Free Camping Locations Near National Parks
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Updated July 2024
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New camping locations posted (Great Smokey Mountains and Shenandoah National Park)
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New camping locations posted (Great Smokey Mountains and Shenandoah National Park) 〰️
Exploring the United States’ national parks and boondocking can be an incredible way to experience the outdoors without breaking the bank. There are a large number of free boondocking locations near national parks that offer a sense of adventure and solitude. This form of camping offers adventure and solitude in beautiful locations surrounded by nature.
As we travel throughout the US, my goal is to visit several National Parks during each month-long trip. It amazes me the beauty and individuality of each National Park and how there are so many different activities and uniqueness of each trail there is to explore while visiting the area.
We typically will spend half to a full day at each park exploring the trails and are pretty tired after a long day at a park, so I want to be able to have a camping location that is close to the park and FREE to camp at. Camping for FREE is one way that we save money while traveling.
What is boondocking?
Boondocking also refers to dry camping or dispersed camping without amenities. This is typically out in the middle of nowhere, and often secluded from civilization. This style of camping often requires a stay in a self-sufficient vehicle such as an RV, campervan, or camper trailer without any hookups such as electric, water and sewer.
Boondocking locations tend to be free or very low cost and have a 14-day limit within 30 days. They are located on public lands, national forests, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas.
There are many APPS that can help locate such camping spots. Apps are listed below.
FREE Camping locations near National Parks
This list can be used as a reference when traveling near National Parks and are needing a place to sleep for the night. We have personally stayed at each location and all reviews are my own. Each location is subject to change in cleanliness and crowding depending on time of year and a general change over time. All camping locations that I list here will be less than 2 hours from each National Park. Travel time is subject to change depending on traffic and weather conditions. Each distance is to the main entrance of the park.
National Parks included in this blog post
Arches NP
Bryce Canyon NP
Carlsbad Caverns NP
Garden of the Gods (I know this isn’t a National Park but it’s worth mentioning)
Grand Canyon NP
Great Smokey Mountains NP
Joshua Tree NP
Mesa Verde NP
Padre Island National Seashore
Sequoia NP
Shenandoah NP
Zion NP
*Listed in alphabetical order by park name
Arches National Park ~ Utah
Manti-La Sal National Forest located in Moab. This was on a winding paved road except for the camp site pull-offs which were gravel. This location was very quiet at night. You can camp with others or find a secluded spot to camp by yourself.
Cost: FREE for up to 14 days. No reservation required.
Amenities: No amenities except a rock fire pit.
GPS: 38.47056, -109.36281. This GPS is to a general location. There are several areas to camp at along this road.
Cell Signal: No, Verizon
Location to National Park: 33 minutes south of Arches National Park. 1 hour 4 minutes to Canyonlands National Park.
While at this location we took a 4x4 U-Drive tour to Hell’s Revenge. It was an amazing experience driving a 4x4 through Moab and I highly recommend you take this tour!
Bryce Canyon National Park - Utah
This location is on Willis Creek Road in Kanab. This was a beautiful location overlooking the mountains. The drive to this location was quite scary in several places due to the sandy conditions on the road. There is no cell signal on this drive which made me even more nervous for fear of getting stuck and unable to call for help. There is a sign that states 4-wheel drive recommended and typically that doesn’t deter me to much unless I have read other reviews about this being a concern, we did fine in our campervan but I was really nervous the more we drove this route. Some areas of the road were sandy and pretty narrow so please use caution if you drive this route. I wouldn’t take this trip if it had been raining.
Do I recommend this location? I would not go there again without 4x4 because of the drive/roads but the view was beautiful and if you have 4-wheel drive it would be a great location to camp at. There is a cliff next to the campsite so be careful with young children and pets.
Cost: This location is FREE for up to 14 days. No reservations needed.
Amenities: Rock fire ring, mountain view, shade trees
GPS: 37.49401, -112.10456
Cell Signal: Yes, Verizon
Location to National Park: located about 47 minutes from Bryce Canyon National Park.
Carlsbad National Caverns ~ New Mexico
Sunset Reef Campground located in Carlsbad by the Guadalupe Mountains. Campsites located on gravel.
Cost: You can stay here up to 5 days for FREE. No reservations needed on this BLM land.
