Want to travel across the US on a budget? Luckily, there are plenty of amazing public lands that offer free camping across the United States. You’ll find many of the best free campsites are in locations straight out of your wildest dreams.

Backcountry camping, dispersed camping, and off-grid camping are all popular ways to enjoy US free camping and see the country’s landscapes for less. Government agencies typically maintain these public lands, and they keep them free for visitors to use. In fact, National Forests and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands are some of the best places to find free campsites. There are tons of scenic camping spots to discover and explore – from towering forests to open deserts. With a little research (or help from free camping apps), you can uncover countless hidden gems on public lands across the country. Keep in mind that free campsites are typically undeveloped. There are usually no bathrooms, no picnic tables, not even trash cans. You need to be self-sufficient by bringing plenty of water, supplies, and a sense of adventure.

I’ve lived in a van for over a year and traveled through all 48 states. In that time, I found free camping spots that completely blew me away. Below you’ll find my top 10 favorite free campgrounds across the U.S., from national park boondocking sites to lakeside camps in the mountains. From the mountains to the deserts, these top free campgrounds span some of America’s most beautiful landscapes. And best of all, they won’t cost you a dime. So, without further ado, let’s jump in and get camping!

Free Camping Reminders

Before diving into the list of free campsites, it’s important to remember some camping etiquette. Unfortunately, some people take advantage of free camping and leave behind trash or damage these beautiful public lands. Don’t be that person! Many amazing free camping areas closed in recent years due to people not taking care of them. We all want to keep these sites open for years to come. So always follow the Leave No Trace principles and treat the land with respect.

Free camping is a privilege, so treat these places like your own backyard. Be courteous to other campers and respectful of wildlife. If you see litter left behind by less thoughtful visitors, consider picking it up and leaving the site even cleaner than you found it. Also, always check ahead if a site requires any permits or has special rules – regulations can vary by location.

Free Camping Guidelines

• Leave plenty of space between you and neighboring campers.

• Pack in and pack out everything you bring (take all your trash with you).

• Park at least 200 feet away from any water source.

• Follow all local fire regulations and always extinguish your campfires completely.

• Do not dump any gray water or RV waste (black water) on the ground.

• Obey stay limits – some free campsites allow stays of only 7 days per month.

If this is your first time camping (or even if it’s just been awhile – a refresher never hurts) make sure to check out our guide to avoid the top Mistakes First-Time Campers Make to make sure that your next trip is a great one!

Best Free Campsites in the US

1) Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming

This list is in no particular order, but I have to say that Bridger-Teton National Forest might just be my personal favorite free campsite in the entire US. One big reason is its location right next to one of my favorite national parks, Grand Teton. Just to the east of the park, you’ll find Bridger-Teton’s wonderful dispersed camping spots. (For example, the Shadow Mountain area here is a beloved boondocking site. It’s often filled with camper vans and RVs soaking in those Teton views. Wildlife is abundant here too – don’t be surprised if you spot elk or even a bear in the distance. Always store your food securely and make sure to keep a product like bear spray handy to keep you and your family safe while camping.)

There are many spots to choose from within this forest, and all of them offer spectacular views of the Teton Range. If you drive a bit further up the rough forest roads, you can find secluded sites to call your own. I once stayed at a fantastic spot here with tons of space. It offered one of the best panoramic views of the Tetons I’d ever seen. There’s also strong cell service in parts of Bridger-Teton, so you can easily set up camp and stay a while. Just be sure to come prepared with everything you need, as there are no services. With a view like this, you might never want to leave this place.

2) Organ Mountains, New Mexico

I love this free campsite in New Mexico so much that I went out of my way to visit it again. In fact, I returned on the exact same day one year later! The camping area sits just below the majestic Organ Mountains. Prepare yourself for some of the most amazing sunrises you’ll ever see in this spot. The jagged peaks provide a stunning backdrop. The whole area is also very quiet, allowing you to truly soak in the solitude.

There are about ten spots next to the mountain, but you do have to drive a rough dirt road to reach them. Once you’re there, the sites have strong cell signal, fire pits, and plenty of space to set up camp. You could also choose to camp on the flatter land by a nearby trailhead, but that area isn’t as secluded. For adventure seekers, White Sands National Park is only about a 45-minute drive from here if you want to see the glowing white dunes. The city of Las Cruces is even closer (around 30 minutes), so you’re not far from supplies or a fresh green-chile burrito when you need one! (Keep an eye out for desert critters too. I’ve spotted roadrunners and jackrabbits scampering around at dawn here.)

3) Badlands Rim, South Dakota

If you’re driving cross-country, be sure to stop at Badlands National Park in South Dakota. This park’s landscapes are otherworldly and teeming with wildlife. And there’s nothing better than free camping near a national park. Just outside Badlands’ boundaries along the rim, you can find an awesome area for dry camping (camping with no hookups). You’ll even get a sneak peek of the park’s alien-looking spires and canyons right from your campsite.

