Interstate 40 runs west-east through the south-central part of the United States. Much of the central part of Interstate 40 parallels or overlays historic Route 66. Free places to camp along Interstate 40: Drivin & Vibin
My Google Map of destinations organized by average monthly temperatures between 40 °F and 85 ° F.
Guide To Visiting All US National Parks and related Google map.
Savannah GA Savannah Trade and Convention Center $30/nite right downtown!
Roanoke, VA ONP (option if staying in area to wait out rain) | Gander RV 877-464-5709 37.3581,-79.9616 | Many breweries in the area.
Wytheville VA ONP | Seven Sisters Brewery 36.9546,-81.0603 |
Marion VA ONP (30 min S on 81 from Wytheville VA) | Moon Dog Brick Oven |
Prattville AL ONP (Montgomery AL) | Fort Toulouose Historic Park Campground $20/nite; 32.5078,-86.2516| Autauga Creek Craft House Tu-Su @ 32.4666, -86.4593 | Common Bond Brewers We-Su @ 32.3851, -86.2897
BEST: Deep Creek Preserve @ 27.0609, -82.0218 near Arcadia FL (40 min N of Ft Myers). is within an hour of every beach from Bradenton to Fort Meyers, and 10 minutes from a Walmart. Big rig friendly.
Free Camping in Florida’s Public Lands Cypress Creek Land O’ Lakes, Florida; 28.2382, -82.4305 The Complete Guide to Free Camping in Florida’s Water Management Districts
Central FL has several free and inexpensive camping options.
Cedar Key in the FL Panhandle, Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge OHV trail ONP at Bird Creek Boat Ramp to the south of Cedar Key FL.
Cypress Creek Preserve Land O Lakes FL; FREE but reservation required; 28.2382,-82.4305
Deep Creek Preserve Arcadia FL; FREE; 27.0609,-82.0218; 55 min from Cape Coral FL
Jan 42-63°F; Feb 46-66 °F; Mar 51-72 °F; Apr 57-78 °F; May 65-84 °F Climate
Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park $22 (NO AVAILABILITY) |
Bayside Campground Escribano Point Wildlife Management Area; FREE permit/site reservation using the online reservation system or by calling (850) 265-3676; 30.5163,-87.0067 CLOSED |
Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park $16/nite; check availability online 30.4959,-86.4328; (NO AVAILABILITY) |
Grayton Beach State Park $24/nite (NO AVAILABILITY) |
Very limited free ONP options, and they are far from the coast. Camping World Tallahassee (call) | Cracker Barrel Tallahassee | Walmart Tallahassee |
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park | Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park | St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge | Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park |
St. Andrews State Park @ Panama City (near beach/ Gulf) $28/nite Limited availability Right on Panama Beach. 30.1354,-85.7418 | Dead River Landing Recreation Area FREE and available. Make online reservations. 49 min from Panama City beach. 30.5418,-85.8909 | Florida River Island FREE and available. Must login to make online reservations. 1.5 hrs from Mexico beach. 30.1844,-85.0847 | Walmart PCB at 23rd near Panama City FL overnight allowed? | Sam's Club Panama City FL | Ebro Greyhound Park & Poker Room Call casino @850-234-3943 and ask about ONP (FREE?) |
Carillon Beach | Bike ride in Conservation Park | Pier Park | Panama City Beach | Panama City Beach Winery | Shell Island | Mexico Beach | T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park | Cape San Blas
Blackwater River Primitive Recreation Site 50 min from Pensacola Beach. Limited availability $20/nite. 53 mi / 70 min from Destin FL. |
Okaloosa Island | HarborWalk Village | Destin Commons | Silver Sands Premium Outlets | Grand Boulevard at Sandestin | Seaside Farmers Market
Big Lagoon State Park $20/nite 30.315525,-87.410277 right on the Gulf. Limited availability | Webb Landing Recreation Area Only 3 sites, but likely available. Make online reservations. 29 mi / 49 min from Pensacola FL. Escapees Rainbow Plantation RV Park $25/nite; Availabililty LIKELY | Gander RV / Camping World | Walmart - Pensacola, FL | WalMart Pensacola FL |
National Naval Aviation Museum | Fort Barrancas (NPS) | Biking on Blackwater Heritage State Trail Parking Lot | Pensacola Beach RV Resort | Fort Pickens Area of Gulf Island National Seashore | Navarre Beach
9 Reasons You’ll Love Florida’s Gulf Islands National Seashore
Jan 54-75°F; Feb 56-77 °F; Mar 59-80 °F; Apr 63-85 °F; May 69-89 °F Climate
Bass Pro or Camping World for overnight. | Deep Creek Preserve (free, must make reservation) | Collier-Seminole State Park Naples FL 25.9915,-81.5912 $22/nite; has availability!
Dump at Love's #495 North Fort Myers
Glover Bight Trail (biking) Cape Coral Farmer's Market Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly Garden Rotary Park Environmental Center Wicked Dolphin Artisan Rum Cape Harbour (restaurants & shops) Yacht Club Community Park Harbour View Gallery
To the south of Cape Coral are three OHV trails in the Big Cypress National Preserve.
5 Best Hiking Trails With Waterfalls In Talladega National Forest
Feb 43-64 °F; Mar 49-71 °F,
Try to book Davis Bayou Campground for two nights. If not available, then book two nights at Chickasabogue Park.
Davis Bayou Campground 30.3979, -88.7954 $22/nite Availability LIKELY (use incognito) | Chickasabogue Park ~$19/nite w/ full hookup; 30.782,-88.1043; call 251-574-2267 for reservations; 10% GoodSam discount; | River Delta Marina and Campground 30.9063,-87.9782 $20/nite; Cash only. $40 deposit. Reservations by phone (251)574-2266 23 mi / 40 min N of Mobile AL. | OR drive 1 hr to coast and stay at: Shepard State Park 30.3726,-88.6261; Gautier MS; ;$13-18/nite Limited availability | No free ONP in Mobile AL, so drive past and stop at one of the following places and then take Jeep back 30 min to Mobile AL: | Alabama Rest Area Welcome Center 30.47797,-88.38932 (Ignore "no overnight parking" signs and ask) | Moss Point rest area 30.462366,-88.434303 (Ignore "no overnight parking" signs and talk to security) | Mississippi Rest Area Picnic and Parking Culdisac 30.43644,-88.622458 (Ignore "no overnight parking" signs and talk to security) Dumping station.
Day #1: Drive Jeep to Dauphin Isl and take Mobile Bay Ferry $5/pp for day to Fort Morgan State Historic Site Museum $8/pp Day #2: USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park $13/pp 55+ plus $4 parking 30.70302,-87.9948 | Fort Charlotte (Fort Conde) 30.6891,-88.0395 $10/pp | Mobile Bay | LoDA ArtWalk Every second Friday of the month | Eastern Shore Shopping Centre | Mobile Flea Market |
Take Mobile Bay Ferry to Fort Morgan State Historic Site Museum $8/pp (Take car or bicycles. Walking to Fort not recommended). Drivin' & Vibin' RECOMMENDED
A small town on the east side of Mobile Bay. Fairhope Municipal Pier. Shopping & dining on Fairhope Avenue. North Beach Park. Biking along the Eastorn Shore Trail (23 mi paved path).
Located in center of the north end of the state, Huntsville has six unique waterfalls: 1) Within the Monte Sano state park is a short distance trail the 'North Plateau Loop' that provides access to the Lodge and McKeay Hollow Falls. 2) Within the Green Mountain Preserve, take a 2.3 mi hike to see the Alum Hollow waterfall (no fee). 3) Use four trails the Bethel Spring Loop, Carpenter, Falling Sink, and Mill Trails to form a 2-mile double loop to access the Bethel Spring 75 ft segmented waterfall (budget 90 minutes for the hike). 4) At the Monte Sano Nature Preserve, take a technical 1.4 mi out and back hike to visit Fagan Springs (falls). 5) Hike 2 hours to see the Lost Sink Falls in the Nature Conservancy’s Keel Mountain Preserve. 6) Neversink Pit is a 162 feet tall falls in the Southeastern Cave Conservancy (ACCC). A free 'surface permit' is required (available online).
Barbour Count WMA @ 31.995811, -85.457941 is 18,924 acre large area near Comer, Alabama with forest pines that is open October through April. Water and dumpster near office. The most comfortable weather is Oct, Nov, Mar, and Apr.
FREE camping at Wilson Creek Recreation Area in Elk Horn, KY @ 37.2857, -85.2556. Managed by the Green River Lake Army Corps of Engineers. Mammoth Cave National Park (free) is 70 minutes to the west.
Blackwell Horse Camp in Hoosier National Forest near Bloomington, IN @ 39.0175, -86.3899 offers grassy pastures and lots of space. Best climate in the months of Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, and Oct.
Hickory Hills Park New Virginia, IA (40 min S of De Moines) @ 41.1796, -93.6069 has six designated sites with fire pit and picnic table. Best climate is months of Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, and Oct.
Richland Creek Recreation Area @ 35.796981, -92.934443 is a National Forest campsight withing the Ozarks. Swimming holes and waterfalls. Closest city is Witts Springs, AR. Best climate is during the months of Apr, May, Jun, Sep, and Oct.
Mar 50-73 °F,
FREE ONP at Natchez Tourism Visitor Center in Natchez MI @ 31.5544, -91.4133 with free water and electricity, and a dump station. The visitor center is the southern gateway to the Natchez Trace Trail. Historic Downtown Natchez is a short walk away.
Cheap ($2/day) camping at Whiskey Bay Highway in the Sherburne Wildlife Management Area near Krotz Springs LA (45 min W of Baton Rouge) @ 30.4577, -91.7292. The "Wild Louisiana Stamp" can be purchased online.
Venice LA Oak Alley Plantation | McGee's Louisiana Swamp & Airboat Tours | Avery Island | Gorman Falls in Colorado Bend State Park | McKinney Falls is at McKinney Falls Stat Park 13 mi outside Austin TX. Biking, hiking, fishing. |
Feb 48-65 °F; Mar 53-72 °F; Apr 60-78 °F; May 68-85 °F; Jun 74-89 °F
Bonnet Carre Spillway Campground Army Corps Of Engineers; 30.0213,-90.409; Apply for FREE permit online. | St. Bernard State Park 29.8643,-89.9005; ph 504-682-2101; $18/nite; Book online | Bayou Segnette State Park $25-40/nite; 29.9025,-90.1538; ph 877-226-7652 or book online | Jude Travel Park of New Orleans $39/day (or other), 7400 Chef Menteur Hwy, New Orleans, LA; ph (504) 241-0632 | (Panda Express somewhat on way to Flying J) | Rest Area near Stennis Space Center (free, 42 mi from New Orleans) | Walmart Supercentre (confirmed overnight spot) | Westwood Truck Plaza and Casino/Westwood Spur (truck stop, free for 72 hrs) | On N side of Lake Pontchartrain (opposite New Orleans) 38 mi / 43 min is Fairview-Riverside State Park $18-33/nite. online reservations | No overnight parking at rest stops
Streetcar passes are $3/pp for one day, $9/pp for 3 days. | The bus system is inexpensive and efficient. Look into the Jazzy pass. | Uber into the city to avoid parking challenges and expense.
