What does it mean to camp for free in the United States, I think it behooves us to define our terms. As we know you can backpack through the wilderness and pretty much camp anywhere. Like when hiking the Appalachian Trail. But for overlanders, we are assuming that we are not hiking from one destination to the next but traveling by vehicle, in a pickup truck, SUV, van, or jeep.
So the definition of camping for overlanding as I loosely define Merriam-Websterās Dictionary entry is āto live temporarily outdoorsā. I believe this most closely fits what we do as overlanders. Our journey is about continuously moving to the next destination to enjoy the wonders of our planet and therefore living temporarily in any one place.
After much research, I found FREE camping within a few categories:
- Government-Owned Lands: This includes US National Forests and Grasslands, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Park Service, and Wildlife Management Areas
- Commercial Properties: Includes Walmart, Casinos, Cracker Barrel, Wineries, and Farms
- Public and Private Rest Areas: Truck Stops, Rest Areas, TA Travel Centers
In a perfect world, our overlanding trips would consist of travel from one beautiful destination to the next, staying on the banks of lakes and rivers with mountain backdrops.
But in the real world, this isnāt always possible. Take for example traveling across the United States from New Hampshire to Colorado. If you want to get out west, you will need to get out of the east. This may mean staying a couple of nights in a Walmart parking lot or TA Travel Center before getting past the major cities and into the Plain States.
Letās take a look at our different options more closely:
Government-Owned Lands
Camp for Free on US National Forests and Grasslands
The general rules for camping for free on US National Forests and Grasslands are as follows:
- Camping is free for 14-day stays when outside of established recreational areas and developed campgrounds.
- You must stay at least 100 feet from any stream and they suggest a pack-in/pack-out situation
In the White Mountain National Forest you can stay in a trail parking lot overnight. They assume you are either up hiking or will hike the following day. However, just donāt be conspicuous and set up a campā¦sleep in your vehicle.
For a detailed list of US National Forests head to this website: https://www.nationalforests.org/our-forests/find-a-forest
Camp for Free on State-Owned Forests and Lands
When it comes to free, you need to stay away from recreation areas, state forests, and parks. Therefore, it is generally harder to find somewhere to stay without permits or fees applying.
When camping, look for places to pull off the road and camp in your vehicle, Also, some smaller trails have areas to pitch a tent only a short distance from the parking lot. Always look for a previously used areas so you donāt disrupt vegetation.
During the height of Covid, people flocked to the White Mountains to escape the cities. They camped in cars, trucks, SUVs, and on the trails; anywhere they wouldnāt get noticed. It seemed to be the Wild West of car camping again. But that has subsided and more rangers are out keeping an eye on the parking lots and prolonged stays.
When overlanding, it should be part of your planning process to contact state and federal agencies before embarking. You donāt want to pull into a State Forest late at night and get that unwanted tap on your window to move on!
About the US Forest Service
The US Forest Service is a branch of the US Department of Agriculture. This branch of government works diligently to make forested lands inviting for all. Their program āReimagine Recreationā is their attempt to protect the forests through a three-pronged approach.
- Reengage to help everyone feel welcome in the state forests.
- Reinvesting in their workforce and delivery systems.
- Reinventing ways to help people be good stewards of the forests they protect. US Forest Service Reimagine Recreation
Camp for Free on Bureau of Land Management Land
According to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), they allow dispersed camping (camping away from developed recreational facilities) for up to a 14-day stay within a 28-day period before needing to move on.
A few rules have to follow:
- You can disperse camp as long as it doesnāt conflict with non-authorized use areas
- Doesnāt affect wildlife and or natural resources
- You cannot leave personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska)
- You can disperse camp on most secondary roads even though not always marked.
- Choose a pre-disturbed area; somewhere someone has already camped
- No disposal of refuse, hazardous materials, sewage, or other polluting materials
There are 16 BLM states that list CAMPING as a recreational opportunity, I have included a link to their full BLM listing:
Before embarking on your trip, check out the local offices for more information on limitations in those areas. Here is a BLM link to help you find the appropriate local offices: BLM National Offices
National Park Service/ National Parks ā mostly not free š
Finding free camping in a National Park is like looking for a needle in a haystack. For example, the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia doesnāt charge a fee and therefore is one of the few free camping opportunities in the National Park System.
However, for most other majestic parks you will need most likely pay a fee. The fees for National Parks are nominal and may include a Permit Fee, Camp Fee, or Entrance Fee. Here is a helpful link: National Park Service ā Find a Park
Additionally, National Parks fill up pretty quickly in the spring and summer so, it is best to find where you want to go and then check out their link.
