You don't have to pay $40/night for a crowded campground. Across America, millions of acres of public land offer free or nearly-free camping. Here's how to find it.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
BLM manages 245 million acres, mostly in the West. Much of it allows dispersed camping:
- Generally free for up to 14 days
- No reservations needed
- No facilities (bring everything, pack out everything)
- Incredible wilderness access
Popular BLM camping areas: near Moab, UT; outside Sedona, AZ; California desert areas.
National Forest Dispersed Camping
Similar to BLM, the Forest Service allows camping outside designated campgrounds:
- Usually free
- Camp 100-200 feet from water and roads
- Specific restrictions vary by forest—check ranger district rules
- Fire restrictions may apply
Finding Free Campsites
Apps and Websites
- FreeRoam: User-submitted free camping locations
- iOverlander: Detailed camping spots including free options
- Campendium: Reviews of free and paid sites
- Recreation.gov: Official site for federal lands
- FreeCampsites.net: Crowdsourced database
Map Research
Look for BLM (yellow) and National Forest (green) land on maps. These areas often allow dispersed camping.
Cheap Government Campgrounds
When you want facilities without full prices:
National Forest Campgrounds
$10-25/night typically, with basic facilities.
Army Corps of Engineers
Often overlooked, Corps campgrounds at reservoirs and lakes offer great value at $12-24/night.
State Park Alternatives
State forests and wildlife management areas sometimes offer camping at $5-15/night.
Rules and Etiquette
Leave No Trace
- Pack out all trash (including food scraps)
- Use existing fire rings or camp stoves
- Camp on durable surfaces
- Bury human waste 6-8 inches deep, 200 feet from water
Fire Safety
- Check fire restrictions before building any fire
- Keep fires small and contained
- Never leave fires unattended
- Completely extinguish before sleeping
Vehicle Requirements
Not all free camping is accessible to all vehicles:
- Some areas require high-clearance or 4WD
- Check road conditions before committing
- Know your vehicle's limitations
- Download offline maps—cell service often absent
Safety Considerations
- Tell someone your plans and expected return
- Arrive before dark to assess sites
- Check for hazards (dead trees, flood zones)
- Have emergency supplies and first aid
- Know location for emergency services
Best Regions for Free Camping
- Southwest: Abundant BLM land (Utah, Arizona, Nevada)
- Pacific Northwest: Extensive National Forests
- Rocky Mountains: National Forests throughout
- East Coast: Less public land, but National Forests exist