Wander along Woldenberg Riverfront Park From Canal Street to the Moon Walk along the French Quarter, stroll down the riverfront. | Wander down Royal and Chartres streets and Magazine Street. | Watch 'second line parade' on Sunday. | Stroll St. Claude Arts District (2nd Saturday Art Walk). | Julia Street on the first Saturday (Arts & Warehouse District). | Listen to New Orleans bands during Wednesday at the Square . | French Market. | French Quarter Festival April 16-19 2020. | Nola Brewery (free tour). | Walk around the lake in City Park. | People watch along Jackson Square. | Watch the “greasing of the poles” at the Royal Sonesta Hotel on the Friday before Fat Tuesday. | Relax on the banks of Bayou St. John. | Wander through the Garden District (architecture). | Historic New Orleans Collection (free). | Free music & oysters every Friday night at Le Bon Temps Roule on Magazine Street. | Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden (free). | Visit cemeteries: St. Patrick Cemetery No. 2 Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 St. Louis No. 3 St. Roch Cemetery . | Saint Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square (historic church open to public). | Watch the crowds on Bourbon Street. | Watch artists demonstrate glass blowing at Rosetree Blown Glass Studio or New Orleans Glassworks or Studio Inferno. | Visit Crescent City Farmers Market or Uptown square- farmers market . | source: https://www.neworleans.com/things-to-do/fifty-free-things/. |
Drivin' & Vibin' recommends: Breakfast at Cafe du Monde | Lunch at Commander’s Palace | Dinner at Atchafalaya |
Feb 41-62 °F; Mar 50-73 °F; Apr 57-79 °F; May 65-86 °F; Climate
Sams Club Hollywood Casino parking lot Farr Park RV Campground $10 dry, $40 hookup Port Allen Park for RV's $20 map JSM $25 map Pastime Restaurant Bridge Lot
Horace Wilkinson Bridge USS KIDD Veterans Museum Louisiana's Old State Capitol
Rutherford Beach 29.758877,-93.124233 FREE; accepts Big Rigs; Beach camping. Mosquitoes bad.
2,753 ft. Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov.
FREE ONP at American Horse Lake near Geary OK @ 35.6311, -98.5071.
17 Best Scenic Drives in Texas
Texas State Parks Pass $70 for MK. Texas Parklands Passport $35 for LK.
Jefferson, Texas | A booming steamboat town | Buckhorn Creek COE (57 RV sites with water and electric) | Lake o’the Pines is a 18,700 acre water and 9,000 acres of land park
Matagorda Bay, Magnolia Beach offers free camping on the beach.
In general, no BLM and National Forest land, but you can find free ONP at private county parks, rest areas along the highway, and some state-owned lands. | It is claimed that places cost ~ $300/mo. Loma Paloma Rv Park in Presido, TX $22/nite or less w/ Good Sam map |
Feb 51-64 °F, Mar 58-70 °F
On the NE side of inlet (no bridge): Fort Anahuac Park 50 min before Austin TX @ 29.7558,-94.6877; free | Pay $10/ night to camp…or $10 to any local business and camp for free at Rollover Pass county park. 29.5094,-94.4999 Was closed Oct 2019 so verify it is open. | Bolivar Flats Free Beach $10 permit "The ferry to Galveston is only about 4 miles west, is free and runs all day. Check out the lighthouse and Fort Travis.." | Winnie-Stowell Park FREE (permit required for Chambers County Park from County Commissioner's Office @ 211 Broadway in courthouse); 30 acres of dry camping (free unless you hookup to RV hookups); No designated campsites; 29.812117,-94.380234; Try Lercey's for lunch; |
Jan 44-62 °F, Feb 46-65 °F, Mar 54-72 °F,
19th Street in The Heights | Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo | Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park
Spring Creek county park 30 min N of Houston has 8 RV sites with free full hookups! Max 7 nites. Reserve online two weeks in advance.
Feb 51-64 °F, Mar 58-70 °F
Galveston Island State Park $30/nite (with all fees) make online reservations. | Sams Club (& Walmart) |
Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum @ Galveston TX $10/pp Thurs-Mon 10-17 | Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier | Walk Strand St SP+ parking | Strand Historic District @ 29.308065, -94.790939 | You can take the ferry across. | At the SW end of the island ia s 1.2 mi two lane San Luis Pass Toll Bridge ($2 toll) @ 29.08213,-95.12231 that takes you to Follett's Island. |
Southwest you will find: Bryan Beach FREE; 28.912165,-95.335441 979-233-3306 Beach camping for RVs up to 80 ft. | on-beach free ONP options 50 min / 34 mi SW along beach at Surfside Beach 29.00393,-95.221435. | For both above you must go over San Luis Pass Toll Bridge to Follett's Island.
Chamber Park 1.5 hr drive S of Galveston TX. FREE paved parking area right on the beach. 28.771,-95.6143 Beach permit from local business may be required. |
Jan 42-62 °F; Feb 45-65 °F; Mar 51-72 °F; Apr 59-80 °F; May 67-87 °F; Jun 72-92 °F Climate
Colorado River RV Park & Resort 30.1701,-97.4072; FREE; 30 mi / 40 mi from Austin | McKinney Falls State Park @ 30.1795,-97.7258; $20/nite; 15 min from Austin TX. Pilot Truck Stop | Cracker Barrel | Cabelas Buda | Pilot Buda | One hour north west of Austin is a free camp area Camp Creek Recreation Area, | and further west along I-10 in Junction TX is free Schreiner City Park. | Further past outside of Abilene off of I-20 is Seabee Park (city park; free) |
Sixth Street Historic District | Stroll the shops along South Congress Ave (south of Congress Avenue Bridge); 30.247997, -97.750278 | Sandy’s Hamburgers , open since 1946 | LadyBird Lake Hike & Bike Trail | 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail | Line up on the Congress Avenue Bridge to witness a staggering 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats fly into the sky from beneath the bridge nightly from spring through fall. | Central Market North Lamar | Bike the Butler Trail @ 30.2590,-97.7436 | Cathedral of Junk | National Instruments | Hamilton Pool Preserve | Dripping Springs (natural swimming pool in canyon below waterfall) | Hike trail to Mt. Bonnell Observation Deck and watch the sunset. Parking at 30.323216, -97.773430 | Pedernales Falls is located 30 miles west of Austin @ 30.3079,-98.2576; Overnight for $20 at Pedernales Falls State Park | Hamilton Pool Waterfall 30 mi outside Austin.
Drive Jeep 3 hrs N of Austin to Fort Worth. | Twice a day (11:30 am & 4 pm), watch an actual cattle drive at the Ft. Worth stockyards @ 32.791152,-97.345518 After the cattle drive, walk to to catwalk at the back of the exchange building to see the longhorns. | Fort Worth Water Gardens @ 32.747638, -97.326641 | Airfield Falls Conservation Park | Nearby Dallas TX | Fort Worth Herd Museum
Friends in RV Spaces 32.86574301084131, -97.55801487080917 is a small, private homestead farm in Azle, TX (near Fort Worth) with full hookup campsites, near town but country quiet. It’s a working farm that offers tours after the workday is finished. $28/nite.
Davis Mountains State Park 30.663456, -103.933417 7 Fantastic Things To Do In Davis Mountains State Park |
West of Austin TX @ 30.49716, -98.81944.
Best Things To Do In Palo Duro Canyon
SE of Amarillo TX at 34.97924, -101.69154. Known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas". Stop at the Ghost Horse Gallery in Silverton. While in Claude, you can mountain bike or take a Jeep offroading at the rugged Merus Adventure Park. River Road traces through striking West Texas landscapes from the “ghost town” of Terlingua to Presidio. | $8/pp entrance fee. Campsites with electric are $26/nite.
Also nearby is Cadillac Ranch @ 35.18742, -101.98710
Texas Farm Roads 12, 165, 2325, and 32, along with U.S. Highway 281, form a scenic loop that connects Wimberly and Blanco. This loop cuts through a scenic portion of the Texas Hill Country that looks like something straight out of a Wild West movie. | Devil’s Backbone Tavern @ 29.964993, -98.159903
$29/pp AAA discount
29.69456, -98.33576 Safari tours $29/pp
Feb 42-67 °F; Mar 50-74 °F; Apr 57-80 °F
Braunig Lake Park County Park; 29.2489,-98.3939; $12-28/nite; Operated by Thousand Trails Management Services (210) 635-8289 | Bass Pro Shops (many other similar options) | Pedernales Falls State Park $20/nite + entrance fee (1 hr to Austin, 1.5 hrs San Antonio). | Medina Rest Area Southbound (rest area) ONP | (Alt: McKinney Falls State Park (Austin TX), $32/night.) |
San Antonio (river walk) | La Villita (along river, ~29.422528,-98.489141) | Japanese Tea Garden | San Antonio Botanical Garden | The Alamo | Museum Reach | Natural Bridge Caverns | Historic Market Square @ 29.424791,-98.499814 | Blue Star Brewing Company along river @29.40978,-98.4953 4 San Antonio RV Parks To Visit This Winter | Buckhorn Saloon & Museum (museum tickets $22/pp) |
Friends in RV Spaces 32.86574301084131, -97.55801487080917 is a small, private homestead farm in Azle, TX (near Fort Worth) with full hookup campsites, near town but country quiet. It’s a working farm that offers tours after the workday is finished. $28/nite.
Highway 90 Picnic Area ONP 29.7059,-101.3529 FREE; video of area
Dolan Falls is located 2 hours outside of Del Rio.
Feb 55-71 °F, Mar 60-76 °F
Mustang Island State Park $10-20/nite camping (Port Aransas TX) | Padre Island National Seashore plays host to North Beach and South Beach, both offering free beach camping for up to 14 days. map | Dumpster at the access road to North Beach, and dump & water at entrance of Malaquite Campground (27.4304,-97.296). | Corpus Christi is located about 16 miles away. | The best camping on Padre Isl is Malaquite Campground @ $14/nite ($7/nite NPS Sr pass) and Bird Island Basin at $8/nite ($4/nite w/ NPS Sr pass). Both don't have any hookups, but a dump & water station is aavailable outside of Malaquite Campground. Malaquite has paved sites, cold showers, and flush toilets. Bird Island Basin is packed gravel/sand graded lot with chemical toilets. Malaquite Campground faces the ocean, Bird Island Basin faces the bay. | Padre Balli Park is managed by Nueces County coastal Park
Sea turtles are rescued and rehabilitated at Sea Turtle Inc. | Explore Mustang Island State Park 27.674153,-97.175499 $5/pp entrance fee, $10-20/nite camping | Fishing on | Horace Caldwell Fishing Pier $3 access,$4/pole 27.828210,-97.053542 | Ride the Port Aransas Ferry FREE; Connecting SH 361 and Port Aransas/Mustang Island; 10 min ride; 27.83914,-97.068883 | Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center FREE; Scenic boardwalk. 27.826946,-97.077817 | Grab a Beer at Tortuga’s Saltwater Grill 27.836275,-97.061162 | Grab a Burger at MacDaddy’s Family Grill (good Southern Comfort food) 27.833561,-97.061136 |
Feb 51-70 °F, Mar 56-76 °F
Super Walmart 14 mi NW of Corpus Cristi Walmart #409 (ask mgmt 1st) Cracker Barrel Restaurant #321 Labonte Park (free permit required from City Hall) Malaquite Campground 27.4304,-97.296; $14/nite; 1st come 1st server reservation kiosk;
USS Lexington | Corpus Christi Municipal Marina | Farmer's Market on WED | Bike ride on Corpus Christi Bay Trail | Bike ride on North Padre Sea Wall | Bob Hall Pier | Railroad Seafood Station brewery; |
Boca Chica State Park free beach camping (watch the tide!).
Everything around the falls is private property, so need to access via the river and stay on the river banks. Google maps
Feb 40-66 °F; Mar 46-74 °F; Apr 53-82 °F; Climate
Croton Springs Big Bend National Park; 29.3398, -103.3454; $20/nite; primitive camping; Croton Sprints 1 & 2 each have TWO SITES; reserve online ; Big Ben NP Cottonwood Campground $8/nite with Access pass. Try to make a reservation | Retro Rents RV Park $30/nite; 29.3203,-103.6131; 405-795-3905 | Big Bend Resort & Adventures $29/nite; 877-386-4383; 29.3294,-103.5338 | Study Butte RV Park 29.3132,-103.5258; 432-371-2218; 432-371-2468; $30/nite; | B.J.'S RV PARK; $35/nite | Texas Roadside Picnic Area 2 free. Immediately off road. Limited # sites. | Texas Roadside Picnic Area 1 free. Immediately off road. Limited # sites. | Highway 67 Picnic Area west of Alpine is a possible 1 night stay option (100 mi from Panther Junction). | Stillwell Store and RV Park; $20/nite; 80 min from Big Bend; | PAISANO VILLAGE RV PARK & INN; $44/nite map 24 mi to Panther Junction. | RoadRunner Travelers RV Park; $40-60/nite |
Suggested One-Day Itinerary: Drive down the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and at the end take a 1.4 mile hike into Santa Elena Canyon from the overlook. Drive to the Chisos Mountains and hike the 0.3 mile Window View Trail. (more hiking? Hike the nearby 4.8 mi Lost Mine Trail ) | The Fossil Discovery Exhibit is located 8 miles north of Panther Junction.
