The Best Free Camping for Summer Adventures

With summer just around the corner and planning underway for the epic adventures that have been on the calendar for months, we thought we would revisit some of our favorite boondocking areas that are 100% free, beautiful and will go perfectly with your road trip or RV trip. It might even peak your interest to add on a detour to your itinerary. Add in a place in the mountains where you are guaranteed a place to call your own with epic views, or relax near a lake or a river to take your mind off everything but the present, or park yourself amongst epic mountain biking trails so the moment you sign off from work you are primed for getting your heart rate up around some of the most epic landscapes.

A few of these locations are places that we go back time and time again because of how amazing they are and everything the area has to offer. We love RVing because it gives us the ability to always be in nature and providing us the most time to be on the trails 7 days a week. Whether you are a full time RVer, Part time RVer, or a weekend warrior these places will not disappoint. You might even find a new trip to add to your calendar!

Our Favorite Boondocking for Summer

All these places are free and come with a maximum stay of 3-16 days. Make sure to check out the areas website or apps like iOverlander to make sure how many days there are, closures or fire bans. Summer months are the best but they do come with warnings of making sure to take care of the area. And always, please practice LEAVE NO TRACE. Places have been shut down to people throwing trash, having campfires during bans and dumping.

Silverton, Colorado

As promised above, there is an amazing area in Silverton, Colorado to boondock for free and right next to the river! This place might be a bit busy but it never feels or sounds like it. People are there for the same reasons. To enjoy nature and explore this really cool small town. This road is also on the same road as the Ice Lake Trailhead! This hike is a must do and one of the best in Colorado. Add on Island Lake and it will challenge you but it is worth it.

Forest Road 585

Sun Valley, Idaho

One of our favorite places to come and boondock for just some epic surrounding views. You will have to drive to most trailheads but it is well worth always being in the center. A quick drive to town and you will find a great beer at Sawtooth Brewery or a tasty bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in town. With fun events throughout the year, there is bound to be something going on in town. I highly suggest going during orchestra week. Check out one of the free 45-60 minute orchestras. You can even bring a picnic! Other than that, some of the best hiking and mountain biking can be found in the area and a beautiful river for fishing. This area is one of the most RV friendly mountain towns in the United States. At the Sawtooth National Recreation Area Visitor Center there is dump station and potable water station. It might ask for $5-10 but well worth it.

Trail Creek Road

Lake Creek Road

Forest Road 146

Hurricane, Utah

Now this place is awesome for camping with amazing colorful desert views and step outside and just across the road is a mountain bike trail. Great for hiking and trail running as well. You are also pretty close to Zion National Park if you want to venture into the park.

Bend, Oregon

We love Bend, Oregon. The outdoor mecca of Oregon or the PNW, it is one of the best towns to call home for a couple weeks. Breweries, restaurants and wineries for all. Plus trails, rivers, lakes, mountains, forests, caves. The best hiking in Oregon, great mountain biking for all levels. It is one of the best towns to get into mountain biking. Throughout summer there are festivals, concerts, kids activities, group get togethers, art shows and First Fridays. There is so much to do that it will keep you busy. There are single track trails within 3 miles of town and paved paths everywhere (one of the best is at the Old Mill). There is great boondocking to the east when it is the colder months and to the west when its summer.

Forest Road 4610 is back open and the most popular. It will be busy as it is right within the Phil’s Trail system.

Mammoth, California

Some of the most incredible views and some of the best hot springs in California! You can camp near most or find a place off to the side for an epic view and quiet. We love Convict Lake and finding the not so popular gravel roads.

Tusayan, Arizona

This free camping isn’t anything special. However, it is close to the paved bike path that will take you right to the entrance of Grand Canyon National Park. Otherwise, it is a short drive to town or the national park. If you can, make sure to do any hike in the national park. We hiked South Kaibab to Phantoms Ranch along the river and back up Bright Angel. It was probably in the top 3 hikes that we have ever done. Ohh Ahh Point is breathtaking. You think you will be prepared, but nothing can prepare you for the views at sunrise.

Twin Lakes, Colorado

This place holds a special place in my heart. You can hike around the lake, SUP/kayak or just enjoy the views. Incredibly busy during the summer, it is still worth a night or two. We stayed a few and you can get away from where some seem to live and others are there to drop off their cars for multi night backpacking trips and day trippers. There are spots close to the lake and there are others where you can drive up a hill and have a view or just be close and a little quieter.

Moab, Utah

Moab has been making a lot of changes the past 5 years. They have decreased some of the boondocking areas, some trails have been closed and others are just getting too much foot traffic. Why would I still mention this place? This town is amazing and while tourism does have its negatives it also allows the local businesses to stay open. Residents alone, can’t do it. So if we are to advertise this place we are also responsible to tell people to respect the area, LEAVE NO TRACE and support local businesses. Aside from all that some of the best hiking, mountain biking and OHV areas are here. Some of the best in the United States. The scenery is like no other in the states. If you need anything more you have Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse State Park all right there. There is so much here that a week will not suffice, but will get you started.

You do have to drive a bit out of town now to find local roads that allow boondocking but your best bet is to head north on U.S. Route 191. There are a few busy spots and a new state park campground that is boondocking but paid. At about 15 miles out of town you can find some wide open spaces that you will have to yourself with views of the La Sal Mountains.