North Dakota: Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Mandan
Park your RV near the site where Lt. Col. Custer and the Seventh Cavalry left for the expedition at the Little Big Horn, which is today Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, The campground is in a wooded area close to the Heart River and offers picnic areas and a playground. Spend time hiking its many trails, many of which provide beautiful views of the Missouri River. RV sites have electricity, water, and sewer with access to showers.
Free Camping And Overnight Rv Parking Apps And Websites
After running through all of these campgrounds and free sites to RV overnight, if youre like us you may start to think: Wow, thats a lot of work to find cheap RV sites!
Thankfully, there is a way of making it easier!
This is where we pull back the curtain and show you that although you can use all of the above state and federal websites to find RV sites , there are several extremely useful tools out there which will show you several different types of campgrounds in a specific area at the same time.
That means locations of campgrounds in State Forests, National Forests, BLM land, Army Corps of Engineers land, National Parks, State Parks, casinos, Walmarts, Cracker Barrels, etc. all on one map!
Here are some of the best apps and websites we use to find free and cheap campgrounds:
Lake Pueblo State Park
With its vast stretches of water and 60 miles of shoreline, Lake Pueblo is a scenic spot for all kinds of recreation, whether youre into jet skiing or hiking. The steady breeze along the lake is ideal for a day of sailing or windsurfing, and anglers will find plenty of trout, bass, walleye and crappie to reel in. Mountain bike or walk through the parks extensive network of trails, where youll see 200-year-old juniper trees, wildflower-covered hills and an array of wildlife, such as beavers, snapping turtles and burrowing owls.Where to Stay: Arkansas Point Campground’s RV park is located near the south boat ramp, and it offers amenities like flush restrooms, coin-operated showers, laundry, electricity and a dump station.See Nearby:Sangre de Cristo Arts & Conference Center, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Garden of the Gods, Cave of the Winds
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Rhode Island: Bowdish Lake Campground Glocester
Camp by the lake in Rhode Island at the family-friendly Bowdish Lake Campground. All sites have water and electricity, and most sites have cable, as well, for a cost of $50 to $100 nightly. There are six bathhouses, a recreation pavilion, showers, camp store, and picnic tables. Youll never run out of things to do with your choice of lake fishing, hayrides, bingo, volleyball, ping pong, ice cream socials, and even pie-eating contests!
Wawona Campground Yosemite National Park
Image from The Dyrt camper Amanda M.
This Yosemite camping spot is right on the Merced River for convenient wading and cooling during those hot summer months. Campers report that crowds are thinner here, compared to Upper Pines and other more popular campgrounds. As with all Yosemite campgrounds, there are no RV hookups. But all 93 sites have space for RVs up to 35 feet. Large bear bins are provided and youre required to use them. Bear activity is high is this neck of Yosemite! Campsites range in price from $18-26 a night, depending on the season.
The campsites are lovely with some privacy. The bathrooms are adequate. Everyone seems to stay up late and wake early to enjoy the park. Be prepared for some traffic and long drives to places within the park. The bear lockers are easy to use and convenient. Ultimately, it is stunning! The Dyrt camper Jennifer O.
RV Hookups: No
Reservable: Yes
View more of Wawona Campground.
Prepare for your California trip by downloading maps. The Dyrt PRO lets you download maps and campgrounds without cell service. My alternative to using pro would be to drive back out to cell service.
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Red Rock Canyon State Park
This is a place that brings back memories. When I was younger, a lot younger, my father would take my brother and I to Red Rock Canyon and take us hiking and mountain biking on some of the thousands of trails that run throughout the park.
The sights here are eerily beautiful. Almost like the surface of Mars, this park has insane rock structures which are the most beautiful color of red. There are also some seasonal waterfalls that have trails varying in difficulty. From trails that are under a mile to hikes around 25-miles, this place has a trail for everyone.
This park has insane, beautiful red rock structures.
The actual RV parks are good, not anything to be overly impressed with. They have public bathrooms and running water, but besides that most people come for the rocks, not the RV campgrounds.
They are not bad by any means, though. They have fire pits, picnic tables, public bathrooms, water spigots, and barbecues.
The RV sites are all $20 a night without a limit on how long you can stay. There are no hookup sites, however, so the limit is how long you can make with what you have.
Pennsylvania: Hersheypark Camping Resort Hershey
Headed to Hersheypark? The Hersheypark Camping Resort is the official camping resort of the theme park with a free shuttle to take you there. Guests of the resort also get special Hersheypark perks like discounted pricing on tickets, and theres even a CampersApp with information about activities, real-time weather alerts, and a compass. The resort has 300 full-service sites with activities like movie nights, live entertainment, and Hershey character visits throughout the summer.
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Little Pine Cabins & Rv Park
Guests looking for a great fishing getaway in their RV will enjoy the Little Pine Cabins & RV Park. Located at the entrance to McGee Creek Reservoir in Atoka, there are a total of 25 RV sites with full hookups available. Camping in the Ouachita National Forest is also a fun experience where you can choose from four public campgrounds interspersed with fun hiking, biking, ATV and equestrian trails.