Town of Terlingua TX is a remnant of life; a graveyard of abandoned homes and mines which once buzzed with life (check it out). Drivin' & Vibin' | Cattail Falls is located in Big Bend National Park. 80 ft waterfall requires a 1.5 mi hike. |
11 OHV Trails: Black Gap OHV Trail 16.3 mi x2 OHV trail. | Paint Gap Road is a 7.6 x2 mile OHV .. and several others..
Between Big Bend and Calsbad Caverns, Davis Mountains State Park is remote and somewhat scenic mountain area. $25/nite It offers hiking and biking at an altitude of 5000 feet.
NOTE: On the way to Carlsbad from Big Bend is a free location called Pecos Picnic Area where you can rest just north of the small town. 31.4391,-103.5002
Outside of a single scenic road drive, the park primary activity is long distance hiking. | Begin with 31 mi scenic Jeep drive from Salt Flat and then doubling back to McKittrick Canyon. Along the way back stop at the Pine Springs Visitor Center, the nearby Pine Springs Trailhead, then drive to the Frijole Ranch Trailhead for the hikes that follow. The single Jeep offroad trip opportunity is a 7.5 mi Williams Ranch Road OHV Trail half way between the Salt Flat and the the Pine Springs Visitor Center. | From the Pine Springs Visitor Center, walk the 0.9 mi The Pinery trail. | Drive to Pine Springs Trailhead and hike the 3.6 mi highly rated Devil's Hall Trail. | Drive to just past the Frijole Ranch Trailhead and hike the 0.5 mi Manzanita Spring Trail. |
Near El Paso, TX. $10/nite camping at Franklin Mountains State Park. | $12/nite camping at Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site (TX state park).
Overnight parking in New Mexico permitted at rest stops up to 24 hrs. Every one of NM’s National Forests have free camping. Santa Fe National Forest has Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area. Carson National Forest has Tres Piedras and Cuchilla Campground, while just outside of Cibola National Forest you can camp for free at San Lorenzo Canyon Recreation Area. | The state parks usually have a variety of sites available, some are dry camping sites for $8 – $10 per night. | Santa Fe NM area has several BLM sites | Several BLM locations between Carlsbad and Carlsbad Caverns National Park | West of Albuquerque is BLM land are ten sites at El Malpais National Conservation Area | Further west is El Morro National Monument National Park (free) 35.0368, -108.3378
FREE ONP at Cebolla Mesa Campground in Carson National Forest @ 36.6405, -105.6891. Elevation 7349 ft. N of Santa Fe.
Caballo Lake and Palomas Gap Trail Caballo, NM
San Lorenzo Canyon Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge
Quebradas Back Country OHV Route Sierra de las Canas Wilderness Study Area
Gordy's Hill OHV Trail Socorro, NM
San Lorenzo Canyon Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge
Bernardo Waterfowl Tour Bernardo NM
Feb 30-53 °F; Mar 36-60 °F; Apr 43-69 °F; May 53-79 °F; Jun 62=88 °F
Call to check availability of the few RV campgrounds within Guadalupe Mountains National Park (ph 915-828-3251 after 8am) at Pine Springs (Elevation 5,822') and Dog Canyon (Elevation 6,280'). It is possible to park the RV at the Pine Springs Visitor Center.
Chosa Campground BLM @32.08830,-104.43150 (free, hard packed dirt) | Carlsbad Caverns Desert Boondocking | Carlsbad Caverns BLM boondocking (free, gravel, noisy) map | Rest Area Guadalupe Mountains (free) Seemap (24 hr max by law) | Dark Canyon Boondocking (free, not scenic) | Parks Ranch (free) | Brantley Lake State Park | Hackberry Lake OHV Area Great FREE ONP in middle of oil field; Dunes for Jeep nearby; 49 mi from Carlsbad; 32.6349,-103.8695 | Walmark Carlsbad is ~50 mi from Carlsbad Caverns & Guandaulepe Peak
Confirm that the visitor center & cave isn't still closed due to COVID-19. ph 575-785-2232
$15/pp OR Free with National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes; RV and other vehicles should pull into the first parking lot at the visitor center on your left and drive to the rear of the lot for RV/bus parking; No RV camping in the park.
ONP: See RV Trip Wizard. Several other free options around Las Cruces (see https://freecampsites.net/).
4300 ft Feb 26-63 °F; Mar 32-71 °F; Apr 40-79 °F
Two options for the visit: 1) Drive the RV directly to the Visitor Center (There is plenty of parking for RV’s of all sizes of off Dunes Drive and several spots at the visitor center.). 2) Park the RV outside of the park and bring the Jeep. | The Pilot in Artesia is FUEL ONLY
Lake Holloman Dispersed Camping 32.8078, -106.1224; FREE; BLM; Aguirre Spring Campground $7/nite; 32.3704, -106.5609; Super Walmart at Almogordo is overnight spot. Oliver Lee Memorial State ($14/nite) Dispersed Camping FR568 (free, scout ahead first) Las Cruces Walmart (overnight) off US70 BAYLOR PASS WEST TRAILHEAD PARKING LOT Cracker Barrel Las Cruces off I10 Love's Las Cruces Organ Mountain National Recreational Area ($12, less w/ NPS pass) & other options too. Oliver Lee Memorial State Park
Begin trip with a Jeep visit to the Visitor Center. Next, drive the eight mile Dunes Drive (45 min) and stop at the hiking trailheads. The total 16 mi roundtrip drive takes 45 minutes, with the first five miles paved, and the last three miles are hard-packed gypsum sand. Stop and hike the following trails (in order of most popular 1st): 1 mi Dune Life Nature Trail | 0.4 mile Interlude Boardwalk trail | 0.5 mi Playa Trail | 5 mi Alkali Flat Trail (try to do some of it) | Park map
Many great hiking trails. | Missle Range Museum | White Sands National Monument and sled down the huge dunes of rare gypsum sand.
Jeep OHV Trips:
4,000 to 11,500 feet Feb 23-46 °F; Mar 26-52 °F; Apr 32-59 °F; May 39-67 °F
The Lincoln National Forest area has several disbursed campground areas (probably too cold) and two OHV trails. The area is north east of White Sands National Monument.
Jeep OHV Trails: East Mesa Trail Elk Valley Trail Rio Bonito Trail Loop Has petroglyphs you can see on foot.
Feb 30-53 °F; Mar 36-60 °F; Apr 43-69 °F; May 53-79 °F; Jun 62=88 °F
Overnight parking in New Mexico permitted at rest stops up to 24 hrs. Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is allowed for 14 days within any 28 consecutive day period within 25 miles. Camping prohibited within 900 ft of any developed water source. All motorized and mechanized vehicles and equipment are strictly prohibited within all units of the National Wilderness Preservation System.
Isleta Casino Resort free; +15057243800; verify it is open; 34.934567,-106.663692 Black Mesa Casino (free, electric, dump, water; $20 for full hookups) Coronado Campground $14/nite RV dry camping. 505-980-8256; 35.325104,-106.560368 Walmart Bernalillo (check w/ manager first!) Cabelas Cracker Barrel (call first) Inexpensive overnight camping at US Army Corps of Engineers locations of: Abiquiu Lake, Cochiti Lake, Conchas Lake, Santa Rosa Lake. | Out-of-state travelers can stay at at NM State Park for $14/nite (limited to 14 day stay). |
Visit historic Albuquerque is Old Town Plaza (parking) Paseo del Bosque Trail. 4.4 mi. | Hike La Luz Trail @ 35.219626,-106.480984 First Friday ARTScrawl | Historic Nob Hill @35.079928,-106.605786 | Bombs Away Beer Company
Jeep OHV Trips: Cedro Peak OHV Trail East of Albuquerque is the 7.8 mi Caja del Rio OHV Trail (near Tijeras NM) that starts just off of Hwy 337 at 35.06262,-106.37705 and ends just off of Hwy 337 at 35.03379,-106.35415 Budget 2 to 3 hours. | Westerly Loop in Placitas NM | Rio Puerco OHV Loop | Other offroad trails available in the area 50 mi radius. | Sandia Crest Scenic Byway
Rio Rancho NM area trails: Rio Puerco OHV Loop North Puerco OHV Loop South Puerco OHV Loop
6306 ft; Feb 22-48 °F; Mar 26-56 °F; Apr 32-65°F | Cold in mountains, so ONP in lower elevations and only visit Santa Fe National Forest by Jeep OHV trails. | Santa Fe National Forest area (west of Santa Fe NM) has eleven OHV trails and dispursed camping locations.
Santa Fe Farmers Market largest market of its type in NM and voted one of the "Top Ten Farmers' Markets" by Sunset magazine. Located next to the historic Santa Fe rail station it has shops and produce. Arrive before 10 am to avoid parking competition.
More Santa Fe NM area things to do
How to find and get permit for Arizona Trust Land Get a 14 day family permit for $20 |
How to find the Campendium AZ Trust map overlay:
Feb 45-70 °F, Mar 49-75 °F, Apr 54-82 °F
Overnight parking permitted at AZ rest stops
Indian Bread Rocks BLM; FREE; 32.2387,-109.5 Drivin' & Vibin' says great scenery;
Park RV right in town for $10/nite at Tombstone Dry Camping RV Park 31.711306,-110.069031 | Start walking tour and visit: Old Tombstone Western Theme Park 31.711314,-110.067972 | Gunfighter Hall of Fame 31.711685, -110.067732, Big Nose Kate's Saloon 31.712472, -110.066548 | Rose Tree Museum 31.71212814976505, -110.0674385150038, Goodenough Mine Tour 31.711403,-110.066361 | Bird Cage Theatre 31.711962,-110.065354 | Crystal Palace Saloon 31.712491, -110.066028 | The Tombstone "Epitaph" paper (local newspaper in 1880) 31.712994, -110.066047 | OK Corral 31.712960,-110.067695 | Tombstone Courthouse (a museum) 31.712373, -110.068746 | | Ride bikes 4 min / 0.7 mi to Boothill Graveyard 31.719746,-110.070471. | Tombstone Brewing Company 31.712852,-110.070253 | Jeep OHV trail Middlemarch Road option nearby.
Dispersed camping in an area with old mining relics. Three Jeep OHV trails to enjoy. Many hiking trails. To the west is also more despersed camping in Coronado National Forest and Mount Wrightson Wilderness Area (with four OHV trails).
From Sierra Vista AZ, take Jeep to visit Bisbee AZ (no good ONP in Bisbee).
Hofmann Vineyards (parking lot) | Outside of Bisbee are several free boondocking locations surrounded by great scenery, hiking, and OHV opportunities. Abandoned-Mine Loop Trail
Harshaw Road @31.51492119,-110.70365824 Patagonia, AZ (4 miles from the Coronado National Forest) WE LOVE THIS CAMPING AREA!
The small town has several shops, grocery, and gasoline. Great trails nearby to hike and several off-road Jeep trails.
South west of Patagonia is Patagonia Lake State Park, with 250 acre lake that offers boating, fishing, and camping. It also had dump stations. $15-20 per vehicle park entrance fee. RV campsites start at $30/nite with power and water.
