As full-time travelers living in our DIY off-grid camper, we have perfected the art of finding amazing free campsites across North America. Free camping has been one of the best ways we save money on the road, avoiding the $20-$60 per night that most paid campsites charge. While free spots may lack the amenities of developed campgrounds, they more than make up for it with stunning scenery, solitude, and the freedom to stay in beautiful, remote areas. In this post, we’re sharing how we find these spots and why free camping is such an essential part of our lifestyle.
Table of Contents
- Our Go-To Apps for Finding Free Campsites
- Types of free legal campsites
- Steps to Find and Verify Free Campsites
- Why Free Camping is Worth It
- Final Tips for Finding Free Campsites
- Final Thoughts on Finding Epic Free Campsites
Our Go-To Apps for Finding Free Campsites
iOverlander: Our Top Resource for Free Camping
We usually begin our search with iOverlander, a community-driven app that lists everything from free dispersed camping spots to urban parking lots where you can park overnight. We love how easy it is to find dispersed campsites on public land, especially in BLM or National Forest areas. The app also lists important amenities like water fill stations and dump sites, which is super helpful when you’re boondocking and need to restock.
However, iOverlander does have its downsides. Many users mark “stealth” camping spots—basically illegal urban camping—which we avoid. You’ll need to be careful and verify that a site is actually on public land before camping there. Up until August 2024, iOverlander was entirely free, but they’ve since added a paid membership option or ads to the app, which has pushed us to explore other resources as well.
The Dyrt: A Versatile Option with Pro Features
Next on our list is The Dyrt. While the free version is quite effective, we opted for the pro version to unlock additional features like free camping, offline access and better filters. The Dyrt is great for finding both free and paid campsites and allows you to filter by cell phone signal strength, which is crucial for staying connected on the road.
The app also lets you filter by the type of campsite—whether you need a spot for your RV, a walk-in tent site, or something more remote. This versatility makes The Dyrt a powerful tool in our campsite-finding arsenal.
Campendium: Perfect for Public Land Camping
Campendium is another fantastic resource, particularly for finding campsites on public land. With the premium version, you can access map overlays that show BLM, National Forest, and other public land boundaries – perfect for identifying legal dispersed camping areas. We love that you can filter sites by user ratings, price (free, duh!), and cell signal strength.
Campendium’s user reviews are detailed and trustworthy, helping us avoid places that may be too crowded, inaccessible, or simply not as scenic as advertised. We particularly enjoy the in-depth information on site conditions, which helps us avoid surprises when we arrive.
One big downside of Campendium is that there is no Android app available and the website version’s user interface is a bit clunky. So, this is really only a good option for Apple users.
FreeCampsites.net: Simple and Straightforward
FreeCampsites.net is a straightforward website that’s great for finding free and low-cost camping options. While it doesn’t have the most polished interface, it’s reliable for quick searches, especially when we’re on the move and need to find a last-minute spot to park for the night. The site provides a list of user-submitted locations, which can be a great resource for finding lesser-known free campsites in public lands.
Types of free legal campsites
Public Land
Without a doubt, public land is our favorite place to camp for free. Whether it’s the wide-open spaces of BLM land or the peaceful seclusion of National Forests, these areas offer some of the most scenic camping experiences we’ve had.
What Is Public Land?
Public land in the United States refers to land managed by government agencies like the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the National Forest Service, and the National Park Service, among others. These lands are open to the public for recreation, including camping, hiking, and fishing, and often allow dispersed camping—meaning you can camp outside of designated campgrounds, usually for free, with no amenities provided.
BLM Land
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land is one of the most popular options for dispersed camping, especially in the western U.S. On BLM land, you can, usually, camp for free for up to 14 days within a 28-day period. The vastness of BLM land often means you can find wide-open spaces with few, if any, neighbors. Some of our most memorable campsites have been on BLM land, where we’ve had miles of desert or wilderness all to ourselves.
outside of Lake Isabella, CA
National Forests
National Forests are another excellent option for free camping. Like BLM land, National Forests allow dispersed camping for up to 14 days in most areas. The rules can vary depending on the forest, so it’s important to check the specific guidelines for the area you’re visiting. National Forests tend to be more wooded and lush compared to BLM land, making them ideal if you’re looking for a shaded, forested spot to camp.
Los Padres National Forest
National Park Service Land
While the National Park Service (NPS) generally does not allow dispersed camping inside park boundaries, there are a few exceptions worth exploring. For example, Mojave National Preserve offers some fantastic dispersed camping options, and parts of Death Valley National Park allow dispersed camping as well. If you’re visiting a National Park, we suggest checking their official website to see if any dispersed camping opportunities exist nearby.
