Discover The Best Free Camping In America
To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America .
You should give it a try!
As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, youre contributing to these lands.
Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers that love to score the best site!
Well send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA . Access the list by submitting your email below:
Our Rv Campground Story
Buffalo Bluff RV Park is a family run park. After moving our family from Washington State to Cody Wyoming, we fell in love with these 13 acres and their incredible views of Cody and the surrounding territory from the bluff. We cant wait to share these wide open spaces with you.
We look forward to seeing you during our season:May to Mid-October, weather permitting.
How To Camp For Free In Yellowstone National Park Boondocking
Technically you are not allowed to camp for free in Yellowstone from my understanding. We asked a park ranger if they cared if people camped in pullouts and visitor parking lots and he said its frowned upon, your not supposed to. We took this with a little bit of optimism as we had seen ALOT camping throughout Yellowstone before in pull offs or parking lots. Certain parking lots do say NO CAMPING but the majority of them do not.
We have seen people camping at the old faithful visitor center, canyon village and numerous pull offs. We have now camped in Yellowstone a total of 3 nights without any issues. So where are good spots to camp in the park for scenic views, quiet areas and places you wont get a ticket.
Arguably the best spots to camp overnight inside the park are at one of the major visitor centers such as Old Faithful, Madison, Canyon Village and West Thumb. You will almost always see other campers parked overnight here depending on what time of year you visit. While these places dont have the best views, you will be at a central location in the park to go exploring the next day.
Enjoy your time in Yellowstone and plan ahead so that you make your route as efficient as possible!
Our Favorite Hiking Backpack Atlas Athlete Pack
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Norris Campground Yellowstone National Park
Photo courtesy of Ravi
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Campsite Name: Norris Campground
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Coordinates/Directions: 44.737848, -110.693615. Located 0.8 miles north of Norris Junction.
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Bathroom/Facilities: Flush toilets, no showers, fire rings, picnic tables, bear-proof lockers available
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Top Activities: National Park access,
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Pit Stops Nearby: Steamboat Geyser
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Top Hikes Nearby: Norris Geyser Basin
Located inside the first National Park, Norris Campground offers 111 dry camping spots in the heart of all the geyser action of Yellowstone.
Campsites in Norris Campground are nestled among the lodgepole pines, along streams, and may even host a wandering bison herd. Wildlife precautions are a must .
A one-mile trail from the campground will take you to the Norris Geyser Basin, a fascinating walking trail through thermal pools and geysers.
Youve likely heard about Old Faithful. But its hard to fully understand just how much thermal action is happening in Yellowstone until you visit this area of the park.
These geysers are rare kinds of hot springs that are under pressure and erupts, sending jets of water and steam into the air. Everywhere you look, youll see steam, bubbles and powerful jets of steam coming up from the ground.
This is a limited development campground, so it doesnt offer showers or laundry facilities. However, this campsite does host flushing toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables, in addition to a convenient central location in the park for only $20/night.
Lake Hattie Public Access Area
Managed by the Department of Fish and Wildlife, Lake Hattie Public Access Area is a popular free camping ground along Lake Hattie Road near Laramie, Wyoming. The site offers numerous recreation activities for the many dispersed campers who frequent the area. You drive in your RV or walk it and pitch tent on any of the campsites.
The campground is accessed via a wash-boarded road a short distance away from a paved road. There are several camping spots along the lakes shore. You may have a hard time reaching the water from some of the sites as theyre on a raised buff. If you arrive early, you can drive onto and set camp on one of the lovesome beach camping areas.
If youre looking for some solitude and mesmerizing sights, the campsites farther from the water are perfect. You can hike the short way to the water or ride your bike. The grounds have limited facilities but its still one of the best places to enjoy budget camping without paying a dime.
Site amenities at Lake Hattie Public Access Area:
- Fire ring
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Resources For Free Camping In Wyoming
You might not be familiar with Wyomings geography, so finding free camping can be daunting. Whether youre tent camping, rolling in a van or RV, or on foot, these resources can help you find free camping near the destinations you enjoy.
- The Dyrt makes it easy to find free camping in Wyoming . Put Wyoming in the search bar. Under Type, select dispersed. Each listing includes a rating and reviews, detailed description and list of features, images, weather report, and geographical data.
- is an accessible tool for locating public lands in Wyoming. The green areas are public land. Use the satellite view to get a better idea of roads and access to your destination.
- The USFS website lets you view public lands on a map of Wyoming. You can also select campsites to get more information on USFS campgrounds. If you dont have WiFi, the U.S. Public Lands app for iPhone and Android does the same thing offline.
- The National Geographic Road Atlas Adventure Edition has maps showing public lands. Its a great resource to keep in your car, pack, or RV for when you may need a paper solution.