Amenities: There are 11 campsites here each with a picnic table, fire ring, trash cans, covered pavilion and vault toilets nearby that were very clean.
APPS: Campendium, iOverlander, The Dyrt, FreeRoam
GPS: 32.1095, -104.4253. This GPS takes you to the beginning of the road. There is no sign pointing you in the right direction. Once you turn off the highway, you will cross a cattle guard on the right. (cattle guard picture below) You will go down that road quite a ways. You will eventually see the Sunset Reef campground sign.
Cell: Yes, Verizon
Location to National Park: located 15 minutes to the entrance of Carlsbad National Caverns.
Parks Ranch Campground in Carlsbad. This campsite is located on a gravel road off the main highway and has some larger rocks to drive over but doable in a camper or van. We camped off the gravel on the way to the campground. Other campers say there are two caves to explore at this campground which we did not explore as we pulled in later in the evening.
Directions: From I-80 south turn left onto the dirt road before mile marker 10. Once on that road you take an immediate left. The road is bumpy with several big rocks. Continue on this road until you cross a cattle guard and then turn right right away. Stay on this road which takes you straight to the campground. As I stated we didn’t make it to the campground but camped along this road.
Cost: FREE. Maximum stay is 14 days. No reservations needed.
Amenities: We chose to stay along the gravel road before the campground. I cannot say what the actual campground is like although many say it is a nice area. Our campsite did have a rock fire ring. The area was very quiet and peaceful.
APPS: Campendium, iOverlander, The Dyrt, FreeRoam
GPS: 32.10975, -104.40701
Cell signal: Yes, Verizon
Location to National Park: Located 5 minutes to the entrance of Carlsbad National Caverns.
Garden of the Gods ~ Colorado
Pike and San Isabel National Forests in Woodland Park. This location was beautiful and you could see Pikes Peak from our camping location. What a view to see the snow covered mountains in the background.
Lots of washboard roads throughout this area. Take it very slow.
Cost: FREE. No reservations required. There were several camping locations throughout this area. You can camp in this forest for up to 14 days in a 30 day period. The area we chose had a lot of washboard areas and larger rocks to travel over. Doable in our 2WD Ram ProMaster but take it very slow.
Amenities: There are no amenities at this location. Fires were allowed. Shade trees throughout the area. It is likely you will not be alone as there were people camping everywhere. But the view of Pikes Peak in the background was amazing! You could also camp in a tent at this location as you are surrounded by such beautiful scenery.
APPS: iOverlander (similar locations), FreeRoam (Cascade-Chipita Park) on same dirt area.
GPS: 38.96889, -105.00831
Note: There was some trash and glass at this location. Please, always clean up after yourself. Keep this area beautiful for others to enjoy!
Location to National Park: 45 minutes to Garden of the Gods. 20 minutes to the entrance of Pikes Peak.
Camping spot below shows Pikes Peak in the background!
Grand Canyon National Park - Arizona
Kaibab National Forest in Williams. This is located on a washboard gravel road surrounded by pine trees. This campground was so beautiful among the trees. There are a lot of campsites along this road, it was full when we were in the area but we were able to find a spot, probably the last spot available. You can camp in groups or in your own spot.
Cost: FREE up to 14 days. No reservations needed. See rules HERE
Amenities: rock fire pit, shade trees
Apps: iOverlander
GPS: 35.19315, -112.13664 — This GPS is located at the beginning of Fire Rd 110. You keep going until you find a spot you want to camp. The road goes on a long ways so you should be able to find a spot.
Cell Signal: Yes, Verizon
Location to National Park: 1 hour 7 minutes south of Grand Canyon National Park
Items recommended for these boondocking locations
inflatable kayak - we have a couple of these and use them often
Bug Soother bug spray - all-natural bug spray made in the Midwest
Great Smokey Mountains National Park ~ North Carolina/Tennessee
This spot is located on Avery Creek Road in Pisgah National Forest. There are several spots along this road, the road is gravel but easy to travel. You will know where the legal spots are by the sign shown below. There were other spots along this road to camp at, but they were not the designated spots per the National Forest regulations so camping at them is at your own risk.
Cost: FREE up to 14 days in a 30-day period.
Amenities: Spots marked for camping did have fire pits, parking area and tent pad. No other amenities. Hiking trails nearby.
