A Comprehensive Guide to Free Car Camping
Car camping is a popular and budget-friendly way to enjoy the outdoors without investing in expensive camping gear or paying for campground fees. Car camping means you can sleep in your car, tent, camper van, or RV at a designated or dispersed camping site that does not charge any money. However, free car camping also means you will most likely be without amenities such as potable water, picnic tables, trash cans, showers, and toilets. You will need to come fully prepared with everything you need, pack everything out, and abide by Leave No Trace principles.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about free car camping, including:
The benefits and challenges of free car camping
The types and locations of free car camping sites
The best vehicles and gear for free car camping
The tips and tricks for finding and enjoying free car camping
Benefits and Challenges of Free Car Camping
Free car camping has many advantages over traditional campgrounds or hotels, such as:
Saving money on accommodation and camping fees
Having more solitude and remoteness than a crowded campground
Enjoying scenic views and natural surroundings
Having more flexibility and spontaneity with your travel plans
Being able to make or change last-minute plans
However, free car camping also comes with some challenges and drawbacks, such as:
Having no access to amenities such as water, electricity, toilets, showers, etc.
Having to deal with weather conditions, wildlife, insects, noise, etc.
Having to follow rules and regulations of different public lands
Having to research and plan ahead for finding suitable and legal camping sites
Having to be self-reliant and responsible for your safety and comfort
Types and Locations of Free Car Camping Sites
There are two main types of free car camping sites: designated and dispersed.
Designated free car camping sites are marked and maintained by the land management agency or the local authority. They usually have a sign, a map, or a bulletin board with information about the site. They may also have some basic amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, or vault toilets. However, they are still primitive and do not have hookups, showers, or potable water. Designated free car camping sites are usually found in national forests, state parks, city parks, county parks, wildlife management areas, or recreation areas.
Dispersed free car camping sites are not marked or maintained by anyone. They are simply areas of public land where you can camp for free as long as you follow the rules and regulations of the land management agency. They have no amenities whatsoever and you have to practice Leave No Trace principles. Dispersed free car camping sites are usually found in national forests, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, national grasslands, or national monuments.
The best way to find free car camping sites is to use online resources such as websites, apps, maps, or blogs that provide information about different public lands and their camping options. Some of the most popular and useful online resources for finding free car camping sites are:
The Dyrt: This is the #1 campsite finder app that has over 5,000 free camping locations across the U.S. You can search by location, filter by amenities, read reviews from other campers, view photos and videos of the sites, and even book reservations at some campgrounds. The Dyrt also offers a PRO membership that gives you access to offline maps, discounts at campgrounds and gear stores, alerts for last-minute availability at sold-out campgrounds, and more.
Campendium: This is a website that provides comprehensive information about all kinds of camping options in the U.S. and Canada. You can search by location or map view, filter by price range or amenities, read reviews from other campers, view photos of the sites, and get directions to the sites. Campendium also has a blog that features helpful articles on topics such as boondocking tips, best campsites by state, and RV living.
Freecampsites.net: This is a website that allows users to share their experiences and locations of free camping sites across the U.S. and Canada. You can search by location or map view, filter by type of site or vehicle, read reviews from other campers, view photos of the sites, and get directions to the sites. Freecampsites.net also has a forum where you can ask questions or share tips with other campers.
AllStays: This is an app that helps you find all kinds of places to stay on the road. You can search by location or map view, filter by type of place or amenity, read reviews from other travelers, view photos of the places, and get directions to the places. AllStays covers not only campgrounds but also hotels, motels, hostels, casinos, Walmarts, truck stops, rest areas, and more.
Hipcamp: This is a website that connects you with private landowners who offer camping opportunities on their properties. You can search by location or map view, filter by type of site or amenity, read reviews from other campers, view photos of the sites, and book reservations online. Hipcamp offers a variety of camping options such as tents, RVs, cabins, treehouses, yurts, and more. Some of the sites are free while others charge a fee.
Best Vehicles and Gear for Free Car Camping
The best vehicle for free car camping depends on your personal preference, budget, and travel style. However, some general features that make a vehicle ideal for free car camping are:
Reliability: You want a vehicle that can handle different road conditions and weather situations without breaking down or getting stuck.
Space: You want a vehicle that has enough room for you to sleep and store your gear comfortably.
Fuel efficiency: You want a vehicle that does not consume too much gas or diesel, especially if you plan to travel long distances or explore remote areas.
Stealth: You want a vehicle that does not attract too much attention or suspicion, especially if you plan to camp in urban areas or places where camping is not allowed.
Some of the most common vehicles used for free car camping are:
Car: A car is the simplest and cheapest option for free car camping. You can use any car that has enough space for you to sleep in the back seat or the trunk. You can also fold down the seats or remove them to create more space. You can use a mattress, a sleeping pad, a sleeping bag, or blankets to make your sleeping area more comfortable. You can also use curtains, shades, or window covers to create more privacy and block out the light. A car is easy to drive, park, and maintain, but it may not be very comfortable, spacious, or stealthy.
SUV: An SUV is a more spacious and comfortable option for free car camping. You can use an SUV that has enough space for you to sleep in the back with the seats folded down or removed. You can also use a rooftop tent, a hitch tent, or an awning to create more sleeping or living space outside the vehicle. You can use the same bedding and window covers as a car to make your sleeping area more comfortable and private. An SUV is more versatile, capable, and secure than a car, but it may also be more expensive, less fuel-efficient, and less stealthy.
