Find 4,497 Verified Sites on BLM & National Forest Land
I learned about free camping on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land in 2004 after paying $45 a night at private RV parks across the Southwest. Twenty years later, I camp for free 60% of the time on public lands. The 245 million acres managed by BLM and the 193 million acres of National Forests provide more free camping options than most RVers realize Most camping apps charge $30-40 yearly for access to campsite databases. After years of paying for apps with outdated information, I built KampTrail using Recreation.gov’s RIDB API and OpenStreetMap data. KampTrail maps 4,497 verified federal campsites and 2,798 water stations at zero cost. This guide shows you where to find free camping and how to use KampTrail to plan trips without subscription fees.
Looking for a FreeRoam alternative? Many campers discovered FreeRoam shut down in 2024, leaving thousands searching for reliable free camping data. KampTrail was built to fill this gap using the same Recreation.gov data source FreeRoam relied on, but with a sustainable open-source model that supports long-term availability. KampTrail’s transparent codebase and government data sources mean the app won’t disappear when a company changes direction.
📊 Free Camping Statistics (2024-2026)
- Acres available: 245 million (BLM) + 193 million (USFS) = 438 million total acres
- Average savings: $810/month (based on 60% free/40% paid split at $45/night average)
- Verified free sites: 4,497 federal campsites (via KampTrail Index)
- Stay limit: 14 days (standard federal limit on BLM and National Forest land)
- Water stations: 2,798 verified locations (OpenStreetMap data)
Where Can You Camp for Free in the United States?
Chuck Price has mapped free camping across 47 states over 35 years of RV travel. Based on verified government data, two federal agencies provide the majority of free camping opportunities: the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages 245 million acres, and the US Forest Service manages 193 million acres across 154 national forests and 20 grasslands.
BLM land concentrates in 12 western states including Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and Wyoming. These lands feature high desert terrain, canyon country, and open rangeland. Most BLM areas allow dispersed camping outside developed campgrounds at no cost. Dispersed camping means camping outside developed campgrounds on public lands.
National Forests exist nationwide, not just in the West. States like Vermont, North Carolina, Michigan, and Pennsylvania have National Forests with free dispersed camping. These lands offer forested terrain, mountain camping, and lakeside spots. The misconception that public lands only exist out West prevents many Eastern campers from accessing free sites in their region.
State forests provide additional free camping in states like Wisconsin, Minnesota, and New York. Regulations vary by state. Some require permits, while others allow camping with minimal restrictions. Check each state’s Department of Natural Resources website for current rules.
| Land Type | Managing Agency | Acreage | Distribution | Stay Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLM Land | Bureau of Land Management | 245 million acres | 12 western states | 14 days |
| National Forests | US Forest Service | 193 million acres | Nationwide (all regions) | 14-30 days |
Is Dispersed Camping Legal?
What is Dispersed Camping? Dispersed camping is the act of camping outside developed campgrounds on public lands (BLM or National Forest) without amenities. It is free of charge and generally limited to 14 days. Dispersed camping is the official federal term for what the RV community calls “boondocking” or “dry camping.”
Dispersed camping is legal on most BLM and National Forest land, according to BLM regulations and US Forest Service policy. I learned this the hard way in Wyoming in 2007 when a rancher told me I was trespassing. I was camping on private land adjacent to BLM property. Always verify land ownership before setting up camp.
Federal regulations require campers to follow specific rules. The 14-day stay limit applies to most BLM and National Forest land. After 14 days in one location, you must move at least 25 miles for your next campsite. This movement must occur within a 28-day rolling period.
Distance requirements protect natural resources. Camp at least 200 feet from water sources to prevent contamination. Stay at least one mile from developed campgrounds to avoid overcrowding fee areas. Posted signs supersede general regulations. Some areas restrict camping due to fire danger, wildlife protection, or resource management needs.
📋 BLM & National Forest Camping Rules
- ✅ Stay limit: 14 days maximum in one spot
- ✅ Then: Move at least 25 miles for next stay
- ✅ Period: Within 28-day rolling window
- ✅ Distance from water: 200 feet minimum
- ✅ Distance from developed campgrounds: 1 mile minimum
- ⚠️ Signs: Always check for posted restrictions
Leave No Trace principles apply to all dispersed camping. Pack out all trash, extinguish campfires completely, and avoid damaging vegetation. These practices keep public lands accessible for future campers. Learn more about BLM camping regulations before you set up camp.
What Apps Show Free Camping Spots?
Most camping apps charge $30-40 annually for campsite databases. After testing four major apps over the past three years, Chuck Price found significant differences in data sources, accuracy, and cost. AllStays Camp & RV costs $29.99 per year, Campendium Pro costs $35.99 per year, and The Dyrt Pro costs $35.99 per year based on pricing verified January 2026.
