Hunting for free camping spots for your upcoming adventure? Indeed, there are apps for that. Honestly, there’s almost an abundance of apps for this…
Over the years, numerous camping apps have emerged. And while many of them, frankly, aren’t all that great, a few stand out as highly useful and worth downloading.
To make your life easier, I’ve compiled a selection of the best free camping apps – apps designed to help you find available camping spots, not necessarily free ones (though most won’t cost you a dime) – that I personally use to locate camping sites.
Always remember to follow the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace when camping, especially the one about packing out all waste, including human waste.
My Preferred Apps for Discovering Free Campsites
Here’s my brief lineup of the four top free camping apps (and free campsites) that I use for my journeys.
FreeRoam
Currently, FreeRoam is my go-to app for finding camping spots on public lands:
- Like other popular camping apps, it features a campground database with user reviews that you can navigate via maps;
- However, what truly draws me to the FreeRoam app is its feature of overlaying public land boundaries. With a simple click, you can activate layers for BLM lands or national forests with precise boundaries. Most often, free camping is allowed within these boundaries;
- While other camping apps also include public land overlays, the FreeRoam interface felt not only the most user-friendly but also the most accurate. Boundaries never encroach on private lands or properties;
- FreeRoam also offers cellular coverage overlays (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint), fire and fire danger overlays, elevation overlays, and satellite view layers;
- Additional features include the aforementioned campground directory, user forums, trip planning tools, booking guides, and numerous other resources.
The best part? FreeRoam is completely free! Furthermore, the company’s website functions just as smoothly as its mobile app.
Download the app now: iOS
Learn more here: freeroam.app
iOverlander
Snapshot of free campsites near Sedona, as presented on the desktop version of the iOverlander program.
iOverlander – another free camping app that I frequently use:
- Similar to FreeRoam, both the mobile app and the website version are entirely free;
- However, unlike FreeRoam, iOverlander is better suited for finding established free camping spots where others have stayed, rather than uncovering “undiscovered” ones;
- Explore the interactive map or search by location to find camping sites that match your criteria. You can toggle various “Place Types” or “Amenities” on or off to refine your search;
- In addition to campgrounds and stationary camping sites, iOverlander offers an extensive catalog of hidden camping spots, as well as casinos and large retail stores that allow overnight parking for travelers;
- Based on my personal experience, the vast majority of real camping sites (especially those located on public lands) that I discovered through iOverlander have been excellent. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for most recommendations regarding stealth camping;
- Occasionally, luck may be on your side and one of those stealth camping or parking spots might indeed be suitable for an overnight stay. However, treat such listings with skepticism. Most spots have “No Parking” signs or are regularly patrolled;
- In iOverlander, you can also find numerous recommendations for dump stations, car washes, laundromats, propane fill-ups, showers, Wi-Fi hotspots, and much more.
As the app relies on user-generated content, most campground suggestions come with visitor reviews and are often accompanied by photographs. The app can also be used offline, without cellular coverage or Wi-Fi.
Download the app now: iOS | Android
Or learn more here: ioverlander.com
Gaia GPS
Extremely detailed GPS and topographic data combined with map overlays (including public land markings) make the process of finding suitable nearby free camping spots a breeze:
- Despite the lack of marked campgrounds and user reviews, this tool is invaluable for scouting potential camping locations for trips;
- The free version is praiseworthy, but it’s the Gaia GPS Premium that truly shines. The premium version offers access to offline maps (crucial for off-grid camping), premium-grade maps, and exclusive features;
- Furthermore, this camping app lets you overlay multiple types of maps. For instance, overlaying road maps onto land use maps makes it easier to pinpoint convenient free camping areas where camping is explicitly permitted.
- Switching from satellite view to the standard topographic map provides a fuller understanding of the terrain. Historical wildfire maps help you avoid burn zones, and weather maps aid in circumventing smoky skies.
Gaia GPS even lets you create custom paper maps, ensuring you always have a backup, a critical feature for remote expeditions.