APPS: iOverlander (Bennett Gap, Avery Creek Road)(Maxwell Cove), The Dyrt (Avery Creek Roadside Camping), Free Roam (Pisgah NF dispersed roadside camping)
GPS: 35.34753, -82.78328 beginning of road, 35.32162, -82.77553 end of road. You can start from either end to look for camping along this route. There are a couple roads for camping off of route 276 also.
Cell: Yes, Verizon
Location to National Park: 1 hour 3 minutes from Biltmore Estates and 1 hour 21 minutes to Great Smokey Mountains National Park
Joshua Tree National Park - California
Camping in Mojave National Preserve in Amboy off of Kelbaker Road. This spot is located near highway 40 for easy access to this location. The APP I used to find this spot mentioned being sandy in some spots. It’s important to get out and look before you park so you do not end up getting stuck. Bring traction boards just in case.
During our travel to this area temps rose to 114 degrees. I was getting a little nervous but by the time we got to this camp area the temp was much lower and got down to the 80’s at night. It was a quiet area and we had the whole place to ourselves.
Cost: FREE for 14 days within a 30 day period. No reservations required. Guidelines can be found HERE
Amenities: rock fire ring. No shade.
APPS: iOverlander (Kelbaker Rd), Campendium (Kelbaker Boulders), FreeRoam (Off Kelbaker Rd)
GPS: 34.74570, -115.65200
Cell signal: Yes, Verizon (1-2 bars)
Location to National Park: 1 hour 8 minutes Joshua Tree National Park.
Mesa Verde National Park - Colorado
San Juan National Forest in Hesperus. Located off of County Road 316 Madden Peak Road. Easy location to get to. Several spots to camp along this road. There is room for group camping or single camping.
Cost: FREE for up to 14 days. No reservations needed. You can camp within this park up to 28 days in a 60 day period. Rules can be found HERE
Amenities: shade trees, rock fire ring
APPS: iOverlander (similar sites), FreeRoam (off Kelbaker Rd)
GPS: 37.34765, -108.20158
Summer Temps: June high 86 low 67, July high 91 low 73, August high 90 low 71
Location to National Park: 18 minutes east of Mesa Verde National Park. 1 hour 38 minutes to Four Corners National Monument
Padre Island National Seashore ~ Texas
Padre Island National Seashore. (click on the link for more details about beach camping.)
Cost: Because we have a National Park Access Pass we were able to stay at this seashore for FREE. You can purchase a National Park annual pass for $80 a year which will get you into many of the National Parks for free.
Without NP pass: $10 for a day pass or $25 for a 7-day pass at this location. No reservations needed.
You can stay at this park for up to 14 days. You get to park right on the sand next to the ocean. It was amazing! Hearing the ocean sounds at night was wonderful. You can drive about 4-5 miles on the sand before it gets to soft but always be careful and aware of soft sandy areas.
Amenities: Shower house, toilets plus pit toilets on the beach, Visitor center, kayaking, beach, swimming. No shade on the beach. This is the Kayak we use and love. It is so easy to pump up and deflate. It fits two people and comes with the air pump and paddle.
APPS: iOverlander, Campendium, The Dyrt (North Beach and South Beach Campground), FreeRoam
GPS: 27.41536, 97.30180 This is one location but there are several areas to camp at.
Location to National Seashore: You literally camp on the beach at this seashore, so amazing. If you have not camped on a beach before I highly recommend you do!!
Sequoia National Park ~ California
Oak Flats Campground in Angeles National Forest. This campsite is free with a National Parks pass. Located at the Oak Flat Fire Station in Castaic. This is located off the highway on a paved road. 20 campsites are available. First come first served basis. This area use to be heavily populated with the homeless. While we were there a park ranger stopped by to make sure we were ok and to make sure we had our pass. He stated he surveys the area often to make sure there are no homeless people living here anymore. I felt safe at this campsite.
Cost: FREE. America the Beautiful National Park Pass is required.
Amenities: Vault toilets, fire ring, picnic table and plenty of shade trees. NO water.
APPS: iOverlander, Campendium
GPS: 34.600451, -118.722081. Look for the Oak Flat Fire Station sign to know where to turn. We came in at night and missed it the first time.
