Free camping refers to the practice of staying overnight in recreational vehicles or tents without paying nightly fees, typically on public lands or in designated areas that do not charge for access. This approach is particularly popular among budget-conscious travellers and those seeking a more self-reliant outdoor experience. According to the provided source material, free campgrounds are generally located on public lands rather than in traditional RV parks or established commercial campgrounds. They often lack amenities such as electrical hookups, dump stations, or garbage collection, placing the responsibility for water supply, waste disposal, and other essentials on the camper. However, some sites may include basic features like picnic tables and fire rings, especially in national forests or federally managed areas.
The appeal of free camping lies in its flexibility and cost-saving potential. Travellers are not bound by reservations, strict check-in times, or premium pricing during peak seasons, making it ideal for spontaneous trips or extended journeys. For RV users, in particular, it offers opportunities to explore remote locations, enjoy solitude, and immerse in nature, with the added benefit of freeing up budget for other aspects of travel, such as visiting nearby national parks or state parks where fees may apply. That said, free camping is best suited for those comfortable with self-containment, monitoring cell service, and planning ahead for potable water and trash disposal. It is not universally recommended, as it requires preparation and adaptability to varying conditions.
Free campsites can vary significantly in quality and appearance. Positive experiences might involve private, designated sites with fire rings, pit toilets, fresh water pumps, and scenic views. More commonly, however, free camping involves parking on city streets, pull-outs, or even commercial parking lots like those of Walmart. The majority of sites fall somewhere in between these extremes. Travellers should be prepared for a range of scenarios and prioritise reading reviews to assess conditions before arrival.
Methods for Locating Free Campsites
There are three primary ways to identify free campsites: roaming and stumbling upon locations, learning about spots through word-of-mouth from friends or bloggers, and using apps or online tools to search in specific areas. While spontaneous discovery can occasionally yield excellent sites, it is generally unreliable, with most unplanned locations being suboptimal. Word-of-mouth recommendations from trusted sources are valuable but often limited in scope compared to digital resources. Apps and websites, therefore, represent the most efficient and comprehensive method for finding suitable free camping options, providing details on accessibility, user reviews, and features.
These tools are especially useful for RV travellers navigating public lands like national forests or Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas, where the vastness of the territory can make site selection overwhelming. They also help verify road conditions, which is crucial for vehicles without four-wheel drive or high clearance, as some remote sites may be inaccessible to standard campervans. Additionally, for those without self-contained vehicles, tools can highlight sites requiring basic outdoor skills, such as digging catholes for waste disposal and packing out all trash.
Recommended Apps and Websites for Free Camping in the USA
The source material emphasises that the discussed apps and websites are tailored to the United States and may not apply globally. For UK-based travellers interested in similar resources, it is advisable to seek country-specific alternatives, as the tools below are US-centric. No equivalent worldwide resource is currently identified in the provided data. The following selections are based on user reviews and community feedback, prioritising reliability through verified sources like app stores and official websites.
The Dyrt
The Dyrt is highlighted as a top choice for finding free campsites, with over one million user-submitted reviews and a database of more than 44,000 campsites—larger than any other camping app. Available on iOS and Android, it features a user-friendly interface that allows filtering campsites by preferences. The free membership includes: - Access to the extensive campsite database - Community features such as forums for advice and connection with other campers - Opportunities to win outdoor gear by leaving reviews - Easy filtering options for site preferences
A paid Pro membership (pricing not specified) adds offline access, which is invaluable in areas with sporadic cell signal, such as the Pacific Northwest or Rocky Mountains. The Dyrt was named the 2020 number one camping app and is praised for its comprehensive reviews and community engagement.
Campendium
Campendium is a popular app and website for RV camping, noted for highlighting free campgrounds, paid options, cell signal strength, road access, and user reviews. It is community-based, with sites submitted and rated by fellow campers, making it reliable for discovering spots in national forests or BLM lands. The platform helps narrow down options in expansive federal areas and provides insights into road roughness, which aids in assessing vehicle suitability. Campendium is almost identical to FreeCampsites.net, another community-driven resource mentioned in the sources.