ONP: Snyder Hill BLM | Old Ajo Highway Campground | Walmart TusconAZ | Redington Pass Dispersed Camping Coronado National Forest Tuscon, AZ Gilbert Ray Campground $20/nite Colossal Cave Mountain Park $15/nite/vehicle | The Prince of Tucson RV Park $37/nite |
Visit Saguaro National Park EAST via Jeep. Drive 8 mi paved scenic one way road. Stop and hike 1 mi Freeman Homestead Trail. | Visit Saguaro National Park WEST via Jeep. Drive 6 mi gravel Bajada Loop. Hike the 0.5 mi Signal Hill Trail. The 6.5 mi Kings Canyon Trail goes up a net 1939 ft. | Chiricahua National Monument Willcox AZ Scenic drive on Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway | Mission San Xavier del Bac Catalina State Park (Tuscon, AZ) |
The area has two Jeep OHV trails. Saguaro National Park West and Old Tucson Studios Scenic Drive | A Mountain
East 96 Ranch Road 32.8574, -111.2107 Scenic option if have extra time. AZ Trust Land $20 permit for 14 days required.
Darby Well Road 32.3393,-112.8495 Ajo, AZ; scenic; Drivin' & Vibin' video; | Gunsight Wash Dispersed Camping (closer to Why AZ) | Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is first come first serve ONLY. |
Take Jeep to visit Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Several scenic drives in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, including: 21 mi Ajo Mountain Drive, and the 41 mi North Puerto Blanco and South Puerto Blanco Loop. | Ajo Mountain Drive is the only biking option in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.
Many free BLM sites to enjoy camping (American Girl Mine BLM) and seven OHV trails to drive on, with three more further away to the north in the Kofa Wilderness area (on the way to Quartzsite). Wellton Canal 32.6381,-114.1398 AZ Trust Land $20 permit for 14 days required. | Three Walmarts in the area for supplies (not ONP). | Three breweries in the area. |
Historic Downtown Yuma @ ~ 32.724179,-114.623649 | Yuma Territorial Prison State Historical Park. (see also nearby Yuma’s East Wetlands) | Castle Dome Mine Museum & Ghost Town @ 33.04601,-114.1777 $15/pp | Imperial National Wildlife Refuge @ 32.99844, -114.4862 followed by a visit to Imperial Sand Dunes National Recreation Area (20 mi W of Yuma) @ 32.9992,-114.4814 |
OHV Jeep trails in the immediate area to enjoy. Kofa Mountains Scenic Drive (Yuma to Quartsite, 7.9 mi) | King Road and Castle Dome Mine OHV Road 10.6 mi | Laguna Mountain Ridge Trail | Glamis / Oldsmobile OHV Hill | Indian Pass Road OHV Trail | Peter Kane Trail OHV? | Fortuna Mine OHV Trail | Picacho Road OHV Trail American Girl Mine Road Dispersed Camping 32.8368,-114.812 Winterhaven CA
Every January thousands of RVers converge on Quartsite AZ. | At Interstate 10 and Highway 95 in the Sonoran Desert, Quartzsite revels in being the country's capital for boondocking. | map The Scenic Road RV Park $30/nite Quartzsite BLM & Kofa National Wildlife Refuge free | Drivin' & Vibin' area recommendations | Plomosa Road 33.748487,-114.215875 "big & easy" | Dump at RV Pit Stop 33.673575, -114.216890 Trash disposal at Quartzsite Transfer Station (hours vary) | Plomosa Road Camping Area 33.7488,-114.2162; FREE
La Posa Long Term Visitor Area @ 33.65165, -114.2169 is a BLM managed area that has water, dump and trash services (but no hookups). The LTVA short-visit permit ($40) allows use for any 14 consecutive day period from September 15th to April 15th ($2.86/day). The LTVA long term permit ($180) allows use continuously from September 15th to April 15th (a total of 7 months). Pay at the Yuma Field Office, on site, or online.
Local sights: Arizona Peace Trail | The Fisherman Intaglio | Hi Jolly's Tomb | Bradshaw Trail | Hauser Geode Beds | Opal Hill Mine | Humco/Hedges Ghost Town | Every year during the last 2 weeks of January, over 100,000 RVers converge on the sleepy little town of Quartzsite, AZ for the annual Quartzsite Sports, Vacation and RV show. | Drivin' & Vibin recommendations |
OHV Jeep trails in the immediate area to enjoy. Dome Basin Mine OHV Trail | Jasper Spring and De la Ossa Well OHV Trail | Dripping Springs | Palm Canyon, Kofa Queen Canyon OHV Trail | Several more trails...
Feb 49-71 °F; Mar 53-77 °F; Apr 60-85 °F
Saddle Mountain Dispersed BLM 33.460225,-113.055271 | Saguaro Skies FamCamp $30/nite; 33.5403,-112.3517; | East of Phoenix is Peralta Road Dispersed @ 33.3482,-111.4162 Scenic area with easy access. AZ Trust Land $20 permit for 14 days required.|
NE of Phoenix is Rim Road Payson AZ where camping is $9/night.
Hike Camelback Mountain. Start at Echo Canyon Recreation Area @ 33.5217,-111.97323. | Superstition Mountains | McDowell Sonoran Preserve Scottsdale AZ | Desert Botanical Garden | In downtown Phoenix, Roosevelt Row hosts a showcase of local art every Friday | Uptown Farmers' Market | Hike Piestewa Peak Summit Trail | Take Jeep to Canyon Lake area to see Goldfield mining village (ghost town), Tortilla Flat, Canyon Lake, Salt River Canyon Shopping in Scottsdale Arts District |
OHV Trails: Vulture Mine Adventure OHV Ride | Bloody Basin to Sheeps Bridge 1.5 h | Battle Axe Road to White Canyon Wilderness
East of Phoenix, this scenic drive features a wonderful overlook. The drive around the canyon is only 15 miles long. Windy roads with steep dropoffs. The old Salt River Canyon Bridge is open to pedestrian traffic only.
Overnight parking permitted at AZ rest stops
Feb 33-61 °F; Mar 37-65 °F; Apr 42-73 °F; May 49-82 °F; Jun 58-93 °F
Free overnight at Bell Trail or rougher offroad spot Schnebly Hill Rd. FR226 Dispersed or Willard Springs Exit West in the Coconino National Forest area | Dead Horse Ranch State Park $20-35/nite. Availability likely. map @ 34.7537,-112.0216 | Cave Springs Campground 34.996073,-111.739271 $20 or less with NP Sr Pass. 11 mi / 23 min N of Sedona. | Pine Flat Campground $ 35.011948, -111.738407 | Loy Butte Road Dispersed Camping FREE; 34.8681,-111.9039; highly rated. | Coffee Creek Dispersed free; 34.8009,-111.9215 The Main Drag 525 34.8334,-111.9083; FREE; camp within 1st two miles.
Offroad with Jeep at 11.8 mi Schnebly Hill AllTrails | 6.7 mi Broken Arrow Trail AllTrails | 5.5 mi Van Deren Cabin OHV Trail | More... 6.3 mi Outlaw OHV Trail | 5.5 mi Van Deren Cabin OHV Trail |
The Red Rock Scenic Byway begins just south of Sedona and winds it way south for about eight miles, traveling through the Village of Oak Creek and ending near the exit #298 to Interstate 17. | Drive to Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout $3 parking at 34.8530,-111.7896 | Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village Petrified Forest Scenic Drive |
Hiking: Devil's Bridge accessed via 1.8 mi round trip trail. 34.902822,-111.813854 1.3 mi Cathedral Rock Trail AllTrails |
The Main Drag 525 Dispersed Camping 34.8334, -111.9083 | Forest Road 525C 34.8613,-111.9442 | Coffee Cr 34.8009,-111.9215 | Forest Road 9549 34.8793,-111.9471
4x4 | Red Rock Loop Trail (mostly road, but scenic) | Red Rock Scenic Byway | Outlaw OHV Trail 23 mi easy |
Hike | Chimney Rocks Pass 1.7 mi | Cathedral Rock Trail 1.2 mi | Bell Rock 1.1 mi | Fay Canyon Trail 2.6 mi | Birthing Cave 2 mi | Seven Sacred Pools via Soldier Pass Trail 1.1 mi | Bell Rock 1.1 mi | Bear Mountain Trail 4.9 mi 1975 ft gain |
Most of the forest is open to dispesed camping for up to 14 days. Additionally, several sites assigned as designated dispersed camping sites: Childs Dispersed Camping Area 34.348028,-111.697361 | Forest Road 226 Dispersed Camping 34.8991,-111.6242 | Schnebly Hill Dispersed Camping 34.8972,-111.6745 | Willard Springs Road Dispersed Camping 34.9704,-111.6926
Naval Observation Rd 35.1886, -111.7349 | Wupatki National Monument 35.6178, -111.2949 | Walnut Canyon National Monument 35.1722,-111.5093 | Sunset Crater National Monument 35.3691,-111.5429 |
Hike | Devils Bridge Trail 3.9 mi 35.1915,-111.6488 |
Walnut Canyon National Monument 35.17261,-111.5098 |
Craggy Wash BLM Land Camping 34.593564, -114.3618; FREE; Drivin & Vibin; Craggy Wash BLM Land Camping, Lake Havasu City, AZ; Feb 47-70 F; | Lake Havasu BLM FREE; 34.4408,-114.2244 | The Steps AZ Trust Land $20 permit for 14 days required. | Many other free options.
Feb 24-56 °F; Mar 29-63 °F; Apr 35-71 °F; May 43-81 °F; Jun 52-91 °F
Plan to ONP in Holbrook area, or Winslow. Hopi Travel Plaza (short distance West on I40/AZ77) | TA Holbrook AZ | Loves Holbrook AZ ? (smaller lot) | Flying J Winslow AZ | Empty lot in Winslow AZ map | Camping World Flagstaff AZ | Overnight parking permitted at AZ rest stops.
Drive RV directly to Painted Desert Visitor Center (lg parking lot, but not for overnight), and then drive the Jeep N to the Painted Desert Rim and walk the short distance to Tawa Point and back. Then drive NW 0.5 mi to the Painted Desert Inn and then walk the 0.5 mi Painted Desert Rim Trail between Tawa and Kachina Points and walk to Kachina Point. Continue NW on the Petrified Forest Road, stopping at Pintado Point, Nizhoni Point, Whipple Point, and Lacey Point. Then drive 28 mi to Puerco Pueblo, Newspaper Rock, The Tepees, Agate Bridge, Take side trip east on Blue Mesa Scenic Road, stop and hike the 1 mi Blue Mesa Trail, and then continue on the Petrified Forest Road to Jasper Forest and Crystal Forest. Option: Another scenic drive to the south is a 116 mi Coronado Trail Scenic Byway: Springerville to Morenci (easy driving, very scenic)
The historic town is worth visiting for a few hours. | RelicRoad Brewing Company Homolovi State Park is a scenic park 7 mi out of town. McHood Park Campsite $15/nite
The South Rim East Entrance at Desert View opened 8 Apr 2021. | The South Rim consists of three sections: 1) Desert View Road, 2) Grand Canyon Village, 3) Hermit Road. | |
Day #1 Begin at the east Desert View entrance and drive west on Desert View Drive, stopping at each of the view points. Walk the 1.7 mi Trail of Time @ 36.06559,-112.1195 | Keeping north, the road becomes South entrance Road as you drive west, and then Village Loop Drive as you enter the Village. At Hermit Road, continue NE and stop at each of the view points.  
Day #2 Arrive at Yaki Point 36.0585,-112.0836 at sunrise, and then hike 1.8 mile round trip trail to Ooa Aha Point.
Feb 31-49 °F; Mar 37-60 °F; Apr 44-68 °F; May 52-78 °F; Jun 63-89 °F
Extended stay overnight parking at rest stops permitted (monitored) in UT
As of June 2020 the road to the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park visitor center is blocked and the All Navajo Tribal Parks are closed. Navajo says it will re-evaluate opening 1 January 2021. All Navajo roads, rivers, trails, canyons, and historic sites are closed. Navajo Nation area google map Navajo Nation area map The resolution closes Navajo-owned and maintained roads, about 5,000 miles, to outside tourists and visitors. County, state, federal roads are NOT included in the closure.
Highway 163 passing through the Monument Valley is open, but all local tribal roads are closed, but services along Hwy 163 are open. The viewpoints that are visually accessible are Forest Gump Hill, Teardrop Arch, Redlands, Horse Pasture Canyon, and others.
