Where Can You Camp For Free In The Us
In general, it is easier to find free campsites out west in the U.S. than it is on the east coast. The western U.S. simply just has more plentiful BLM land and outdoors to explore, and the land is more vast.
You do have many options, and I have camped for free in many areas over the years!
Some areas are more difficult to find free camping, though, such as Florida. Many people want to RV or camp in Florida, and the land is limited , which makes finding free camping a little more difficult. I recommend looking at the best free camping apps above to see what options may be available for you.
Free Oklahoma Campsites On Public Land
The majority of dispersed campsites are operated by the US Forest Service, if you love the type of natural camping seen in places like state parks or wildlife management areas. Instead of national forests, youll be staring at the states national grassland because youre in the Great Plains. Rita Blanca National Grassland in the Panhandle has a couple of these. Expect largely wide-open prairie, camping along a road, and surrounded by private farms, but picnic sites like Felt Picnic Area offer some cover and free RV parking. Please use the garbage cans supplied.
Oklahoma, being part of the Great Plains, is similar to its northern and southern neighbors in that it is primarily a long, flat length of land. Many of those bordering states can be traversed without seeing much more than oil rigs and farmland but, Oklahoma does have a few more hilly sections, particularly in its western reaches. While Oklahoma camping spots arent exactly awash in resources, there are plenty of spots to camp for free all around the state.
State Rv Camping Information
- Oklahoma State Parks Information about RV camping and other outdoor recreation opportunities.
- Oklahoma Department of Wildlife -Information about Oklahoma Wildlife Management Areas camping opportunities. Their website has the rules and locations. Search for camping on the web site for quick access to some of Oklahomas best remote RV camping locations.
- Official Oklahoma Tourism Website Where to go and what to do. Includes Oklahoma RV camping suggestions and trip planning ideas.
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Waters Edge Rv And Cabin Resort
Nestled on the shores of Grand Lake Othe Cherokees in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, this RV resort is a great spot to hang out with your friends and family while enjoying all sorts of water-based activities.
Try fishing for crappie, boating, or jump off the swimming pier to the crystal clear water. There are also some walking and biking trails in the area.
The sites are shaded and offer a private deck with a fire pit. Moreover, all of them are big rig friendly and full hook-up with 20/30/50 amp service. There are 11 cabins available in the resort as well.
The resort also features some wide-open spaces and a large clubhouse for you to enjoy. You cant go wrong with this campground if youre looking for a serene stay by a lake.
Brush Creek Park Alabama
Brush Creek Park in Waterloo is a popular destination along the Tennessee River. There are 10 camping sites, and you can set up your RV or simply head over with your tent. This spot is open seasonally, from March to October, and completely free.
Pro tip: If youve been working on your budgeting, stick to visiting free campsites that are just a short drive from your home to save on travel, too.
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Be A Better Camper Every Time
I once awoke floating in a field because I didnt understand local tides. It was an unpleasant lesson, but one that I wont soon forget. Mistakes are an inevitable part of learning something new and also valuable lessons that make us better campers.
But when you wake up, unzip the tent, and lie back to enjoy the rising sun, disconnected from the frantic pace of modern civilization, youll realize the extra effort is worth the hassle.
When you sink into the mellow rhythm of nature, surrounded by open spaces and wild places night after night without any wallet-pinching worries, youll be hooked.
So dont wait. Its time to get off the beaten path, live outside, and enjoy nights under the stars. Best of all, its time to do it all for free.
5 Favorite Free, Beautiful Camp Spots
After a year on the road, a wandering adventurer shares her favorite five dispersed campsites. Read more
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By Mallory Paige
Gear Editor Mallory Paige credits a childhood exploring the Rocky Mountains for her love of the outdoors. She recently spent a memorable year motorcycle camping across North America and is now enjoying introducing her baby girl to all manner of adventure.
The Best Places To Camping In Oklahoma
Many consider Oklahoma to be the heart of America, and its easy to see why. With breathtaking landscapes, 200 lakes, and palatial mountain ranges, the state is a sight to behold for anyone who loves the outdoors and who dreams of going camping in Oklahoma. The state also has a rich history, dating back to the Native Americans.
If you plan on visiting Oklahoma anytime soon, or youre a native looking for spots to camp, this article is for you. From hiking trails and canoeing to whitewater rafting and horseback riding, the Sooner state has it all! Not to mention the state has nearly 300 days of sunshine every year, making it one of the best places to go camping no matter if youre in an RV or tent.
