probably be traveling on forest service roads.
• There are no park rangers or on-site ranger station. There will be a district ranger station in the area and roaming forest rangers that cover an extended area.
• Many are dirt roads so be prepared for all sorts of hazardous road conditions, especially after heavy rains.
• Navigating to these backcountry camping locations via Google maps may not be reliable either. Online government maps with layers for forest roads and hiking trails is a better option.
• You’ll want to make sure you have all of your gear and supplies (don’t forget the toilet paper), even things like campfire grates and other essential campfire cooking equipment.
• Thorough planning for simple camping is the name of the game when you need to be fully self-sufficient in remote areas.
• I recommend using our FREE, printable and comprehensive Camping Checklist to make sure you pack everything YOU need for your trip (yes, it’s a personal thing).

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How To Find Free Camping

Those beautiful hidden gems are the ones that never seem to show up on any published maps or databases but finding a local free camping expert is not always possible so here are some additional great resources.

National Forests

Generally speaking, free camping approved locations in National Forests are outside of developed campgrounds and have no facilities available … don’t expect to find picnic tables … you might find fire rings but that is usually about it.

• You have to haul your own water, power, trash and human waste. Length of stay is limited (usually 14 days) because these public lands are intended for recreation (not living.)
• And, you must camp more than 200 feet from water sources (including streams).
• Because you are out in the wilderness, cell service may be limited … or even non-existent … in the locations where you set up camp.

Camping is NOT free in National Parks but most of them have a nearby National Forest that does have free camping!

Here are some resources to find more free camping locations on Grasslands and National Forest Land:

• US Forest Service Recreation Map Finder Grasslands and National Forest Interactive Visitor Map

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BLM Lands (Bureau of Land Management)

BLM free camping is similar to camping in National Forests.

In the land management BLM program, the approved locations are outside of developed campgrounds and usually have no facilities available … you might find fire rings and an occasional vault toilet but that is usually about it.

• You have to haul your own water, power, trash and human waste.
• Length of stay is limited (usually 14 days) and, you must camp more than 200 feet from water sources (including streams.)

One of our favorite BLM free camping locations in Arizona is near the town of Wickenburg.

It’s an incredible winter camping location and if you are there on the weekends, you might get to hear the rumble and see the shiny chrome glistening in the sun as a group of motorcycle riders pass by on the picturesque Vulture Mine Road as it winds around the mountain.

Here are some resources to find more free camping locations on BLM Land:

• Where to camp on BLM Land
• BLM Land Interactive Map

Another awesome location for free camping on BLM land is in Utah.

This destination is near Monument Valley and actually has the nickname “Miniature Monument Valley” because it has sandstone monoliths, gigantic pinnacles and wide open spaces but without the crowds!

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US Army Corps of Engineers

Did you know the US Army Corps of Engineers manages more than 400 lake and river projects in 43 states and 90% of those recreation areas are located within 50 miles of a major metropolitan area?!?

Although they are not plentiful, the US Army Corps of Engineers does have limited free camping areas.

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State Owned Land

Many states have public land that is available for recreation and free camping.

In Arizona, the Arizona State Land Department manages the state-owned land which is technically “Arizona Trust Land” and not “public land” … but unless you are a real estate developer, you probably don’t care much about that technicality … what you do care about is the almost-free camping you can do with a cheap permit!

• You can get your Arizona State Trust Land Recreation Permit online.
• Just like on the federal level, camping is NOT free in most state parks but there are often free gate entry events that allow you to explore the park while camping in a nearby free camping area.

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Wildlife Management Areas

Because Wildlife Management Areas are managed at the state level, there is no absolute guideline regarding camping sites in those areas.

• You need to check with each governing authority regarding free camping availability or even the permission to camp at all.

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National Retailers

Some national retailers provide a different form of free camping spots for RV travelers and allow overnight parking in the parking lot of the store.

• Some of the most popular retailers include some Wal-Marts, Cracker Barrel Restaurants, Cabela’s plus many casinos and truck stops … in other words, establishments where you might drop a few bucks for their services while you are camping for free in their parking lot.
• BUT, many local ordinances prohibit the activity of overnight camping so you need to check with the specific store regarding their rules.

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Apps And Websites To Find Free Camping

1. Public Lands Interpretive Association allows you to search public lands
2. Free Campsites is a great resource if you ever find yourself asking, “Where is there free camping near me?” You can put in a location to find where to camp nearby or you can actually plan an entire free camping road trip! It finds free camping in USA and Canada.
3. Campendium allows you to search for public land free camping in a specific area. Just select the “All Public Lands” Category and select “Free” for the Price. Not only does this search find free camping in USA, it finds free camping in Canada too! 
4. Truck stops are common stops for roadtrippers who want a quick overnight parking spot. Two of the most popular are Travel Centers of America and Pilot Flying J.

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Books To Find Free Camping

I like having a real book when we are navigating to free camping sites we are not familiar with because we are often in and out of coverage areas with our phones. Here are some great resources…

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National Geographic Road Atlas: Adventure Edition

The National Geographic Road Atlas Adventure Edition features:

• popular attractions,
• points-of-interest,
• top 100 destinations for adventure as well as the
• top 24 most visited National Parks. Plus, it covers the
• United States, Canada and Mexico!

