Handbook: National Forests
If National Parks are the United States’ jewels, our national forests are the crowns in which they’re embedded.
They’re the prime source of old-growth left in this nation, some forests thousands of years old. In the Pacific Northwest, glacially carved valleys wear fir coats, and even the younger trees dwarf anything you’ll find in the Rockies or back east. California’s national forests are filled with record-setting redwoods and sequoias and the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest alike, where the oldest living things on this planet thrive despite windswept winters and desert hot summers alike. The Rocky Mountains and Appalachians bear their own stands, dramatically different in landscape but stunning each in their own right.
Free camping, endless hiking and nearly every other type of outdoor recreation imaginable can be had in the United States National Forests, and they’re simply put one of the best things about this vast country.
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.
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.
Ancient Bristlecones
The story of a young scientist, his ax, and a 5,000 year old tree.
Old-Growth National Forest Campgrounds of the Pacific Northwest
Stories from campgrounds in Oregon and Washington, focusing on those in old-growth settings.
Black Hills
Cragged stony hills, small old west towns and wildlife roaming all around, from bison to Wild Bill Hickok, explore the Black Hills from the Wand’rly perspective.
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.
More Articles About National Forests
Vanlife Roadtrip Through Arkansas
Cities, national parks, national forests, skateparks and great van camping in Arkansas, the Natural State.
Northern Florida for Snowbirds
Exploring places to camp, the best towns and beaches, and why spending the winters in Northern Florida is right up our alley.
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.
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.
Free, America
How to live
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.
Chasing Autumn: Small Towns, State Parks and National Forests in Pennsylvania
Touring the best Pennsylvania has to offer come the changing of the leaves.
Blog Posts About National Forests
Greetings from Mono Lake!
A pristine turquoise lake, the Sierras as the backdrop and a perfect boondocking spot to serve as base camp for it all.
Greetings from Tioga Pass in Sunny Yosemite!
Leaning into Yosemite from the Eastern Sierras, living among the national forests that line this slice of California’s most beautiful stretch of road along US 395.
Greetings from the Ancient Bristlecone Pines!
Meeting the eldest life on earth, and the snowstorm they served us as a greeting.
In the Rain Shadow of Mount Whitney
The campgrounds, weather and daily living off a family exploring the Owens Valley, the Eastern Sierras, and especially Mt. Whitney.
Greetings from Northern Georgia!
Exploring the stunning natural beauty of GA’s state parks and national forests.