There are more tools available than we list here, but after 5+ years of road tripping in my van, these are my favorite online resources and apps for finding free campsites: The Dyrt & The Dyrt PRO On the USFS website, you can search by state and select a specific forest or grassland to learn more about. For information on camping at USFS locations across the country, you have to check with each ranger district directly. Similar to BLM lands, dispersed camping is allowed in over 175 national forests and grasslands in the United States. The tools and apps we talk about in the next section will also help you identify where free BLM camping is. Some states have pretty handy guides, like Idaho, and you also contact the local BLM office to get more info on where you can camp for free. Unfortunately, the BLM doesn’t have a comprehensive map on their website showing where all of the free BLM campsites are, but you can get a feel for what’s available in your region by browsing their regional maps found here. Bureau of Land Management (BLM)īureau of Land Management (BLM) land is mostly found out west, and dispersed camping is allowed on most BLM land for up to 14 days, although in popular areas that limit can be shorter – always follow posted signs. Be sure to follow all rules and regulations and apply for a camping permit if one is required. Any areas that are off-limits are generally marked by signs. Regulations vary by location and you’ll typically find signs at the start of the dirt road telling you how long you can stay, any fire restrictions in place, and any other important information that you’ll want to know. Some, like the National Parks, offer mostly paid campgrounds, while other agencies – like the BLM – typically have a 14-day free camping limit.īLM, or the Bureau of Land Management, and US Forest Service land are the two types of public land where free camping is most easily found. Not all public land agencies manage dispersed camping in the same way. Understanding different public land designations will help you find free campsites.

If you stop by a National Forest office, ranger station, or call one of these agencies, you’ll want to ask about dispersed camping options in the area. This is the official free camping term used by the National Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the two agencies that oversee the majority of free camping lands in the US.

We’re going to break down everything you need to know, starting with a few common names that are used for free camping: Dispersed camping We think the benefits of free camping well outweigh the negatives, but we know that planning a free camping trip can be a little overwhelming at first. Ability to make or change last-minute plans.Offers more solitude and remoteness than a traditional campground.So why would anyone want to give the comforts of an established campground? Here are some of the positive trade-offs of free camping: You’ll need to come fully prepared with everything you need, pack everything out, and abide by Leave No Trace principles. Free camping doesn’t allow for advanced reservations, and it means you’ll most likely be without amenities such as potable water, picnic tables, trash cans, showers, and toilets. While most established campgrounds require a fee, free camping means you can camp for free in your car, tent, camper van, or RV. Book your call now! What Is “Free Camping”?

Free camping road trip planner