Goulding's Resort Rv & Campground is open; $55-60/nite Seven Sailors BLM Valley of the Gods Dispersed Camping FREE (BLM); 37.3158,-109.851; Very scenic! Scout with Jeep first. | Sand Island Recreation Area (BLM) $5-10/nite
OHV Trails: The Valey of the Gods Rd (location of Seven Sailors BLM) is a 16 mi Jeep offroad trail that goes past four sites for 50% of that distance. | Mule and Cave Tower Trail | Valley of the Mortally Inspired might be a fun Jeep ride. Butler Wash Road | Snow Flat OHV Road
No overnight parking at rest stops in CO
Ute Mountain Travel Center (UTE Casino next to it) Ute Mountain Casino Walmart Cortez (1 night) Ute Mountain, CO Post 75 (American Legion Post 75; $5/nite) Rest Area UTE Mountain Casino travel center ($5/nite) BLM land at Mesa Verde National Park (dry land conditions only) Madden Peak Road free. 37.357742,-108.194218 | Sleeping Ute RV Park ($$) Carrouth Haven RV $35/nite Target Tree Campground ($) RV Dump in Cortez Surburban Propane in Cortez Confusing NPS camping info
RV parking just prior to visitor center Mesa Verde National Park Entrance Mesa Verde Main Parking Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center Overlook for Spruce Tree House (cliff dwelling) (Petroglyph Point Trail) Mesa Top Loop Road 6 mi auto (Jeep) tour Knife Edge Trail at Mesa Verde National Park (2 mi hike) Soda Canyon Overlook Trail at Mesa Verde National Park (1.2 mi hike) Far View Sites Complex at Mesa Verde National Park (1 mi hike) Several other Mesa Verde National Park hiking trails available. Ruins Road Loop 1 mi Jeep offroad trail near Cortez. Trailhead. | Several Cliff Dwellings in the area
Scenic drives & OHV trails: Mesa Verde National Park Scenic Drive | Mesa Top Loop Road |
Jun 44-86 °F | Jul 51-89 °F | Aug 51-85 ° F | Sep 42-79 °F
No overnight parking at rest stops in CO
Cherry Creek Gravel Pit (or known as "Cherry Creek Rd") free. 37.328922,-108.119816 | Madden Peak Road free. 37.357742,-108.194218 (alt for Mesa Verde too) | Durfield BLM Boondocking 10 mi E of Durando CO @ 37.219377,-107.699484. Access to the BLM is directly S off of Hwy 160 @ 37.226515,-107.695034. There is a gate with a BLM sign. |
Bike Animas River Trail (675) (Animas Brewing on trail) | Jeep OHV Kennebec Pass OHV Trail
~50 mi N of Durango CO (drive very scenic). | Hike Ice Lake Basin Trail (verify through AllTrails that the trail is open) | Jeep Clear Lake OHV Trail | Jeep Alpine Loop National Back Country Byway |
East of Durango CO, the park is closed between 15 October and 15 May.
Mar 26-56 °F; Apr 31-65 °F; May 38-75 °F; Jun 45-86 °F
Don't visit until after April. Cold and much of the vegetation is brown.
Try making $ campsite reservation at NPS Cimarron Campground (Lake Forge, Elk Creek, Stevens) | FREE: BLM Land near Black Canyon of the Gunnison 38.53065,-107.720228 Temple Park Plateau (free, rough) | Dry Creek Ditch (free) | Uncompahgre Valley Overlook BLM 90rd (free) | The Montrose Walmart is closest to the Gunnison sites, but the 50 mi away Town of Grand Junction has several overnight options (Try Grand Junction 1st night and evaluate Montrose Walmart with Jeep). Cabelas Grand Junction Walmart Grand Junction Also Pilot, Loves, TA in Grand Junction. Super Walmart @ Montrose CO for overnight parking. | Dump Station in Montrose at Golden Gate Petro Avoid Delta CO - high crime area |
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Check NPS for road closures due to snow (typically Nov - Apr). | The seven mi South Rim Rd from Tomichi Point to High Point has 12 overlooks (2-3 hrs). | The North Rim Road is accessed from Crawford Park. (2-3 hrs for tour) 63 mi / 1.5 hr drive from Montrose CO. |
Jeep OHV trails: Montrose to Ouray to Silverton Scenic Trail | Mid way along 'Montrose to Ouray to Silverton Scenic Trail' is Owl Creek Pass Road OHV Route | Further down 'Montrose to Ouray to Silverton Scenic Trail' is Minnie Gulch OHV Trail | and then at the end of 'Montrose to Ouray to Silverton Scenic Trail' is: Clear Lake OHV Trail | Jeep offroad @ Engineer Pass (40 mi from Montrose CO) Google Maps location link #1 Google Maps location link #2 Google Maps location link #3 | See AllTrails for several more 'moderate' trails in the area.
Sacred White Shell Mountain | Near Great Sand Dunes National Park 37.527, -105.5935
Aug, Sep, May,Jun,Jul
Jackson Mountain Road @ 37.3474, -106.9343 near Pagosa Springs, CO is in the San Juan National Forest. Best climate is during the months of Jun, Jul, and Aug.
5 Of Utah’s Least-Visited State Parks
Mar 35-63 °F; Apr 42-72 °F; May 50-83 °F; Jun 58-93 °F
Moab is one of the most boondocking-friendly places in the entire country. | Yellow Circle Road 38.435474,-109.427631 just off Rt191; | Kane Springs Rest Area (free) map Off Rt191. | Cotter Mine Campsites (free, BLM) 38.698374,-109.708278 | Klondike Bluffs North Parking Area (free, BLM) | Sand Flats Recreation Area (BLM campground; $; reservations: http://www.recreation.gov/) | Willow Springs Trail Dispersed (free, area 1, area 2) Hurricane Cliffs Campsites 55-56 at Hurricane Cliffs Recreation Area is free and has many sites. 37.2027,-113.2323 | Highline Lake State Park $28/nite online reservations | Jimmy Keen Boondock Sand Flats Recreation Area $15/nite payable to County/BLM. 4000ft 38.581557,-109.500133 Willow Springs Road (free BLM) Dump station in Moab (Maverik Adventures) My Moab Location @ 38.45284,-109.43458 (take paved road at 38.45269,-109.438818 east, then south at 38.4542,-109.43510). More private location further in at 38.4466,-109.4220 | Devils Garden Campground $25/nite; reservations online; 38.7803,-109.5910
Yellow Circle Road free campsite, likely rough road but other RV's have done it.
Drive the entire park, stopping at each viewpoint (3 hrs) Hike The Windows loop trail (also offroad Jeep trail) Hike the Delicate Arch Viewpoint trail Monitor and Merrimac Trail 20 mi Jeep offroad trail near park. Several other easy Jeep offroad trails (see alltrails.com).
Drivin' & Vibin' itineary : Begin with 8 am breakfast burrito at Sweet Cravings Bakery + Bistro @38.5789,-109.5511. Hike the 1.9 mi Devil’s Garden Trail @ 38.7829,-109.5950 (closed???). Hike the 0.2 mi Fiery Furnace viewpoint trail @38.74290,-109.5658. Hike the 0.7 mi Delicate Arch viewpoint trail @ 38.7357,-109.5201 Go off road with Jeep. Dinner at Sunset Grill @ 38.5874,-109.5559 Drinks at Moab Brewery | If a moonless night, try stargazing & night photography at Balanced Rock, or the Windows, or Balanced Rock @ 38.7019,-109.5652, or Panorama Point @ 38.7195, -109.5542 .
Moab Information Center Fins & Things one way stock Jeep offroad trail. trailhead | Shafer Trail and White Rim OHV Road 47 mi Jeep moderate offroad trail with impressive scenery (must do). Starts in Moab and ends at Arches NP. | Top Of The World, Moab stock jeep challenging. | Many other hike and offroad trail options. Moab Brewery |
More Moab/Arches area Jeep OHV trails: Gemini Bridges OHV Trail | Poison Spider First Section OHV Trail | Colorado River Scenic Byway: Moab to Interstate 70 | Sand Flats OHV Road | |
NOTE: Not the same as Dead Horse Canyon, but very scenic. HIKING: Dead Horse Rim Loop Trail 5 mi but fantastic. 1st pick. | Dead Horse Point State Park Short Loop Trail
Hamburger Rock, Canyonlands UT 38.199499,-109.671155 free | The park 'Island in the Sky Campground' is '1st come, 1st served' @ $15/nite; ph 435-719-2313 | Turner Water Canyon free @ 38.02581,-109.48304 or maybe 38.007583,-109.474028 Creek Pasture 38.166544,-109.631784 4849' BLM $5/night pay via dropbox??? | Superbowl Campground BLM $7/nite Monticello UT office; 4940 ft; 38.145726,-109.622183
The park has four districts, with no roads connecting each district. The primary districts of interest is Island in the Sky and The Needles. Two visitor centers: Island in the Sky @ 38.4600,-109.8208 and Needles @ 38.1684,-109.7592 | Park itineary: Visit Grand View Point and Green River Overlook, and hike the 0.5-mile-loop nature trail to Mesa Arch (2 hrs). | Visit Whale Rock and/or Upheaval Dome trail. | Drive the three-mile unpaved Elephant Hill access road for a distant view of The Needles. | Park Maze 4WD trail | Park Needles 4WD trail | Park White Rim Road trail (permit required) |
Jeep OHV trails: Salt Creek and Horse Canyon OHV moderate 16 mi | Colorado River Overlook OHV Trail 14 mi easy | Indian Creek Scenic Byway: Monticello to Needles District, Canyonlands 41 mi between Rt 191 and Canyonlands NP
Mesa Arch Trail 0.7 mi at sunrise Elephant Hill Trail 6.4 mi easy Jeep or bike trail. | Confluence Overlook Trail moderate hike, scenic. |
Park RV at Blanding Gravel Pit @ Blanding UT (1st choice) OR Sand Island Campground @ Bluff UT.
37.61634402093891, -109.989607461053 west of Blanding UT. | NPS |
All areas of the Antelope Canyon are only accessible via Navajo guided tour. Tour guides are mandatory. NAVAJO NATION PARKS ARE CLOSED DUE TO COVID-19. check status | The NW edge of Glen Canyon appears to be outside of the Navajo park.
Page AZ: Dump Station in Page AZ (Maverik) Walmart in Page AZ Beehive Campground operated by NPS $14/nite NF Road 482 Jacob Lake, AZ (free; dirt road) Burma Creek Road (free; dirt road) Kaibab forest (free; dirt road) FSR 258A (free; dirt road) Lees Ferry Campground -NPS $20/nite no reservations.
Scenic drives: 67 mi Burr Trail (4x4) & 62 mi Hole-in-the-Rock (4x4). | Page Rimview Trail 10 mi mountain bike trail | Hanging Garden Trail (1.2 mi hike) | Rock Lane Trail 2 mi hike | Badger Creek Campgound Jeep OHV trail (not in AllTrails) @ 36.77642,-111.65921 | Dam overlook trail 0.2 mi. | Cathedral Rock Lees Feery 1.3 mi hike. | Old Navajo Bridge 0.5 mi hike. |
The Wave was skipped because of the restrictive permit requirements, and White Pocket was skipped because of the excessive 4WD requirements to get near the site, and then the long hike to get to the location.
Park RV at Grand Staircase Escalante NM - Kitchen Corral Wash ONP map Alt is White House BLM Area @ 37.106003, -111.902937.
White Pocket: Take this route from Kanab to get to the White Pocket trail. Then follow this AllTrails White Pocket trail route.
The Wave: Only 20 permits per day are released for a visit to The Wave map @ 36.995957,-112.006274
Consider also doing AllTrails Coyote Buttes South. May need permit. You can go further 44 mi south on Vermillon Cliffs OHV Route | If time available, near the ONP area is Five Major Arches
We bypassed this visit because of the excessive and long 4WD trip required to access the location.
36.8625, -111.82703 | Take Rt 89 to House Rock Valley Road (BLM 1065) @ 37.1264,-111.97672. This is a dirt road and 4x4 is required.
See BLM website for details. Permit required.