What Do You Do If You Need Hookups
Most people will find that staying right outside of National Park boundaries will provide many of the same benefits of camping within the park itself with the added benefit of getting your creature comforts. Many of the popular National Parks have full-service RV grounds within a stones throw of the park boundaries.
These are popular alternatives to staying in the park itself for many RVers looking for optimal comfort levels when in and around their RV.
Pro Tip: Dry camping, boondocking, and other types of RVing are meant to take you out of your comfort zone. Once you understand this, youll be more comfortable with giving them a shot on your next adventure.
If you want to experience Americas National Parks, its best to camp directly in them. Learn some valuable dry camping skills, and youll be able to stay within the boundaries of most parks. Dry camping doesnt have to be difficult for RVers.
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Silver Strand State Beach San Diego Ca
Image from The Dyrt camper Jen H.
This paved campground is a convenient way for RV campers to park right on the beach, just south of San Diego. While asphalt might not appeal to all campers, the full hookups and level sites make it a popular spot for bigger rigs. Silver Strand State Beach requires that recreational vehicles be self-contained, meaning they have their own sink, an enclosed drain system, and a toilet with holding tank. This is a massive campground with four lots that can hold up to 1,000 vehicles.
Silver Strand is set in the perfect spot: halfway between Coronado and Imperial beach. The bike path is amazing and you can go under the road to the bay to enjoy kayaking or SUP. The Dyrt camper Jen H.
RV Hookups: Yes
New Mexico: Bonito Hollow Rv Park & Campground Ruidoso
Located within Lincoln National Forest on 20 acres on the Rio Bonito, the Bonito Hollow RV Park is also close to town for restaurants and shopping and just a few miles from Bonito Lake for water fun. Guests will find sand volleyball, horseshoes, hiking trails, and DVD rentals for $1 per day. Full hook-up sites, which come with Wi-Fi, are $39 per day with partial hook-up sites also available.
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Soothe Your Soul Camp By The Water
According to biologist and author Wallace J. Nichols, living near or just spending time near a body of water can increase our mental health and happiness. Of course, we RVers have known this for quite some time. There is something very calming about spending a few days near the sounds and sights of a beautiful lake, river, or the ocean.
Checotah / Lake Eufaula West Koa
This award-winning campground has garnered rave reviews for its plentiful amenities and spacious RV sites. RV campers can pick their favorite spot from the Checotah / Lake Eufaula West KOAs 54 wide and extra-long RV sites. Each comes with full hookups and your choice of 30 or 50 amp electric. You wont even have to unhitch your trailer or leave your campsite to enjoy a meal, because the on-site Chuckwagon Café serves up delicious homestyle favorites.Located near the shore of Lake Eufaula, this KOA also has plenty of kid-friendly entertainment including a playground, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, catch-and-release fishing pond and even a barnyard zoo with chickens, ducks, turkeys, rabbits, Molly the cow and Mattie the longhorn. Guests are also invited to bring their horses and let them stretch their legs in an overnight pen.
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Lake Thunderbird State Park
Lake Thunderbird State Park is an urban oasis that will whisk you away from urban city life to quiet Norman countryside. Located just half an hour south of Oklahoma City, Lake Thunderbird State Park offers 30 full hookup sites, 10 of which are ADA compliant, as well as 207 RV campsites with water and electric hookups. While you’re there, check out the 18.5 mile trail system, which is a mountain biking mecca.
South Carolina: Huntington Beach State Park Murrells Inlet
Known as one of the best places on the East Coast for birding, Huntington Beach State Park is a natural paradise along three miles of South Carolinas Atlantic Ocean beach. Bring your birding checklist to tick off a few, explore abundant nature trails, and enjoy excellent surf fishing. RV sites, which range from $21 to $62 nightly, come with water, electric, and complimentary Wi-Fi, with some sewer hook-ups available. Other park amenities include hot showers, restrooms, dog-friendly beaches, and a swimming area with a lifeguard.
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Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Mesquite bosques and canopies of cottonwood trees give campers privacy and outdoor recreationalists a break from the summer sun. A gentle ever-present breeze sways the branches rhythmically, instills subtle, almost hypnotic ripples on the lagoons, and keeps the park cooler than the Valley. This high desert destination is full of outdoor activities and gives visitors a chance to focus on one or try them all! A variety of shared-use trails, horseback riding, and lagoon and river fishing and kayaking opportunities are within short distance of more than 100 large RV campsites! Site amenities include potable water, 30/50-amp service, picnic tables and all loops include modern, accessible restroom facilities with hot water and showers that are free to registered campers.
The park location in Cottonwood, Ariz. is centralized to allow quick, easy travel to nearby parks in Sedona, Jerome, and Camp Verde! Come along for this multi-park adventure…Hang your hat at Dead Horse Ranch and explore north-central Arizona’s unforgettable culture, history, and beauty!
