There is a selfish part of me that wants to keep the secret of finding free or cheap campsites to myself. Lots of trial and error over many long road-trips with my Fiancé Maren went into developing a system. Initially there is a little bit of panic in the back of your mind at the uncertainty of where you are going to sleep as the sun starts to sink lower. As time goes on, and you become more comfortable living with that uncertainty, it turns into more of a game or challenge.
In the spirit of helping others to crack the code, and hopefully getting a couple more people out there on the road soaking in its beauty and enjoying the eccentricities, I’ll share the basic system we use. It isn’t perfect, and it’s always evolving, but it should take a little of that initial doubt or fear out of starting the journey.
I am not sure how many people know about the amazing network of public land in the States that’s just begging to be camped on. A few years ago, I had no clue until I bumped into a Ranger in Sequoia National Forest. There are different types and different rules, but they basically follow the same principals. I’ve broken them down below into categories, and as always, use common sense when you’re camping out there. Stay within your limits, don’t ruin it for the rest of us, be courteous, clean up after yourself, yadda yadda. Just be a good person.
I can’t stress enough how valuable a National Parks Pass is if you are serious about spending any extended time on the road. It gets you free admission to parks, and half price camping. There are different options available. It is free to Seniors, Active Duty Military, and anyone with a disability. This little plastic card is going to save you a ton of money.
National Forests
Each National Forest has its own rules about what activities are allowed, but you can research all of that on their website before you get there.Generally there is a campground with primitive sites, (fire ring, pit toilet), and then usually some dispersed camping areas where you can basically pull up, and set up your own camp.
If you are using a tent, not your vehicle, options expand. Once you are far enough away from water sources or roads, Bob’s your Uncle. Wherever you sling your pack down is your new home. There is usually a 14 day limit on staying in National Forests.
Lastly, National Parks are usually full to the brim, and people book sites months in advance. The beauty is, National Parks are usually bordered by the less regulated and less popular National Forests. If you are willing to stay just outside the Park, you can usually find a great spot away from the hordes for cheap or even free.
National Parks
To some, it might sound like I am some kind of elitist, and don’t mingle with the tourists and summertime crowds at National Parks. To a degree that’s true. I don’t like being in a built-up campground buzzing with noisy generators, and RV’s that have flat-screen TV’s bigger than my house.
Having said that, they are National Parks for a reason. They are some of the most stunning and breathtaking sights you can visit in America. The convenience of rolling out of bed, already being in the Park, and having the whole day to hike can make it totally worth it to book in advance. Prices are usually not too crazy, especially if you have the year pass, (50% off), and the proceeds go to keeping National Parks up and running.
If you travel outside of the summer months, you can even score campgrounds that are nearly empty, and special deals on other offers. In January, Maren and I were somehow given a table by the windows in the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite during a snowstorm for a white tablecloth brunch buffet. Shout-out to the Maitrede, who seated us there even though we had clearly been living in our Landcruiser and hadn’t showered in days.
Bureau of Land Management, or BLM
This is where is really gets interesting. I always compare the BLM to the wild west because it just seems to be so loosely monitored to me. Basically, you figure out where there is BLM land, generally out west, and you are allowed to just drive on, and set up camp. It is free, you can stay for 14 days, and you usually won’t see another soul. You can really get sense of peace and quiet out there. Just don’t leave your doors open in grasslands or you’ll pick up a hitchhiking mouse. It’s tough to convince them to leave.
My biggest issue with BLM land is actually finding it. I usually load the state map for where I am headed from here, but even then it can be tough. Usually it is word of mouth or info out there on blogs that is most useful. If you are ever in the San Louis Obispo area, go to Carrizzo Plains. It is like being on Mars.
Other Resources
There are a couple of Aps that are pretty handy when you are there boondocking it, and money is tight. I like The Dyrt, it generally has up to date information, and the sites are pretty nice. Only downside is once you cross into Canada it doesn’t work.
iOverlander is another pretty good ap, but also includes a lot of parking lots and spots of questionable legality.
I’m hesitant to throw this one in, but freecampsites.net has a lot of spots on there. It has also brought us down some of the most sketchy roads I have ever been on, so use it with caution, or when you want to test your own mortality.
These are all crowdsourced Aps. Users can edit or review campsites. One man’s paradise can be another’s nightmare, so additional research is always encouraged. Don’t just rely on ShredTheGnar420’s review from 3 years ago.
Get on out and find some sweet spots off the tourist trap path to sleep. Reach out to me if you want some suggestions in specific spots, if I have any hidden gems, I’ll let you know.
