Camping is an amazing way to recharge and connect with the natural world. It is also a great way to gather your family and spend quality time together. You have many options for places to stay overnight.
While you're exploring your area, don't forget to research and read reviews about campgrounds. You can do this by using a website like Campendium. It allows you search by state, and it also shows photos and reviews of campgrounds. It allows you to filter campsites by nearly 80 criteria.
National Forests are another option. These areas are perfect for tent camping. You can choose to stay one night or for a month. However, there are specific rules and regulations for each area. It is especially important to avoid disturbing cryptobiotic earth. For information about how to properly dispose of your waste, you can ask at the ranger station.
National forests often offer free accommodation. The Public Lands app can be used to find a national forest close to you. This resource will provide a map that indicates which areas are managed by federal agencies and which are under private control.
BLM land can also be used for free camping. BLM lands are located all over the western United States. This land is available for mining, grazing, or other recreational activities. You can still stay free of charge, but you must follow the Leave No Trace rules. You must stay outside of established campgrounds. You may need a fire permit, depending on where you live. You should also check whether there are any amenities. Many campgrounds have picnic tables and fire pits.
You can also find other types of public lands with pockets of camping in different parts of the country. These sites may also be available for you to explore, but it is important that you are able to independently navigate each area and learn the rules.
You can find free camping by visiting the national forests. For a nominal fee, you can camp for one day or a full month. This is the most popular way to find a campsite, but there are other places to explore as well. Many other state parks offer free camping.
When choosing a camping spot, it's important to be aware of the weather and the proximity to roads. You don't want your camp to be too close to the road. Similarly, you should be aware of the amount of sunlight in the area and if there are any trees nearby that can block your view.
Another option is to park overnight. Although you will need to make a deposit, these sites can be found in many locations. Sometimes, these are available in stores and businesses. These can be noisy and unsavory.