Learn where and how to find FREE campsites on your next road trip with this list of our favorite websites, apps & maps for finding free dispersed camping.
If you are planning a road trip or are a new van-lifer, you might be surprised by how much camping fees add up over time, especially if you end up staying at National Parks or privately owned campgrounds. I realized this when I got my first Sprinter Van in 2016, and I quickly learned that paying $15-50 every night for established campgrounds was not going to be an option if I wanted to be on the road long-term.
Since then, I’ve been using a variety of tools to find free campsites, also referred to as dispersed camping or boondocking. Whether you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path place to set up your tent away from crowds or are trying to stick to a budget, this blog post on how to find free camping will help you find great campsites during your road trip.
Dispersed camping
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. 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.
Boondocking
Boondocking is a blanket term for all free camping used by RVers, roadtrippers, and long-term travelers. It can be used interchangeably with any other term for free camping.
Stealth camping
Stealth camping is the act of camping in an urban area that is not primarily used for overnight camping. Residential neighborhoods, industrial areas, and big box stores like Walmart and Cracker Barrel are common places to get some shut-eye for free.
Dry camping
Dry camping refers to camping without potable water access or electrical hookups. It is interchangeable with boondocking, free camping, and dispersed camping.
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