Cell: Yes, Verizon
Location to National Park: 1 hour 49 minutes to Sequoia National Forest
@kodiakcakes
Shenandoah National Park ~ Virginia
This beautiful campsite is located in Luray on Riverwater Road. The road to this campsite is narrow and a dead end. There is a small loop at the end of the road to turn around. I would be hesitant to take anything larger than a campervan down this road. In the loop there are several spots for car camping and before you get to the loop, there are about 3 large camping areas for tent camping. You park on the side of the road and walk the small path to the campsite. There is room for several tents at each site. This is located next to the South Fork Shenandoah River. I loved this location and would definitely stay here again.
Cost: FREE, no reservations needed
Amenities: rock fire ring, plenty of shade trees, river view with a rope swing. Small boat ramp in the loop drive. Pit toilets across from the tent camping sites up on a hill, bring your own toilet paper.
APPS: iOverlander (Down by the River)
GPS: 38.77000, -78.39386
Cell Signal: No, Verizon
Location to National Park: 53 minutes from Shenandoah National Park
This campsite is located on North Creek Road in Buchanan. Another beautiful location next to a creek with relaxing water sounds. This campsite isn’t very level so you might need to adjust your parking to get as level as possible. There are several campsites along this road. This was one of my favorite boondocking locations in Virginia and it is located off a gravel road and the traffic was minimal.
Cost: FREE, no reservations needed
Amenities: rock fire ring, plenty of shade trees, creek next to campsite.
APPS: iOverlander (several locations on North Creek road)
GPS: 37.53437, -79.56453 or 37.53484, -79.56774. Due to lack of signal at campsite my GPS coordinates may be slightly off.
Cell Signal: No, Verizon
Location to National Park: 1 hour 47 minutes from Shenandoah National Park and 2 hour 41 minutes to New River Gorge National Park
Zion National Park ~ Utah
North Kolob Terrace Road in Virgin. Definitely a good find and really close to Zion National Park. Located next to a creek. Red sand in the area so be careful of soft spots. I always carry traction boards just to be safe.
Cost: This is BLM land and is FREE for up to 14 days. No reservations needed.
Amenities: There was a fire ring only. No restrooms. Some shade trees.
APPS: The Dyrt, Campendium
GPS: 37.22033, -113.16161 or GPS: 37.21179, -113.17602
Location to National Park: 22 minutes to Zion National Park. 2 hour 20 minutes to Bryce Canyon National Park.
Boondocking on N Bridge Sheep Road W was a great camping spot in Virgin. This spot is located off a gravel road. This area had many different camping spots to chose from. You could camp as a group or by yourself. We did see a couple other campers but they were far enough away you couldn’t hear them. I loved this location!
My map said we were in Virgin UT but some of the APPS say this is located in La Verkin within Hurricane Cliffs Recreational Area BLM.
Cost: FREE, no reservations needed. 14 day limit on BLM land within a 28-day time period.
Amenities: rock fire ring, mountain view. No shade trees.
APPS: iOverlander (BLM camping & BLM 30 km Zion), Campendium (several), The Dyrt (Hurricane Cliffs), FreeRoam (Hurricane Cliffs)
GPS: 37.18582, -113.22221
Cell Signal: Yes, Verizon
Location to National Park: 26 minutes to Zion National Park. This park is also 2 hours 4 minutes north-west of Grand Canyon National Park
APPS used to locate camping spots
I hope this list is helpful in planning your next overnight stay near National Parks. There are 63 National Parks in the United States, and I will add to this list as I continue to travel. Bookmark this blog post to reference later. There are so many free camping locations within the US. I tend to find more free locations between the Midwest and west coast but have recently added some east coast sites. There are several APPS that can help you locate boondocking locations. APPS I use include:
If this post was helpful, check out these related posts
The Best Way to find Boondocking Locations while traveling the US
From Cargo to Comfort: Finding a Ram ProMaster to Convert to a Campervan
Was this list helpful? Let me know in the comments below.
Enjoy your next boondocking journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel with my family and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous family travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US. You can usually find me dreaming up our next epic vacation or outside exploring natural landscapes. I am a fearless roadtripper who isn’t afraid to explore new and off the path adventures. Pic: Louisville, Kentucky
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