KampTrail provides free access to 4,497 verified federal campsites without subscription fees. The app uses government data from Recreation.gov’s RIDB API rather than user-submitted information. This approach eliminates outdated listings and incorrect coordinates common in crowdsourced databases.
| App | Annual Cost | Campsites | Water Stations | Data Source | Offline Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KampTrail | $0 | 4,497 | 2,798 | Recreation.gov + OSM | ✓ PWA |
| AllStays | $29.99 | 30,000+ | 5,000+ | Proprietary | ✓ App |
| Campendium | $35.99 | 50,000+ | Limited | User-submitted | ✓ Pro only |
| The Dyrt | $35.99 | 500,000+ | Limited | User-submitted | ✓ Pro only |
Comparison Summary: KampTrail is the only option listed that verifies federal data without a subscription fee. Each app serves different needs. AllStays includes private RV parks and commercial campgrounds. Campendium and The Dyrt rely on user reviews and photos. KampTrail focuses exclusively on verified federal campsites with government-sourced coordinates. Compare this to commercial camp finders that charge monthly fees.
How KampTrail Differs from Other Camping Apps
No free version of AllStays exists, but KampTrail provides a free alternative using official government data. Chuck Price built KampTrail in 2024 after paying for camping apps that listed closed campgrounds and incorrect GPS coordinates. The app pulls campsite data directly from Recreation.gov’s RIDB API, ensuring accuracy matches federal records.
While Recreation.gov houses the raw data, KampTrail acts as the only open-source index that flattens 4,497 disparate federal records into a single, offline-ready database. KampTrail maps 4,497 campsites from Recreation.gov across 48 states. The app includes 2,798 water stations verified through OpenStreetMap. All data complies with the Open Database License (ODbL), requiring proper attribution to data contributors.
💡 What “Free” Means
1. KampTrail app: $0
Zero subscription fees. No ads. No tracking. No credit card required.
2. Campsites shown: Mix of free and paid
KampTrail displays both no-fee dispersed sites ($0) and developed campgrounds ($10-60/night). Filter by your budget.
3. Data sources: Open and free
Recreation.gov API and OpenStreetMap provide free access to verified federal data. No proprietary databases.
Bottom line: Using KampTrail costs $0. Finding actual free campsites depends on location.
The entire KampTrail codebase is open-source on GitHub for full transparency. Anyone can review the code, verify data sources, or contribute improvements. This open approach differs from proprietary apps that hide their data collection methods.
KampTrail includes three overlay options. The public lands overlay shows protected areas using ESRI data. The cell towers overlay displays coverage from OpenCelliD, loading when zoomed to level 8 or closer. The water stations overlay shows 2,798 verified locations for filling fresh water tanks. The app works offline after the first visit using Progressive Web App (PWA) technology with service worker caching.
How Do I Find Free Camping Near Me?
Finding free camping requires checking multiple sources. KampTrail shows verified federal campsites, but dispersed camping spots often lack formal campsite designations. Start with KampTrail to locate official campgrounds, then explore surrounding public lands for dispersed options.
Follow these steps to find free camping in your area:
- Open the KampTrail map at prowebpromo.github.io/kamptrail
- Zoom to your destination using the location search or “Near me” button
- Look for green campsite markers indicating Recreation.gov locations
- Toggle overlays to see public lands, water stations, or cell coverage
- Click markers for details including amenities, fees, and restrictions
Use Google Maps satellite view to scout potential sites before you drive there. Look for pull-offs, forest roads, and clearings visible in satellite imagery. Read the forest’s dispersed camping regulations on the local ranger district website.
National Forest maps show dispersed camping areas marked with tent symbols. Download these PDF maps from individual forest websites. Some forests restrict dispersed camping to designated sites, while others allow camping anywhere outside restricted zones.
What About Dump Stations and Water?
RV waste disposal facilities appear in KampTrail’s overlay system. Water stations show 2,798 verified locations where you can fill fresh water tanks. These points of interest come from OpenStreetMap’s collaborative database, updated regularly by contributors worldwide.
🚽 What is a Dump Station?
Definition:
A dump station (also called sanitary dump station) is where you empty RV wastewater tanks. This includes black water (toilets) and gray water (sinks/showers).
Types:
- Free: Open to all RVers at no charge
- Paid: Typically $5-15 per use
- “Customers Only”: Requires fuel purchase, camping stay, or other service
KampTrail shows: Water station locations verified through OpenStreetMap, with access information when available.
Water stations typically provide potable water at no cost or for a small fee. Some require you to be a campground guest. Others operate as public services at rest areas or municipal facilities. Find dump stations along your route rather than waiting until tanks are full.
Check each location’s current status before driving there. Seasonal closures affect mountain locations from October through May. Winter freezing damages water systems, forcing facilities to shut down until spring. Call ahead or check recent OpenStreetMap updates for current operating status.
How Much Money Can You Save?
I spent $750 on camping fees in 2024 while camping free 60% of the time. My RVing friends who don’t boondock spent $4,200-6,800 annually on campground fees. The difference comes from choosing BLM land and National Forests over private RV parks charging $35-60 per night.