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Where To Boondock In Se Oklahoma
Between the camping gear, supplies, and any must-have camping goodies, camping prices may rapidly mount up. When you factor in the cost of a campsite, it can quickly become prohibitively expensive. If the cost of a campsite makes you squirm, there are several free camping choices available.
The best Oklahoma boondocking locations are on public property. Many of the Oklahoma campsites are open to dispersed camping, notwithstanding their limitations. Start with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation-managed locations most of the approved public fishing places allow dry camping near lakes and rivers. The Lower Illinois River, Kiamichi River Access Area, and Arcadia CEA are the only exceptions. You can only camp at approved dispersed sites if youre going to a fishing area. These camping spots can be found all around Oklahoma, usually far from large cities.
The Ouachita National Forest, which borders the Oklahoma-Arkansas line, is another possibility of Oklahoma camping spots. You can camp anywhere in the national forest as long as there are no signs prohibiting you from doing so. You must stay within 150 feet of a road and at least 100 feet of a water source, according to the Forest Service. Campfires are permitted only in designated fire rings. Keep a safe distance from any established places, such as trailheads and picnic spots.
Other Websites To Find Free Camping In The Us
There are many other websites that you can use to find free camping as well, such as The Dyrt and iOverlander. These two will help you to learn how to find BLM dispersed camping too.
The Dyrt PRO cost $35.99 per year and you can even search offline when you are in their app. This is very nice because many free camping areas do not have wifi available.
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Boiling Springs State Park
This park is named after a natural boiling spring and is one of the original state parks built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
The park is located in Woodward, Oklahoma, and covers acres of land, including a small lake. The park has a forest with diverse types of vegetation and trees.
Boiling Springs State Park provides campgrounds for RV and tent camping. The park also offers suitable sites for group camping, picnicking, and team building. There are available hiking trails in the park where visitors can go for nature walks and enjoy the lakes view.
The state park also includes spacious cabins located near the lake fitted with bed sofas, air conditioners, twin-sized beds, and a kitchenette. The park allows pets into the cabins at a small cost. Visitors can enjoy the view of the boiling springs from an observation deck.
Fun activities available at Boiling Springs State Park include hiking, nature watching, wildlife observation, camping, and fishing. Golf enthusiasts can also enjoy time at the parks 18-hole golf course equipped with sand traps, water hazards, and dogleg fairways.
Best Oklahoma State Parks With Nearby Camping
This article on Oklahoma state parks is brought to you by Mountain House, whose freeze dried backpacking food like the Fusilli Pasta meal is the perfect addition to your freeze dried food supply for your next OK adventure.
When youre thinking of your next vacation destination, your mind might not jump to the state of Oklahoma. If Oklahoma has never made it on your list, its time to revisit your summer adventure plans. The Sooner State state boasts over 30 state parks, featuring boiling springs, and natural caves. Oklahoma State Parks offer visitors a chance to get to know the states wilderness while indulging in its rich history.
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Camping Rules & Regulations
The following acts are prohibited:
FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF RULES AND REGULATIONS PLEASE SEE CITY CODE SECTION CHAPTER 19
Free Camping In Oklahoma
30. Elk City Lake Park This is a city park on a lake and as a bonus, it has electric hookups!
31. Lucky Star Casino I dont normally recommend casinos for a campground, but when you can get full hook-ups for free, it makes my list. Enough said.
32. Keystone Lake Project Camping on the Appalachia Bay you cant get more beautiful than watching the sunrise to set on the water.
Did I miss any really good ones in the southeast? Share your favorite places to camp for free below!
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Free Camping In Alabama
6. Tuskegee National Forest Camping right in a National Forest has its benefits! The views, the facilities, and the trails for starters.
7. Suncoast RV Dealership While this one isnt making the list for its views or activities available there is one big perk to this site. You get free full hook-ups. Yes, Free Water, electricity, and sewer hook up here.
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Goodenough Creek Campground Idaho
Even though the name literally says good enough, visitors of Goodenough Creek Campground whove reviewed this place tout it as much more than that. The grounds in McCammon offer gorgeous views as well as toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. There are 10 designated camping spots five for tents and five for RVs and trailers.
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Of The Best Places For Free Camping In The Southeast Usa
Please note that at the time of posting all these sites were free, please verify before staying. Some require permits
Also, make sure to check out our travel deals page for any deals or sales on your next trip no matter where it is!
