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How to Find the Best Free Camping Spots Across the U.S.

How to Find the Best Free Camping Spots Across the U.S.

Rebecca Babicz |

The best campsites aren’t always the ones with reservations and picnic tables. Some of the most unforgettable nights under the stars happen for free—off-grid, away from the crowds, and surrounded by actual quiet.

Here’s how to find the best free (and legal) camping spots across the country:

 

 

1. Know Where to Look

National Forests & BLM Land

  • These are the goldmine of free camping in the U.S.

  • Most national forests and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas allow dispersed camping, typically up to 14 days.

  • No bathrooms, no trash service—just space, solitude, and stars.

Look for pre-established sites with flat ground, fire rings, and durable surfaces.

State Trust Lands & Wildlife Areas

  • Some allow free or low-cost camping, but always check each state’s regulations.

  • May require free permits or basic registration.

 

 

2. Use These Tools

  • FreeRoam: Shows free camping areas, road conditions, and cell coverage.

  • iOverlander: Crowd-sourced spots with GPS pins, reviews, and photos.

  • Campendium: Includes free site filters, access notes, and ratings.

  • Gaia GPS / OnX Backcountry: Land ownership overlays help confirm where dispersed camping is legal.

 

 

3. Follow These Rules (Seriously)

  • Pack it in, pack it out

  • Don’t build new fire rings

  • Camp at least 200 ft. from lakes and streams

  • Check for fire bans and restrictions

  • Don’t block roads, gates, or trail access

  • Leave it better than you found it

The privilege of free camping depends on everyone doing their part.

 

 

4. Go In With the Right Gear

Free camping usually means no amenities and no gear store nearby. Bring:

  • A reliable water filter

  • Trash bags

  • Extra light sources (headlamp, lantern)

  • A solid tent (wind and weather resistant)

  • Layers for changing temps

 

 

5. Favorite Free Camping Zones by Region

We’ve rounded up some of the best free dispersed camping areas by state—just to get you started:

West

  • Utah: Fishlake NF, Dixie NF, Grand Staircase-Escalante BLM

  • California: Inyo NF, Sierra NF, Los Padres NF

  • Colorado: San Juan NF, Gunnison NF, Roosevelt NF

  • Arizona: Coconino NF, Tonto NF, Prescott NF

  • Nevada: Humboldt-Toiyabe NF, BLM near Great Basin

Pacific Northwest

  • Oregon: Deschutes NF, Umpqua NF, Mount Hood NF

  • Washington: Okanogan-Wenatchee NF, Olympic Peninsula backroads

Southwest & Central

  • New Mexico: Gila NF, Carson NF, Lincoln NF

  • Texas: Big Bend BLM areas, Sam Houston NF (limited)

Midwest

  • Minnesota: Superior NF, Chippewa NF

  • Michigan: Hiawatha NF, Ottawa NF

  • Wisconsin: Chequamegon-Nicolet NF

East Coast & Appalachia

  • Pennsylvania: Allegheny NF

  • West Virginia: Monongahela NF

  • North Carolina: Pisgah NF, Nantahala NF

  • Tennessee: Cherokee NF

Southeast

  • Florida: Ocala NF (limited free spots, check ranger stations)

  • Georgia: Chattahoochee-Oconee NF

Mountain States

  • Montana: Gallatin NF, Flathead NF

  • Wyoming: Bridger-Teton NF, Bighorn NF

  • Idaho: Sawtooth NF, Payette NF

Show up early to claim a good spot, especially on weekends and holidays.

 

 

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