Trying to Find Free RV Parking and Camping spots? Learn Where To Look and How To Find The Best Free Parking Spots for RVs overnight, a weekend, or all week long!
When it comes to RVing, everyone has their own style of where they like to park and sleep. Some RVers prefer the comforts and amenities of established RV parks and campgrounds. Others enjoy the freedom of sleeping for free — EXACTLY why I love van life — whether that’s on the road, in a parking lot, a quiet open field, or even a secret, stealthy spot off the beaten path. Your choice depends on your RV lifestyle, the type of RV you have, your budget, and how long you plan to stay.
If you’ve ever asked, “Where can you park your RV for free?” or “How do I find free camping?” — you’re in the right place. In this post, I’ll cover everything from boondocking, dry-camping, and dispersed camping — finding free campgrounds to the best overnight RV parking apps and resources for free RV parking spots. Whether you’re looking for a free RV parking app, trying to RV for free, or just want to explore where to park your camper for free, this guide has you covered.
This should give you some ideas for how to find free overnight parking for your RV, and the top sites to find free camping so you can start finding free RV camping options and stop paying for campsites once and for all—with help from RVersity.
Where + How I Find Free RV Parking & Camping Spots…
My goal is always to Find a place where I can park the RV for free and be able to sleep, work, or just chill out. Thankfully, our van is very stealthy and looks like a van not an RV. This is always helpful when trying to find a place to sleep in the RV. We rarely plan ahead for where we are going to sleep, we often don’t even know where we are headed or the final destination so even if you are a last minute planner THIS is for you! Honestly, once we know it’s about time for bed we start thinking where can we grab a bite to eat, and then park to sleep for the night without getting woke up.
I usually start looking for road signs listing the places I’m about to share with you, or I’ll break out my phone or check the navigation route we’re on. However, these are the places I would plan to sleep for free in our RV Van (although I’ve also parked our motorhome for free and slept at some of these too). Also, I always try to blend in, park in the back of the lots, and look to see if other RVs or trucks are around. Oh, and those ugly signs that say NO RVs or Overnight Parking, etc…
Dry-Camping vs Hooking-Up
Most likely, if you’re looking for FREE RV Parking or Camping options, you are only looking for a spot to park your RV — while utilizing your own utilities (power, water, sewer etc…) If you are trying to find places to park for free and asking for utilities — you’re being a little needy BUT… you can typically find free water and sewer on the road, it’s the electricity you will have to pay for. Unless you start generating your own solar power (too much to get into in the blog post…)
One key factor to consider is whether you’re boondocking or dry camping vs Hooking up:
- Boondocking refers to camping without hookups, often in remote or undeveloped areas where you rely on your own water, power, and waste systems.
- Dry camping means parking without utility hookups, but usually in places that may allow overnight stays, like parking lots or private land.
- Hooking Up refers to plugging up your RV, typically at an RV Park or Campground, to get your utilities: water, sewer, electricity, etc…
Here are some popular options to consider for free RV parking or low-cost camping:
Truck Stops and Service Stations
Many truck stops welcome overnight RV parking, especially if you’re just resting for a night. Some of the most popular nationwide chains include:
- Flying J
- Pilot
- Love’s
- TravelCenters of America (TA)
- Rest stops (some states do not allow this, so be sure to check first)
These stops often have large, well-lit parking areas with easy access to fuel, showers, and food, making them convenient for overnight stays on the road. Just be sure to check with the management before parking overnight, as policies vary by location.
** I know Buckees is a new up and coming option for RVers but it’s important to know they might allow you to catcha snooze for a few hours, yet staying overnight at buckees for RVers is NOT welcomed from the research I’ve done. Can you do and potentially get away with it, maybe if it’s busy and you’re parked in the back or off on your own — there’s a potential you could go unnoticed. You should just know the rules.
Retail Store Parking Lots
Certain big-box retailers allow RVs to park overnight in their lots, usually at no cost. While these aren’t traditional camping spots, many RVers use them for quick overnight stays. Many RVers will tell you to always confirm with the store’s management beforehand and park in a safe, legal spot. But I’m going to tell you to look around, see what other RVs and Trucks are doing, as well as any signs that say NO Overnight Parking or NO Trucks, NO RVs, etc…
Some common spots are:
- Walmart
- Cracker Barrel
- Lowe’s
- Home Depot
- Cabela’s
- Camping World
- Bass Pro Shops
Stick to the back of the parking lot and take up as little space as possible. DO NOT pop all your slides out unless inevitable. And, don’t put out your lounge chairs to make it look like you’re camping outside in the parking lot. Be respectful and discreet as much as possible.
