How to find affordable or even free places to camp in your RV

Is it possible to do the RV life really cheap? Yes. However, remember, most places have limitations on how long you can stay (usually around two weeks). And on another sidenote, before we get into the meat of this post, think twice before you share your hidden gems on websites. If you do share them, you share them to your own peril and possible inability to get that spot and enjoy it as in the past. And sometimes, as you’ll see below in the BLM section, the places start raising fees and adding fees because of this.

Finding affordable or free places to camp in your RV involves leveraging public lands, community resources, and some strategic planning.

Use public lands for free or low-cost camping

Public lands are areas of land owned and managed by federal, state, or local governments, held in trust for the public, and typically accessible for various uses such as recreation, conservation, or resource management.

In the United States, these lands include national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, monuments, and other areas overseen by federal agencies like the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, or Bureau of Land Management, as well as state and local parks or other agencies.

They are intended to benefit the public, providing spaces for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and fishing, while also preserving natural resources, wildlife habitats, and cultural or historical sites. Access and use may be regulated to balance enjoyment with environmental protection, and some areas allow limited activities like grazing or mining under strict guidelines. In addition, you can use a federal recreational pass for entrance fees and certain amenity fees. If you have an access pass or senior pass, you can receive 50% off some camping fees as well. Most passes and their eligibility details are available in person at some federal land agency offices or the USGS Store.

Public lands are funded and maintained through taxpayer dollars and sometimes user fees, ensuring they remain available for future generations.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands

BLM manages vast areas, particularly in the western U.S., where dispersed camping is often free. You can stay up to 14 days within a 28-day period in most areas, but always check local regulations. Use the BLM website or contact local field offices to confirm open areas and restrictions, as the rules can vary drastically from one place to another on federal lands, regardless of the management agency. You will find the rules are often more strict in areas with heavier traffic.

You can find some cheaper spots, such as the Haystack Mountain OHV Area used to be, but the increase of traffic has caused a change in prices. As of July 1, 2025:

At the OHV areas, the fees for all day-use single vehicles with up to nine occupants will be $5; camping with no hookups, a new fee, will cost $10 per night (was like $3/night); camping with hookups, a new fee, would cost $20 per night; once the BLM constructs a newly established dump station at Haystack there will be a $30 dump station charge; and once the BLM constructs a newly established group shelter at Haystack there will be a $25 a day fee.

National Forests

Managed by the USDA Forest Service, national forests offer both dispersed camping (free) and developed campgrounds (often $5–$26/night). Look for designated dispersed sites to minimize environmental impact. Examples include the Bridger-Teton National Forest (Wyoming) and the Coconino National Forest (Arizona).

Dispersed camping is often allowed within 300 feet of a motorized road (not a trail) with an actual road number for 14 days within a 30-day period. However, these rules are often different for different areas, so always check the local office for camping rules.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)

According to USACE, there are 94,565 campsites across 43 states, often $10–$20/night, with amenities like water or electric hookups. There are some free camping areas as well, but they are usually tent only. In the off season, rules may change by location, but generally, you are limited to 14 days in a 30 period at each campground. I have stayed at a campground near Fulton, MS that allowed four weeks during the off season as long as you only spent 14 days in a prime site.

National Parks

Some national parks have free or low-cost campsites, though many charge $10–$30. The America the Beautiful pass ($80/year) can reduce costs by covering entry fees to parks with affordable camping. Check specific park websites for details.

State or trust lands

Many states have recreational lands outside of state parks. These lands can be a mixture of public and private lands that allow public access. Often, you can camp on these lands. For example, Utah Trust Lands allows camping for up to 15 days in most areas, but has additional rules that must be followed. So, always check the local rules, as camping limits or activities may be different or limited.

County and city parks

Some offer budget-friendly or even free options. Check some of the websites listed below when searching for camping.

Things to take into account

• Use websites like freecampsites.net, The Dyrt, or Campendium for reviews of free or cheap sites (maybe expensive). Most of these platforms include GPS coordinates and details on amenities (or lack thereof). Just because a road or camping area is not listed doesn’t mean they don’t exist. I find my best camping off the beaten path. Recreation.gov is another website to check for pricing of government camps.
• Practice Leave No Trace principles: pack out all waste, respect wildlife, and avoid creating new campsites.
• Be self-sufficient, as dispersed sites lack amenities like water, electricity, or restrooms. Bring extra water, a generator, or solar panels. If you poop, dig a hole of about 8 inches or more and bury your human waste. We don’t want to see it, smell it, or have to deal with toilet paper flowers with run marks everywhere. Also, get at least 200 feet away from the camping area to go to the bathroom.
• Remember, you’re in the backcountry. The roads may be good, or they may be passable only by raised vehicles or side-by-sides. Be prepared to walk the road and check it. Just because it’s a road doesn’t mean that an RV or other vehicle can make it down the road. Don’t get yourself into a position where you break an axle or have to back up for a mile or more. You’ll also want to think about the ground. What will happen if it rains? Will you be able to get out? Will your rig sink into the ground?
• Check for closures. Areas may be closed for construction, wildfires, or other reasons. Check ahead.
• Google Earth. While Google Earth is good for finding roads or possible camping areas, remember, you can’t always see what shape the road is in (or a possible camping area). Proceed with caution.

Camping on private lands

Some websites, like The Dyrt will show free boondocking on private lands. However, you’ll always want to verify this is still the case before showing up. In Utah, I found a place for free, but the landowner could not update the listing to say people could no longer camp. He had gotten too many outside complaints, and the county government got involved.

Overnight parking for quick stops

• Retail parking lots: Many Walmarts, Cracker Barrels, Bass Pro Shops, or Cabelas allow free overnight RV parking, but always ask the manager and check signage. Avoid setting up camp (no chairs or grills) to remain discreet. Not all locations permit this, so confirm in advance.
• Casinos and truck stops: Some casinos offer free RV parking, sometimes with designated areas. Truck stops like Love’s or Pilot may allow overnight stays, often with access to restrooms or dump stations.
• Rest areas: Some states permit overnight parking at rest areas (typically 8–24 hours). Check state-specific rules, as tent camping is rarely allowed. Again, don’t set up camping grills and such. Be respectful of others.

Whatever you do, be safe, clean up what you mess up, respect others, and put the fire out (cold to the touch). Happy camping!