This spot is popular, and you’ll see plenty of RVs and vans here during peak season. Fortunately, the area along the rim is huge, so there’s lots of room to spread out and claim your own site. I visited in the height of summer ☀️ and still secured a spot with stellar views over the badlands. There’s good cell reception here too, so you can stay connected if needed. (Listen for coyotes howling at night, and watch for bighorn sheep on the cliffs at dawn. Wildlife is plentiful here.) Sunsets out here are particularly gorgeous, lighting up the badlands formations in pink and orange hues. The camping area lies on public land – part of Buffalo Gap National Grassland. You can generally stay here free for up to 14 days at a time, which gives you plenty of time to explore the park and surrounding area. When you’re ready for a break from camp, take a quick drive into the town of Wall. There you can visit the famous Wall Drug for a buffalo burger and some quirky roadside fun.

4) White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire

If you love fall foliage, you need to visit the White Mountains in New Hampshire. In autumn, stunning reds, oranges, and yellows light up the forests here – you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a painting. The best part is that the White Mountains have great free camping options for visitors.

The White Mountain National Forest offers 18 free campsites spread along a picturesque river. You can fall asleep to the soothing sound of flowing water and wake up to it babbling right outside your tent or van. Each site comes with a fire pit and enough room for one or two vehicles. It’s a great area to car camp, tent camp, or spend the night in a camper van. From these campsites, you can easily access the hiking trails and natural beauty of the White Mountains during the day. (While you’re in the area, consider hiking in Franconia Notch or driving the famous Kancamagus Scenic Byway for even more New England scenery. You might even spot a moose grazing by the river if you’re lucky.) These sites are first-come, first-served and can fill up on peak fall weekends, so try to arrive early. Also, nights in the mountains get chilly even in summer, so pack warm layers!

5) Deschutes National Forest near Bend, Oregon

Bend, Oregon is a hot spot for van lifers and RVers because it’s an outdoor adventure haven. There are so many free camping and boondocking areas around Bend that it’s hard to choose just one favorite. For this list, I picked a forest spot near Bend that had beautiful campsites and hardly any bugs (a big plus!). It’s also conveniently close to town for supply runs.

This forest site is a wonderful place to stay for a few days. There’s no cell service out here, so you truly get to unplug and go off-grid. However, you’re surrounded by tall pines, and it feels like camping in an enchanted forest. On top of that, you’re a short drive from some amazing natural attractions. Tumalo Falls, Smith Rock State Park, and Sahalie Falls are all nearby for easy day trips. Bend is also the gateway to the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway – you can spend the day paddleboarding on crystal-clear mountain lakes or hiking volcanic buttes, then return to your free forest campsite by evening. (One of my favorite free camps in this area was along a quiet forest road just south of town. It was close enough to Bend’s breweries and shops when I needed a break from the woods, but still felt wild and remote at camp. Just note that campfires may be restricted in the dry summer months, so check for any fire bans before you go.)

6) Desert Campsites near Tucson, Arizona

Tucson, Arizona is another fantastic hub for van dwellers and RVers. Public lands surround the city, offering plenty of free camping opportunities in the desert. Camping out here is a perfect way to escape harsh winter weather and enjoy some warm Arizona sunshine. In this particular spot – a BLM area off Pump Station Road in the Ironwood Forest National Monument – you’ll find many campsites scattered among towering saguaro cacti.

Like many of my favorite free camp areas, this desert site offers solid cell service and peaceful quiet. You can watch the sunrise over distant mountains, with giant cacti silhouetted in the morning light. You might even spot hot air balloons rising into the sky. It’s a fantastic place to linger and explore all the fun things to do around Tucson. For instance, Saguaro National Park’s west district is only about a half-hour away – perfect for a day trip to see more giant cacti and desert scenery before returning to camp. Since Tucson sits at a lower elevation, winter nights here are mild, but summers can be extremely hot for camping. Always carry plenty of water (a CamelBak or similar backpack can be a great option for hands-free hydration) and be mindful of desert wildlife like snakes or scorpions that might wander through camp.

Looking for other great places to camp in the US? Check out the States with the Most National Parks to plan your next family adventure in a state with plenty of outdoorsy opportunity!

7) Gooseberry Mesa (Near Zion NP), Utah

Zion National Park in Utah is one of my top five favorite parks. The free camping spot on nearby Gooseberry Mesa easily ranks among my top ten campsites! To reach the mesa, you’ll have to drive up a steep, rough road to the top of the plateau. There are signs at the start of the dirt road that show where you’re allowed to disperse camp. The campsites sit far apart from each other, so you can pick any spot you like and enjoy plenty of privacy. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any site up there.

