The No. 1 way to cut costs on your next RV road trip is to spend less money on camping fees. (Following your RV purchase, that is. More on cutting purchase costs here.) Out on the road, most RV parks and state parks that offer full or partial hook-ups charge $50 to $100 per night. While still cheaper than a night in a hotel, camping fees on a long road trip can add up as quickly as your bill at the gas pump!
We’ve traveled the continent with solar as our main source of electrical power, so we don’t need hook-ups and can camp on FREE public land and/or inexpensive campgrounds. We estimate that we’ve saved over $200,000 on camping fees since 2012!
Where do you find these free and lower cost alternatives? While not an exhaustive list of all available resources, below are our go-to resources for information about free dispersed camping and traditional fee-based campgrounds, as well as boondocking for a couple nights. Most locations have stay limits, so pay close attention to those so you don’t put a strain on resources, or get a ticket. Also, please leave every place BETTER than you found it by following Leave No Trace!
Website Resources to Save on Camping Fees
Both the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service offer numerous options from semi-developed campgrounds (for a small fee) to dispersed camping with nothing but open land (usually free). Most do not offer hook-ups, so being self-contained is key. Some offer potable water and vault toilets. Nearly all offer gorgeous views. While most of the BLM land is found out West, national forests are located throughout the country. Stay limits are typically 14 to 21 days. So, always check the local regulations. If you are 62 or older or are disabled, get an “America the Beautiful” Senior Pass or Access Pass which gives you half-off camping on ALL federal properties … saving you even more!
- BLM: While land use and camping information is available online (by state), stop by the state’s BLM office for a free paper map that outlines the amenities for each area and is helpful when you have no cell service.
- USFS: This website offers information about 157 national forest and grassland campgrounds! You can search by state, or by a specific forest/grassland area. The only downside is that there is no integrated map function, so you have to triangulate the data with either a road atlas or phone navigation app.
Smartphone Apps
iOverlander 2
iOverlander 2 is the updated version of the original crowd-sourced app that helps you find everything. That could be a spot on the side of the highway for the night. Or a dispersed camping area. A casino. Even a parking lot. Always read reviews before you head to the pinned location on the map. Restrictions change frequently, and some could be marked as closed! Completely free.
The Dyrt
The Dyrt is a comprehensive campground locator app, offering the most listings of any app across the U.S. Read reviews and see photos/videos from real people who’ve camped there. Use the helpful filters to find free and inexpensive campgrounds, as well as dispersed areas. Search regions and create lists to plan out your next camping trip. Even book reservable sites and get discounts through the app. Free; the PRO version provides some bonus features that are well worth the small annual fee!
Boondockers Welcome
This app is a collection of 3600+ people across the U.S. and Canada who love to offer their driveway, land, farm, etc. to other self-contained RVers for free. Some hosts do offer hook-ups for a nominal fee, as well as water, local knowledge, and new friendships. Use the availability calendar on the app to request a night’s stay (or up to five nights depending on the host). Annual fee.
Harvest Hosts
Harvest Hosts is a network of wineries, breweries, distilleries, farms, and attractions that invite self-contained RVers to stay in 5200+ sites across the U.S. and Canada. The annual fee provides members unlimited access to overnight stays at any one of the hosts’ locations. Members are encouraged to purchase at least $30 of products made by the host. It’s is a great way to support the small business allowing you to park there. The hosts typically do not offer hook-ups, so being self-contained is key. Use the availability calendar on the app to request a night’s stay (usually limited to one night). Annual fee.
Nice! Now I Can Save on Camping Fees … But What Other Ways Can I Save?
In addition to these helpful apps, there are several Facebook groups in which members post free and dispersed camping options. Just search Facebook with keywords such as boondocking, free camping, or dispersed camping and request to be part of the group. There’s a whole community ready to help you save on camping fees — and, in turn, ready to hear how you’re doing it yourself. Use these helpful resources on your next RV road trip to save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars!
We’ll be back next time with more information about key boondocking essentials that’ll make off-grid camping a breeze!
Enjoying what you’re learning? This article is part of our Cutting RV Travel Costs 101 series.
The First Step to Find Your Dream RV (Part 1)
A Few RV Secrets to Help You Save on Camping Fees (Part 2)
Boondocking Essentials for RV Newbies (Part 3, Coming Soon)
RV Kitchen Must-Haves: How to Make Memorable Meals That Save Cash (Part 4, Coming Soon)
Going Deep into Your Backyard (Part 5, Coming Soon)
