The Best Free Camping In The Usa
We love camping across this amazing country. And, we really love it when its free. Heres our list of the 20 Best Free Campsites in the USA.
If you havent tried free camping before, also known as boondocking, take a look at our beginners guide to boondocking filled with everything you need to know to get started.
Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers that love to score the best site! Simply enter your email below.
Six Mile Gap Campground
Directions: Campground is approximately 26 miles southeast of Encampment. Travel south on Highway 230 26 miles to National Forest System Road 492, turn left and travel two miles to Six Mile Gap Campground.Description: 9 campsites with tables, fire rings, hand pump, trash pick-up, vault toilets, host on site. Campground is a combination of walk-in tent sites and camper sites. Popular access to the Platte River Wilderness and to the Platte River for floating. Fishing in the Platte River. Hunting in the general vicinity. Wildlife seen in the area includes elk, deer and big horn sheep. All sites are first-come-first-serve.Administered by: National Forest ServiceElevation: 8,000 feet Recommended Season: May 15 – October Fee: $10/ night Stay: 14 day limit
Does The Blm Offer Free Camping In Campgrounds
Most BLM developed campgrounds offer basic amenities such as pit toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and sometimes trash disposal. These campgrounds more often than not require a small fee for each night used. I have paid fees as low as $7 per night for official BLM campgrounds. Senior citizens and certain disabled persons sometimes get discounts as well.
However, while most BLM developed campgrounds do require fees, there are some designated dispersed camping areas that may have picnic tables, fire grates, and pit toilets where access and camping are still free. It really depends on the BLM ranger district and location. If you want a more traditional campsite experience for free then do your research because while it is rare, there are some areas like this on BLM land that have very basic amenities, but they are still free.
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What Is The Blm
The BLM is the Bureau Of Land Management and it is a government entity in the United States that manages one in every 10 acres of land in the United States, and approximately 30 percent of the Nations minerals. according to their website. The BLM was officially established in 1946 but its history of managing land under different names dates back all the way to 1812.
The BLM manages more land than any other government entity. About 245 million acres to be more precise. The majority of land being managed by the BLM is in the west with a heavy presence in states like Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, Utah, and Wyoming.
The BLM is responsible for managing many different activities such as mineral extraction, conservation, and recreation. Of course, free camping falls under recreation and that is what we are most interested in. Luckily, the BLM is very generous most of the time when it comes to recreational activities on the land it manages.
How To Find Blm Land To Camp On
The best way to find BLM land to camp on is to visit their website and look at some of the maps they have available. They have interactive maps and picture maps that show where the land they manage in and it often shows you where you can camp.
Another great resource is Google Maps. Google Maps often displays green areas like parks, including public land managed by the BLM. If you know of an area that is managed by the BLM you could go over to Google Maps and use it as a resource to help plan your trip. You can look at geographic features, directions, roads, etc.
Once you know where the BLM area is, the best way to find a camping spot is to drive out there and find it yourself. Dispersed camping requires some adventure in order to find a good campsite. Maps help you find the overall area of where to camp, but you can only really find your actual camping spot once you are there. It is very different than traditional campgrounds that have assigned parking spots and campsites.
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Dispersed Camping In Montana
Dispersed camping in Montana is camping done the old fashioned way. This means you will have a camping area without plumbing, picnic tables, fire rings, andmore often than notother people.
Camping on public lands is our favorite way to enjoy tent camping in Montana. Just make sure to load up on drinking water, proper food storage, and other supplies you might need.
The national forest service in Montana also offers dispersed camping separate from designated camping sites.
One popular area for dispersed camping in Montana is Custer National Forest. The USDA Forest Service allows dispersed camping in Custer National Forest for up to 16 days in one location. After that time period, you must move your campsite at least five miles away and not return to your original site for at least seven days.
The Exception To Free Camping On Blm
While 99% of camping on BLM is free, there are a few exceptions. For example, located outside of Arches Nation Park is a lot of BLM land. The park service has created multiple campgrounds on some of this land to help accommodate campers visiting the area.
The established campsites have minimal services like trash cans and bathrooms. With those services comes a minimal camping fee.
Big Bend Campground in Moab is one example of paid camping on BLM. Remember, that is the exception, not the rule.
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What Are The Rules For Free Camping On Blm Land
The general rules for camping on most BLM land are pretty simple. In fact, they all fit onto a one page PDF document that I will link to below. The most important rules to follow when it comes to dispersed camping on BLM land is as follows:
- Camping stay limits are generally 14 days in one area with a 28 day wait until you may return.
- Camp at least 200 feet away from any water source such as lake, river, stream, etc.
- Always choose campsites or clearings that are already suitable for setting up camp.
