How to Camp For Free Across the United States

Camping is a fantastic experience and opportunity to travel across the country for a stretch of time, or for a few days locally. It can ignite your adventurous side and deliver excitement and a sensation of feeling alive, whether it’s a lengthy adventure or a mini trip. It can inspire a shift from your everyday routine.

A cheap alternative to hitting the road and seeing some incredible sights is free camping throughout the United States! It’s a fantastic way to take in the breathtaking scenery and learn about the nation’s beauty and diversity.

I’ll share some excellent resources with you so you won’t feel disoriented or overwhelmed. While I usually have a few key objectives in mind when I go on an adventure, I also like to give myself some time to wander and let Spirit guide my sense of wonder and inner compass. Some people may find this to be a little daunting because they need a little more time to plan. Find what works best for you.

How it Started for Me.

Back in 2005, I got a taste of a more nomadic way of life and travel. I began to exclusively train with the Tracker School, a Wilderness Survival School focused on the lineage, philosophy, and teachings of the Apache Scout. 

 It was a pivotal point in my life as I yearned for more freedom and self-discovery outside of the confines of modern society. I had a taste of Freedom that opened the doors for me to do multiple solo cross-country trips and wandering quests. I haven’t stopped since.

My solo journey started off in a Mini Cooper. If I can cruise and live like a nomad out of a tiny mobile, then most vehicles are doable! Traveling this way became a way of life for me. Not only did I delve into some of the most amazing locations in this country and beyond, but I discovered something invaluable… Myself

So, let’s get into it!

First and foremost:

Practice Leave No Trace Principles

-Remove all of your trash; don’t be one of THOSE!

-Observe any fire restrictions that may be in effect. Check to see if there are any fire bans in the area. If the site is dry, use best fire-making practices, and don’t leave your fire unattended. Because roots can catch fire and spread underground, you should be mindful of how you place your fire. If you are not aware of how to tend fire, do some research.

-Honor and Respect Wildlife.

-Leave the camping area in better condition than you found it. This is by far the best preparation for venturing out in whatever setting you choose. Whether you’re camping in the wilderness or in a parking lot. This will contribute to the preservation of our country’s beautiful outdoors for present and future generations to enjoy.

Your camping adventure can be in a tent, RV, car, or minivan, choose your adventure!

Here are a few different types of camping:

Boondocking:

a.k.a Dry camping or dispersed camping is when you camp outside of a traditional campground in an RV, van, or motorhome with no hookups (no electricity or water). Dry campers usually set up camp for free on public lands as well as private property (with the permission of the owner, of course).

Pros:

-You can camp for free

-Disconnect from the world and enjoy nature

-More intimate experience with nature

Considerations:

-You need to be completely self-sufficient and off-grid

-Cell service may be spotty or nonexistent

-If you want electricity bring solar equipment or a generator

-Bring plenty of water or a water filtration system

Car Camping:

Is a very inexpensive and convenient way to traverse long distances or to explore areas where you want to spend a few days exploring. Car camping refers to the practice of sleeping in one’s car while camping providing a more comfortable camping experience than traditional backpacking or hiking trips. Car camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors without having to sacrifice comfort. With a few simple supplies, you can have all the comforts of home while enjoying the beauty of nature.

Pros:

-You can bring all your gear with you

-More comfortable than backpacking

-You are present with your car in case you need anything or have to leave immediately.

-Have easier access to wifi and cell service. (Important for those who run a business on the go like me.)

Considerations:

-Not as intimate with nature

-Depending on your vehicle, It can feel somewhat confining. Make it your comfy nest. I made it work out of a Mini Cooper, Ford Escape, Mini Van, and Jeep. It’s best if the seats fold flat, duh!

-Are there any regulations in the state around car camping? There have been a few times I have gotten a knock on the window by police to move my location. Good thing I never got a ticket.

Backpacking/Wilderness/Primitive Camping:

Backpacking is when you hike into the wilderness carrying all your gear on your back. Backpacking is usually done in designated Wilderness Areas where cars are not allowed. Be prepared to be self-sufficient. This is most likely tent camping unless you find some lean-tos on more popular hiking trails.

Primitive Camping is for those that appreciate the old ways of indigenous skills and bushcraft. Building a Debris Shelter or lean-to, while using resources respectfully from the land. Check out the Standard class at The Tracker School to learn these skills.

Pros:

-You can camp anywhere you can hike to

-More intimate experience with nature

-Can be very rewarding

Considerations:

-You have to carry all your gear on your back there and back again.