I only stayed on Gooseberry Mesa for one night, but I wish we could have camped there longer. The views over Zion’s red rock cliffs were absolutely stunning. Up on the mesa, you feel like you can see for miles in every direction. Get ready for incredible panoramic vistas and vibrant sunsets. This remains one of the best free camping areas I’ve found near a national park. (Gooseberry Mesa is also famous for its mountain biking trails, so don’t be surprised to see some riders during the day. The rough road up is passable with careful driving – though 4×4 helps if it’s wet – and once you’re on the mesa, the 360° views make the effort worthwhile. At night, the stargazing is fantastic up here due to the lack of light pollution.)

8) Backcountry Camping in Death Valley, California

Death Valley National Park in California is easily one of the most incredible parks in the entire US (it’s also in my personal top five). The landscapes here look truly otherworldly, and the park’s vastness is hard to comprehend. Because the park is so huge, it’s great that they allow free dispersed camping within its boundaries. Just be aware that there are very strict rules about where you can camp. Make sure to follow all the park’s regulations and guidelines.

One of the best parts of camping in Death Valley’s backcountry is the setting: you’re surrounded by rugged rock formations under a sky full of stars at night. If you love stargazing or night photography, this is an ideal place for it. When choosing a campsite, try to pick a spot that’s relatively close to the sights you want to see the next day. On my last trip, we found an epic spot only about seven minutes from Zabriskie Point. Being so close made it easy to catch an unforgettable sunrise there. I highly recommend visiting Death Valley and experiencing its free camping for yourself! (Note: Dispersed camping in Death Valley is typically allowed only in certain areas – usually you must camp at least one mile from any paved road and only in previously disturbed sites. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for reaching many backcountry campsites, as some roads are rough or sandy. Also, try to avoid camping here in the extreme heat of mid-summer – aim for the cooler months between fall and spring.)

9) Last Dollar Road (Telluride), Colorado

If you’re a ski bum or snowboarder, you probably dream of finding great free camping near a ski town. Well, Telluride, Colorado is one of the premier mountain destinations for winter sports lovers ❄️. The free campsite on Last Dollar Road just outside Telluride offers exactly that. Keep in mind, during the winter you might have a hard time reaching this spot due to snow. Sometimes the lower section of the road stays clear enough to park for a night. However, deep winter access can still be tricky.

I visited this area in the spring, and I absolutely loved it. You’re just a short drive from downtown Telluride, yet you get amazing views of the San Juan Mountains all around. You might even spot some elk wandering nearby! This is one free campground I’d definitely return to again the next time I’m in Colorado. (Last Dollar Road is a scenic route that connects Telluride to the town of Ridgway over the Dallas Divide. In early summer, the meadows along this road burst with wildflowers and the mountain views are jaw-dropping. If you can’t access it in winter, try to come back in late spring or summer when the road is clear and the scenery is at its peak.)

10) Moonscape Overlook, Utah

I’ve saved one of the very best free campsites for last! As soon as you pull up to Moonscape Overlook, you’ll be absolutely blown away by the view. It honestly looks like you’ve landed on Mars. This otherworldly overlook is something you have to see to believe. There are plenty of spots to camp along the rim here, each with an unbelievable panorama of the moon-like desert landscape.

This free camping area is in Hanksville, Utah, just outside Capitol Reef National Park and not far from Goblin Valley State Park. Despite feeling like the surface of the moon, Moonscape Overlook surprisingly has good cell service. There are a couple of downsides to note. First, it can get extremely windy up there. Second, photographers often arrive at the overlook before sunrise to capture the morning light. So, you might not get to sleep in late. But trust me – with a sunrise this spectacular, you won’t want to anyway! (Moonscape Overlook is remote BLM land with no facilities, so bring all your supplies and pack out everything. Secure your tent or camper against the wind, and avoid camping too close to the cliff edge if a storm is in the forecast. It’s easy to visit Capitol Reef or Goblin Valley during the day and then return to your perch on the Moonscape rim by nightfall.)

Final Thoughts

Free camping is not just about saving money – it’s about the freedom to find your own little slice of wilderness away from the crowds. The feeling of arriving at a gorgeous, secluded campsite that costs nothing is like finding a hidden treasure. In fact, some of my most unforgettable nights on the road have been at free campsites – watching meteors streak across a Utah sky or hearing coyotes howl in the Wyoming woods.

Free camping truly is one of the best ways to explore the U.S. on a budget. It’s also a great way to get off the beaten path and experience more secluded, off-grid destinations. Just remember to take care of our public lands and always leave them better than you found them. That way, these top free campgrounds and wild campsites will remain beautiful and open for everyone to enjoy. Best of all, you can enjoy it without spending a dime on camping fees. For free spirits and nature lovers alike, it really doesn’t get much better than that. No matter which free campsite you choose, you’re bound to come away with priceless memories of nights under the stars and days spent in wild places across America. Safe travels, and happy camping!

Before you head out for a wonderful night under the stars, make sure to check out our guide on What to Bring on Your Camping Trip  so you can make sure to bring all the camping essentials from a good tent to a nice headlamp to make sure that you have the best time possible! Looking for more adventure? Check out some of the Best Dirt Bike Trails in the US and find a place to ride as well as camp!