Download the app now: iOS | Android
Or learn more here: gaiagps.com
Avenza Maps
Though I’m relatively new to Avenza Maps, I’m already a staunch advocate:
- This mobile app for working with offline maps, often overlooked, has rapidly become an indispensable companion during my dispersed camping expeditions;
- What I love most is the ability to load MVUMs (Motor Vehicle Use Maps) from the US Forest Service, providing incredibly accurate and up-to-date representations of roads maintained by the forest services;
- After loading a map for your desired exploration area, you’ll see a GPS marker indicating your location on the map, even without Wi-Fi or cellular coverage;
- Avenza Maps’ additional features include placing markers, GPS tracking, measuring distances between points, and much more.
As previously mentioned, I’m still getting acquainted with Avenza Maps, but it’s already one of my favorite apps for finding free campsites, especially in national forests.
Download the app now: iOS | Android
Learn more here: avenzamaps.com
My Preferred Websites for Finding Free Campsites
In addition to the aforementioned camping apps, the following websites complement my toolkit for discovering free campsites through online resources.
FreeCampsites.net
- Despite the absence of an app, FreeCampsites.net is, in my estimation, the premier online resource for locating free campsites;
- For many years, FreeCampsites.net has held a prominent position in the market, offering an extensive (arguably the largest) online repository of free and budget camping spots, most of which come with user reviews (many accompanied by photos);
- Unfortunately, the user interface, particularly the map, can be a bit clunky. Frankly, the site’s design appears somewhat outdated;
- Navigating FreeCampsites.net is much more convenient on a computer or tablet. While the site is mobile-responsive and functions on smartphones, using the map on a mobile device can be glitchy at times;
- Keep in mind that all reviews on this platform are user-generated. Consequently, they can be subjective and quite varied;
- With this tool, I’ve discovered some truly remarkable campsites. Conversely, I’ve also visited places that didn’t meet my expectations, despite positive camping buddies’ reviews;
- Conversely, I’ve been pleasantly surprised – encountering low-rated campsites with unfavorable reviews that turned out to be absolutely delightful.
Regard FreeCampsites.net as a component of your overall toolkit for finding free campsites. Always refer to online campground reviews to get a comprehensive sense of what to expect.
Learn more here: freecampsites.net
Campnado
Campnado’s mission is to become the primary online resource for finding free campsites across the entire USA, and they are steadily but surely moving toward this goal.
Learn more about us here: campnado.com/about
All the apps and websites described here provide immense assistance. However, most of them rely predominantly on user reviews, which can be subjectively biased and occasionally contain inaccurate information;
Personally, I have camped at all the sites recommended on Campnado, often visiting each of them multiple times;
I strive to provide comprehensive information about each campsite, including detailed video content from most locations. Every year, I update my recommendations to reflect any possible changes;
Of course, my recommendations are not devoid of bias. Nonetheless, I put forth the utmost effort to provide relevant information about campsite suitability (e.g., road accessibility and RV/trailer spots).
My guides to exceptional free campsites are currently the optimal starting point for your search.
Other Noteworthy Free Camping Apps
FreeRoam, iOverlander, Gaia GPS, and Avenza Maps, combined with FreeCampsites.net, make up my primary arsenal of free camping apps. However, the following apps also offer value, even though I don’t use them frequently.
The Dyrt
Dyrt boasts an extensive campground database primarily composed of ratings, reviews, and user-submitted photos:
- Both free and premium versions are available as apps or through the website. The cost of Dyrt Pro, the premium-grade paid app, is $35.99 per year;
- The Dyrt app presents an interactive map adorned with campground icons. Selecting a desired campground provides essential information, including location, key amenities and features, as well as user reviews and images;
- Acquiring a Dyrt Pro membership unlocks a range of additional features. For nature enthusiasts, the most valuable aspects are the BLM and National Forest overlay sections, as well as the ability to use the app offline (during periods of no cellular coverage);
- Another notable premium feature that I have yet to personally explore is the road trip planner, helping you chart routes and identify optimal camping spots along the way;
- Additionally, the Pro subscription provides significant discounts at certain campgrounds and well-known camping gear brands.
Dyrt offers all users a “free 7-day trial of Pro.” Extended coupon codes can be found online in affiliate-style (often offering a “free 90-day trial”) – I recommend searching for them.
Download the app now: iOS | Android
Or learn more here: thedyrt.com
Campendium
Campendium is another worthwhile app/website that serves as a database for campsites located throughout the country.
