There’s really nothing like packing up the car, disconnecting from the stressors of everyday life and embarking on a grand outdoor expedition. Aside from the cost of food and gas, there’s no reason why you can’t have the adventure of a lifetime on a shoestring budget.
We’re taking you back to the basics with free and affordable camping sites across America. While these free campsites are rich in scenic views and natural attractions, you won’t be staying at an upscale RV resort with modern amenities. Waterfront sites with electricity, sewer and cable hookups can cost up to $350 a night in well-traveled, in-demand areas. These glamping resorts have their place in the camping scene, but the camping areas listed below are all about the path less traveled.
These are the top 13 free and affordable camping sites in the United States.
1. Camping Site: Upper Teton View
Location: Bridger-Teton National Forest, Moose, Wyoming
Average Price Per Night: $0
With picturesque views of the Teton Range, this dispersed camping area has become one of the most popular locations in the country. Wildlife and geological formations can be viewed from numerous hiking trails in the area. Take note there are no toilets or services, and mosquitos can be heavy.
How to Book: Learn more about camping at Bridger-Teton National Forest here.
2. Camping Site: Adirondack Shelters
Location: Catoctin Mountain Park, Maryland
Average Price Per Night: $0
These classic three-sided shelters can be accessed by a three-mile uphill hike over rolling terrain. If you’re a backcountry hiker looking for complete nature immersion, these Appalachian Trail-inspired shelters are a must-have camping experience. Each shelter can house five campers, and campfire rings and pit toilets are included.
How to Book: Learn more about camping at the Adirondack Shelters here.
3. Camping Site: Alley Creek Campground
Location: Jefferson, Texas
Average Price Per Night: $18
Close to the Louisiana border, this family-friendly campground is positioned on the banks of Lake O’ the Pines. It’s known for its bass fishing and boating, but waterfowl hunting and the Texas Wildflower hiking trail are also popular activities. The non-electric, tent-only sites run around $18 from March 1 through September 30.
How to Book: Learn more about camping at Alley Creek Campground here.
Also Read: The 17 Coolest Modern Campground Amenities
4. Camping Site: Nomad View
Location: Buffalo Gap National Grassland, Wall, South Dakota
Average Price Per Night: $0
Positioned on a ridge overlooking Badlands National Park, campers at Nomad View can expect breathtaking sunrises and sunsets blanketing the iconic destination. Explore the remote region by horse, bike or OHV, but know there are no amenities in the immediate area.
How to Book: Learn more about camping at Buffalo Gap National Grassland here.
5. Camping Site: Loy Butte Road
Location: Coconino National Forest, Sedona, Arizona
Average Price Per Night: $0
If off-roading or hiking is your thing, look no further than Loy Butte Road. Located close to Sedona, this free campsite highlights the famous red rocks and ponderosa bikes of the area. Bring everything you need — no amenities or services are available.
How to Book: Learn more about camping at Coconino National Forest here.
6. Camping Site: Holiday Campground
Location: Lagrange, Georgia
Average Price Per Night: $16
With over 525 miles of shoreline, visitors travel to West Point Lake for its fishing, boating, mountain biking and hiking. Holiday Campground is positioned on the western shore of the lake, adjacent to the nearly 10,000-acre wildlife management area. Non-electric, tent-only sites are available for $16, with standard electric sites available from $24 and up.
How to Book: Learn more about camping at Holiday Campground here.
Also Read: DIY Glamping: How to Decorate Your Campsite
7. Camping Site: Washington Gulch Road
Location: Gunnison National Forest, Crested Butte, Colorado
Average Price Per Night: $0
Enjoy impressive views of Crested Butte and Gothic Peak from this popular and free Colorado camping site located in Gunnison National Forest. Its network of hiking and biking trails are a big draw, along with its wide open spaces and seasonal wildflower blooms.
How to Book: Learn more about camping at Gunnison National Forest here.
8. Camping Site: AuSable River Camping
Location: Alcona and Losco Counties, Michigan
Average Price Per Night: $10
Over 100 individually designated campsites are spread over a 55-mile stretch of the AuSable river, known for fly fishing, swimming, canoeing and bird watching. Perch and bass are common catches from the Whirlpool Angler access point. Take note that some sites require campers to arrive by boat.
How to Book: Learn more about camping at AuSable River Dispersed Campground here.
9. Camping Site: Targhee Creek Trailhead
Location: Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Island Park, Idaho
Average Price Per Night: $0
Green rolling hills, moose, mountain goats, wildflowers and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains await you at Idaho’s Targhee Creek Trailhead. Plus, the campsites are only a 15-mile drive to Yellowstone National Park, where even more outdoor adventure awaits.
How to Book: Learn more about camping at Caribou-Targhee National Forest here.
Also Read: How to Score a Last Minute Campsite Reservation
10. Camping Site: Ammons Branch
Location: Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina
Average Price Per Night: $0
North Carolina’s Nantahala National Forest features world-class whitewater rafting and a network of 600 miles of trails perfect for mountain bikers, hikers or horseback riders. Onsite campground amenities include pit toilets, picnic tables and lantern hangers.
How to Book: Learn more about camping at Ammons Branch here.
11. Camping Site: Jackson Falls
Location: Shawnee National Forest, Illinois
Average Price Per Night: $0
An underrated outdoor destination in the Midwest, Shawnee National Forest showcases wide open lands, rolling hills and pristine lakes, plus technical climbing at Jackson Falls. Vault toilets are available in the campground, and there is a 14-day maximum stay.
How to Book: Learn more about camping at Jackson Falls here.
12. Camping Site: Blackjack Springs Wilderness
Location: Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Wisconsin
Average Price Per Night: $0
Blackjack Springs Wilderness covers 5,800 acres and includes one lake, three streams and sprawling wetland areas. Wildlife is a big draw for hunters and hikers to Wisconsin, and it’s not uncommon to see deer, bears, ruffed grouse and songbirds in the region.
How to Book: Learn more about camping in Blackjack Springs Wilderness here.
13. Camping Site: Basin Campground
Location: Red Lodge, Montana
Average Price Per Night: $17
Basin Campground is located on the banks of the West Fork of Rock Creek, and is known for exceptional hiking, backpacking and fishing. Each single-family campsite includes a picnic table, campfire ring and grill, and accessible vault toilets and drinking water are on the premises.
How to Book: Learn more about camping at Basin Montana Campground here.
Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Plan your camping trip.