Long slot canyon. Full day hiking required. more info
We bypassed Zion in 2021 because you need to purchase shuttle tickets online the day prior to your visit in order to see the most scenic locations. Very few tickets are made available, and they go within seconds at 5pm each day.
DON'T try to take RV into Zion. Our RV exceeds the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel width limit and will require TUNNEL CONTROL, and the tunnel costs $15. Must take tunnel after 8 am. Rt 9 to Zion.
East Zion RV Park $25/nite | Horse Camp South 89/9 free. Off 89 S of Mt Carmel map | BLM Dispersed free. Just off Rt 9. | Other options: Old-89 (free) Twin Hollows Canyon (free) Kane Dispersed Campsite BLM Lands East of Zion NP South of Highway 9 East Zion Riverside RV Park $18/nite Wendy’s/ 66 gas station (Kanab UT) North Creek Dispersed Camping 37.2203, -113.1616; FREE; 2 hr awarkard trip west of Mt Carmel. Great scenery but very rough entry.
Zion National Park visitor center Bike ride on the Pa'rus Trail (begins at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and goes to Canyon Junction ) | Watchman Trail is 3.1 mi and near Pa'rus Trail.
Jeep Offroad Smithsonian Butte Road OHV Trail 18 mi. 2073 ft change. Start at 37.16107,-113.03764 | Grafton Trail | If time available: Elephant Cove OHV Road
NOT WORTH THE $10 STATE PARK ENTRY FEE. Drive to the location and enjoy the scenery along the way, especially at 37.053382,-112.712968.
E of Zion; S of Mt Carmel Junction. Combine visit with Zion ONP | Old Highway 89 Dispersed Camping 37.2057,-112.675; BLM; FREE;
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park 37.0371,-112.7306; MUST SEE! Hiking trails in the park follow: Hike 0.8 mi Coral Pink Sand Dunes Trail | Hike 2.2 mi Coral Pink Sand Dunes These trails are hiking in deep sand.
Located near Bryce Canyon. | The Red Canyon area has been called the "most photographed place in Utah". The visitor center supports RV parking @ 37.7455, -112.3188. AllTrails 'UT Red Canyon". After hiking the Red Canyon, take Jeep north on Casto Canyon Road to the Casto Canyon Trailhead @ 37.78397, -112.33171 and then mountain bike the AllTrails Casto Canyon Trail.
Bryce Canyon National Park North Campground is first-come, first-served and Sunset Campground accepts reservations. $15/nite w/ discount. | Henrieville Creek - Escalante NM Grand Staircase free Just off of Rt 12, E of Bryce Canyon. Map (1st free choice) | Hw 22 near Bryce Natl Park (free) FR121 - Near Red Canyon (free) Coyote Hollow Equestrian Campground Dispersed USFS campsite
Drive the RV directly to the Bryce Canyon Shuttle Station (large parking lot), pay the Cryce Canyon Park fee at the shuttle station, and then load the bikes on to the front of the shuttle. Take the shuttle to Inspiration Point and then bike on the 5 mi Shared-Use Path mostly downhill 5-mile trail back to the shuttle station, enjoying the lookouts along the way. At Sunset Point lock up the bikes and hike the 1.5 mi Navajo Loop Trail. About half way around the loop you can take a 1200 ft excursion to Peekaboo Canyon / Bryce Canyon | If parking doesn't work out at the shuttle center, try the Bryce Canyon National Park Visitor Center | The three best hiking trails in Bryce can all be accessed from Sunrise or Sunset Point. At minimum, do: AllTrails: Navajo Loop Trail; Sunset Point to Sunrise Point;
Great Western Trail: Dixie National Forest 11.1 mi East Fork of the Sevier River Scenic Backway (FR 087) 35 mi Cottonwood Canyon Road Skutumpah Road |
Hole in the Rock BLM; FREE; 37.723,-111.527 | Escalante Petrified Forest State Park |
Top secnic spots are: Zebra Slot Canyon (trailhead @ 37.640780,-111.442032); Lower Calf Creek Falls @ 37.8294,-111.4195; Devil’s Garden @ 37.586159,-111.412508. | The drive on Rt 12 between Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon is very scenic. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is to the east of Rt 12. | Roads through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah | See AllTrails 'UT Grand Staircase'. | Hike 1 mi Devil's Garden trail.l | Hole in the Rock Wayside @ 37.7279, -111.5325; Stop along Rt 12. | Cedar Wash Arch 2.2 mi hike. | Covered Wagon Natural Bridge Trail 0.4 mi hike. | Hole-in-the-Rock OHV Road 56 mi Jeep offroad trail.
Mar 32-56 °F; Apr 39-65 °F; May 48-75 °F; Jun 58-86 °F
Bypassed in 2021
The park 'Fruita' campground has no hookups, but does have water and a dump station. $20/nite reservations | Swing Arm City OHV Area BLM free. Packed gravel 100 yrds of HWY 24. map for 38.366035, -110.915214 | East of Capitol Reef Boondock (free) Hwy 24 Outside of Capitol Reef (free) Fremont River (free) Fruita Park reservation $10/nite w/ pass discount
Start with Jeep at Capitol Reef National Park visitor center and then drive 8 mi to Grand Wash Road, Capitol Gorge Road, Pleasant Creek Road, and South Draw Road. | 80 mi to south east is NPS Bullfrog Visitor Center (near Glen Canyon) | Burr Trail OHV Road 66 mi. All but 8.5 mi inside park is paved. Highly recommended.
Jeep OHV trails: Notom-Bullfrog Road | Burr Trail OHV Road (NOTE: All but 8.5 mi is paved, but great scenery) | Cathedral Valley OHV Loop Tour | | |
Hiking: Hickman Bridge Trail 2 mi. | Fremont River Trail 2.1 mi Biking part of the trail possible. | Many other hiking trail options.
Green River UT Aug 60-95°F, Sep 49-85 °F, 37-71 °F, .. Mar 31-61°F, Apr 38-70°F
We bypassed Goblin Valley State Park because it was too far out of the way.
South Temple Wash 38.6548,-110.6585; BLM; FREE; Scenic; Watch out for rain! | Goblin Valley Overlook Dispersed Camping 38.6453,-110.6478; BLM; FREE; Not scenic. | Wild Horse Road Dispersed Camping BLM; FREE; 38.5666,-110.7483 | Goblin Valley State Park 38.5725,-110.7119 $30/nite; No cell; reservations |
video | Mountain bike the 4.3 mi Dark Side of the Moon Loop | Optional 3.4 mi mountain bike trail Buffalo Head Trail Loop | |
E of Salina UT along Rt70 | Gooseberry Campground 38.8031,-111.6866; $5-10/nite; Fishlake National Forest; ph (435) 896-9233 1st come, 1st served; | Sheep Creek Road 38.7903,-111.6828; Fishlake National Forest dispersed camping?; Site @ 38.7902348,111.6829026 | Butch Cassidy Campground in Salina UT; $40/nite; ph 800-551-6842; 38.9434,-111.8555 |
Dead Horse Canyon @ 38.902186,-111.672410 just off of Rt 70. | AllTrails has nothing for this area.
5 Of Utah’s Least-Visited State Parks
Road Trip To 3 Of The Least-Visited National Parks In Texas
Camp Floyd State Park
Millsite State Park
Piute State Park
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
Waco Mammoth National Monument
Tips for Overlanding on Nevada’s BLM Land
FREE ONP at Overton Wildlife Management Area near Overton NV @ 36.5166, -114.4248. Valley of Fire State Park is 10 min drive to the west ($10/vehicle fee).
Hike the Glacier Trail. See also Lehman Caves.
Sits on the California-Nevada border in the Mojave Desert. Nearby free camping at Black Canyon South or $12/nite at Mid Hills Campground | 2 hrs south of Las Vegas NV. | Not too far from Laughlin NV.
Camp in Sierra National Forest at Lower Billy Creek Campground for $30/nite | Mono Creek Campground for $20/nite | dispersed camping |
Very small town 20 mi from Las Vegas. Elevation 3,383 ft at the foothills of the Spring Mountain Range. | Breakfast at Cottonwood Station | Hike 5.9 mi Old Spanish Trail into the Spring Mountains. | See wild donkeys at Blue Diamond Park. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area has a 13 mi scnic drive, plus multiple hiking trails. |
2000 acre park with walking trails and camping. | 37.8242795, -114.415379 | Stay at campground for $15/nite .
9 Most Beautiful Small Towns In Wyoming - WorldAtlas
Mar 19-44 °F; Apr 26-54 °F; May 31-64 °F; Jun 38=84 °F
Limited ONP options, even paid. | Spread Creek Dispersed Campsites | Gros Ventre Campground $17/nite dry camping call 307-543-3100 for availability upon arrival (no reservations) | Jenny Lake Campground $/nite dry camping call 307-543-3100 for availability upon arrival (no reservations) | Lizard Creek Campground & Signal Mountain Campground No reservations. Opens 5 June. | Upper Teton View (free; scenic) | Spread Creek Meadows (free) | Dispersed Site in Bridger Teton National Forest FR 30160 | Hatchet Campground Bridger-Teton National Forest - NPS $12/nite | Jackson Hole Grand Teton Natl Park (free, gravel, great scenery) | Pacific Creek, nr Grand Teton Nat'l. Park (free, gravel road) | Dump Station at Shell Station in Jackson WY. | Propane at Suburban Propane in Jackson WY
Jackson Hole Rodeo | Ride the Bridger Gondola Jackson Hole WY | Jackson National Fish Hatchery
Drive the 40 mi Grand Teton National Park Road Trip starting at Moose Junction and head north on Teton Park Road along Jackson Lake, then NW on Rt 191/287/89, and terminating at the north park entrance at
Jackson / Grand Teton Area: Gros Ventre Slide: Bridger-Teton National Forest road/trail | North South Highway | Teton Park Road | Twin Creek Road Jeep or mountain bike. | South Fork Indian Creek Trail possibly try this trail by bike (not Jeep) | Taggart Lake Loop hiking trail. | Cascade Canyon Trail hike | Delta Lake via Lupine Meadows Access hiking
Mar 9-37 °F; Apr 19-44 °F; May 28-51 °F; Jun 35-62 °F; Jul 40-72 °F
Check the status of the five entrance stations | See entrance webcams. | East Entrance to Lake Village (Sylvan Pass), Canyon Village to Lake Village opens 7 May 2021. | South Entrance to West Thumb, Lake Village to West Thumb, West Thumb to Old Faithful (Craig Pass) opens 14 May 2021. |
From 14 May 2021, the south and east entrance roads are open:
The Grand Loop Road between Tower-Roosevelt and Canyon Village will be closed for all of 2021.
Best strategy is to call upon arrival and try to get into a 1st come - 1st served campground, otherwise stay in free sites E of Grand Teton and drive 50 mi to Yellowstone each day. All free ONP outside of Yellowstone are to extreme NW or NE of Yellowstone.
On west side of Henry Lake in Yellowstone is Bill Frome Memorial County RV Park free South west of Yellowstone park is Red Rock Pass in Caribou-Targhee National Forest FREE 44.5864,-111.3697 | Free and likely available option is Henry's Lake ID, west of Yellowstone, along Rt 87. To the north east side of the park is Red Lodge MT (free). | North west corner of Yellowstone park is Raynolds Pass Fishing Access Site at 44.827,-111.487 |
Madison (opens 30 Apr 2021), Bay Bridge (opens 21 May 2021), Canyon (opens 28 May 2021), Grant (opens 11 Jun 2021), Fishing Bridge RV Park (closed until 3 Sept 2021), BUT NOTHING AVAILABLE.