And NO, I personally would NOT go ask permission upfront, I’d do my own visual research of the lot and ask for forgiveness if anyone says anything later on. That being said, we are never too comfortable that we can’t quickly pack up and pull out, whether it be the police or an unwelcome visitor.
Other Non-Traditional FREE RV Parking Options:
- Casinos often offer FREE RV Parking or for Oversized Vehicles, Trucks etc…
LOCATORS for Finding Free Campgrounds Near You (Boondocking & Dry Camping)
Campendium
Created by campers for campers, the Campendium website and iOS app lists over twenty-nine thousand places to camp, from swanky RV parks to free camping and more…
Free Campsites
Free campgrounds can be hard to find. Freecampsites.net makes it easy. We give you a simple, map based search engine to find free and cheap camping areas.
Recreation.Gov
Complete your visit to America’s Federal Public Lands by reserving a campsite today. Discover new experiences and outdoor escapes right down the road or across America. 4,200 Recreation Spots. Enjoy the National Parks. 113,000 Sites. RVing, Hiking & More.
United States Department of Agriculture
Select your state to find a forest or grassland to explore. Choose from Cabin Rentals, Campground Camping, Dispersed Camping, Group Camping, RV Camping, and more…
Bureau of Land Management
BLM-managed lands offer numerous opportunities for camping under the stars ranging from staying in an RV at a highly developed campground to simply throwing a sleeping bag on the ground in the backcountry. No matter what type of experience you are looking for, you can find it on BLM-managed public lands.
National Park Service
There is no shortage of camping locations in the National Park Service — there are over 130 park units to choose from!
US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE/COE)
USACE – United States Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds offer great RV camping opportunities centered around water recreation.
Public Lands
The Public Lands Interpretive Association operates and manages campgrounds in the Kaibab National Forest—Williams Ranger District where we offer interpretive programs for visitors during the summer camping season. These campgrounds contain individual, double, and group camping sites adjacent to high-elevation lakes.
HipCamp
Reserve beautiful campsites and RV spots on private land.
Note: Most of these places have a stay limit, and some require you to obtain a free permit, so be sure to look into that before you head out.
Free RV Parking 101
By now, you’re probably thinking that free camping sounds pretty great. However, there are some things you should know before jumping in. Below are some of our favorite dry camping and boondocking tips and tricks. These are the “unwritten rules” RVers should live by…
Remember Your Manners
While you won’t typically have neighbors while boondocking, there is a chance that you might. You will also probably have neighbors when you stop in parking lots for quick overnights. Therefore, it is always important to remember your manners by keeping your volume down, avoiding running the generator at night, and generally being kind and respectful. Also, consider where you park! Don’t take up more space than needed, and park as far away from any establishments as you can.
Leave No Trace
This tip actually goes along with the tips about manners above. However, it is important enough to get its own spot on the list. Always, always remember to clean up after yourself after camping. No trash or items should ever be left behind, and free camp spots certainly shouldn’t be used for RV storage. The same goes for any paws you bring with you, both cats and dogs be sure to clean up after them too!
Carry Plenty of Supplies
If you’ll be camping far from any kind of store, you’ll want to be sure to take plenty of supplies along. Fill your freshwater tank and take some jugs of drinking water. Stock up on food and propane, and be ready to escape for a few days. We never try to ride around with anything empty except our holding tanks. I always like to make sure we have fresh water, extra snacks, plenty of fluids to drink, and in hot months, I bring a cooler with ice always in it. Plus since we travel with the paws we have to keep water and food on board for them along with other supplies!
Have a Way to Generate Electricity
Generally speaking, free campsites will not include RV hookups. This means you’ll need plenty of water on hand, but it also means you’ll need a way to generate and store electricity. Usually this means investing in a generator, but some RVers turn to solar instead.
Note: Watch your generator usage. It can be tempting to run a generator all night long when dry camping. However, this is disturbing to those around you. Therefore, you will want to avoid running the generator late at night or early in the morning during quieter hours. Running your RV generator is one of the BIGGEST and LOUDEST ways to stick out!
Always Put Safety First
Safety should always come first. Therefore, if a campsite ever feels unsafe for any reason, move your rig. A weather radio and emergency kit should always be close at hand. Additionally, many RVers feel it is a good idea to keep a can of pepper spray on hand for self-defense (or bear spray is what I keep a can of too — not for the bears but any unwanted individuals).
>> Learn the 40 Safety Tips for Solo Female RV Life! where I share all of mine!
Offer your Business
Planning to stay all night in the parking lot of a business? Help that business out by doing a bit of shopping while you’re there. Fill up at the truck stop or grab some groceries at Walmart. These are things you’ll need anyway, and doing this helps out the business that is helping you. We often like to get gas and fuel up on propane, food, ice, all in one stop, which is where we’ll let the dogs out and usually grab a snooze there too! So we do a lot of business at the places we frequent to park, dump, or sleep. Even though every once in a while we don’t end up buying anything, it’s rare.
