They say the best thing in life is free, so when we talk about RV camping is FREE anywhere in the equation?
We will discuss some of the options you have for free RV camping and a few that cost very little for the experience provided.
Boondocking
What is boondocking?
Boondocking or Dry Camping is anytime you are without water, sewer, and electricity while camping in your RV. Most people relate this to off-grid or backcountry camping while getting away from the world. This is the ultimate in free RV camping and it has grown as of late in popularity.
The art of boondocking takes a little planning to make sure needed resources are available throughout your stay. Some things you need to take into account are:
- How long can I stay before my tanks need to be dumped?
- Did I bring enough water to last me?
- Will my solar panels be enough to keep my batteries charged?
- Or how long can I run my generator each day to make fuel last?
Before you just drive off into the sunset for a 2-week stay being one with nature, a practice run is suggested. See how long you can make your resources last, but stay close enough to civilization in case you need to restock.
You can dry camp at the local KOA and get a couple of test runs under your belt.
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Public Land (BLM)
What is BLM land?
BLM or Bureau of land management is undeveloped public land that offers the option for dispersed camping or boondocking. Their setting is just what the doctor ordered for those looking to get away from society for a little peace and quiet. There are some BLMs that are fully developed parks, but the majority of them only offer you the true dry camping experience.
Currently, this agency has oversight of 247.3 million acres across this beautiful country of ours. The majority of BLM land is located in the Southwest of the United States, but there are pieces all over the U.S. Plenty of space to get your free RV camping on.
Overnight Parking (moving from destination to destination)
What do RVers mean by overnight parking?
RV Overnight parking is a designated area some businesses provide for RV travelers to stop and take a break or get a little sleep while on their journey. Not meant as a place to set up camp and kick your feet out for a long-term stay.
Some of the places that offer this include Truck stops, Walmart, Cracker Barrels, and of course BLM land. Each state and or location has its own way of doing things, so don’t just take for granted that they allow it without first getting approval.
Where to find free RV camping (or close to it)
BLM Land
The best place to search for BLM land for you to stay is @ Recreation.gov
The Bureau of Land Management is a great resource for rules and regulations
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.
Their database covers all locations across this country that are available for free or little cost (permits sometimes needed)
How long can you stay on BLM land?
Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28-consecutive-day period. The 28-day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands.
The 14-day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28-day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25-mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day of the initial occupation.
The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by the continual use of any particular area. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska).
National Forest
National forests are largely forest and woodland areas owned collectively by the American people through the federal government and managed by the United States Forest Service, a division of the United States Department of Agriculture. This is another great resource for free RV camping or maybe just a few bucks in some locations.
Our National Forests are another great way to find solitude while still having to pay little to nothing for this adventure.
You can also search @ Recreation.gov for National Forest Camping
Daily fees range from free up to $30 and really depend on the amenities available.
How long can you camp in a National Forest?
National Forest camping is limited to 14 consecutive days to allow others the ability to enjoy what they offer.
Interactive Map for Federal Forests
Not free RV camping but still a cheap option
Boondockers Welcome
A hosted database where people host travelers on their property owns private property. They state they have 3000+ hosts across North America with year-round camping options.
You should usually expect to be in a remote location as most people with land to share are away from the city centers.
Each host has its own rules you need to research before your stay, size restrictions, length of stay, and others.
How long can you stay at a Boondockers Welcome location?
Boondockers Welcome limits stay at one location to 5 days in a 90-day period. At $50 per year, you are allowed unlimited stay with any host as long as they have availabilities. This can be consecutively or broken up into shorter stays.
75% of hosts have hookups for you available to use
Harvest Hosts
For $99 a year, it is very similar to Boondockers Welcome but provides some more unique attractions to stay at. They have such places as wineries, farms, breweries, and museums as options for you to relax and unwind for the night/
You are encouraged to purchase from your host’s businesses as they are not compensated for allowing your overnight visit.
80% of hosts can accept vehicles of any length, please check ahead of time for restrictions. You can filter locations by length restrictions also when searching.
How long can you stay at a Harvest Host location?
Harvest Host is an overnight program that allows for a maximum of 24 hours. The host may ask you to stay an extra night but you are discouraged from overstaying your welcome.
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Overnight Parking (while traveling)
Most of the places we are going to list are known to allow overnight parking for travelers. Some of these places even welcome it, as they know you most likely will patron local businesses.
Other places on our list just need some common sense from you, the RV driver. There is a big difference between being in the middle of the night, in the middle of nowhere, finding a large empty lot, just needing to catch a few winks, and trying to slide into a small busy gas station blocking traffic in L.A.
It is always best practice to first get approval from any business you plan on using their space. Most will have no problem if you are not blocking traffic, interfering with their business, and only staying for the night.
Free Overnight Parking
Below are all possible options for a one-night stay as long as you are smart about it. You will also run across people that just like to complain about everything and may say no or ask you to leave.
It is ok to be creative as long as you are being respectful of other people’s property and livelihood.
Hotels/Motels
If it is late and their lot has plenty of space it does not hurt to ask and let them know you will be gone early the next morning. If it is really late they would probably not even know you were there.
Rest Areas
A rest area can be a good place to grab a few hours of sleep depending on how much traffic is coming in and out. Some locations can be off the path and a little too remote to safely stay.
This is where common sense and knowing your surroundings come into play.
City Parks
Some city parks allow for overnight stays and many do not. This would be an option you would want to have researched ahead of time or you may be getting that middle-of-the-night knock.
Vacant Parking Lot
Each city or town has that strip mall or department store that has closed its doors and all that remains is a wide-open parking lot. As long as you stay out in the open and inside your RV, a quick stop to catch up on some sleep should not be an issue in most towns.
RV Dealerships
Some RV dealerships allow for an overnight stay, especially if they think you might be doing some browsing the next day or if servicing is needed. You would want to call ahead of time and get their perspective on it first.
Casinos
Casinos have become a great place to stop for the night as they know most people can’t resist spending a few dollars on lady luck. They are usually open all night so you have time to visit before you call it a night.
Movie Theatre Parking Lot
Once the last movie ends it is one big parking lot that gets no use till the next afternoon. If you park off to the side away from any possible traffic they should have no issue with you stopping for the night.
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Conclusion
It is really all about what you want to get from your adventure experience. If you are a glamper then boondocking is probably not your first choice. Is solitude your cup of tea? Getting off the grid may just be what the doctor ordered.
We all camp differently and creature comforts has a much different meaning for everyone. I myself think waking up in the woods with nothing but my coffee and the sounds of the wild is priceless.
Imagine
Close your eyes for a moment and just think about this. It’s sunrise, and you roll out of your RV, morning air feeling brisk, fire from the night before taking its last breath as it’s trying to reignite. You find your favorite chair on the site, turn it to look out over the lake, and nestle in to relax. Birds chirping and fish jumping as the new day begins. This is what it’s all about!………. Now imagine a hot cup of coffee in your hand. Life just got so much better!
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