Indian Creek, Lewis Lake Campground (NPS Campground) $15/nite w/ senior pass discount. No reservations. Opens 15 June. Norris, Pebble Creek Slough Creek Tower Fall
Snake River BLM 44.097,-110.689446 FREE; S of Yellowstone. | Headwaters Lodge FREE parking in the lot. | Grassy Lake Road Designated Campsites FREE; 44.1008,-110.761; only 6 sites | Baker's Hole Campground no reserv. 44.70629,-111.10081 406-823-6961 ~$20/nite NW end of Yellowstone. | Bear Tooth Pass in Shoshone National Forest. Free and permitted for up to 300 feet from the center of the road. 9700 ft 44.9271,-109.5289 "..easy to get to and lots of room.." (NE of Yellowstone) | Little Sunlight Camping Area by the river in Shoshone National Forest. Free. 44.7176, -109.5911 NE of Yellowstone. Falls Campground Way SE of Yellowstone; $20/nit); 43.70482,-109.96988; 8000 ft; Verify it is open. Grant Village by reservation starting 11 Jun
Note that most of Yellowstone's trails are in high elevation, and therefore are snow-covered until late July. | Plan on 30 mph speeds in the park. Drive Jeep into Yellowstone and visit in this order (CCW): The Kepler Cascades, , Old Faithful , Grand Prismatic Spring , Lower Geyser Basin Norris Geyser Basin , Mammoth Hot Springs , and Lamar Valley . | Tower Fall Grand Canyon , Hayden Valley , Yellowstone Lake , West Thumb Geyser Basin
Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek and Little Firehole Loop 4 mi hike | Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop 5 mi hike. | West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail 1 mi hike. | Artists Paintpots Trail 1 mi hike | Fountain Flat Drive 4.3 mi bike trail | Eleanor Lake Trail 0.4 mi bike loop around the lake.
NOTE: Limited ONP options & fuel stops between Teton / Yellowstone WY and Sioux Falls SD
Overnight parking at rest stops permitted in WY
Mar 20-47 °F; Apr 28-58 °F; May 38-67 °F; Jun 47-77 °F; Jul 54-86 °F
NPS campground closed. No reservations. | Best ONP option is Reuter Campground make online reservation in advance. map. | Walmart Gillette, WY (~50 mi from Devil's Tower) Dispersed Camping Sundance (free, 2 mi gravel road; 1.6 mi N of Reuter Campground)
Start at Devils Tower Visitor Center Devils Tower National Monument nps Amphitheater Circuit is a 1.5 mi roundtrip hike of Valley View, Red Beds, and Sout Side trails.
The capital city of Wyoming, located in the southern most end of the state, off of I80. Cheyenne Depot Museum | The Terry Bison Ranch is a privately owned cattle and bison ranch that offers horseback tours, TRX train tour across the ranch's grounds and into Colorado. You can feed the bison, and heard the cattle. Other animals include camels, and ostriches. | Check the city activities for a rodeo.
Lake Creek Road in Sawtooth National Forest near Ketchum ID @ 43.735, -114.3662 is scenic and FREE. Elevation 6102 ft. Five minute drive to cute town of Ketchum/SunValley. Best climate is months of Jun, Jul, and Aug.
FREE ONP at Clearwater Forebay Number 2 in Umpaqua National Forest at 43.2621, -122.4045. Nearby falls, hiking & 4WD trails.
Founders' Grove in Redwood National Park holds one of the best areas to see redwood trees. The main trail is about 1/2 mile long.
Glass Beach at Ford Bragg.
Petrified Forest: Calistoga, CA
Lassen Volcanic National Park
The Best Hikes in Washington - Backpacker
Hole in the Wall (during low tide) Hurricane Ridge
Best time to visit is between July and September.
Wind Cave National Park is mostly closed (cave closed due to COVID-19.
Cabela's Rapid City SD Comanche Park National Forest Campground (cheap, paved)
Check Cave Access LIKELY STILL CLOSED! (since June 2019) Hiking is open | Custer State Park Wildlife Scenic Byway (paved) | Grace Coolidge Creek Trail bike on 4 mi paved trail. | Cathedral Spires Trail 2 mi hike. Best scenery. |
Mar 22-47 °F; Apr 31-56 °F; May 42-66 °F; Jun 51-76 °F; Jul 58-85 °F
The only campsite in the park that can accommodate our RV is the Cedar Pass Campground $38/nite. Online doesn't filter by RV size, so must call. | The Wall Dispersed Area (also called Badlands Overlook - Buffalo Gap National Grasslands or "Nomad View") is a free large area at 3034 ft that handles many large RV's. Site #1 & Site #2 If gate is shut, be sure to re-shut. Drivin' & Vibin' | The Badlands National Park is ~50 mi east of Rapid City SD. Cabela's Rapid City SD Pilot Mitchell SD 90 Eastbound rest Area (free, dump station) Badlands Overlook - Buffalo Gap National Grasslands (free, scenic) Badlands Truckstop
NOTE: North park unit has most scenery. South park closed per Oglala Sioux Tribe. | Park Map | From Hwy 90/240 N of the park, take Jeep S on Hwy 240 to Pinnacles Overlook. Drive west 6.4 mi, all the way to Sage Creek Basin Overlook. Then drive east 33 mi, stopping at: Hay Butte Overlook Pinnacles Overlook Ancient Hunters Overlook Yellow Mounds Overlook Conata Basin Overlook Homestead Overlook Burns Basin Overlook Prairie Wind Overlook Panorama Point Bigfoot Pass Overlook White River Valley Overlook Big Badlands Overlook. Then continue north on Hwy 240 to 90. | For a hike, try the 1.3 mi Notch Trail or the 0.8 mi The Door Trail at the end of the driving tour.
More: Sheep Mountain Table Road 15 mi Jeep OHV trail. | The Door Trail 1 mi hike | The Window Trail 0.3 mi hike | Notch Trail 1.3 mi hike. | Saddle Pass Trail 0.7 mi hike.
South Dakota's largest state park. Drive the Wildlife Loop. gfp.sd.gov
May 46-70 °F; Jun 56-79 °F; Jul 62-84 °F
Lots of free ONP options. Falls at Falls Park optional, but might be a nice stop / break. Camping World of Sioux Falls and nearby Walmart and Cracker Barrel. | Valley springs information center (east bound) map Walmart to east @ Worthington map Iowa Welcome Center Rest Stop (on I29 SB)
See the falls at Falls Park | Leaders Park Trails 1.6 mi mountain bike trail. | Visit a brewery (many to choose from) |
Omaha SD (overnight stop option)
Bass Pro Shop #2901 | Horseshoe Council Bluffs Casino, Council Bluffs, Iowa | Visit brewerys in area
FREE ONP at Nelson Lake Dispersed a Utility Owned Recreation Facility at 47.0718, -101.2051. Choose a site by the water.
Mostly pristine waterways (need boat).
FREE camping at Ben Lynn Landing in Big Falls MN @ 48.29299, -93.86159 per Drivin & Drivin Nov 2022.
Marysville City Park in Marysville, KS @ 39.8379, -96.6464 (2.5 hrs NW of Kansas City) offers five RV spots with free electric hookups. Best climate in the months of Apr, May, Jun, Sep, and Oct.
May 50-74 °F; Jun 60-83 °F; Jul 66-89 °F
Rest stop N of Kansas City I29/US71 Flying J truck stop (dump station) Louisburg Middle Creek State Fishing Lake (free, S of Kansas City)
Hallmark Visitors Center Union Station Kansas City Boulevard Brewing Company Crown Center Square City Market Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Turkey Bayou Campground in Shawnee National Forest near Pomona IL @ 37.6848,-89.4109 offers water front views. 15 minutes to groceries/gas. Best climate is in the months of Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.
FREE ONP just off of I70 is Roberts Bluff Access @ 38.9222, -92.9806 Kansas City is 90 minutes to the west.
May 56-76 °F; Jun 65-85 °F; Jul 69-89 °F
Lots of ONP options (see RV Trip Wizard). O’Fallon Cracker Barrel Sam's club River city casino
Gateway Arch St. Louis Forest Park Heels Path and Prairie Boardwalk 1 mi bike trail in Forest Park. Saint Louise Zoo Grant's Farm free, but parking $15 @ 38.551225,-90.353686 |
It’s a felony to camp on most state-owned property in Tennessee (other than official campgrounds). Public lands include parks, highways, and overpasses.
FREE camping at Jackson Island near Spring City TN @ 35.6613, -84.8454.
Apr 47-71 °F; May 57-78 °F; Jun 65-86 °F; Jul 69-89 °F
See RV Trip Wizard options first. Walmart Clarksville TN The Fairgrounds Nashville $30/nite Music City Campground ~$15/nite Old Stone Fort State Park $22-30/nite Cracker Barrel MT Juliet, TN map Jackson Island FREE (managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority); 35.6613,-84.8454 Tims Ford State Park $28-$38/nite
2nd Avenue Historic District Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown The Parthenon Nashville Flea Market
Camping World Walmart Jasper TN Cabelas
Biking on the Tennessee Riverpark | Coolidge Park | Chattanooga Market | More biking trails at Lookout Mountain and the Chattanooga National Military Park.
Cosby campground $12/nite always fully booked. Harmon Den Dispersed Camping Elkmont Campground $20/nite Smokemont Campground $20/nite Tsali Campground $20/nite Cades Cove Campground $10-20/nite
Cades Cove Loop Road 11 mi paved road (no vehicles on Wednesday, only bikes). | Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail 7 mile paved drive. | Chimney Tops Trail hard but highly rated scenic hiking trail (4.5 mi / 1.3 hr). | Laurel Falls Trail easy 2.4 mi scenic trail. | Clingmans Dome Observation Tower Trail 1.2 mi moderate paved/developed hiking trail. | See AllTrails for more hiking trails. | Windrock Park (off-road park), Trail 51 takes you to a breathtaking overlook named Panther Rock. Park at 36.084778, -84.331224. permit required)
tva (free, 0.6 mi gravel road, on lake) Mountain Pass Campground $$ 6 mi from Cumberland
Wilderness Road Campground, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Ewing, VA 36.6041, -83.6325 $12/nite 160 sites Campendium
Chained Rock Trail 1 mi moderate hike. | Honeymoon Falls Trail 1 mi moderate hiking trail. |
Paved road scenic drives: The Blue Ridge Parkway: James River to Roanoke Mountain 58 mi Blue Ridge Parkway: Roanoke to North Carolina State Line 95 mi Blue Ridge Parkway: Virginia State Line to Blowing Rock 76 mi Blue Ridge Parkway: Blowing Rock to Asheville 91 mi
Feb 22-44 °F; Apr 38-63 °F; May 48-72 °F; Jun 58-81 °F; Jul 62-85 °F
Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area31.5597,-109.7154 McNeal, AZ
Coconino Rim Road 35.9623,-111.9644 Grand Canyon AZ
Fritch Fortress Campground 35.6824,-101.5978 FREE; NW Texas area; Drivin' & Vibin;
Silverton Municipal Park 34.4739,-101.3068 Silverton TX; FREE; NW Texas area;
Texas Hill Country - Overland Route Fredericksburg TX.
Natchez Visitor Center Natchez, Mississippi
Elk City Lake Elk City, Oklahoma; Free camping inside city park.
Blackwell Horse Camp Bloomington, Indiana. Free primitive campground overlooking Rio Grande canyon.
Oliver ReservoirBushnell NE
Lake HattieLake Hattie WY
Jackson Mountain Road Pagosa Springs CO
North Creek BLM 37.2203,-113.1616 W of Zion
Sacred White Shell Mountain 37.526985,-105.593536 Grand Sand Dunes CO
Wedge Overlook at Little Grand Canyon UT; 39.0932,-110.7589; FREE; Looks like a fantastic scenic location.