- If youre traveling by RV, Boondockers Welcome lists free places to park your ride on private property. For a small fee, you can find similar listings on Harvest Hosts and Overnight RV Parking. And rv-camping.org has listings for other boondocking sites.
Glenrock South Recreation Complex
Glenrock South Recreation Complex is a city park that offers five campsites for free. These sites have no electricity but do provide a water spigot nearby to fill up if needed.
The sites are all cement and level and can accommodate large RVs.
They also provide a picnic table at each site with a BBQ. A dump station is available on the premises.
There is plenty of cell service for all major carriers.
GPS: 42.8363, -105.8711
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Best Free Camping Sites In Wyoming
Camping is a fun way to explore the country, unwind from the busy city life, and discover attractive vacationing sites. Wyoming is a preferred camping destination for many reasons: it offers a plethora of free outdoor recreation activities in its national parks, natural mountains, rivers, lakes, and prairies, particularly during summer, spring, and fall seasons.
Wyomings most spectacular natural amenities include:
- The Devil’s Tower, which was the United States first national monument
- Wyoming big sagebrush
- The ten largest coal mines in the United States.
Free Wyoming Rv Camping And Boondocking
Free Wyoming RV camping is available throughout the state. National Forest and BLM administered lands offer dispersed camping. This term is often referred to as boondocking, but what it means is that you can camp anywhere on public lands for free unless otherwise restricted. Restriction reasons can be for the protection of wildlife, delicate resources, heavily used areas, etc. Locations closed to camping are signed, but if you are unsure or wish to verify dispersed camping areas, contact the local USFS Ranger District or BLM Field Office for details. The following list is only an example of free and low-cost Wyoming RV camping locations.
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Rv Parks In Cody Wyoming
Maybe legendary Yellowstone National Park, with the geysers, wolves in addition to free-roaming bison? No matter where you would like to go, youll discover theres an ideal KOA campground close by. Were your partner for enjoying the states incomparable elegance, with a variety of rv park locations and hassle-free amenities. The traditional western part of the Usa is blessed together with immense beauty in addition to nature, thanks to be able to Wyoming. It is the 10th largest state by location in the country, placed within the area of Montana, Sth Dakota, Nebraska, Co, Utah, and Florida. Known as the Cowboy State, this particular piece of heaven has everything you need if you need to encounter nature in its finest, from rolling foothills to rugged mountains. With that being said, its no surprise why Wy is popular and one of the favorite glamping spots inside the US.
Is Dispersed Camping Allowed In Yellowstone National Park
As mentioned above, dispersed camping isnt allowed within Yellowstone itself.
Few, if any, national parks offer drive-in dispersed camping or boondocking so as to keep the land as unaltered by minimizing human impact on the land.
In other words, the National Park Services main goal is conversation and dispersed camping doesnt align with this goal.
Fortunately, there are countless dispersed camping options just outside of Yellowstones boundaries in Bridger-Teton, Custer Gallatin, Caribou-Targhee, and Shoshone National Forests.
Although the campgrounds in Yellowstone itself are nice and extremely convenient , dispersed camping outside the park is typically a much quieter, more laidback experience with just as beautiful scenery.
If youre in the national park in the evening, youll likely see people stealth camping in RVs, trailers, and vans in roadside pull-outs, day-use picnic areas, and visitor center parking lots.
Although stealth camping is very common in the summer and youll likely get away with it without getting a ticket, I encourage you to respect park rules and stay in an official Yellowstone campground or in a dispersed campsite outside of the park.
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Spread Creek Dispersed Campsite: Bridger
The Spread Creek dispersed campsite is an amazing free camping location in the Teton Front Range. It rests only a few miles from the Upper and Lower Teton/Toppings area in FR-30290 Moose, Wyoming, but is set farther back the main road on. The gravel road leading into the campsite is wide and water-boarded but it slowly narrows as you venture further.
Theres signage at the National Forest boundary cautioning campers to utilize only the designated and marked camping areas. The first 4 camping spots are all spacious enough for a big rigs and are ideal for group camping. The sites offer a spectacular view of the Tetons and the nearby surface-level gravel mine. You can camp here freely in your trailer, motor home, or tent for up to 5 days.
If youre looking for a more private campsite, you can scout for a smaller one higher up the road. The view of the Tetons, river, stunning sunsets and seclusion is unrivaled, but its challenging maneuvering a big rig further up. Cell service is spotty in the area but nothing beats a free bargain in a spectacular setting like this.
Site amenities at Spread Creek Dispersed Campsite
- Ample firewood
This campsite is child-friendly and pet-friendly.
Weeping Rock Fontenelle Wy
Image from The Dyrt camper Carrie C.
