Here’s How to Find Free Camping Near You (Tent, RV, Fishing Campsites and More)

Become a Seasonal Camp Host

Not only is this a great way to get free camping, but you can even earn some cash on the side!

All you need to do is find a campground that’s hiring, which can be found through the Recreation Resource Management or a state park system.

These jobs can last from a month or an entire summer. Most jobs are welcoming to those who have a family, which can make a great way to provide the kids with a summer vacation without paying an arm and a leg.

Types of free camping spots

There are many different kinds of free camping sites out there, each type providing their own unique experiences. To help you find what you are looking for, we’ve listed the types below.

National Forests and Grasslands

These are public lands owned by the Forest Service. They exist in nearly every US state, though not all allow free camping. It’s important to research the forest you want to visit to find out what free camping areas are available there.

If you are planning on visiting a national forest, you can visit the U.S. Forest Service website to find a ranger district and weather alerts that can affect your camping plans and routes.

Camping in a national forest is suited for RVs, Vans, and tent camping. Most national forests have a 14-day stay limit, though this does vary.

While few national parks allow free camping, many parks are boarded by national forest or grasslands which do. You are allowed to camp for free in these spots unless otherwise marked.

In these types of camps, you must be self-sufficient as there are usually zero amenities. Some of these places also have a fire restriction, so you’ll have to check with the ranger office before starting one.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

This land is found out west in the US. Free camping is allowed on most of this land for 14 – 30 days, depending on local regulation.

The land is generally open, desert landscapes with uses such as:

• Recreation
• Grazing
• Logging
• Resource extraction

Because of these users, you might wake up to find cattle or mining operations near your campsite, so be sure to research an area before stopping.

Some BLM land has maintained campgrounds with fees around $4 – $10 per night. While not free, this is still extremely cheap compared to some of the options out there.

BLM land is good for tent camping, RVs, and Vans. There are many secluded spots in these areas if you crave some solitude. Don’t expect there to be any amenities however and be sure to leave no trace of your camping behind. Also, check fire restriction in the area before starting a campfire.

Overnight parking lots

Perhaps this isn’t the most scenic place to stop at, but it certainly works in a pinch. Many places offer free overnight parking, such as:

• Walmart
• Camping Word
• Cracker Barrel
• Casinos (Use the map locator on casinocamper.com to find overnight parking!)

When camping at these spots, it’s important to stay inside your vehicle for the night. This means all your sleeping, cooking, and hanging out has to be done inside.

The rules and limitations for overnight parking vary by location. Every Walmart has different rules. If you have doubts, you can always simply ask management. Be sure to ask management if its okay before sleeping there, or else you risk them calling the police on you.

This type of camping only works for RVs and Vans, as tent camping is almost never allowed. Remember that overnight parking can be loud, bright, and busy.

There are few amenities at most locations, so you will have to be self-sufficient. Some truck stops might offer coin-operated laundry machines or showers, but this isn’t always the case. Luckily, you will almost always have access to a restroom at these locations, which is a huge plus.

When parking overnight, its best to park at the edge of the parking lot away from normal store activities. It’s smart and courteous to leave early in the morning so you aren’t annoying for the store.

Crown Land (Canada)

If you live outside the US, you might not be aware that around 89% of Canada is legally designated “Crown Land”. This means that the majority of it is free for public use (some non-residents may have to pay for a permit, which varies by province.)

You are allowed to camp for free on Crown Land for up to 21 days, depending on the area. Crown Land is divided into different subcategories, which each have their own restriction. Be sure to look up the restrictions of the area you want to visit before camping there. Many of the websites we listed above can tell you easily what restrictions there are.

Crown Land is great for tent camping, RVs and Vans, and backpacking. Your experience will vary based on where you visit. In some provinces, there are simple campgrounds with few amenities. Most Crown Land is in remote regions of the country, so it’s a good idea to be prepared for 100% self-sufficiency.

To help you find Crown Land, here are some official maps:

Truck Stops

These should be your last choice when it comes to free, overnight camping. However, if you are in a pinch, camping out at a truck stop might not be a bad idea.

Some stop ban RVs from staying, however, these are a few travel-centered brands that don’t mind:

On their websites, you can find the location of any of their travel centers, which is great if you are on the go and need to make an emergency stop for the day.

While driving down the freeway, you are more than likely to find rest stops, which also work great for overnight parking. To find a rest stop near you, check out this map here.

Pros and Cons of Free Camping

Free camping isn’t always a glamorous experience, but the adventure might just be worth it.

Pro: Privacy

Premium campgrounds tend to be swamped with people, especially in state and national parks. You risk the chance of dealing with annoying neighbors who blare music even during the night. There is a low chance of privacy in these places, which is often the main thing campers seek!

Free camping in a remote area keeps you in solitude. You’re less likely to find other people annoying you while enjoying your stay. You won’t have to wear earplugs when you sleep or fight a crowd to snag a scenic spot to settle for the week.

Pro: Low-Cost Vacation

Camping for free means you only need to pay for gas and food. You get access to endless fun outdoors, including hiking, bird watching, and sometimes outdoor swimming, completely free.

Why spend thousands of dollars on an expensive vacation (read this to learn how to save for your next vacation) when the outdoors can give you just as much fun for free?

This is especially true for larger families who would have to pay tons of money for hotel rooms to house everyone.

Con: Your RV is too large + other restrictions

Most free campsites have restrictions on the size of RVs they allow. You might find it much harder to find a spot if you have a large vehicle with you.

Often free campsites, especially those not out in the wild, will have heavy regulation and restrictions that might damper the fun. You might be required to stay inside your vehicle at all times, or perhaps you won’t be able to do any outdoor cooking.

Con: Lack of Amenities

Free camping isn’t going to be as comfortable as staying at a hotel. There likely won’t be wifi, TV, or even generators for electricity. Many paid camping spots have amenities that you simply won’t find at more free places.

When looking for a camping spot, don’t expect to find:

• Electric or water hookups
• Restrooms
• Picnic tables
• Trash pickup

If you do find one of these, count yourself lucky! If you think you simply can’t live without fancy amenities, then you might want to splurge on a more expensive campsite or skip the whole idea of camping altogether.

Conclusion

Free camping isn’t going to be meant for everyone. If you are fine with the idea of living rough and wild, you’re probably going to love it. However, if there are simply just some things modern society offers that you can’t live without, then you might want to pass on the opportunity.

It’s important to remember that this style of camping can provide some once in a lifetime opportunities for adventure. As long as you come prepared and do a little research beforehand, you can truly have one of the best camping experiences of your life.

We hope that this free camping guide was useful for you. Do you have any tips or experiences with free camping that you’d like to share? Leave a comment for us and our readers below!