-Can be challenging if you’re not used to hiking with a lot of weight on your back or prone to chronic injuries.

-Cell service may be spotty or nonexistent

-Leave no trace.

RV Camping:

RV camping is when you sleep in an RV at a developed campground or undeveloped site. RV camping can be done in a wide variety of places, from your backyard to remote wilderness areas. If you want to camp for free while RV’ng you will most likely be Boondocking or sleeping in a Commercial Lot.

Pros:

-Can find locations easily while on the road if planned accordingly.

-More comfortable than tent camping

-You can bring all your gear with you

Considerations:

-May be difficult to find a flat spot to camp

-You have to pay for a campsite

-Not as intimate with nature

Free Campsite Resource Websites & Apps

You can begin planning your trip now that you have a better understanding of the various types of camping. Here are some great resources for finding free campsites across the United States:

–Free Campsites: This website is a directory of over 13,000 free and low-cost campsites in the United States.

–Campendium: Shares updated News and Blog along with suggestions of top rated sites.

–The Dyrt: Shows tips and destinations for over 50,000 camping sites in the US.

–Allstays: Free maps and lists of campgrounds and commercial parking areas and rest stop locations to spend the night.

–Free Roam: An app with a social forum and directory to find campsites.

–iOverlander Allows its users to submit, edit, and find information and opinions, primarily about places necessary for overlanding.

–Interstate Rest Areas: Check out this link for listings on rest areas with permission to stay the night.

Public/Commercial Areas

When overnight parking at businesses, take into consideration that some cities may have laws prohibiting sleeping in your car or camping. Always do your homework and follow any local laws. You may want to call ahead to see if overnight parking is allowed and where they prefer you to park your vehicle.

Allstays: As referred to above.. has listings available for campgrounds, public spaces, commercial parking areas and rest stop locations to spend the night.

Walmart

Sams Club

Cracker Barrel

RV/Truckstops

Rest Areas: Check out this link for listings on rest areas with permission to stay the night.

Home improvement stores – Home Depot, Lowes

Camping World

Be Mindful, Safe, & Trust your Intuition

It is always important to be aware of your surroundings and trust your intuition when car camping or dispersed camping on public lands. If something about a campsite doesn’t feel right, leave. There have been occasions where I trusted my intuitive sense and left a campsite for unknown reasons. I know following those subtle cues saved my life.

There was a time I was settled into a site in Sedona Arizona, I felt an overwhelming urge to leave and listened. The next day I got the news that a wildfire was raging through the forest canyon. Sometimes things do not make sense, but if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, it may be best to move locations.

Use situational awareness at all of your locations. You may want to cover up your gear as much as possible. Concealing your windows, locking your doors, and safekeeping your items at all times.

*I like to have a family member or friend know where my location is. You can always pin your location on your phone and text it to them to be safe. I like to do this for solo hiking as well, so someone is aware of your last location.

When selecting a campsite, consider the following:

-Can the site be seen from the road? Avoid locations that are too close to the road or are highly visible.

-Is the area clear of debris and hazards? Avoid camping in areas where there are sharp objects that could puncture your tent. Also, keep an eye out for dead trees or widow makers that may fall on your tent.

-Is the location away from washes and riverbanks? Be mindful of flashflood areas, don’t be caught off guard.

-Be aware of potential hazards in the area.

What to pack in addition to your clothing norms, etc…

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*Check out my STORE called CAR CAMPING for most items and more listed below. Here.

Bring a MAP suitable for your trip. You never know when your GPS will go awry!

A Bolster: If car camping I found it super beneficial to have a bolster under my knees to take the pressure off my low back. Makes for a comfortable night’s sleep.

Sleeping System/Covers: Bedding including air mattress/Thermarest

Packable Mini Stove

Butane

Stove

Water filter bottle/ Water gallons

Lifestraw

Shower Bag/Pop up tent

Rotopax Gas Container

Bushcraft Knife

Pocket Knife

Garbage/Trash Bag

Bear Canister

Solar

Personal Hygiene Items

First Aid Kit

Self Defense items: Pepperspray if legal in your state. I strategically place items in my vehicle so I know where they are and can be accessed quickly if needed, along with my personal belongings.

My store with more. Travel, Wellness, & Lifestyle items.

https://www.amazon.com/shop/donnabrickwood

Now, Be safe, have fun and get out there and start planning your adventure!