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How to Camp For Free

Camping is fun, but you won't always have money to cover reservation fees and other camping-related costs. If you're in a similar situation, what you need is a free campsite. With zero costs involved, free camping grounds allow you to enjoy the perks of outdoor camping without stretching your wallet.

Whether you call it boondocking, dry camping, or dispersed camping, free camping is one of the best and cheapest ways to spend time outdoors. Here, we’ll cover what free camping actually is, how to find it, and essential things to consider.

What Is Free Camping?

Free camping means camping at a location overnight without paying any fees. Free camping is popular because it removes the need to pay for reservation and rental costs. Besides, free campsites have fewer users than paid campgrounds and offer more solitude. Free camping goes by three commonly different names, although each term has a slightly different meaning:

Dispersed camping refers to camping on public land, especially those administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or the United States Forestry Service (USFS). While dispersed camping is legal across the US, you should check local laws beforehand.

Dispersed campsites may offer fire rings, picnic tables, and lantern posts, although other amenities, such as bathrooms and power sources, are rarely provided. You’ll need to get creative and plan how you can find ways to make your stay comfortable.

Boondocking - Boondocking is camping out in your car or RV in forest campsites and other public lands. If you're low on cash, boondocking provides a cost-free alternative to sleeping at night.

Dry Camping - Dry camping involves staying at a campsite without access to basic amenities, including water, electricity, and restrooms. This term is often used interchangeably with boondocking and dispersed camping.

Places To Look For Free Camping

Whether you’re looking for a place to stay overnight or need a site for a prolonged camping trip, there are plenty of free options available. Here are some common locations that provide access to free campgrounds:

National Forests

The USFS manages dozens of national forests across the US, and most are open to free campers. Some forests allow you to camp for up to 14 days, although this number can be lower in other cases. Be sure to inquire about local regulations before you make plans to camp.

BLM Lands

The Bureau of Land Management manages public lands in the United States. If you need a location to camp for free, a BLM campsite could work well for your needs. Unless posted signs say otherwise, dispersed campers can stay on BLM grounds for 14 days.

Camping on BLM-controlled lands is suitable for car camping, RVs, vans, and tent campers. The only catch is that BLM lands have various uses, including recreation, grazing, and logging. Don't be surprised if you wake up to the sound of woodcutting machines or cows grazing.

County and City Parks

If you manage to find them, county and city parks offer excellent options for free camping. Try to look for parks in remote areas since they are usually permissive of it. For city parks, it's best to focus on developing areas. Since they want to attract travelers and drive economic growth, these towns often set up free camping sites for visitors. Plus, these campsites may offer amenities, like electricity and water — which is rarely the case.

National Parks

The United States National Park Service oversees national parks, monuments, and historic sites. Some areas allow dispersed camping, although the protected nature of these grounds means your odds of finding free camping here are low.

Wildlife Management Areas

Several states in the US have Wildlife Management Areas. These pieces of land are designated for preservation and wildlife hunting. Camping regulations in WMAs vary, and some charge a fee, while others have anti-camping rules. But you may get lucky and find a WMA open to campers.

RV-Friendly Spots

If you’re RV camping or car camping, there are plenty of areas where you might be able to park your RV or car. While you might not be camping, your camping location might be a day’s drive away, requiring you to stop somewhere for the night.

Some businesses allow RVs and other campers to stay overnight in parking lots without charging a fee. The exact number of days may vary from location to location, so calling ahead is a good idea.

Certain cities have rest areas that allow individuals to rest while traveling. Rest areas are similar to truck stops, but they are open to all drivers, not just long-haul truckers. Finding a rest area to camp out may be difficult, and you may have to deal with noisy traffic if you find one.

While truck stops are primarily aimed at long-distance truck drivers, you can find some that permit overnight parking. Many truck stops offer amenities, including access to water, food, and fuel, making them excellent options.

Free Apps to Find Free Camping

Thanks to mobile applications dedicated to helping outdoor living & camping enthusiasts find the best locations, finding a good camping spot for free is easier than ever. Here is a list of the three free apps for finding campsites at no cost:

Campendium

The Campendium app allows you to find free campsites by city, state, and zip code or the campground's name. The app displays user-generated reviews, so you can get verified information for specific areas before planning your trip. Available on both iOS and Android devices, Campendium is free. But you can pay a one-time fee to remove ads and unlock extra features.

Free Roam

Free Roam allows campers to search for zero-cost camping sites. You can use the trip planner to plan your travel and find available campsites on your route. The app offers options for customizing your search so that you can filter sites based on cell coverage, size, and amenities.

iOverlander

The iOverlander app is hands-down one of the top free camping apps on the market today. This app is a camper's best friend, combining a clutter-free interface, excellent design, and top-notch features.

You can search for amenities near suggested campsites, which helps you better prepare for your trip. You can apply filters to tailor your search and get campgrounds that match your needs. If you need more information for a location, just open the expanded overview to get the details.

Things To Consider When Choosing A Location

Here are some things to consider to make your free camping experience safe and memorable:

Safety

Developed campgrounds usually offer better security since you're getting charged during your stay. When camping for free, it is up to you to protect yourself from danger.

Ensure to have a detailed map of the area if you get lost and pack extra supplies to handle emergencies. If you're staying in a remote location, avoid areas known to harbor wildlife. If you’re tent camping or hiking long distances to the campsite, have a physical map or satellite communication device for the worst-case scenario.

Amenities

Camping on paid campgrounds means access to electricity, restrooms, convenience stores, picnic areas, and other comforts. Some free campsites offer these amenities, but the chances of finding these are pretty low. You may have to pack enough food and water, shower in cold lakes, bury your waste, and pack your trash.

Weather

Free campgrounds tend to lack the structures and protections to guard you against the dangerous elements of nature. To avoid flash floods and washouts, it’s advisable to camp far away from rivers, creeks, and other bodies of water. If you're camping in a tent, make sure it’s waterproof so you don’t get soaked when it rains. If you camp in harsh cold weather or hot weather, know your limitations and consider carrying a first aid kit.

Terrain

No one is paying to use them, so expect harsh, undeveloped terrain when navigating these campgrounds. You will want to consider the type of vehicle you bring along and ensure it can access and traverse the roads with ease. You can buy a truck bed and rooftop tent for better comfort and safety since certain areas have uneven terrain making it hard to sleep and prone to dangers.

Now that you’re more familiar with the concept of it go out there and start planning your next camping trip!