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🌲 Free and dispersed camping
Much National Forest and BLM land allows free dispersed camping away from developed campgrounds. These maps and communities show where.
Most people go to:
| Site | Best for | Coverage | Cost | App | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLM: camping on public lands ↗ Official | Rules and areas for dispersed camping on BLM land | Western US | Free | Web | Visit ↗ |
| Campendium ↗ | Reviews of free sites, campgrounds and RV parks | US | Free + paid | iOS, Android | Visit ↗ |
| FreeCampsites.net ↗ | Crowd-sourced map of free and cheap campsites | US and beyond | Free | Web | Visit ↗ |
| iOverlander ↗ | Overlanding spots, water, dump stations, campsites | Worldwide | Free | iOS, Android | Visit ↗ |
| The Dyrt ↗ | Campground reviews, with free-camping map layers on Pro | US | Free + paid | iOS, Android | Visit ↗ |
| Harvest Hosts ↗ | Overnight RV stays at wineries, farms and attractions | US and Canada | Membership | iOS, Android | Visit ↗ |
| Boondockers Welcome ↗ | Free overnight parking on hosts' private property | US and Canada | Membership | Web | Visit ↗ |
💡 Dispersed camping has rules: stay limits (often 14 days), distance from water and roads, and fire restrictions. Check the local office before you go.
Links open in a new tab. “Official” means a government site. Links are tagged so each site can see the visit came from Recreation.org. Prices and features change; check each site before you book. Last checked October 2026.
Questions
Is camping on public land really free?
Dispersed camping on much National Forest and BLM land is free, away from developed campgrounds, with rules such as stay limits and distance from water. Some areas are closed or restricted, so check with the local office.
How long can I stay in one spot?
A common limit on federal public land is 14 days in one place, but rules vary by area. Check the local forest or BLM office.
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