Mojave National Preserve
State Trust Land
State Trust Lands also offer dispersed camping, but they often require a permit. For example, camping on Arizona’s State Trust Land requires a low-cost annual permit. The rules and regulations vary widely from state to state, so be sure to check the local guidelines before setting up camp. Some State Parks and State Forests also allow dispersed camping, but this is more rare and typically requires reservations or permits.
Other Public Land Options
- Florida Water Management Districts: These areas allow free camping in designated campgrounds, but you’ll need to secure a permit in advance.
- State Parks: Most state parks do not allow dispersed camping, though some have established free or low-cost campgrounds that still offer the feeling of solitude. One great example is Anza-Borrego State Park in California, which permits free dispersed camping in certain areas.
No matter where you choose to camp on public land, it’s essential to follow Leave No Trace principles to protect these wild places for future visitors.
Walmart, Planet Fitness, and Cracker Barrel
Overnight parking at businesses like Walmart, Planet Fitness, and Cracker Barrel used to be a go-to for many road trippers. While you can still find spots at these locations, it’s becoming more challenging due to increasing restrictions in certain areas. Stores in smaller cities are generally more lenient, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead and ask for permission.
When staying overnight at these businesses, it’s essential to be respectful—park out of the way, keep noise to a minimum, and consider making a purchase at the establishment as a thank you.
Rest Stops and Truck Stops
Rest stops and truck stops are another viable option for overnight parking, especially when you need a quick and easy place to sleep. Each state has its own rules regarding overnight stays at rest stops, but we’ve never had an issue. These locations are particularly convenient if you’re in a van or RV. Just be mindful of your surroundings, stay safe, and follow any posted rules.
Steps to Find and Verify Free Campsites
Double-Check Public Land Status
Once we identify a promising spot using iOverlander, Campendium, or FreeCampsites.net, our next step is to verify that the area is on public land. With Campendium Premium, we can overlay maps showing public land boundaries, making it easy to see if a campsite is on BLM land, national forest, or other public areas. If it is not on public land, there is a good chance that it is not legal to camp there.
Review Dispersed Camping Regulations
After confirming the land status, it’s crucial to check the dispersed camping guidelines for that area. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:
- BLM Land: Typically allows dispersed camping for up to 14 days.
- National Forest Land: Permits dispersed camping, usually for 7-14 days in designated areas.
- National Park Service Land: Dispersed camping is generally not allowed, however there are a few exceptions, which are worthwhile to check out. For example: Mojave National Preserve
- State Trust Land: Dispersed camping is usually permitted for up to 14 days but require a permit.
- Florida Water Management Districts: Free camping in established campgrounds with permit and reservation.
- State Parks and State Forests: Dispersed camping is generally not allowed, however there are a few exceptions, which are worthwhile to check out. For example: Anza-Borrego State Park
Always check the latest guidelines on the managing agency’s website or contact them directly to avoid any surprises.
Using Google Maps to Pinpoint the Perfect Spot
With the rules and regulations sorted, we turn to Google Maps in satellite view to find the perfect camping spot. We look for clearings along dirt or forest roads, and we pin several potential sites on the map. Having multiple options is important because a spot might look great on the map but be inaccessible or already occupied when you arrive.
On the day we move, we park our trailer in a safe area and use our second vehicle to scout out the pinned locations. We check for accessibility, ensure there’s enough sun exposure for our solar panels, and test the area’s signal for our Starlink internet. And, of course, we look for that wow factor—stunning views and natural beauty are always a plus.
Why Free Camping is Worth It
Free camping not only saves you money but also allows you to experience some of the most beautiful and secluded spots in nature. While you might miss out on amenities, the trade-off is more than worth it for the solitude, stunning scenery, and the satisfaction of finding an incredible campsite at no cost.
Final Tips for Finding Free Campsites
- Start Your Search Early: Give yourself plenty of time to find and verify campsites before you need to move.
- Have Backup Options: Always pin several potential spots in case your first choice doesn’t work out.
- Stay Informed: Regulations can change, so always check the most recent guidelines.
- Respect the Land: Practice Leave No Trace principles to help keep these beautiful areas pristine for future campers.
Final Thoughts on Finding Epic Free Campsites
Finding free campsites is one of the most rewarding aspects of our full-time travel lifestyle. It saves us money, allows us to explore stunning remote areas, and gives us the freedom to live off-grid. With the right tools and a bit of planning, you too can discover incredible free camping spots and enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank.
Happy camping, and see you out there on the open road!
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