Raise your hand if you hate noise and crowds. (Hands up over here!)
RV camping is all about getting out and enjoying the outdoors. So why do we settle for noisy, cramped, concrete-padded motorhome parks?
The good news is, you don’t have to. There are lots of options for RV camping that don’t involve close quarters and concrete. Read this article for some RV campsite ideas for those of us who hate RV parks.
(PS, If you happen to love RV parks, more power to you! They often have great amenities. But read this anyway because you might want to take a break from the park crowds every now and then.)
1. State & County Parks
Start looking locally. You’ll find some of the most beautiful (and affordable) campsites at state and local parks. And beautiful, peaceful campsites make for happy campers!
If you really want to get close to nature, choose to pull your RV into a tent site (if length limitations allow). These sites are usually more rustic and private.
Some state parks still have the same amenities as an RV park, like electricity and water. And most have a dump station too. But they’re often more secluded and less crowded than larger motorhome parks.
2. National Forests
FREE.
Yes, you read that right. Camping in national forests is usually FREE.
And although camping in national parks is not free, most national parks are surrounded by national forests. So you can check out the park during the day. Then move a few miles away to a free, isolated camping spot in the forest.
Many of these forests have designated areas specific to RVs. Although tent camping is allowed in more areas through dispersed camping sites. But you’re assured to have some room to move when you camp in a national forest.
There are some guidelines to follow. So be sure to check out the National Forest Service website to learn more about the rules of camping before you go.
3. BLM Land
BLM stands for Bureau of Land Management. And it’s got millions of acres of land that you can use for free. Mostly in the desert areas of the western US.
Again, some rules apply and it’s best to visit the website to learn how to camp there safely and within the rules. But this is your best bet when you’re looking for wide-open spaces.
Not all states have BLM land available. So plan ahead if you’re traveling to an area to make sure you’ll have access to this free land when you get there.
4. Other Boondocking Sites
Boondocking is when you camp without hookups. This is the kind of camping you’ll do in national forests and on BLM land. But there are other boondocking options available throughout the country.
You’ll find boondocking sites in conservation areas, trust land, or water management areas, to name a few. The best way to find them is to use a camping app. You can enter the specs of your rig and your desired amenities and the app gives you options in your area.
Depending on the site, there may be vault toilets or dump stations. But many do not have anything but a spur of gravel and a fire ring. Which is great if you’re looking for a peaceful site.
Ditch the RV Parks for Campsites
RV parks have their perks. They offer all the amenities and usually have some fun recreational activities included in them. But they also cost a lot and can be crowded and noisy.
For the best cheap RV camping, opt for campsites instead. These sites usually have fewer amenities, but they make up for it in space and privacy. Remember to always check the rules ahead of time to make sure your camping experience is top notch.
Ready to start your RV adventure? At Mid America RV, we’ve got a ton of great RV inventory on our lot in Carthage, Missouri. Stop dreaming and start living!
