The Best Way to find Boondocking Locations while traveling the US
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When I first started my journey of wanting to travel in my campervan, I wanted to be able to save money by boondocking. This is something I had never done before or even thought of until I started seeing this idea on Pinterest. We use to have a travel trailer several years ago and we would camp at campsites with full hookup but boondocking is a whole different ballgame.
I knew I could do it with the right amount of research and knowledge. So I began researching, and haven’t stopped…… (literally haven’t stopped researching….)
2017 Ram ProMaster 3500 high top campervan conversion
This is Rosie, our Ram ProMaster 3500 with a 149 wheelbase. We purchased our van in 2021 after searching for months for a van. During that time, everything was shutting down due to COVID so everyone it seemed was searching for a van which made it harder to find a van. When we purchased her, she had around 70k miles. We have since taken a couple month long trips with our van and have been so pleased with the performance. I would recommend this style van if you were looking to convert one into a camper.
Find out how I choose the Ram ProMaster to convert to a campervan.
Where to find boondocking locations
As I began my research on where to boondock, I used many different platforms to find good boondocking locations. Each time we travel it takes me months of research to find the perfect spot to boondock in hopes each place will be safe and make the travel conditions sturdy enough we do not get stuck in sand or mud. Below you will find the apps I use to help find boondocking locations.
My first attempt at learning everything I could about boondocking was on Pinterest. I would search Pinterest for hours looking for ideas on where others have boondocked and the pros and cons of each place. I then started a Pinterest board for each state so I could save all of the great travel information that I learned and could reference it later as needed.
Apps
Here is a list of the Apps I use to find boondocking locations. I use these apps all the time while traveling. I use iOverlander the most and recommend you download that app first!
FreeRoam (this one provides temp high and lows for each location which I love especially since we don’t have air conditioning in the van once it shuts off) UNFORTUANTLY THIS ONE IS NO LONGER IN USE.
NPS
Here are several other apps I have on my phone but have not used them on a regular basis. Others have recommended these apps and I wanted to include them in case you find them useful.
Harvest Hosts (this is a paid app that allows you to find camping spots at businesses such as vineyards, farms and more) I paid for this app in December 2023 and have used it twice so far. More details to come.
Where to store found boondocking information
Google Docs
I started a Google Docs page dedicated to my camping finds. On this doc I added hundreds of places I want to travel to. I then added boondocking locations others have mentioned and loved or ones I find on apps that I want to go to. Check out my Pinterest for multiple camping destination ideas.
In my Google Docs I start with listing and highlighting each state I want to visit. Then under the state heading I list specific activities within each state. Below is Sequoia National Park. I add notes as I get tips from other blogs on places the I want to visit. Notes might include pet accommodations, closed for season due to (insert reason here), bear or rattlesnake warnings, travel conditions, reviews, and more. I then highlight the hours it takes between each spot we want to visit. I have listed a few of the activities you can do while at Sequoia NP and then below that I list camping locations for each area. I add the GPS location if I know it. I get my GPS coordinates from blogs or apps I have searched. See example below.
GPS location
Gaining the GPS location of each camp site we want to boondock at has been so helpful. I get some of the GPS locations from Instagram, Pinterest or phone apps. If I get a GPS location from an app, I add the name of the app to my Google Docs list to make it easy to reference later. I will search the GPS destination and then zoom in and check out the area to see if it would work for us. Safety is a big priority for me so if someone hasn’t done a review of the area for several years, I usually skip that spot. I also prefer pictures to get a better idea of the area. Most apps provide pictures of the location which is very helpful.
The below picture is an example of a zoomed in view of a boondocking location. This area is located in California.
Here are some pictures from spots we have boondocked throughout the US. There definitely are some challenges to boondocking but the price of FREE outweighs those challenges. I was prepared for almost anything due to my extensive research so there wasn’t anything major we needed that we didn’t have.
Look at these amazing boondocking spots below, I hope it inspires you.
Boondocking locations
Sunset Reef Campground
Sunset Reef Campground is located in Carlsbad, New Mexico by the Guadalupe Mountains. There are 11 campsites here each with a picnic table, fire ring, trash cans, covered pavilion and vault toilets nearby that were very clean. This is located 15 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns. I loved this location.
GPS: 32.1095, -104.4253.
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Padre Island National Seashore
Here is Padre Island National Seashore in Texas. This camping location is FREE with a National Park Access or Senior Pass. You can purchase a National Park annual pass for $80 a year which will get you into the National Parks for free. At this National Seashore, you get to park right on the sand next to the ocean. It was amazing!
MY RECOMMENDATION: We use this generator every time we travel to charge our battery that in turn runs the inverter as we travel to keep our fridge and lights on.