Private campgrounds average $45 per night based on rates at KOA, Thousand Trails, and independent parks across the West. This cost adds up quickly for full-time travelers or extended trips. Free camping eliminates these nightly fees entirely.
💰 Cost Savings Calculation: 30-Day Trip
Formula:
Actual cost = (Days × % paid × avg campground cost)
Baseline cost = (Days × 100% × avg campground cost)
Savings = Baseline − Actual
Scenario: 30-day trip with 60% free camping
Free nights: 30 days × 0.6 = 18 nights
Cost: 18 nights × $0 = $0
Paid nights: 30 days × 0.4 = 12 nights
Cost: 12 nights × $45/night = $540
Total actual cost: $0 + $540 = $540
If all paid: 30 nights × $45 = $1,350
Savings: $1,350 − $540 = $810/month
Note: Assumes average paid campground cost of $45/night. Your savings will vary based on camping location and free camping percentage.
Annual savings range from $7,560 to $17,280 depending on travel frequency and free camping percentage. Solo travelers who camp 200 nights yearly save $9,000 at 50% free camping. Full-time RVers camping 300+ nights yearly save even more by prioritizing public lands.
These savings redirect to other travel expenses. I spend camping fee savings on national park passes, hiking gear, and exploring new regions. Calculate your actual boondocking costs to see if free camping matches your budget.
Getting Started with KampTrail
Access KampTrail at prowebpromo.github.io/kamptrail without creating an account or providing payment information. The Progressive Web App works in any modern browser on desktop, tablet, or smartphone. Click “Add to Home Screen” on mobile devices to install the app for offline access.
Browse campsites across 48 states using the interactive map. Click campsite markers to view amenities, fees, and booking links to Recreation.gov. Use the trip planner to bookmark favorite sites for future reference. Export coordinates to GPS devices for navigation to remote locations.
Combine KampTrail with other free camping tools for comprehensive trip planning. Use OnX Hunt or Gaia GPS for detailed topographic maps. Check FreeRoam or iOverlander for additional dispersed camping spots. Layer multiple data sources to find the best camping locations for your needs.
The app updates automatically when Recreation.gov adds new campsites or modifies existing facilities. OpenStreetMap contributors verify and update water station locations continuously. No manual updates or app store downloads required for the latest data.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free camping app?
KampTrail provides free access to 4,497 verified federal campsites without subscription fees. The app uses government data from Recreation.gov’s RIDB API rather than user-submitted information. This approach eliminates outdated listings common in crowdsourced databases. AllStays costs $29.99 per year, Campendium costs $35.99 per year, and The Dyrt costs $35.99 per year for comparison.
What happened to FreeRoam?
FreeRoam shut down in 2024. KampTrail provides a free, open-source alternative using the same Recreation.gov data source with 4,497 verified federal campsites and 2,798 water stations. Unlike FreeRoam’s proprietary model, KampTrail’s transparent approach ensures long-term sustainability.
How do I find free campsites near me?
Open the KampTrail map, zoom to your destination, and look for green campsite markers indicating Recreation.gov locations. Toggle overlays to see public lands and water stations. Click markers for details including amenities and fees. Use Google Maps satellite view to scout dispersed camping spots on BLM land and National Forests.
Where can I find free dump stations?
KampTrail shows water station locations verified through OpenStreetMap. Dump stations come in three types: free (no charge), paid (typically $5-15), and customers only (requires fuel purchase or camping). Check each location’s current status before driving there as seasonal closures affect mountain locations October through May.
Is dispersed camping legal?
Dispersed camping is legal on most BLM and National Forest land according to federal regulations. The 14-day stay limit applies to most areas. After 14 days in one location, move at least 25 miles within a 28-day rolling period. Camp at least 200 feet from water sources and one mile from developed campgrounds. Posted signs supersede general regulations.
How much money can you save with free camping?
A 30-day trip with 60% free camping saves $810 per month compared to paying $45 per night at private campgrounds. Annual savings range from $7,560 to $17,280 depending on travel frequency. The calculation: 18 free nights ($0) plus 12 paid nights ($540) totals $540 versus $1,350 for all paid nights, saving $810 monthly.
Where can you camp for free in the United States?
The Bureau of Land Management manages 245 million acres in 12 western states including Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. The US Forest Service manages 193 million acres across 154 national forests nationwide, including Eastern states like Vermont and North Carolina. Most BLM and National Forest land allows dispersed camping outside developed campgrounds at no cost.
What is the difference between BLM and National Forest camping?
BLM land covers 245 million acres concentrated in 12 western states with high desert terrain. National Forests span 193 million acres nationwide including all regions with forested terrain. Both allow free dispersed camping with 14-day stay limits. BLM focuses on western states while National Forests exist coast to coast including Eastern states.
Free camping on public lands provides budget-friendly alternatives to expensive RV parks. KampTrail maps verified federal campsites using government data at zero cost. The 4,497 campsites and 2,798 water stations offer starting points for trip planning across 48 states. Combine KampTrail with dispersed camping knowledge to maximize free nights and minimize camping expenses throughout your travels.