- In essence, it’s similar to Dyrt, available both as an app and a website, though slightly less sleek and visually appealing;
- The Campendium app utilizes a map with campground icons and a search feature. Each campground is accompanied by basic information, user reviews, ratings, and images;
- Similar to Dyrt, Campendium offers a paid version of its service. Membership costs $20 per year, granting access to cellular coverage maps, public lands overlays;
- Personally, I find the Dyrt app more appealing than Campendium. However, I find the Campendium website interface more user-friendly than Dyrt’s;
- Honestly, I don’t often use Campendium for active campsite searches. I prefer the other apps and websites discussed above (especially FreeCampsites.net), and Campendium (and Dyrt) serve as supplementary sources for additional insights from experienced travelers.
While the Campendium app was initially developed for those who enjoy traveling in vans and camper vans, it can be valuable for anyone seeking free campsites, regardless of whether they’re camping in a tent or a passenger car.
Download the app now: iOS | Not available on Android
Or learn more here: campendium.com
Allstays
Allow me to preface: When it comes to getting information about overnight parking at Walmart, I exclusively rely on the Allstays website:
- This is one of the premier online resources for finding Walmart stores that offer permission for free overnight parking, facilitating camping;
- Users can leave their own “parking reports,” sharing their experiences of overnight stays. Most locations tend to have at least a few reports, usually covering the past year or two;
- Although my use of Allstays has been brief, the website is rich with additional information for travelers, especially those journeying in camper vans and microbuses;
- Besides an extensive catalog of campgrounds and RV parks, Allstays also lists hotels, casinos with free parking lots, truck stops, rest areas, and numerous other categories;
- Furthermore, the app lets you find propane fill-up stations, water sources, and along-the-route parking spots. It even provides additional insights for off-roaders, such as routes with low clearance or steep inclines;
- The Allstays website sports a somewhat outdated design that might not be the most visually appealing, but it’s functional. The company offers separate mobile apps: “Camp & RV,” “Camp & Tent,” and “Walmart Overnight Parking”;
- Each Allstays app comes with a nominal cost (one-time purchase). For instance, the “Camp & RV” app is priced at $9.99, while the “Walmart Overnight Parking” app is $2.99.
To gain unrestricted access to the entire content of the site, an annual Allstays Pro subscription at $34.95 is required. Without membership, a significant portion of the site remains inaccessible.
Download the apps now: Allstays App (available for iOS only).
Or learn more here: allstays.com
Conclusion
The compilation of free camping apps presented here forms a versatile toolkit for travelers of all kinds. These apps cater to diverse needs, from the precision tool FreeRoam for navigating public lands to the extensive camping experience database of iOverlander.
Gaia GPS elevates navigation with detailed maps and satellite imagery, while Avenza Maps introduces a new feature with offline access. Each app offers a unique approach to finding the perfect campsite.
Similarly, the websites discussed in this article serve as invaluable resources for those who prefer a larger screen. FreeCampsites.net, despite its interface quirks, is an all-encompassing repository of camping options, fueled by user-contributed information.
Campnado is user-centric, providing firsthand recommendations and video content from seasoned travelers. These websites, despite differences in design and functionality, underscore the wealth of resources available to those seeking free camping spots.
The additional apps and sites mentioned here showcase the diversity of options at travelers’ disposal. The Dyrt, Campendium, and Allstays apps each possess their unique advantages, catering to specific needs and preferences. With their wide-ranging capabilities, they complement the core apps and sites, providing a comprehensive approach to campsite searches.
In a world dominated by digital tools, it’s important not to forget that traditional methods still hold their relevance. Seeking advice from rangers, communicating with fellow campers, embarking on spontaneous journeys down less-traveled paths—these all help uncover hidden gems that even the most sophisticated apps might overlook.
Ultimately, the fusion of technology and adventure has ushered in a golden era for free camping enthusiasts. As technology continues to evolve, travelers can expect more innovative solutions to facilitate seamless and enriching outdoor experiences. Regardless of whether they rely on digital resources, word-of-mouth recommendations, or the good old-fashioned search method, the allure of discovering untouched campsites remains an eternal aspiration for those who cherish the beauty of nature.