Boondocking in New River, Arizona
This boondocking spot is located in New River, Arizona. There are no amenities at this location. This is located on a bumpy dirt road and is very isolated. It was 111 degrees at night in June so if you stay here, you will want air conditioning. There are wild donkeys in this area which we could hear and see only in the distance although there was lots of donkey poo where we were parked. There are also Saguaro cacti which I loved. GPS for this location takes you to a certain spot on the road but you can camp before or after that location.
GPS: 33.98958, -112.173981
North Kolob Terrace Road boondocking
North Kolob Terrace Road in Virgin, Utah. This location we found by accident. It was a very nice area and a quiet spot to camp for the night. Definitely a good find and really close to Zion National Park.
GPS: 37.22033, -113.16161 or GPS: 37.21179, -113.17602.
This is BLM land and is FREE for up to 14 days.
Other Apps needed while boondocking
Upside - this app gives you cash back or gift cards for gas purchases. Use my invite code XJZTTH to get started
GasBuddy - an app to find the cheapest gas in a specific area
Tripadvisor - a great place to get reviews on travel destinations. This app or website also lists the top things to do in a certain area
Transit - an app to search and pay for paid parking meters in some locations
Compass - a great tool to have on your phone to mark any boondocking locations you find and want to share. This will also provide the GPS location. This is also great to use when hiking and need to find your way back to your campervan
Translate - available on iPhone in case you need to translate a conversation with someone into a different language
Viator - an app that helps you find things to do in a certain area and book excursions
Get Your Guide - an app that will help you find things to do in a certain location. You can also book excursions from this app
Go City Pass - find passes in certain areas that provide discounts on multiple excursions
How to get access to waste dump and water
Some of the apps listed above will also provide the option of finding where you can dump your waste and find access to water sources. (iOverlander)
Other not so glamorous camping locations for a quick stop
Sometimes you might just need a quick place to camp for the night with conveniences close by such as gas, groceries, and restrooms. These locations will often let you camp at their business for free. Look for signs that might prohibit overnight camping before you park for the night or check with the store manager to confirm you can camp on their premises. Some do not allow it and you may get a visit from the police if you park there illegally. Do not take advantage of these locations and only use them for a night or two on your way to your next location.
Walmart
Home Depot
Casino’s
Cracker Barrel
Back of hotels
Parks
Marina’s
Cabela’s
Family/Friends
Bass Pro Shop
Beaches
Truck Stops
Rest Stops
FREE BOONDOCKING PRINTABLE LIST
Sign up with your email address below to receive this list of free boondocking locations across the US including GPS coordinates. PLUS Camp Cooking Camping List. Updated list June 2024.
I will be honest, it has taken me hours and hours of research to complete my list of favorite places I want to visit and camping spots along the way. My camping Google Docs is 76 pages and counting. I spend a lot of time researching and I actually love to research although there are times I have to take a break from it as it can be very overwhelming. The amount of travel information available for free is amazing.
I want to spend the summers I have left traveling with my kids before they graduate. I want to make memories that will last a lifetime and give them the opportunity to explore the US and see all of the wonderful places they could call home someday. I don’t want to limit my kids to what I think is best for them. I want them to be able to explore their options on their own and hope that our guidance supports them in doing so.
Morefield campground in Mesa Verde National Park
FREE camping
Despite many free places to camp, there were times that we did pay for camping our first year due to the heat. If you need to stay at a hotel while traveling, check out booking.com for travel deals.
The second month long trip we took, all of our camping locations were FREE except the one campground where we camped with llamas. Check out that information on the llama campground in Texas HERE. A couple times we stayed at the National Park we were visiting which are cheap to stay at with a National Park Access Pass. Since we have an Access Pass, we get to stay overnight at the parks for half price. The price varies from $12-19 a night. It was worth the price to have a place to take a shower at once in a while. We were also able to use the laundry facilities at a few of these locations.
Overall, we found some great boondocking spots. I definitely think it is doable for anyone as long as you do your research and take the items you need to make your trip a success. If you forget something there is always a store somewhere that will have what you need. Must have boondocking items listed HERE.
Find your passion whether it be a picnic at your local park, a walk in the woods, or you go crazy and buy a vehicle you can camp in. You don’t have to buy a full-size van as I did. I have seen many people take a minivan or even a car and put a blow-up air mattress in it and camp. The possibilities are endless. Time goes on either way. So, take the opportunity to make the best of it. If you have kids, you already know how fast time goes. They grow up before your eyes. Include something in each trip that your kids will love. Whether that be an amusement park, hiking at a National Forest or going to a major league baseball game. Make it happen!!
Family Travel Ideas Across the United States
Family Adventures on a Budget. Free Things to do Across the US
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Where is your favorite place to camp? Comment below.
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Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel 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. Pic: MSC Magnifica cruise
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