This is a guest post series from Danielle of Roadschooling with The Frugal Navy Wife.
Daniele and her family homeschool while on the road in their RV – also known as roadschooling! Come follow along with Daniele as she shares her wisdom in this Roadschooling series here on FHD! Danielle will teach us tips for buying an RV,organizing an RV, her thoughts on RV insurance and memberships, and tons more.
Whether you’re camping in a tent or in an RV, finding that perfect camp site can be expensive. Even at only $10 or $20 a night, it adds up quickly!
But did you know you can find free camping spots?
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
→ Free sites are going to be primitive, or boon docking sites. This means no hook ups, Wi-Fi, cable, etc.
→ They might have a dump station, however many will not.
→ They might also have a spot to refill your water tank or have porta-potties. Some free sites might even have shower stalls, but that is about the
extent of the amenities you will find.
→ Most RVs have their power generated by propane, but if you plan to do this on a regular basis, I suggest looking into solar panels.
→ If you are tent camping, be prepared if there are no showers or rest rooms!
→ Also, make sure you know the rules on camp fires, as some places won’t allow them.
Free Camp Sites
Free Camp Sites.net – This site has a map of free campsites, paid sites, as well as sites in which you need a permit.
These sites are places like state forests and stores that let RVers stay overnight.
Walmart
Walmart has long been known to allow RVers stay overnight at the back of their parking lots.
Of course you’ll need to check with your store before parking, but most do allow this.
Free Camp Grounds
Free Camp Grounds.com is really easy to use!
Simply select your state, and it shows you campgrounds that are free and ones that are $15 a night or less.
The site also tells you what kind of facilities are available, if any.
Cabela’s
Cabela’s stores normally have a section for RV parking. This parking is usually big and easier to navigate.
They also allow you to camp overnight in your RV, and most of them have dump stations and water stations.
In addition, I have also noticed dog runs for pets!
Cabela’s provides much entertainment inside, including animal displays and even aquariums! It’s a great place to stop!
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has public land, where they allow camping.
They do ask that you leave no trace of your camping. This means no camp fire remains, and no trash, and no water dumping.
National Forest and National Grasslands
National Forest and National Grasslands is similar to the BLM, with similar standards to leave no trace of your camp site.
Campendium
Campendium is another website where you can find free camp spots.
This site shows RV parks, as well as many national forest where you can camp free.
Boondockers Welcome
Boondockers Welcome is amazing!
It allows you to connect with hosts who have a spots on their land to boondock overnight for up to 2 nights. This is normally fellow RVers who want to welcome other RVers to their home.
Each location will tell you how big of a RV you can have and what amenities,if any, are provided.
I have seen spots with no amenities and some that offer water hook up and wi-fi. I even found one where they offered to bring you breakfast in the morning and use their pool!
What have been some of your favorite spots to camp for free?
More RV Articles about Roadschooling
You might also be interested in these other posts about Roadschooling:
How to Find the Perfect RV for Your Family
Where You Can Camp For Free in the USA with an RV
What Vehicle is Right to Tow Your RV?
5 Ways to Save Money at Campgrounds
How to Find Free Camp Sites – this post!
Follow the Affording the Homeschool Life Pinterest board!
Click here for a bunch of additional articles to help you in affording the homeschool life!
Danielle is a mom of 4, Former Navy Wife, Homeschooling mom, frugalista and blogger at The Frugal Navy Wife. She and her family of 6 are currently setting out on their lifelong dream to travel via RV around the United States. They are documenting their journey on Roadschooling with The Frugal Navy Wife.
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