Rocky Mountain National Park CO
Blankenship Bridge FREE camping; Near Glacier National Park in Columbia Falls, MT.; 48.4641, -114.0726; known as Blankenship Bridge SW on Freecampsites.net, and as Middle Fork Flathead River on Campendium
Cebolla Mesa Campground 36.6405,-105.6891; Questa, New Mexico.; FREE; Drivin' & Vibin'
Threemile Canyon-Quesnel Park, Army Corps Of Engineers, Boardman, OR FREE 45.8115, -119.9695 link
Quail Creek State Park Hurricane UT
Snow Canyon UT
Sand Hollow Reservoir Sand Hollow State Park UT
Bonneville Salt Flats Salt Lake City UT
Kanarraville Falls UT; 37.53765,-113.1524; trailhead; Kanarraville UT
Best Free Camping In America by Drivin' & Vibin'
Oatman AZ by Drivin' & Vibin'
Villages Fal by Drivin' & Vibin'
Glacier National Park, Montana
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Wilderness Road Campground, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Ewing, VA 36.6041, -83.6325 $12/nite 160 sites Campendium
Sleepy Hollow Campgrounds (outside NY)
Cape Cod (inexpensive campgrounds)
Gale River Loop Road Bethlehem NH; FREE; 44.2398,-71.6201
Watkins Glen State Park Lake Placid Boldt Castle
FREE camping in 116 sites at Moose River Plains Camping Corridor in the state forest at 43.6892, -74.7505.
castle at Gilette Castle State Park
Silver Sands State Park Hike Enders State Forest Visit Thimble Islands Kent Falls State park Rocky Neck State Park Drive Saw Mill City Road shoreline drive from New haven to Stonington Drive Connecticut State Route 169 Hike Devil’s Hopyard State Park Lovers Leap State Park Burr Pond State Park
Mohegan Sun Casino @ 41.493891, -72.094203 near Montville, Connecticut
Walk the Newport Cliff Walk Fort Adams State Park 18th century military fortress. Visit Waterplace Park in Providence RI
FREE ONP at Blackstone River Welcome Center along I295 near Lincoln RI @ 41.9401, -71.4464.
Boston, Massachusetts whale watching Walk the Freedom Trail.
Cape Cod
Ferry from Cape Cod to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.
Sage’s Ravine Marth’s Vineyard Bike the Cape Cod Rail Trail Rainbow Cliffs at Aquinnah Beach See Sherburne Falls and the glacial potholes. Visit the summit of Mount Greylock. Bash Bish Falls Hike in Purgatory Chasm Provincetown
FREE ONP at Cabela's in Berlin, Massachusetts @ 42.39213, -71.59692. ph +19782126200
FREE ONP Gale River Loop Road near Bethlehem, NH @ 44.2432, -71.632 has 10 campsites.
White Mountains, NH Hike Mount Washington. Train ride on Hobo Railroad, Conway Scenic Railroad, or Mount Washington Cog Railway.
Hampton Beach boardwalk Wallis Sands State Park (beach) Odiorne Point State Park Hike Franconian Notch State Park and Crawford Notch State Park.
Hike Mount Monadnock Sculptured Rocks Natural Area Isle of Shoals Bike the Northern Trails Drive the Lake Sunapee Loop Hike Flume Gorge Visit the summit of Mount Washington (climb or drive)
Burlington, VT Visit waterfront, Church Street Marketplace, ..
Climb Mt. Mansfield Green Mountain National Forest (hiking, waterfalls, clifs)
FREE camping at Airline Rips in Machias River Corridor near Weslety ME @ 44.9074, -67.8353. Beware of biting black fly season.
Acadia National Park Bar Harbour Drive (or hike?) to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. Baxter State Park see Reversing Falls Try a lobster roll Portland Head Lighthouse Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse Moxie Falls Nubble Lighthouse International Cryptozoology Museum Screw Auger Falls Hike Mount Katahdin Hike Popham Hills State Park Hike The Giant's Stairs trail path in Harpswell ME.
Isle Royale National Park
FREE @ French Farm Lake near Mackinaw City, MI @ 45.764, -84.7684.
FREE ONP at Oliver Reservoir near Bushnell, Nebraska @ 41.2313, -103.8241. Camping is closed from Nov. 1- March 1. 48 sites with a max stay of 14 days in a quiet scenic area. Downtown Kimball is 10 miles east of the park.
PA Dept of Conservation & Natural Resources map of motorized campsites across the state A free permit is always required. Most locations are dry camping.
Cornwall / Lebanon Rail Trail . Lebanon trailhead at 40.277130, -76.410967.
Five dispersed campsites N of Port Clinton PA in Weiser State Forest District 18. Sites "P1" @ 40.59763,-76.01760 and "P4" @ 40.59526,-76.01433 are suitable for RV/camper and have picnic table and fire ring. Access from Rt 61 at 40.598608,-76.024535 (State Game Lands Dirt Rd, Orwigsburg, PA 17961).
Four dispersed campsites NE of Harrisburg, near Williamstown. (free permit required). | Stony Valley Railroad Grade (rail trail) is nearby. (parking @ 40.524807,-76.539477 ???) | Rausch Creek Off Road Park is 14 minutes to the east. | The Chinese Wall Trail |
41.2528,-76.0417 West of Wilkes Barre right at Moon Lake is this FREE dispersed camping (free permit required) campsite with good Campedium ratings. Sites "Moon Lake 1", 2, 4, 6, and 7 are suitable for large RV/camper . Regularly patrolled. Dry camping. 2 hr drive up 81 from Bernville PA. | AllTrails | 30 min to east at 41.2715,-75.823 is free overnight parking at Mohegan Sun Pocono (casino). | Ricketts Glen State Park 41.33517,-76.30153 is 31 minutes to north west. No day use fees. No drones. $20/nite camping.
Biking Trails: Back Mountain Trail 4.2 mi packed gravel Rails to Trail |
Free dispersed camping (permit required) 1.5 hrs from Bernville PA for 5 designated motorized sites: Michaux Designated Camping Area #1 @ 39.9876, -77.402 | Michaux Designated Camping Area #2 @ 40.0183, -77.2958 | Michaux Designated Campsite #4 @ 40.0258, -77.3554 | Michaux Designated Campsite #5 @ 40.015, -77.3472 | Michaux Designated Campsite #6 @ 40.0237, -77.3502 | Michaux Designated Campsite #7 @ 40.0198, -77.3518 Michaux Designated Campsite #18 @ 39.8259, -77.4401 | Michaux Designated Camping Area #21 @ 39.8394, -77.4349 | Michaux Designated Camping Area #22 @ 39.8173, -77.4628 | |
Hiking: Pole Steeple Trail 1.2 mi | Pole Steeple Loop 4.1 mi | Rocky Knob Trail 4.2 mi | Sunset Rocks from Old Shippenburg Road 1.3 mi | Pine Grove Furnace to Toms Run 2.4 mi | Cumberland Valley Rail-Trail (National Recreation Trail rail trail) |
Nearby: Thirsty Farmer Brew Works | Jankybrewco | GearHouse Brewing Co | | |
55 min E of State College, 50 min S of PA Grand Canyon.
Black Gap Road Campsite #11 41.0018,-77.196 (free permit required) Satellite view suggests large clearing at this site. Review confirms 28 ft vehicle fits, but warns of rough roads. | Other similar sites in the area at designated areas for up to 7 continuous days. Interactive map that shows site availability. Permit required by calling Bald Eagle State Forest District Office at 570-922-3344 or by email fd07@pa.gov Some site examples: Five Points Campsite #1 | Mile Run Road Campsite #2 | McCall Field Road Campsite #12 | and many more...
Three hiking trails in Bald Eagle State Forest: Diamond Trail North Loop 2.2 mi | Shade Mountain Loop 3.3 mi | Diamond Trail South Loop 3.6 mi |
Darkwater OHV Trail has 31 mi of Jeep trails near Pottsville PA. MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED with Famous Reading Outdoors AllTrails | Reading Anthracite OHV Trail
AOAA Trail Network near Shamokin PA permits full size vehicles on the trails. $33 for a full size vehicle day permit + $15 per passenger. $48 for two day pass. | trail map TWO VEHICLES REQUIRED | Three dry camping sites (for camper/RV) available at TrailHead Campground (on AOAA grounds) for $30/nite. Hookup camping $45 to $90/nite. NO GENERATORS
Delaware State Forest dispersed camping (free permit required): E13-CCC Camp @ 41.25665,-74.99387 | E14-Silver Lake @ 41.25970,-74.99250 | E12-Flat Ridge @ 41.22742,-75.03663 | and several other sites. | Laurel Run Road Delaware State Forest sites @ 41.132,-75.2135 (4 sites) | Free overnight parking at Mount Airy Casino Resort 41.1152,-75.3221 | Free overnight parking at Delaware Water Gap Welcome Center 40.9912,-75.1421 |
Mount Tammany via Red Dot Trail |
Medix Grade Road in Moshannon State Forest near Weedville PA @ 41.2689, -78.4035. Forrested campsites and lots of privacy.
Free dispersed camping at '66 - Canada Run' 41.78976,-77.37743 and several others available in the area.
NE PA Raymondskill Falls has the tallest waterfall in PA. (pictures)
Visiting Hocking Hills State Park
Hocking Hills Scenic Byway: One Of The Most Beautiful Drives In The U.S.
FREE camping at Hidden Hollow in Fernwood State Forest at 40.3344, -80.7642. 22 sites at 1148 ft.
Near Fort Valley, Virginia. Requires a $5 permit from any store locally in Edinburg.
Peter's Mill Run OHV Trail 7.9 mi trail is suitable for full size SUV and smaller. Pictures from AllTrails suggest it looks good.
Taskers Gap OHV Route near Fort Valley, Virginia in the George Washington National Forest - Lee District requires a $5 permit from any store locally in Edinburg.
The Cove Campground in Gore VA offers camping on private property, plus full size SUV off roading on Big Dogs OHV Trail for $40 only during scheduled events open to the public. | AllTrails
Free dispersed camping in the area: Elkhorn Lake Dispersed | Braley Pond Dispersed
Long Run Road 16 mi trail near Fulks Run VA.
WV Penitentiary, Moundsville WV
Chaos Off-Road Park in Capon Bridge WV offers 400 acers of 4x4 trails for Jeep off-roading. Primative camping is permitted. 39.325783,-78.463951. The park is on private property and is open to the public on posted dates. Typical weekend prices are $85/driver, $35/passenger, and $30 for primative camping. Other links: Chaos Offroad Park Chaos Fab Shop
Drive down the 8 mile Big Stone Beach Road (off of State Road 1) for scenic views of forest transitioning into salt marsh. |
Redden State Forest Georgetown, DE; FREE, but a permit is required to camp at Redden State Forest; 38.7411,-75.4083
Redden State Forest near Georgetown DE @38.7411, -75.4083 has five sites with forest shade. A rpermit is required, but no reservations accepted for RV. The entrance is a dead end at space #5 with no large turnaround. Best climate is Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, and Nov. $25/nite.
Congaree National Park
Bad Creek Trailhead Is One Of Best Scenic Overlooks In South Carolina
FREE camping at Santee Coastal Reserve @ 33.1538, -79.3668.
July 54-78 °F; August 53-76 °F;
Sugar Hill Fire Tower Watkins Glen, NY; FREE; 42.3872, -77.0026
Feb 36-62 °F, Mar 42-70 °F
Danny 212 Ben Hatcher Rd, Waynesboro, GA 30830 @ 33.151181,-81.887267 | Riverwalk downtown Augusta Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Artists' Row in Augusta
Darkwater OHV Trail has 31 mi of Jeep trails near Pottsville PA. MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED with Famous Reading Outdoors AllTrails | Reading Anthracite OHV Trail
AOAA Trail Network near Shamokin PA permits full size vehicles on the trails. $33 for a full size vehicle day permit + $15 per passenger. $48 for two day pass. | trail map TWO VEHICLES REQUIRED | Three dry camping sites (for camper/RV) available at TrailHead Campground (on AOAA grounds) for $30/nite. Hookup camping $45 to $90/nite. NO GENERATORS
Smoky Mountains TN Windrock Park (off-road park), Trail 51 takes you to a breathtaking overlook named Panther Rock. Park at 36.084778, -84.331224. permit required)
George Washington National Forest - Lee District. Near Fort Valley, Virginia. Requires a $5 permit from any store locally in Edinburg.
WV Chaos Off-Road Park in Capon Bridge WV offers 400 acers of 4x4 trails for Jeep off-roading. Primative camping is permitted. 39.325783,-78.463951. The park is on private property and is open to the public on posted dates. Typical weekend prices are $85/driver, $35/passenger, and $30 for primative camping. Other links: Chaos Offroad Park Chaos Fab Shop
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