RV Clubs & Membership Programs
Trying to find RV Park Discounts? Did you know there is a Camping Membership That Can Save You Money on Your Next Trip? I’ve made a list of all the Best Discount Camping RV Clubs! No matter your RV Lifestyle, there’s a discount camping club and tons of RV Camping Membership programs available. But what is the best RV club to join to get these camping discounts? Before joining any of these RV camping discount clubs, be sure to do your research, as not all Camping Memberships, also known as RV memberships, are alike. So, how do you know which RV Membership is the right one for your RV life? If you want to save money while RVing, check out this List of RV Clubs, Memberships, and Discounts on RV Parks! Plus, Learn What to know before you buy and the Top Choice for RV Discount Clubs!
If you want access to a wider variety of places that offer free or discounted overnight parking and camping, consider joining RV clubs or memberships such as:
- Thousand Trails “Camping Pass” — Offers access to hundreds of private campgrounds across the U.S.
- Harvest Hosts — Connects RVers with wineries, farms, breweries, and other unique locations where you can stay overnight for free (usually with a purchase).
- Boondockers Welcome — A hospitality exchange program where hosts offer free camping on private land.
There are various RV Memberships and Clubs that offer both Discounted and or Exclusive RV sites to their members. You can check out a list of them.
Campgrounds & RV Parks ($$$)
Websites To Find RV Parks & Campgrounds
Finding a Campground when you’re ready to Go RVing isn’t always easy! I remember being one of the RV Newbies asking “What is the best app/website to find RV campgrounds?” and struggling with Choosing the Best RV Parks for Beginners — meaning one I knew I could pull through, didn’t have to back up, could bring my dogs, etc… But whether you’re an RV Beginner or a seasoned RVer the best websites for RV camping are always changing! So, if you’ve been searching Google for “best site to find campgrounds near me” or “best website to find campsites” Keep in mind the Best Sites for Camping Reservations may or may not include RVs! Some are strictly for camping NOT in an RV (i.e. in a tent). Others are only for Motorhomes, 55 and up, Military, Adults, etc… you name it.
RV campgrounds can be as small as a few dozen sites to booming resorts with hundreds of sites, catering to RVs of every type and size. Some RVers prefer the simple solitude of campgrounds that provide just the basics of electricity and fresh water at the site. Others prefer full-service options with electricity, water, and sewer hookups for each RV. Either way, how do you find RV Parks and RV Campgrounds? What is the best website to find RV parks near me or close to where I might be traveling? Don’t worry I’ve made my ultimate list of websites where you can find RV parks and campgrounds. So you can Learn How To Find RV Campgrounds or the Best Sites for Camping Reservations for Your Next Adventure.
Here’s a list of the Best Websites To Find RV Parks & Campgrounds.
Mobile Apps to Find RV Parks
Discover your next RV camping getaway on the go. Browse the Ultimate List of Mobile Apps to Find RV Parks & Campgrounds! Adventures are just a click away!
Unlock the ultimate convenience for your RV adventures with our extensive guide to the best mobile apps to find RV parks! Whether you’re embarking on a cross-country journey, planning a weekend getaway, or looking for an RV Park to stay stationary in your RV, this curated list of the best RV park finder apps has everything you need. Explore the top mobile apps for RV camping, including RV campground search apps, RV park locator apps, and essential reservation tools. Dive into detailed reviews of mobile apps for RV park amenities and ratings, and find RV campgrounds near you with ease.
Say goodbye to the stress of finding the perfect campsite—our must-have apps for RVers and camping apps for RV enthusiasts will transform your travel experience. From RV park directory apps to RV park mapping apps, find a campground effortlessly. Go RVing and enjoy hassle-free travel with the best RV park reservation apps and RV park rating apps. These are the top mobile apps for RV camping to make finding RV parks and campgrounds on your adventures seamless.
Related Reads:
- RV Fuel Hacks: Tips For How to Save Money When RVing (Gas or Diesel) + Towing!
- Ways To Save Money & Fund RV Life
- 30 Ways To SAVE MONEY RV LIVING Full Time!
- How I Budget For The Cost of Living in an RV Park Full Time
Don’t miss a thing!
Follow and stay social with @RVersity via Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Twitter (now X), and YouTube! Plus, don’t forget to SIGN UP to receive the RVersity NEWSLETTER!
Related Reads
- How to Find Free Overnight Parking for Your RV
- 11 Free RV Parking Spots You Need to Know About
- STOP Paying for Campsites! Camp Here Instead.
- How do I find free camping? | Van Life
