Handbook: Free Camping
The world is full of free places to stay.
From parking spaces in the squares of European villages to empty deserts, Walmart parking lots to Mexican restaurants happy to allow you camp the night away in exchange for purchasing a meal, free camping can be found almost anywhere you choose to roam, and it’s often the most beautiful and even desirable of locations.
In the United States, most free camping is found in the Western states, such as Colorado, Arizona and California, in national forests and on BLM land. This is by no means the only free camping you can find in this country, though. Cracker Barrel and Cabela’s often offer respite from the road to those traveling by RV, as do many a casino. It all comes down to what your idea of “camping,” and a worthy spot comprise.
Featured Articles
Free Camping in the National Forests of the United States
A thorough guide to camping in national forests. Sorted by state, awesomeness, and more stuff the camper in you will love.
The Best BLM Camping in the American West
The wild open wilderness of every American’s backyard. Notes on cell coverage, specific sites in each state, photos and general vibe included.
The Most Beautiful Free Desert Camping in the Southwestern United States
Exploring some of the lesser-known, most gorgeous areas to camp completely free in the Southwestern United States. Includes links to actual camping spots on Campendium and info on flora, fauna and natural surroundings for each place.
This is Boondocking
Guides to getting setup with electric, water, how not to trash the place and a handful of the best places to camp for free.
Free Camping with Cell Service in Colorado
Our top ten picks for finding gorgeous free camping in the State of Colorado, replete with enough cell service for digital nomads to get the job done.
Snowbirding Southern Arizona for Young Travelers
Amazing places to camp, hike and explore in Southern Arizona. Snowbirding does not have to be a retirees-only affair!
More Related Articles
Why Should I Camp Responsibly?
Straightforward and useful recommendations on not only how to make sure we can preserve natural places for not only future generations, but ourselves.
Camping and Small Towns of Medicine Bow National Forest
A tour along the scenic byway through the Sierra Madres, Snow Range and Pole Mountain, plus all points between.
A Brief Introduction to Camping in Europe
The different types of camping, generally, available across Europe.
Complete and Easy Guide to Getting Setup With Solar
Forget figuring out every last amp and detail, we’ll show you the things most vanlifers need to live full-time in their rides, the equipment and costs you’ll need to put into the system, and how to hook it up all by yourself.
All the National Monuments with Camping
State-by-state guide to national monuments, some of the best kept secrets in the United States, and specifically those with camping within their boundaries.
RV and Van Living in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado
Exploring the San Juan Mountains, National Forest and the small towns living within their elevation.
Roadtripping in Sweden. General info, ideas and 6 favorite places.
Info on Sweden’s nationwide free camping, great places to go and general info on traveling the country.
Small Town National Parks
Diving into the best small towns near national parks of the United States.
Vandwelling in Europe: Interview with Here Today Vanagon Tomorrow
The exploits of a Canadian family who shipped their Vanagon Stormie to Europe to travel, find themselves and live a closer life.
How Much Does RV Camping Cost per Night?
Charts and statistics on every state in the United States. How much private and public campgrounds cost, as well as free camping, focus on RVs and vanlife.
A Tour of Baja California: A First Timer’s Guide to Overlanding Baja
Information on getting into Baja, crossing to the mainland via La Paz ferries, and the best places to visit while in Baja California.
Living in National Forests for Free
Living rent-free in the nation’s grand National Forests. Be one with nature, live off the government, no welfare involved!
Free Camping in God’s Valley
A gorgeous setting and as secluded as you can hope to be, seeing as how you’re almost guaranteed to be the only campers around. Very primitive, very big trees.
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