10 Best Places to Park a Camper for Free (2023)

Where Can You Park a Camper for Free?

Camping is a great way to get away from it all, but it can be expensive. If you’re looking for a way to save money on your next camping trip, consider parking your camper for free. There are a number of places where you can do this, both on public and private property.

In this article, we’ll discuss the different options available for free camper parking, as well as the pros and cons of each. We’ll also provide tips on how to find the best free camping spots.

So whether you’re looking for a free place to park your camper for a night or a week, read on for all the information you need.

Location Cost Notes
National Forest $0 Camping is allowed for free in most National Forests.
BLM Land $0 Camping is allowed for free on most BLM land.
National Park $20-$30 per night Camping is allowed in some National Parks, but it typically costs money.
State Park $10-$20 per night Camping is allowed in some State Parks, but it typically costs money.
Private Campground $20-$50 per night Camping is allowed in private campgrounds, but it typically costs money.

Where Can You Park a Camper for Free?

Camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but it can be expensive to rent a campsite or buy a camper. If you’re looking for a free place to park your camper, there are a few options available.

Public Land

The following public lands offer free camping:

  • National Forests. National forests are managed by the U.S. Forest Service and offer a variety of camping options, including dispersed camping, campgrounds, and RV parks. Dispersed camping is allowed in most national forests, but there may be restrictions on where you can park your camper. Check with the forest service for more information.
  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lands. BLM lands are managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and offer a variety of camping options, including dispersed camping, campgrounds, and RV parks. Dispersed camping is allowed on most BLM lands, but there may be restrictions on where you can park your camper. Check with the BLM for more information.
  • National Parks. National parks are managed by the National Park Service and offer a variety of camping options, including campgrounds, RV parks, and backcountry camping. Campgrounds in national parks are typically reservable, but there are some first-come, first-served campgrounds available. Backcountry camping is allowed in some national parks, but there may be restrictions on where you can park your camper. Check with the park service for more information.
  • State Parks. State parks are managed by state governments and offer a variety of camping options, including campgrounds, RV parks, and backcountry camping. Campgrounds in state parks are typically reservable, but there are some first-come, first-served campgrounds available. Backcountry camping is allowed in some state parks, but there may be restrictions on where you can park your camper. Check with the park service for more information.
  • County Parks. County parks are managed by county governments and offer a variety of camping options, including campgrounds, RV parks, and backcountry camping. Campgrounds in county parks are typically reservable, but there are some first-come, first-served campgrounds available. Backcountry camping is allowed in some county parks, but there may be restrictions on where you can park your camper. Check with the park service for more information.
  • City Parks. City parks are managed by city governments and offer a variety of camping options, including campgrounds, RV parks, and backcountry camping. Campgrounds in city parks are typically reservable, but there are some first-come, first-served campgrounds available. Backcountry camping is allowed in some city parks, but there may be restrictions on where you can park your camper. Check with the park service for more information.

Private Land

You can also park your camper on private land for free, but you will need to get permission from the landowner. Some landowners may charge a fee for parking your camper, while others may allow you to park for free.

Here are a few places where you might be able to park your camper on private land:

  • Farmland. Many farmers allow campers to park on their land for a fee. This can be a great option if you’re looking for a place to camp that’s close to amenities, such as grocery stores and gas stations.
  • Ranchland. Some ranchers also allow campers to park on their land for a fee. This can be a great option if you’re looking for a place to camp that’s in a rural setting.
  • Golf Courses. Some golf courses allow campers to park on their property for a fee. This can be a great option if you’re looking for a place to camp that’s close to a golf course.
  • Churches. Some churches allow campers to park on their property for a fee. This can be a great option if you’re looking for a place to camp that’s close to a place of worship.
  • Schools. Some schools allow campers to park on their property for a fee. This can be a great option if you’re looking for a place to camp that’s close to a school.
  • Businesses. Some businesses allow campers to park on their property for a fee. This can be a great option if you’re looking for a place to camp that’s close to a business.

Tips for Finding Free Camping

Here are a few tips for finding free camping:

  • Check with the local park service or recreation department. They may have information about free camping opportunities in the area.
  • Search online for free camping sites. There are a number of websites that list free camping sites, such as FreeCampsites.net and Campendium.com.
  • Ask around. Talk to locals and other

3. Commercial Campgrounds

Commercial campgrounds are a great option for campers who want to stay in a developed campground with amenities such as restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. Most commercial campgrounds also have a dump station for RVs.

RV Parks

RV parks are designed specifically for RVs and typically have large, pull-through sites with full hookups (water, sewer, and electric). Some RV parks also have amenities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and Wi-Fi.