Van: A van is the most popular and customizable option for free car camping. You can use a van that has enough space for you to sleep in the back with the seats removed or converted into a bed. You can also build your own bed platform, cabinets, shelves, drawers, or other furniture to create more storage and organization space. You can also install insulation, ventilation, lighting, power, water, heating, cooling, or other systems to make your van more comfortable and functional. You can use the same bedding and window covers as a car or an SUV to make your sleeping area more comfortable and private. A van is the most spacious, comfortable, and stealthy option for free car camping, but it may also be the most expensive, complicated, and difficult to drive.
The best gear for free car camping depends on your personal preference, budget, and travel style. However, some general gear that you will need for free car camping are:
Sleeping gear: You will need a mattress, a sleeping pad, a sleeping bag, or blankets to sleep on and under. You will also need pillows, sheets, and pillowcases to make your sleeping area more comfortable.
Cooking gear: You will need a stove, a fuel source, a pot, a pan, a kettle, a knife, a cutting board, a spatula, a spoon, a fork, and other utensils to cook your food. You will also need plates, bowls, cups, mugs, and other dishes to eat your food. You will also need food containers, bags, or coolers to store your food.
Cleaning gear: You will need a sponge, a dishcloth, a towel, soap, water, and a bucket or a sink to wash your dishes. You will also need trash bags to collect your trash. You will also need toilet paper, wipes, sanitizer, and a shovel or a portable toilet to deal with your human waste.
Hygiene gear: You will need a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, and other dental products to take care of your teeth. You will also need shampoo, conditioner, soap, body wash, deodorant, and other personal products to take care of your body. You will also need a comb, a brush, scissors, clippers, and other grooming products to take care of your hair. You will also need a towel, a washcloth, water, and a bucket or a shower bag to wash your body. You will also need a laundry bag, detergent, water, and a clothesline or a dryer to wash your clothes.
Entertainment gear: You will need a phone, a tablet, a laptop, a charger, a power bank, or a solar panel to keep yourself connected and entertained. You will also need books, magazines, games, cards, puzzles, or other hobbies to keep yourself occupied and amused. You will also need speakers, headphones, music, podcasts, or audiobooks to keep yourself relaxed and inspired.
Safety gear: You will need a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, a flashlight, a whistle, a knife, a multi-tool, or other emergency items to deal with any accidents or injuries. You will also need a map, a compass, a GPS, a phone, or a satellite device to navigate and communicate. You will also need a lock, an alarm, a camera, or a weapon to secure and protect your vehicle and belongings.
Comfort gear: You will need a chair, a table, a hammock, a rug, or other furniture to make your living area more cozy and inviting. You will also need an umbrella, a tarp, a tent, or an awning to create more shade and shelter. You will also need a fan, a heater, an air conditioner, or other appliances to regulate the temperature and air quality.
Tips and Tricks for Finding and Enjoying Free Car Camping
Finding and enjoying free car camping can be easy and fun if you follow some tips and tricks such as:
Research and plan ahead: Before you hit the road, do some research and planning for finding suitable and legal free car camping sites. Use online resources such as websites, apps, maps, or blogs to get information about different public lands and their camping options. Check the rules and regulations of each land management agency or local authority regarding camping permits, time limits, fire restrictions, pet policies, and other details. Make a list of potential free car camping sites along your route or destination and have some backup options in case of changes or emergencies.
Be flexible and spontaneous: While it is good to have some research and planning done beforehand, it is also important to be flexible and spontaneous when it comes to free car camping. Sometimes you may find that your preferred site is already taken, closed, or inaccessible. Sometimes you may discover that there are better sites nearby or along the way. Sometimes you may change your mind about where you want to go or what you want to do. Be open to new possibilities and opportunities and enjoy the adventure of free car camping.
Arrive early and leave late: One of the challenges of free car camping is finding an available site that meets your needs and preferences. To increase your chances of finding such a site, it is advisable to arrive early and leave late. Arriving early means you can scout the area for the best spot before other campers show up. Leaving late means you can enjoy the site for longer without having to rush or worry about the next destination. However, be mindful of the time limits imposed by the land management agency or local authority and respect them accordingly.
Be respectful and responsible: One of the most important rules of free car camping is to be respectful and responsible for the land, the wildlife, and the people you encounter. Respect the land by following Leave No Trace principles such as packing out all your trash, disposing of your human waste properly, minimizing your impact on the environment, and leaving the site better than you found it. Respect the wildlife by keeping your distance, not feeding them, not disturbing them, and securing your food and trash from them. Respect the people by being friendly, courteous, and considerate of their privacy, space, and noise level.
Be safe and prepared: One of the most essential tips for free car camping is to be safe and prepared for any situation that may arise. Be safe by choosing a site that is not too isolated, exposed, or risky. Be aware of your surroundings and potential hazards such as weather conditions, wildlife encounters, insect bites, or thefts. Be prepared by having enough water, food, fuel, and other supplies for your stay. Be equipped with the right vehicle and gear for free car camping. Be ready with a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, a flashlight, and other emergency items. Be able to navigate and communicate with a map, a compass, a GPS, a phone, or a satellite device.
Free car camping is a great way to explore the outdoors, save money, and have fun. By following this comprehensive guide, you can find and enjoy free car camping sites across the U.S. and Canada. Happy camping!