Nevada: Lakeside Casino & Rv Park Pahrump
If you want some peace and quiet away from the Las Vegas strip, head to this RV park about an hour away on the eastern edge of Death Valley. If youre still in the mood for some gaming, theres an adjacent casino open 24/7. The park has its own 7-acre lake with fishing and boating and some lakeside sites. The park also features a swimming pool, golf course, Frisbee golf, showers, restrooms, Wi-Fi, and laundry. Sites with water, sewer, and electricity run start from $39 per night.
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Ohio: Lighthouse Point Sandusky
Visitors flock to Cedar Point amusement park every summer to ride some of the countrys most thrilling roller coasters and rides, and Lighthouse Point is the parks RV campsite. Just a short walk from the park or a hop on the shuttle, the grounds have full hook-up sites with concrete pads, a picnic table, and Wi-Fi. In 2018, they introduced sites with a private patio, furniture, and a grill, several with views of Lake Erie.
How To Find Free Or Cheap Rv Campsites In National Parks
The U.S. has 61 protected areas known as National Parks that are operated by the National Park Service, an agency of the Dept. of the Interior.
National parks must be established by an act of the United States Congress. A bill creating the first National Park, Yellowstone, was signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant in 1872, followed by Mackinac National Park in 1875 , and then Rock Creek Park , Sequoia and Yosemite in 1890.
The Organic Act of 1916 created the National Park Service to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and wildlife therein, and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in
The Organic Act of 1916 created the National Park Service to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and wildlife therein, and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.
National Parks are Great for RV Camping
In fact, if its your first time boondocking, heading to a National Park campground is a great way to dip your toes in the water rather than setting up camp in a less-frequented area if you run your batteries down too much and need a jump.
Because they are more frequented and typically have more resources than National Forests or BLM land, RV camping in National Parks comes with a few more rules and regulations to watch out for and they can vary from park to park.
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Mile Creek Park South Carolina
This RV resort is located on one of the purest, cleanest lakes in South Carolina, Lake Keowee. The Mile Creek Park has 69 sites with either waterfront access or water views.
Lake Keowee. Photo via Wikipedia Creative Commons
The boat launch is available for fishing or you can rent one of the resorts kayaks and explore the 300 miles of shoreline. The resort also has heated comfort stations with showers, a volleyball court, and several playgrounds.
South Dakota: Mount Rushmore Resort & Lodge At Palmer Gulch Hill City
Explore South Dakotas famous sites like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial from your RV at Mount Rushmore Resort & Lodge at Palmer Gulch. Set in the states Black Hills region at the base of South Dakotas highest point, Black Elk Peak, the resort has a water park, horseback riding, a dog park, regular movie screenings, bike rentals, and a kids zone. Full hook-up RV sites come with a picnic table, fire pits, and a camping kitchen, running $42 to $82 each night.
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Private Campgrounds In Bc: 20+ Amazing Sites
Summertime = camping time! Are we right? When it comes to private campgrounds, BC is a natural choice with plenty of options for camper, tent or cabin stays. British Columbia is one big, gorgeous province, and weve highlighted the best private camping options for you.
Fernie RV Resort is one of the best private campsites in BC.
Note: Please respect all public health advisories. Alberta residents are strongly advised not to travel outside the province for non-essential purposes. Check current advisories here.
June Lake Campground June Lake
Image from The Dyrt camper Lindsay B.
Lakeside camping at June Lake campground provides a sense of peaceful wilderness, alongside the convenience of being walking distance to town. This popular camping destination lies within the Inyo National Forest in the Eastern Sierra at an elevation of 7,600 feet. RV hookups are available at select sites. Boat rentals and fishing are popular among campers.
My whole family loves June Lake campground, and we go there often. We usually book weekends and holidays as SOON as we are able to, and we have our favorite spots. All spots are awesome, and for $23 a night, $7 for a bundle of firewood, and only extra per night if youve got an extra vehicle. Theyve all got fire pits and are a short walk to the bathrooms , and showers . The Dyrt camper Hannah L.
RV Hookups: Yes
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Boondocking In A Campground
A third type of boondocking occurs at a campground. This form is not free, nor are you staying in a remote, off-the-grid location.
Campgrounds usually have sites without hook-ups. They offer them for a reduced nightly rate!
You are still able to use campground amenities, which may include restrooms, water, and other things. You just wont have electric, sewer and water hookups at your site.
If you are staying more than one or two days at a campground, it is a good idea to dump your grey and black water tanks. Then come prepared with a freshwater tank.
You should also be able to run your generator during non-quiet hours to charge your batteries. That way you can still enjoy your power, but save money by not plugging in.
Many state and national parks also offer non-hookup sites. If you are open to boondocking there, it opens up more sites available for you to stay at. In other words, being open to campground boondocking can give you options!
Boondocking at a campground allows you to enjoy simpler camping while enjoying nature. But, it also gives you access to some of the benefits of a developed campground.