Tent Campgrounds

Tent campgrounds are also a good option for campers who want to stay in a developed campground. Tent campgrounds typically have smaller sites than RV parks, and they may not have full hookups. However, they often have amenities such as restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities.

KOA Campgrounds

KOA Campgrounds are a nationwide chain of campgrounds that offer a variety of amenities, including full hookups, swimming pools, playgrounds, and Wi-Fi. KOA Campgrounds are a good option for campers who want a comfortable and convenient camping experience.

State Park Campgrounds

State park campgrounds are a great option for campers who want to stay in a beautiful natural setting. State park campgrounds typically have a variety of sites, including RV sites, tent sites, and cabins. They also have a variety of amenities, such as restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities.

National Park Campgrounds

National park campgrounds are a great option for campers who want to experience the beauty of our nation’s national parks. National park campgrounds typically have a variety of sites, including RV sites, tent sites, and cabins. They also have a variety of amenities, such as restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities.

4. Other Options

In addition to commercial campgrounds, there are a number of other options for campers who want to park their camper for free.

Walmart Parking Lots

Many Walmart stores allow campers to park their RVs in their parking lots overnight. However, it is important to check with the individual store before you arrive to make sure that they allow overnight parking.

Cabela’s Parking Lots

Cabela’s stores also allow campers to park their RVs in their parking lots overnight. However, it is important to check with the individual store before you arrive to make sure that they allow overnight parking.

Cracker Barrel Parking Lots

Cracker Barrel restaurants also allow campers to park their RVs in their parking lots overnight. However, it is important to check with the individual restaurant before you arrive to make sure that they allow overnight parking.

Truck Stops

Truck stops are another option for campers who want to park their RVs for free. Most truck stops have large parking lots that are open to the public. However, it is important to check with the individual truck stop before you arrive to make sure that they allow overnight parking.

Rest Areas

Rest areas are also a good option for campers who want to park their RVs for free. Most rest areas have large parking lots that are open to the public. However, it is important to check with the individual rest area before you arrive to make sure that they allow overnight parking.

There are a number of different options for campers who want to park their camper for free. The best option for you will depend on your budget, your needs, and your desired location.

Where Can I Park My Camper for Free?

  • National Forests. Many national forests offer free camping in designated campgrounds. Campgrounds typically have amenities such as restrooms, water, and fire pits.
  • BLM Land. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) also offers free camping on some of its land. BLM land is typically more remote than national forest campgrounds, and may not have as many amenities.
  • National Parks. Some national parks offer free camping in designated campgrounds. However, these campgrounds are often in high demand, and it is important to reserve a spot in advance.
  • State Parks. State parks typically charge a fee for camping. However, some state parks offer free camping in designated areas.
  • County Parks. County parks may offer free camping, but it is important to check with the individual park for their policies.
  • Municipal Parks. Municipal parks may also offer free camping, but it is important to check with the individual park for their policies.
  • Private Land. You may also be able to find free camping on private land. However, it is important to get permission from the landowner before you camp on their property.

What Do I Need to Know Before I Park My Camper for Free?

  • Check the local regulations. Before you park your camper for free, be sure to check the local regulations. Some areas may have restrictions on where you can park your camper, or how long you can stay.
  • Be respectful of the environment. When you are camping for free, it is important to be respectful of the environment. This means packing out all of your trash, and leaving the area in the same condition that you found it.
  • Be prepared for basic amenities. When you are camping for free, you may not have access to basic amenities such as restrooms, water, or electricity. Be sure to pack everything you need, and be prepared to be self-sufficient.

What Are the Benefits of Parking My Camper for Free?

  • Free camping can save you money. One of the biggest benefits of parking your camper for free is that it can save you money. You won’t have to pay for a campground fee, which can be a significant expense.
  • Free camping can give you more flexibility. When you are camping for free, you have more flexibility to choose where you want to stay. You can camp in remote areas, or in areas that are close to attractions.
  • Free camping can be a more authentic experience. When you are camping for free, you are more likely to interact with the local community and experience the area in a more authentic way.

What Are the Risks of Parking My Camper for Free?

  • There is no guarantee of safety. When you are camping for free, there is no guarantee of safety. You should take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
  • You may not have access to basic amenities. When you are camping for free, you may not have access to basic amenities such as restrooms, water, or electricity. Be sure to pack everything you need, and be prepared to be self-sufficient.
  • You may have to deal with other campers. When you are camping for free, you may have to deal with other campers. This can be a positive or negative experience, depending on the other campers.

    there are many different places where you can park a camper for free. However, it is important to be aware of the local regulations and ordinances before doing so. By following these tips, you can enjoy your camping trip without having to worry about where to park your camper.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.