Ok, lets face it even out in nature you want a bit of elbow room to sleep right? This Montana 8 person tent from Coleman is perfect for that! Of course, our family of 6 loves this 10 Person tent from CORE it has a divider so you can have 2 rooms or keep it wide open. Then there is my dream tent I am trying to talk hubby into! It has 3 rooms and sleeps 10 *drool*!
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Find Your Free Camp Site
In the United States, you can camp on Bureau of Land Management areas and in national forests across the country. You can also find free camping opportunities in some Wildlife Management Areas , state forests, and grasslands.
Certain high-use areas or sensitive habitats are marked with no camping signs. Other environments have specific ways to minimize damage, like avoiding the living biological crusts of desert environments or fragile plants of high alpine areas. But the majority of public lands are available for respectful use. Below is my favorite strategy to find an epic camp spot.
Scour Google Maps. Look for the green areas on Google Maps that signify public lands. This is a rough demarcation of national forests and other public areas, so be sure to respect private land at the fringes. Take note of whats available in the region you plan to explore. Use the Google Earth mode and zoom function to get an idea of roads and landscapes.
Use a paper map. Some wild spaces dont show up on Google Maps. And once youve gotten off the beaten path, cell service may not be available. This is where paper maps come in handy. Choose one of the options listed below or stop by the ranger station for a local map. These will help you identify roads, trails, potential obstacles, and water sources.
Look up rules and regulations for the area you plan to visit.
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Robbers Cave State Park
When it comes to camping in Oklahoma, Robbers Cave State Park is one of my favorite places to go. So named for its historic use as a hiding place for infamous villains like Belle Starr and Jesse James. In this breathtaking park, you will be pleased to find a range of options to suit your camping style.
Enjoy a memorable camping experience at one of 86 primitive campsites situated along picturesque hiking trails. Make yourself at home among the more central campgrounds of Deep Ford or Dogwood. Take your tent and claim a spot near majestic Lake Carlton or Lake Wayne Wallace.
RV owners will find that 22 full hookup campsites, complete with sewer, are available as well as another 64 sites that offer hookups for water and electricity. For those campers who are horse owners, consider taking advantage of the nearby designated campground where trailers, pens, and roaming space may be reserved for use.
Acorn Campground At Beavers Bend State Park
Located in the hilly region of southeast Oklahoma along the shores of Broken Bow Lake and the Mountain Fork River, this campground is a true outdoor lovers paradise.
Apart from water-based activities, such as fishing, boating, water skiing, or canoeing, visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, and plenty of more. Follow the Mountain Fork River for some spectacular views, or engage in golf at the on-site Cedar Creek Golf Course. Broken Bow Lake has also got several caves, great for scuba diving.
There are plenty of camping options back at the campground. From tent sites, RV sites to cabins or glamping. One will certainly find his peace o heaven at Acorn Campground at Beavers Bend State Park.
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Federal Rv Camping Information
- National Park Service NPS information about Oklahoma RV camping at NPS administered areas.
- US Forest Service Ouachita National Forest USFS camping and recreation information for the Ouachita National Forest in southeast Oklahoma. Includes specific Oklahoma RV camping information.
- US Forest Service Cibola National Grasslands Official RV camping and recreation information about the Cibola National Grasslands located in west Oklahoma and Oklahomas panhandle.
- Army Corps of Engineers USACE/COE information about Corps lakes and Oklahoma RV camping opportunities.
- US Fish and Wildlife Service FWS information about wildlife refuges in Oklahoma. Not all FWS refuges permit camping, so check local regulations carefully.
What Do You Do When A Free Campsite Turns Out Not To Be What You Expected
This has happened to use a few times. And, Im sure it will happen to you as well if you camp for free enough.
It can be disappointing, but it does happen.
This may happen because the area has too many other free campers and theres not enough room, the weather has been bad and has made the road not safe, or the area was simply not what we expected.
If this is the case, there are things you can do.
For us, we always like to have a backup option. This may even be something as simple as an RV park nearby or even a Walmart. Or, it may be another boondocking spot that is nearby.
We always try to get to a dispersed camping site a little earlier in the day, instead of at night time. This way we dont feel rushed to find a campsite and can find the best free campsite for us to enjoy.
We actually have a simple rule that we always like to follow when RVing Dont drive or find campsites at night. We find that we get too tired if we are driving all day and into the night. Sure, if we are just going to a Walmart then we generally do not mind. But, we try not to find free dispersed camping in a new area at night time as you just never know what you will find.
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