I’ve been camping for 25 years, there is a lot of free campsites. You just have to plan ahead and with the Internet it's never been easier. I used to camp at pay for full hook up campsites when I owned a travel trailer, but the fees are almost as much as some motels. Here are some free of charge sites that I have found.
If you go to http://www.freecampsites.net you can find tons of places that allow you to camp completely free of charge.
Top of the list for “scenic-but-with-limited-amenities” are many of the places managed by the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Many states allow you to park, overnight, in their rest areas. (We did that, recently, in Arkansas.)
Many states allow you to park, overnight, in their rest areas. (We did that, recently, in Arkansas.)
States that allow you to overnight in their rest areas include:
Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois (only on Illinois Toll-way), Indiana (only on Indiana Toll Road), Kansas, Nevada, New Mexico, New York (emergencies only), Ohio (only on Ohio Turnpike), Oklahoma, Oregon (14 hour limit), Texas and Virginia. Check with your state.
Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois (only on Illinois Toll-way), Indiana (only on Indiana Toll Road), Kansas, Nevada, New Mexico, New York (emergencies only), Ohio (only on Ohio Turnpike), Oklahoma, Oregon (14 hour limit), Texas and Virginia. Check with your state.
If you choose to overnight in a rest area in a state that does NOT permit it, you could always try telling the officer that you were too tired to continue. I think it would be rare for an officer to insist that you drive while you’re too tired.
You’re also welcome to stay overnight in the parking lots of most Walmarts, Flying J’s, Pilot Travel Centers, and other assorted truck stops, as well as some casinos and other 24hr businesses. (It’s always a good idea to check with the manager when you do this in case there are any local ordinances prohibiting overnight parking or in case he or she has a certain place that they’d like for you to park. I always look for busy parking lots-shopping centers. just to park and sleep. No getting in and out in the middle of the night. I will go inside to buy something then call it a night.
Obviously you would never make a parking lot your ultimate destination but they can be perfect for brief overnight stays.
The list of places where you can camp for free is incredibly long— and we’ve already decided to start making use of BLM properties, where you’re typically permitted to stay for up to 14 days.
Free is always my favorite way to camp.
There is plenty of other things to spend money on, enjoy the journey more when your not paying fees, that's why I have a camper van.
There is plenty of other things to spend money on, enjoy the journey more when your not paying fees, that's why I have a camper van.
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