Five Free Campgrounds To Try For Your Next Trip

Photo by Julian Bialowas on Unsplash

For some regions of North America, the winter is just giving up its reign as we get closer to March. What better way to celebrate than to take a camping trip? We can’t think of any better ways, either!

Well, if you can camp for free at a lovely location, that’s one way to make it better, right? Read on for free destinations to set up your canvas tent!

Liberty Recreation Site, Liberty, Washington


This lovely little campground site is by the Cascade Mountains not far from Liberty, Washington.

There’s space for RV or traditional camping, but no hookups are provided. Summer is a busy time for this area, so plan for other options just in case.

Historically, Liberty used to be a mining camp in the 1870s.

Check here for more information.

Braley Pond Dispersed Campground, West Augusta, Virginia

One great resource to take advantage of for camping on the cheap is the US National Forests (not National Parks). National Forests often have areas for free camping, and Braley Pond Campground of the George Washington National Forest is one such spot. This area is open year-round, but offers few amenities. There are vault toilets, but no water access. Plan accordingly! More information here.

Photo courtesy of Louie Traub via Outdoor Project

Oh Be Joyful Campground, Crested Butte, Colorado

With a name like Oh Be Joyful, how could this free campsite in Colorado seem any more welcoming?

Well, the mountain air of Colorado itself is likely to help, as are the gorgeous views.

For more information on Oh Be Joyful, read more here.

Hampton Tract, Lakeland, Florida

If you’re eager for some sunshine to thaw yourself out, it might be time to head to warmer parts of the country. There’s plenty of free campgrounds in Florida, and Hampton Tract is a great one to check out. As a bonus, this site also has plenty of multiuse trails for bicycling, horseback riding, and hiking. It also is a great spot for hunting and fishing, though you will need to contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission about licensing requirements.

Be sure to call ahead— some of the Florida campsites are prone to flooding! More info can be found here.

Pine Creek, Maiden Rock, Wisconsin

Ok, we know what you’re thinking: Wisconsin in February??

So it may be a bit too cold just yet to camp in this lovely spot for stargazing, but the camping site will warm up, likely by April or so. If you’re looking for a secluded midwest campground without having to shell out cash just to set up your tent, this may be a spot to consider.