Situated on the Green River, Weeping Rock campground is the choice spot for anglers looking to snag a plump trout or Kokanee salmon. There are 16 designated sites, half of which accommodate RVs . You even get the luxury of a toilet, picnic table, and fire ring. The Dyrt camper Jessi B. warns that it does get busy on the weekends so show up early to grab a site near the water.
You can bring your four-legged companion with you, but make sure theyre safe and within sight. Wyoming is home to buffalo, deer, elk, moose, bears, and many other critters, so be sure to keep your area clear of anything that will attract unwanted attention.
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Snake River John D Rockefeller Jr Memorial Parkway
Snake River John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway is located along the Snake River at the heart of the Greater Yellowstone area. Its a natural link to the Yellow Stone and Grand Teton National Parks.
Scattered volcanic rocks from the Yellowstone National Park form outcroppings on the parkways ridges and hills. The Teton Range also tapers at its northern edge in the park, forming a gentle slope. This fusion of diverse natural landscapes makes the parkway a stunning dispersed camping and a vacationing spot in Wyoming.
The parkway holds multiple campsites many have multiple sites and are large enough for large RVs and group camping but there are also smaller private campsites further up. If youre a lover of nature and adventure, this serene campground right on the banks of the scenic Snake River is hard to beat.
The Snake River John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway connects campers to 24,000 acres of lush natural vegetation and wildlife. Youll have the time of your life watching the many moose, black bears, and grizzly bears in the area. There are no water or power hookups in the camping ground.
Site amenities at John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway
- Picnic areas and tables
Lander City Park Public Campground
Lander City Park Public Campground offers a unique take on free camping. Rather than dispersed camping in a national forest, this free Wyoming campground is located just outside of downtown Lander. Unlimited tent sites are available across the city park. RVs of all sizes are welcome. Free camping is available for up to three nights. Restrooms and drinking water are available on-site. The campground is popular among rock climbers.
Learn more about Lander City Park Public Campground.
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Where To Find Free Camping Around Wyoming
Free camping goes by many names. Call it dispersed, primitive, backcountry, dry camping or boondocking, its still going to be camping with limitedor often zeroamenities. The trade-off is that you dont pay a facility fee. You also have the freedom to choose your campsite, whether that means nestled between deep in a forest or pulled off an isolated road. And in a state like Wyoming, you could be the only camper for miles.
Two federal divisions manage free camping options in the U.S., the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service . You can also camp for free on some Wildlife Management Areas, county and city parks, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land, but be sure to research those options before you go.
Whether youre looking for a mountain landscape, rocks to climb, or waters for your fishing rod, weve got you covered. Here are some of the best options for free camping in Wyoming, with some general tips to help you camp in style.
Where Is Dispersed Camping Allowed In Wyoming
The two primary places that dispersed camping is permitted in Wyoming is on public land managed by the United States National Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management . Generally speaking both of these public agencies permit dispersed camping in Wyoming, unless a specific area explicitly prohibits it.
Find additional details on dispersed camping in National Forests and on BLM land in Wyoming in the sections below:
US Forest Service Dispersed Camping in Wyoming
There are eight National Forests managed by the USFS in Wyoming, with several of them crossing into adjacent states. Many of these forests offer great dispersed camping opportunities, and often near some of Wyomings top attractions and National Parks.
These National Forests should be your first stop when looking for dispersed camping Wyoming, and weve provided links to each forests dispersed camping rules below:
The map below shows where each of Wyomings National Forests are located and is a helpful resource when planning your trip:
Bureau of Land Management Dispersed Camping in Wyoming
In addition to the USFS, the Bureau of Land Management, or BLM for short, is the other large public land owner in Wyoming that permits dispersed camping. This is a little hit or miss as much of the BLM land in Wyoming is used for oil and gas leases, which leads us to much prefer the National Forests. However, there are still plenty of great dispersed camping areas on BLM land in Wyoming that are worth checking out.
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Yellowstone National Park Camping Free Camping Near Yellowstone
Finding places to camp in and around Yellowstone National Park can be a challenge. Even though Yellowstone has 12 campgrounds throughout the national park, it is still not nearly enough for all the visitors. Yellowstone averages around 5-6 million visitors per year, which means that people are often left finding campsites FAR away from the park itself.
The problem with staying outside of Yellowstone is that the National Park is massive. To see the entire park, it can take at least 3-5 days of driving to explore everything. Staying anymore then 30 minutes outside the park will require more gas, longer days, more driving and less time to relax on your vacation.
This article highlighting free camp spots and boondocking destinations near Yellowstone does not always show the most beautiful spot. It rather is meant to showcase free places we slept overnight in our 31 Foot Class A motorhome while exploring Yellowstone and the surrounding area.
Exploring a little bit of Yellowstone each day and being able to camp as you explore makes your journey that much more enjoyable. Instead of having to drive back to your campsite each day, you can camp on your way to the next destination. Check out this map of Yellowstone National Park.