Campendium has one of the largest databases of free and low-cost camping in the US. Here's how to find it.
- On The Campendium Website
- On the Campendium App
- Search along a route
- Things to know about free camping on Campendium
On The Campendium Website
To search a specific area, type a location into the search bar and select that location from the drop down menu options before following the directions below.
Using the Free Public Camping Shortcut
On the Explore panel (the default view when you open the map), you'll see a Free Public Camping card. Clicking it applies the Public Land category with the price set to free automatically. You'll be browsing free camping within your current map view in no time!
This will include national forests, BLM land, state parks, Army Corps of Engineers parks, county parks, and city parks
After Searching for a Location
Want to see free options around a specific location?
- Search for a location (city, state) in the search bar and select that location from the drop down menu
- If you're just looking for one type of place - like public camping - you can select that category from the top of the map. If you're looking for multiple types - like public camping + overnight parking locations - click the categories icon in the top right of the search bar and you can select multiple categories.
- Now apply a nightly rate of '$0'. You can do this by selecting the nightly rate button at the top of the map, or by selecting the filters button and setting the nightly rate there.
- The map will show free camping and/or overnighting near your current map view.
On The Campendium iOS or Android App
To find free or low-cost camping on the app, open the map tab.
- Pan or zoom to the spot on the map that you are interested in, or search for a location in the search bar and select it from the drop down.
Apply one or more categories. For example, if you only want to see free camping on public lands, tap the Public Land button below the search bar. If you want every free camping option, including overnight stops like casinos, restaurant parking lots and rest areas, tap the categories icon in the upper right of the search bar. Then apply Public Land, RV Parks and, if you're a PRO member, Overnight RV Parking.
- With a category or categories applied, scroll over and tap the Nightly Rate button or tap the Filters button under the search bar, then use the Nightly Rate slider to set your price range. Tap Apply.
Search results default to Map view. With a category applied, you can tap List view (top left under the search bar) to see them as a scrollable list instead.
Search Free Camping / Overnight Stays Along a Route
If you're a PRO member, you can search for free camping and overnight stops along your route. To learn more about searching along your route, see: How to Search Along a Route
A Few Things to Know
- Some free campgrounds require a permit, especially in high-demand areas. Check before you go.
- Stay limits typically apply. Most dispersed camping has a 14-day maximum stay in one location. Some locations have shorter maximum stays.
- Free camping and free overnight parking aren't the same thing. Overnight parking is typically limited to 8–24 hours, and you should avoid setting up camp utilities like chairs or grills. Use discretion with levelers and slide-outs at overnight parking locations.
- Prices are community-reported. The Last Reported Price on a listing reflects what a camper paid, with the date it was reported. Always verify current pricing with the land management agency.
- Reviews are your best source. Recent reviews will tell you about road conditions, site availability, and what to expect on the ground.