Camp for Free Wildlife Management Areas
At first glance, there are 35 U.S. states with Wildlife Management Areas (WMA). These areas are under the jurisdiction of each state and serve to protect and conserve wildlife while also providing recreational opportunities for residents. Some of the larger WMA provide opportunities for camping. Unfortunately, you will need to reach out to different agencies to find the specifics.
Commercially-Owned Properties
Camp for Free at Walmart
It is well-known that Walmart allows travelers to stay in their parking lots. Here is Walmartās statement from their FAQ page. I have also included their webpage in the Walmart link above
Can I park my RV at Walmart?
While we do not offer electrical service or accommodations typically necessary for RV customers, Walmart values RV travelers and considers them among our best customers. Consequently, we do permit RV parking on our store parking lots as we are able. Permission to park is extended by individual store managers, based on availability of parking space and local laws. Please contact management in each store to ensure accommodations before parking your RV.
Walmart FAQ Page
Camp for Free at Cabelaās and Bass Pro Shops (One Team)
In regards to parking overnight, Cabelaās has no written policy on their website (that I can find). So, I called and spoke with a representative at the Scarborough, Maine location. Per my conversation, Cabelas has signs directing you where to park with no check-in required. She also noted that there are many 18-wheelers there so you wonāt miss it.
I also called the Bass Pro Shop in Foxboro, Massachusetts and they stated that ābecause they are under the umbrella of Patriot Place, they do not allow overnight parking of any kind.ā So, it behooves you to contact the area ahead of time when traveling.
Casinos
Many casinos, with their expansive parking lots, allow free overnight stays in their lots. But be aware that the reason is to have you partake in some gambling while you are there. Some who have stayed at the casinos suggest coming in after dark and parking until morning. This way they wonāt hassle you for overstaying your welcome.
The Long Street Casino in Nevada states that they offer free parking directly on their website. Again, this may be for those who go to their casino.
For more information about staying for free at a casino or other non-traditional parking options, head to Allstays.com. It is a great resource for traveling around the country looking for the best deals.
Camp for Free at Cracker Barrel Restaurants
Cracker Barrel Restaurants have a long-standing history of allowing overnight parking. However, I found little evidence of this on their website so it isnāt something that they promote openly. I did send an email asking about free parking and they havenāt responded.
So, my conclusion is to speak with a manager when you get into town or if there is a Walmart in town, go there.
Camp for Free at Wineries and Farms
Have you ever thought that traveling the country can be ātoo loud, too sketchy, too costly?ā That is what the fine people at Harvest Hosts thought too. So, they reached out to wineries and farms across the country to provide overnight stays on their properties. They only ask that you purchase something at the places that you stay as a way to support the local economy.
This is a great way to stay āoff the beaten pathā and experience the United States as I would envision traveling 75 years ago.
I urge you to check out harvesthosts.com (I do not have any financial connection to them-just love their model). They charge a fee of $99/ year so this is an amazing deal so you donāt have to worry about where to stay each night.
Harvest host owner explains the membership program:
Public and Private Rest Areas
The highways and bi-ways are filled with places and stop to rest for the night. Our aim is to keep it free so we donāt spend our money on lodging but on gas, food, and adventure. No more plentiful are there than highway truck stops and rest areas. The most notable is the famous TA Travel Centers. In recent years they have started to charge you to stay overnight. However, they do not have a policy on the website so I am unsure how much the fee is if any.
Many truck stops allow free parking overnight (not longer) but some expect you to come in and use their āpaidā shower or buy food. TA Travel Centers also have a reservation system to assure you have parking when you arriveā¦but this comes with a fee.
When we were heading back from Alaska years ago, we just pulled into a parking spot at a truck stop/rest area and slept for the night. I donāt think anybody would bother you if that is what you did.
Free and Paid For Apps
For all the Millenials and Gen Zās out there, there are plenty of Apps to help you out. Alright, it can benefit all of us, even myself ā a Gen Xer.
- iOverlander
- the Dyrt Pro
- Free Roam
- Campendium
- US Public Lands App
- Outly
- Freecampsites.net
- USFS Motor Vehicle Use Maps
Check them out on your device and let us know in the comments below which one is the most helpful.
Websites and Blog Posts for More Information
There is a ton of information on the internet about where to camp for free when overlanding or RVing. Here are a few websites:
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are tons of resources out there for free overnights and camping. Just need to do your research. If I were to head out west from New Hampshire, I would most likely stay at Walmart parking lots until I got into the plain statesā¦past the Mississippi River.
Another option that I feel is very appealing is staying on farms and wineries. While I am not a drinker, I could still help out in one way or another. Like doing a quick video and posting on my Instagram account.
So, best of luck, and check out our other posts below. Happy Travels!