AllStays
Priced at approximately £7.50 (converted from $10), AllStays is a paid app that offers detailed information on BLM land, National Forest camping, rest areas, Walmart parking lots, and additional features like dump stations, steep grades, water fill stations, Costcos, and gas stations. It allows searches beyond camping to support overall trip planning. However, a limitation is the lack of offline map downloads, requiring cell service for use—potentially problematic in remote areas. AllStays is recommended for identifying top spots among BLM and National Forest lands, provided users research ahead of losing connectivity.
Additional Resources
- FreeCampsites.net: A community-based website similar to Campendium, ideal for finding and reviewing free sites in national forests or BLM areas.
- National Geographic and DeLorme Atlases: These physical road atlases map National Forest (NF) and BLM lands, including roads suitable for free camping, trailheads, designated campgrounds, drinking water sources, and other points of interest. A specific National Geographic atlas for national forests is available for purchase on platforms like Amazon. These are useful for offline navigation and comprehensive planning.
Vehicle and Preparation Considerations for Free Camping
Success in free camping depends heavily on the type of vehicle and the camper's level of preparedness. Not all sites are suitable for every rig, so assessing your vehicle's capabilities is essential before selecting a location.
Vehicle Requirements
- Self-Contained Vehicles: For wild camping without facilities, a self-contained vehicle (with onboard toilet and waste storage) is preferable. If not available, campers must carry a shovel for digging catholes (6–8 inches deep) and at least 200 feet from water sources) and a trash bag for disposing of toilet paper and hygiene products.
- 4-Wheel Drive and High Clearance: Remote campsites on unmaintained forest roads often require 4x4 vehicles. Without it, options may be limited, though reviews on apps can help identify accessible sites. Standard campervans can still access many locations by choosing well-reviewed spots with good road descriptions.
Comfort and Essentials
- Seating and Lounging: Most free sites lack picnic tables, so bringing camp chairs, a picnic blanket, or a hammock enhances comfort. For example, in campervans with fixed beds, alternative seating is necessary for eating and relaxing outdoors.
- Water and Waste Management: Plan for potable water supply and trash disposal, as these are rarely provided. Apps can help locate water fill stations.
- Cell Service and Connectivity: Spotty signal in remote areas underscores the importance of offline tools or pre-downloaded maps.
Preparation ensures a more enjoyable experience, turning potential challenges into part of the adventure.
Environmental and Safety Guidelines
A core principle of free camping is adhering to Leave No Trace practices to preserve natural areas for future users. Key rules from the sources include: - Camp only on durable surfaces like established sites, rock, gravel, dry grasses, or snow. - Maintain a distance of at least 200 feet from lakes and streams. - Do not alter sites; good campsites are found, not made. - Pack in all items and pack out all trash, including food scraps and litter. - For human waste, use catholes as described, and always pack out toilet paper and hygiene products. - To wash yourself or dishes, carry water 200 feet from waterways and use minimal biodegradable soap; scatter strained dishwater. - If fires are allowed, use established rings or pans, keep fires small, and follow local regulations.
These practices minimise environmental impact and align with the self-reliant ethos of free camping.
Practical Tips for UK Travellers Seeking Free Camping Abroad
While the provided data focuses on US resources, UK-based travellers can adapt these concepts by researching equivalent tools for international destinations. For instance, apps like Park4Night (popular in Europe) or UK-specific sites like Brit Stops (for overnight parking) may offer similar functionality. However, the sources do not detail UK options, so users should verify availability through official travel forums or government websites for public land access in countries like France, Spain, or Australia. Always check local regulations, as free camping rules vary by region and may require permits or be restricted in certain areas.
In summary, free camping is a rewarding option for those equipped with the right knowledge and tools. By leveraging apps like The Dyrt, Campendium, and AllStays, along with offline maps, campers can discover diverse sites while prioritising self-sufficiency and environmental stewardship. For UK audiences, exploring domestic equivalents will ensure compliance with local laws and enhance the overall experience.
Conclusion
Free camping provides an affordable, flexible way to enjoy outdoor travel, particularly for RV and campervan users in the USA, by utilising public lands without nightly fees. Success hinges on selecting appropriate tools like The Dyrt, Campendium, and AllStays, preparing for self-contained needs, and following Leave No Trace principles. While the discussed resources are US-specific, they illustrate effective methods for locating sites that balance accessibility, cost savings, and natural immersion. Travellers should always prioritise reliable reviews and vehicle suitability to avoid pitfalls, ensuring a safe and sustainable adventure.