FREE (and safe and legal) Places to Camp?

[Toni M T]

Sometimes when we are traveling we are just going from Point A to Point B and not as concerned with the scenery or camping in between. For example, we love music festivals but some of them are a 2 day drive from our home, so we have to stop over on the way there to catch a little sleep before driving on. (Think Telluride Bluegrass Festival, The High Sierra Music Festival, etc.) Usually we can only take the day or so before the festival off from work so can't enjoy the "Journey" along with the "Destination". Since we are already towing the trailer, it would be great to stop somewhere that you can camp for free along the way without getting into trouble with the locals. Do any of you have any "Free" camping ideas for me?

I have one to share. I recently picked up the trailer in Tucson Arizona, and got a late start going home (to So. California). About 9 PM I stopped at a gas station just ouside of Palm Springs, CA and the attendant told me about the Free RV Parking Lot right beside Morongo Casino. There are no hookups, and since it was pretty empty the howling winds that area is famous for whistled around the trailer all night as we tried to sleep, but it was still free! An added bonus (if I didn't have my 4 year old with me) is that a shuttle comes out from the casino every hour or so to pick up or drop off people who want to visit the Casino. Since the least expensive rooms in the Casino on the weekends are $100/night, you already have saved $100 to go gamble with!

Anyone else know of any safe and "free" spots where you can pull in at any time, rest for the night, and pull out (completely free of any Park Rangers or Parking Lot security knocking on your doors and asking you to leave)?

[Byron Kinnaman]

The best way to find free places to camp is to use our good friend Google.
Second is the book. Guide to Free Campgrounds, West

[Greg A]

Free Campgrounds

[Lisa H.]

Thanks Greg!

[Joe Z]

Thanks for the good site Greg
Joe

[Paul Riehl]

I grew up on a farm near St Catarines / Niagara Falls Ontario.

We often had people driving in to ask direction etc. & somtime asking if they could just park their rig for the night, or a few hours in a safe place.

We met some of the most interesting people this way from all over the US & Canada

I would stop & ask- The best they can is yes / The worst is no

[Ian-Vicki]

I grew up on a farm near St Catarines / Niagara Falls Ontario.

We often had people driving in to ask direction etc. & somtime asking if they could just park their rig for the night, or a few hours in a safe place.

We met some of the most interesting people this way from all over the US & Canada

I would stop & ask- The best they can is yes / The worst is no

You've got that right, Paul. While working at a local marina, we had a boater come in and ask about accessible restaurants on our small island (pop. 2,500), and near to the marina. There being no such thing available, I got to talking with him and learned his wife aboard the boat had MS, as does my wife. In short, they came home with me for dinner, we had a lovely evening and made new friends.
So don't be afraid to ask, and don't be afraid to invite - great things can happen.
cheers
Ian

[Karalyn]

Traveling from Mn to Pa and wondering if any good free sites before Chicago, or in Indiana/or western Ohio on the turnpike without going off the turnpikes/toll roads, or if any walmarts close to the toll roads? Anyone stopped overnight along that route??

[Joe Z]

Traveling from Mn to Pa and wondering if any good free sites before Chicago, or in Indiana/or western Ohio on the turnpike without going off the turnpikes/toll roads, or if any walmarts close to the toll roads? Anyone stopped overnight along that route??

Karalyn....
Here's the wal mart site......Hope it helps.
Joe


http://www.allstays.com/c/wal-mart-locations-map.htm

[Lisa M.]

Free Campgrounds

Thanks for the website! There are a couple books on there I want to order before our big trip this summer.

[Karalyn]

Thanks Joe. I think it is ok to park with the trucks at some of those oasis too but just not sure how long.

[Joe Z]

Most trucks leave between 4am-7am before the commuter traffic picks up and the stores open. If you go into the truck stops ( petro. flying J etc) don't park with the trucks but stay on the side where it says cars only when you enter...... alot safer
Joe