Over the last six months I’ve learned there are many camping options for RVers. I would have never imagined there were so many choices!
Quite a few people like to boondock or dry dock, where they aren’t hooked into power or water. I resisted this option at first, but our travel friend helped me to see that there are advantages to this option (the chief one being that it’s free).
If you’re considering venturing out in an RV, I wanted to share a few things I’ve learned, places you might stay and places you can research spots to spend the night.
Walmart and Cracker Barrel
Almost every Walmart and Cracker Barrel will allow you to spend one night in their parking lot. This can be a nice, safe haven when the choices are limited. Although I’d heard that Kmart also allowed overnight stays, we never found one that did. Same with Target. I’ve heard that the founders of Walmart and Cracker Barrel were RVers, which might account for the difference in attitude.
Cracker Barrel always has special RV parking spots toward the back. You never need to ask, but you can set up for the night. Some of the locations are lovely!
Walmart is a great choice, as you can do your grocery shopping. Select a 24-hour Supercenter and they will most likely allow you to spend a night. Not all Walmarts do (and some have no idea of the company policy allowing it), so make sure to ask. Also be aware that some have policies requiring you to leave by the crack of dawn.
Although some Walmarts have signs claiming to prohibit overnight parking, most will approve one night, if you ask. I like to call ahead to avoid wasting a trip.
BLM Land
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) offers land for Americans to enjoy. They actually manage almost 250 million acreas of land, mostly in the West. Some areas have tons of land where you can just pull over and park for a couple of weeks. It’s pretty cool!
Quartsite is one of the more famous BLM spots. In the winter millions flock to enjoy the Arizona sun!
One of my favorite BLM spots had a few dozen cows roaming freely around the small loosely roped off area. The children loved to wake up in the morning and moo with the cattle!
We’re currently in Utah and plan to visit Zion and Bryce in the next week. Looking that the maps of Utah I see that there are tons of free BLM sites all over. That’s very fortunate as all the campgrounds are booked up well in advance.
Special Groups
There are various groups out there, whose members allow you to park on their property for free. Although they promote dry camping, many allow you to fill up water tanks and some even offer electricity! There is a nominal annual fee to join.
Boondocker’s Welcome has become my favorite group. We’ve stayed with many members and have always had a great experience. The website provides lots of details about the spot before you visit, so you know what to expect. I’ve learned that most members will allow you to hook into water and electricity and some even have a dump station.
Harvest Hosts is also very good, but most of the hosts only permit you to stay one night. While that can be nice, we usually prefer to hang out a while. Still, we found a few great farms, where the children could roam and learn about animals.
Another boondocking resource is freecampsites.net. As its title suggests, this site lists many free boondocking spots around the country. They also list inexpensive spots, which is helpful!
State and Regional Parks
Although some National Parks offer campgrounds, many don’t work for us. They either are too pricey or require booking way in advance. State and regional parks are usually about $20 per night and have become one of my favorite options. Not only do you get hook ups, but they usually have nice shower facilities, which feels luxurious to our family.
Some areas offer a membership program, giving you discounts for their state parks. Texas had such a program, which ended up saving us quite a bit.
Private RV Parks
I will say that this is usually our least favorite option. It might surprise you to learn that private RV parks can cost the same as a small hotel room! I just can’t see spending $60 per night to park my RV. It’s literally highway robbery. Plus the spots often resemble a parking lot with a few trees scattered for good measure.
The good news is that there are many options for RVers. We are definitely very fortunate!
Hi Laura,
This is interesting; although it’s dated 4/17 you say you plan to visit Bryce & Zion
“next week”-so I’ll be interested in learning where you stayed (in BLM camps?) near
there.
Love ,Mom
Hi! Ah, I forgot to update the correct date of the blog. I started this article last month, but only just completed my thoughts on the variety of choices yesterday! I just corrected it now. Thanks for letting me know!
Be sure too check the BLM maps for camping around bryce, Zionsville and arches. There are limitations, especially around arches. We were there peak season and had trouble finding a place.
Hi! We ended up staying at a state park, opting for full hookups. It’s just too hot (94 degrees today)! Electricity is nice. 🙂 We did find many great boondocking options though, all around Virgin, UT. There is a BLM office too, which has maps showing where you can go. How are you all doing? Maybe we can hook up on day!
Wow, so excited for you about Utah! We totally missed Utah and I have regretted it because of all the amazing sites there. Can’t wait to read more!
I’ll remember your blog for list of sources for free/affordable camping if we ever wind up back on the road 🙂
We parked at Walmart and drove around a bit. There are a few spots, but I’m not sure they have cell coverage. It’s a gorgeous spot! I can’t wait to go through Zion! Camille is a fourth grader, so we get into all the National Parks for free this year. It’s a program they offered a few weeks before we left on our trip.