Free camping is one of the best parts of life on the road. Most of the open public land in the country sits out west, so that is where the good free spots are. Think wide deserts, tall mountains, quiet rivers, and big skies full of stars. The list below pulls together fifteen of the best places to camp for free, and not one of them will cost a thing.
Before heading out, remember to practice Leave No Trace. Pack out everything that comes in, and leave each spot as clean as it was found. That is how these places stay open and free for everyone.
Here are fifteen spots worth pointing the rig toward.
1. Sun Valley to Stanley Corridor, Idaho
This stretch of road might be the best free camping in the whole West. It follows the Salmon River north through the Sawtooth Mountains, and along the way there are dozens of places to pull off and set up camp. Some sit right by the water. Others tuck into the trees or open up onto green meadows with huge mountain views. When the summer heat rolls in down low, head up here for cooler air and quiet nights.
2. Shadow Mountain, Wyoming
This is the famous one. Camp here and the Grand Tetons stand tall right behind your site like a painting. It has gotten busy over the years, so it can be tricky to find an open spot. But the view is so good that it is worth the hunt. Get there early in the day to claim your place.
3. Mann Lake, Oregon
Out on the eastern edge of the Steens Mountain range, Mann Lake is remote and peaceful. The high desert views go on forever, and there are far fewer people than at the popular spots. From here it is an easy drive to the loop road in Frenchglen and the west side of the range. This is a great pick for anyone who wants real quiet.
4. Alabama Hills, California
Sitting just below Mount Whitney near the town of Lone Pine, the Alabama Hills are full of wild, round rock formations. Movies and TV shows have filmed here for years, and once you see it you will know why. The camping is on BLM land, it is free, and the sunsets against the mountains are hard to beat.
5. Eastern Sierra and Bishop Creek, California
Run up Highway 395 and you will find cool alpine forest near the town of Bishop. Tall trees, clear creeks, and easy access to lakes and trails make this a favorite for summer camping. It is a good base for fishing, hiking, or just sitting by the water on a warm afternoon.
6. Valley of the Gods, Utah
Near the little town of Mexican Hat, Valley of the Gods feels like a smaller, quieter cousin of Monument Valley. A scenic dirt loop winds past tall sandstone towers, and there are plenty of places to camp along the way. The road can be rough, so take it slow, but the scenery makes it more than worth the bumps.
7. BLM Land Outside Moab, Utah
Moab is famous for red rock, and the free BLM land around town puts you close to both Arches and Canyonlands. After a day of hiking or biking, it is easy to find a quiet desert spot to camp under the stars. This is one of the easiest places in Utah to land a free site near big attractions.
8. Buena Vista and Collegiate Peaks, Colorado
The town of Buena Vista sits in the shadow of the Collegiate Peaks, a row of mountains that climb past fourteen thousand feet. Free camping spots dot the national forest nearby, with sites by the river and up in the trees. It is a great mix of mountain views and easy access to town.
9. San Juan National Forest, Colorado
Down in the southwest corner of Colorado, the San Juan National Forest is packed with high country camping. The dirt roads here are usually in decent shape, and the sites come with mountain air, tall pines, and plenty of quiet. It is a beautiful place to slow down for a few days.
10. Great Sand Dunes Area, Colorado
The Great Sand Dunes are the tallest dunes in North America, and there is free camping on the public land nearby. Picture giant hills of sand sitting right up against snowy peaks. It is a strange and wonderful sight, and a fun spot for anyone traveling with kids who want to play in the sand.
11. Beartooth Mountains, Montana
The Beartooth Highway is one of the most beautiful drives in the country, and free forest camping sits all along it. The road climbs high above the trees and rolls past alpine lakes and wildflower meadows. Summer is the time to go, since snow can close the road well into June.
12. Flathead National Forest, Montana
Close to Glacier National Park, the Flathead National Forest is full of lakes, rivers, and thick forest. Camping here lets you stay near one of the most stunning parks in the country without paying park campground prices. It is a quiet, green place to set up for a while.
13. Sedona and Coconino National Forest, Arizona
Sedona is known the world over for its glowing red rocks, and the Coconino National Forest around it has free dispersed camping. Wake up to red cliffs in every direction and spend your days on the many nearby trails. Spots fill fast, so plan to arrive early in the day.
14. Quartzsite, Arizona
Every winter, Quartzsite turns into a giant gathering of campers, van lifers, and full time RVers. The free BLM land around town is warm and sunny when the rest of the country is cold and gray. It is a friendly, social spot, and a classic stop on the snowbird trail.
15. Ghost Ranch and Abiquiú, New Mexico
Up in northern New Mexico, the land around Ghost Ranch and the town of Abiquiú is painted with red and gold cliffs. The artist Georgia O’Keeffe loved this area, and one look at the high desert colors makes it easy to see why. It is a peaceful, scenic place to end a western road trip.
Find Your Own Favorite
These fifteen spots are a great start, but the West is full of free camping if you take the time to look around. A little scouting often turns up a quiet road or a hidden site that becomes a favorite for years. Wherever the road leads, camp kindly, leave no trace, and keep these wild places open for the next traveler.