- Use existing fire rings and try to avoid building new ones.
- Be aware of any current fire restrictions that may be in place.
- Dispose of human waste properly.
- Do not enter private land without permission from the owner.
- Follow the 7 leave no trace principles in order to preserve the land for future generations.
For a complete list of general rules that the BLM sets pretty much universally on all of their land, you can see their 1 page PDF document of dispersed camping regulations.
Developed Recreation Sites And Areas
These are areas where the BLM has completed some degree of development for recreational purposes. Sometimes that development could be as simple as setting up picnic tables, fire rings, trash dumpster, and a information kiosk. But it can also go on to include parking lots, interpretive centers, pit toilets, ADA compliant campsites, wildlife viewing decks, dump stations, etc.
Camping Rules
The BLM has created a set of general rules that apply to all such areas across the country, but each area also carries its own unique set of rules. You will have to visit the area to find a sign or information kiosk with these rules, or contact the local BLM field office.
General Rules
Below is the set of general rules that apply to all developed areas nationwide. These have been condensed for easier reading. To view the complete set of rules and exact wording see, BLM Rules for Visitor Services.
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Seminoe State Park Campgrounds
Directions: 37 Miles north of Sinclair on Seminoe Road.Description: Seminoe State Park offers excellent fishing, boating, hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities. Seminoe Reservoir is 21 miles long with 2 major tributaries, the North Platte River and the Medicine Bow River. Boating access to the Reservoir can be made in the park at the North and South Red Hills boat ramps. Campsites can be used by RVs or Tent campers. There are 3 campground areas North Red Hills, South Red Hills and Sunshine Beach. Seminoe Reservoir offers some great fishing for both trout and walleye. Good river fishing can be found a short drive from the park along the North Platte River from I-80 at Fort Fred Steele State Historic Site all the way to the Gray Reef Area below Alcova Dam. In between lies the famous Miracle Mile, well-known for its blue ribbon fly fishing.Administered by: Wyoming State ParksElevation: 6,390 feet Season: Year Round Fee: $15-25
Tips For Dispersed Camping On Blm Land
If youve never tried dispersed camping, it can feel intimidating to start. RVing on dispersed BLM land requires boondocking, meaning camping without hookups and amenities. Its also important to know that some BLM campsites are difficult to access, and require traversing dirt, rocky, steep, washboard, or deeply rutted roads.
Boondocking does not require a specific kind of RV or special equipment. But your RV setup may limit where and how long you can camp.
Once youve chosen your BLM dispersed camping area, here are some things you need to know before you arrive:
Do your homework. Read reviews of the BLM area in advance. Keep an eye out for reviews from campers with similar RVs or needs to your own. This will clue you into whether your RV can access the camping area, cell phone signal strength, current closures and conditions, and tips for local amenities.
Scout ahead. This is critical if you have a larger or low clearance RV. Park your RV or trailer nearby, then investigate in your tow vehicle, on bicycle, or by foot. Make sure the road into the campsites are safe for your RV and identify a place to park.
Arrive early. All dispersed camping is first come, first served, and sites at popular areas are usually claimed during peak seasons. Try to arrive on weekdays or during the off-season to nab the perfect campsite.
Have a backup plan. For all the reasons above, sometimes BLM camping plans dont work out. Have a backup camping area in mind just in case.
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What Is Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping is the kind of camping you will be doing most of the time if you are camping for free. It generally means camping outside of a designated campsite and forgoing typical campground amenities. This means no running water, no hookups , no trash disposal, no picnic tables, no fire pits, no bear boxes, and yes, no toilets.
Dispersed camping is also often called many different things that often mean the same thing to different people. You might have heard of these terms refer to what I have just described above depending on who you talk to. Im not saying that they all mean the same thing, I am saying that some people use the terms interchangeably when talking about dispersed camping
- Boondocking
- Wild Camping
- Backcountry Camping
All of these terms are technically not the same as dispersed camping, but they can be similar. If you want to learn a lot more about what Primitive Camping is then you can click here to read my full guide on primitive camping.
Similarly, if you want to learn more about what Dry Camping is then you can click here to read my full guide on dry camping. Dry camping doesnt necessarily mean dispersed camping all the time.
Camping For Free In Wyoming On Blm Lands
There are plenty of other options for free camping in Wyoming besides the Yellowstone National Park area. BLM Wyoming, which stands for Bureau of Land Management, manages the publicly owned land throughout the state.
Nearly half of WY is BLM-managed land. Dispersed camping is allowed on most BLM land away from developed recreation facilities. There is no fee for dispersed camping, but campers should be aware of the rules and regulations. Some of these include:
- Obey stay limits. Campers are permitted to stay in one spot on BLM land for 14 days. After that, they must move at least 25 miles away from that spot, and cannot return to the original campsite for 28 days. This important rule helps prevent the overuse of resources in any one given area.
