We have found some of our favorite free camping spots this past year! We continue to go back to some favorite areas, but we were able to visit more new places. It continues to change each year with more and more people camping, full time RVing, van life-ing, etc. But there are still places that are quiet and let you get away. You may actually learn that an area has some free camping that you didn’t know about!

Free Camping in the United States

I don’t go into too much detail. Information on all these areas can be found through one of the many apps that has specific locations for boondocking. Sometimes a specific location isn’t needed, but the area is open to camping and you can find your designated spot by just scouting the area. Ask any questions in the comments below and we will help as much as possible.

Remember to practice LEAVE NO TRACE. We want to keep these places open to for free camping for all to enjoy.

Oregon

Grants Pass

Right along the river, you will need the cool breeze from it during the summer. Otherwise, it is a great spot for a quiet night.

Mt. Ashland, Ashland, Oregon

Just up the road from the base of the ski mountain, you can ski in the winter or mtn bike into town in the summer.

Mann Lake

Great area to be in if you are wanting access to the Steens Mountain. Located on the eastern side of the range, you get beautiful views and then can drive to the loop road in Frenchglen or South Campground on the west side.

Washington

Wenatchee

Overlooking the entire city. Come in the spring when the hills are covered in blooming flowers.

Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Exploring Mt. Saint Helens National Monument is a must. With some of the best hiking, mountain biking and camping, you will not be disappointed.

Idaho

Idaho City

High up in the mountains, is Idaho City and some of the best boondocking we have found in Idaho, which isn’t difficult. We keep saying the next spot is our favorite. So when the hot weather rolls in, head up and you will find cooler temps.

Sun Valley

Close to Sun Valley is some of the most beautiful free camping you can find. Within 3 miles and just off the paved bike path are 3 days spots.

If you want to get away from town, head north toward Stanley. Throughout the drive, there are dozens of areas of free camping. Find a river spot, forested or meadow with views.

Wyoming

Jackson Hole – Grand Tetons National Park

Shadow Mountain

As the area keeps getting busier and busier it is harder and harder to find a camping spot. But there are still tons of spots with views, seclusion and quiet.

Upper Tetons

This is the area where you will not be by yourself and there may be RVs quite close. There are designated spots right now but people take that as you can fit as many rigs in that spot as you can. So don’t expect to have this to yourself, but the views are perfection!

California

Milford

We found this spot out of the necessity to have a quiet place to sleep for one night. Off the highway and down a groomed gravel road, we found what we were looking for.

Shasta Lake

This lake is amazing! You probably have driven by it if you have traveled in Northern California. There are gravel roads off the main highway for smaller rigs to find places along the lightly traveled gravel roads. You get a little highway noise, but the views are amazing and the water clear to swim during the summer.

Utah

Mount Carmel Junction

This area is a great option if you are looking to enter Zion National Park from the east. There is a small town with food, a small golf course and plenty of boondocking. There are a few spots up in the mountains and few spots along the river (if there is actually water in it).

Kanab

We love Kanab because of how much is in the area and the cute town that supports it. Hiking, biking, caves, slot canyons, OHV areas, sand dunes, reservoir and paved paths. There is something for everyone. It is also home to Best Friends Animal Society!

Arizona

Black Canyon City

This area is really if you are driving through and need a spot for a night. Find yourself amongst cacti and cows.

State Park Campgrounds

We rarely stay in campgrounds but if we do, we like to try and support state parks. The prices are usually reasonable and for full hook ups (FHU). Then you can choose places that prioritize spacing. Here was our favorite of 2023.

Oregon

L.L. “Stub” Stewart State Park

Quietly situated in the center of some mountain biking trails and along an 11 mile paved path, this quiet RV park came with large spots, green and the sound of the river.

County Campgrounds

Oregon

Kingsley Reservoir Campground

We love this campground because of its proximity to the mountain biking trails, a little lake and Hood River! The sites are large and in the fall the leaves are in full color.

Arizona

Gilbert Ray Campground

This is a favorite as it is so unique. You are surrounded by mountains in the distance and multiple different cacti up close. The spots are small, but have space between them and if you are there for a sunset after a thunderstorm you will be in for a pleasant evening.

Private Campground

Crystal Crane Hot Springs

This campground is in eastern Oregon and not on a main route to anywhere in particular. It is worth the detour to spend a night as the hot springs are one of the best in the US for private hot springs. They have different options of camping. FHU, designated spot or open field. You have access to the hot springs your entire stay. Our favorite time to go out is around 1:00 am because of the intensity of the stars on a clear night.

Where was your favorite camping spot of 2023?

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