National Geographic Road Atlas: Adventure Edition [United States, Canada, Mexico]

 

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The Next Exit

The Next Exit: USA Interstate Highway Exit Directory is a book that lists services located at Interstate exits across the U.S. including:

• gas,
• food,
• lodging,
• shopping and more.

It is a great resource if you’re doing a long road trip as you travel to different free campsites across the USA.

The Next Exit 2019: USA Interstate Highway Exit Directory (Next Exit: The Most Complete Interstate Highway Guide Ever Printed)

 

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Walmart Locator

The Walmart Locator, Directory of Stores in the United States is a book containing a directory of Walmart stores in the United States including their overnight parking information.

Walmart Locator, Fourth Edition: Directory of Stores in the United States

 

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Casino Camping

The Casino Camping: Guide to RV-Friendly Casinos is a book that lists 100s of RV-Friendly casinos in the U.S. as well as the ones that allow free overnight parking.

Casino Camping: Guide to RV-Friendly Casinos

 

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Corps of Engineers Camping

The Corps of Engineers Camping Directory is a listing of 942 camping areas in 35 states across America.

Corps of Engineers Camping: Directory of 942 Camping Areas in 35 States

 

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Free Camping Safety

Free camping is just like any other type of camping … it is as safe as your location, surroundings and habits … much of your safety and security depends on you. We have lots of posts with safety and security tips including:

Personal Safety While Camping: How To Prepare For Your Well-Being!

A Secure Campsite Protects Valuables From Theft

Safety Tips While Camping In Bear Country

Camping Safety Tips For Families

Camping Food Safety Tips Including How To Pack A Cooler For Camping

See our entire list of Camping Safety posts.

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Tips On Free Camping

Our preference is finding freecampsites and we consider ourselves expert boondockers.

Because that is how we camp most of the time, we have tons of blog posts to help you on your free camping trips!

Make sure you check these out and feel free to leave a comment or question if we can help you on your next free camping journey!

Necessary Tools

No matter where your free RV camping destination is located, we recommend you carry the tools you need for your specific vehicle, route and destination.

Use our FREE printable RV Tool Kit Checklist as your guide to create the right mix of tools for your free camping situation.

Fuel Options

Before you get to your free camp sites, make sure your camping propane is fully stocked with ample supply for your entire stay.

Boondocking Tips

If you are not familiar with boondocking and being self-contained while camping in remote locations, we have helpful tips to get you started.

Dispersed Camping VIDEO

If you have never been dispersed camping before, check out our Go Dispersed Camping VIDEO for some great tips.

Portable Solar Panel VIDEO

As I mentioned earlier, when you are camping for free, you probably won’t have access to any services and you’ll have to provide your own power and water.

Check out our Portable Solar Panels For RV Camping VIDEO for some really helpful information.

Fire Restrictions & Off-Grid Camping

The one thing that can catch new free camping boondockers off guard … the restrictions the authorities activate during hot and dry conditions that are susceptible to wildfires.

Check out our How To Camp When Camping Fire Restrictions Are Activated post for tips.

Campsite Lighting

There are 2 big demands for electricity that you need to prepare for when you are free camping in remote locations without hookups.

The first is for campsite lighting and there are tons of options for efficient campsite lights in our post so make sure you check it out.

Charging Phones While Off-The-Grid

If you are a cell phone user, the other big challenge when using free campsites is keeping your phone from going dead.

There are some super cool camping phone charger gadgets to provide solutions for that problem!

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More Camping Tips

We have tons more camping tips that will help you make every trip an enjoyable experience with long-lasting wonderful memories!

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Free Camping In Arizona

We live in Arizona where only about 18% of the land is privately owned!

• That means there is A LOT of public land and opportunity for free camping!
• The non-privately owned land in AZ is managed by federal, state and tribal agencies … which all allow free camping in some form or another.
• The best way to find awesome free campsites is the same way you find those fantastic Mom and Pop local restaurants … ask the locals!

Free camping sites exists in many places, of course our favorites include Camping In Arizona

Mogollon Rim Camping

One of our favorite places to enjoy free camping in a National Forest in Arizona is on the Mogollon Rim.

You will see how stunningly beautiful it is in our VIDEO Mogollon Rim Camping In Arizona. This is a great place to camp during the summer months! 

Boondocking Near Sedona Arizona

Another awesome place to camp on National Forest land is near the town of Sedona.

The center of town is filled with expensive tourist shops and lodging options, but just outside of the town, you can get the jaw-dropping landscape views without the high price tag.

On one of our trips to our favorite free camping Sedona location, we had a HOT AIR BALLOON LAND AT OUR CAMPSITE!

This is a great destination during the fall and spring months.

Check out our VIDEO Best Free RV And Tent Camping Sites Near Sedona Arizona Are On Forest Road FR525!

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Camping Meal Planning

When you’re in remote areas, you’ll need to have all of your meals planned and food purchased because the nearest grocery store can be many miles away from your campsite. Get some inspiration and try some new recipes on your next trip!