- Closed for camping signs. Some areas may be closed to camping in order to protect the wildlife or natural resources.
- Honor Leave No Trace principles. This includes choosing pre-existing campsites that have durable ground to stay on, packing out all trash and waste, and practicing fire safety.
- Respect private property. Not all land is BLM-managed. You may not take advantage of free camping in Wyoming by occupying private property. The BLM map overlays on Campendium can help you determine if you are staying somewhere camping is permitted.
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Where To Find Blm Campgrounds
BLM public lands are primarily located in 12 western states. This map from the Bureau of Land Management shows areas managed by the agency. States with designated land include Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
There are two types of BLM camping: developed and dispersed.
What Is The Bureau Of Land Management
The BLM was founded by President Harry Truman in 1946, through a merger of the General Land Office and the U.S. Grazing Service. The agency history goes back to the creation of the GLO in 1812. In addition to the development of the GLO, the Homestead Act of 1862 gave individuals the opportunity to freely claim rights to government land.
A government entity that’s overseen by the Department of the Interior, the BLM monitors hundreds of millions of acres of public lands and minerals in each of the 50 states in the U.S. It also manages wildlife and offer plenty of recreational opportunities to campers and outdoors enthusiasts on public land.
The BLM Interactive online map allows you to find public lands around the U.S. You’ll find specific information by region and specific recreation opportunities on BLM Public Lands.
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Discover The Best Free Camping In The Usa
We love camping across this amazing country. And, we really love it when its free. Heres our list of the 20 Best Free Campsites in the USA.
If you havent tried free camping before, also known as boondocking, take a look at our beginners guide to boondocking filled with everything you need to know to get started.
Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers that love to score the best site! Simply enter your email below.
South Brush Creek Campground
Directions: Campground is approximately 22 miles southeast of Saratoga. From Saratoga travel south on Highway 130/230 approximately 8 miles to junction 130/230, turn left and travel ten miles to junction of Highway 130 with National Forest System Road 100, turn left and travel ¼ mile to junction of NFSR 100 and 200, turn right and travel 1.5 miles to campground.Description: 20 campsites with tables, fire rings, hand pump, trash pick-up, vault toilets, host on site. Trail to the Brush Creek Visitor Center located above campground. Fishing in Brush Creek and various other small streams. All sites are first-come-first-serve.Administered by: National Forest ServiceElevation: 7,900 feet Recommended Season: June 1 – October Fee: $10.00 per night Stay: 14 day limit
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What You Need To Know About Free Camping In Montana
Even though Montana is the fourth largest state, it ranks 43rd in population, making it an ideal place to spend time in the great outdoors.
Thanks to the open spaces and fresh air, there are plenty of options for free camping in Montana. The views are stunning, with public lands that are filled with rivers, mountains, and forests. Heres everything you need to know about free camping in Montana.
Reserve A Blm Campsite
The easiest and most efficient way to find BLM campgrounds across the country is at Recreation.gov, which allows you to search for outdoor activities on public lands, including the national parks, national forests, and army corps of engineer projects.
From the results page, BLM campgrounds are listed with a link to area descriptions and campground details. You can check the available campsites by interactive map, find an open campsite with the online calendar, and reserve your spot with an online payment and reservations system.
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Public Wyoming Rv Camping
Public Wyoming RV camping destinations range from isolated high desert BLM campgrounds to famous Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Wyoming has five national forests, BLM manages over 17 million acres of public land, and there are numerous county and town parks with RV camping facilities.
The following are only a few examples of the tremendous public Wyoming RV camping locations available.
DEVILS TOWER
- The Belle Fourche River Campground located inside Devils Tower National Monument offers 50 first-come-first-serve $12.00 per night campsites.
- Bearlodge Campground near Devils Tower allows a maximum ten-day stay at $10 a night. Eight first-come-first-serve campsites.
GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK
Located in northwest Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park offers over 200 miles of hiking trails, outstanding wildlife viewing, lake and river fishing opportunities, and probably the most photographed mountain range in the USA. Six public campgrounds and private facilities are available at this great Wyoming RV camping destination. Official Grand Teton Camping Information.
LANDER
Sweetwater Bridge Campground
The closest town to the Sweetwater Bridge and Sweetwater Guard Station Campgrounds is Lander at 68 miles away. These remotely located BLM public campgrounds offer fire rings, picnic tables, and a vault toilet. A lovely Wyoming RV camping destination situated at the south end of the Wind River Mountains.
LARAMIE
LOVELL
RAWLINS
Bennett Peak Campground