10 Best Practices for Finding Free Campsites During Your Van Life Journey

Finding free campsites is one of the best ways to keep your van life budget in check, but it can also feel like a game of trial and error. With the right strategies and a bit of planning, you’ll be snagging the best spots without the hassle. Here’s how to find free campsites while keeping things stress-free and enjoyable.

1. Leverage Camping Apps

Apps like Wikicamps, HipCamps are gold for finding free campsites. They offer detailed information, including reviews, GPS coordinates, and amenities, making it easy to pick spots that suit your needs.

What to Do: Download a few apps and cross-check them to get a better picture of the options. Read user reviews carefully—they’ll often mention things like noise levels, road access, or hidden fees.

Helpful Tip: Download maps offline in case you lose reception. Many remote campsites don’t have cell service.

2. Scout National Forests and Public Lands

National parks, State Forests, Parks and reserve areas, and other public lands are often free for dispersed camping. These areas are spacious, scenic, and allow you to stay off the beaten path.

What to Do: Research local rules before setting up camp, as laws vary by country and region. Some places require permits or have stay limits.

Helpful Tip: Check online maps or visitor center websites to pinpoint areas that allow dispersed camping.

3. Ask Locals or Fellow Van Lifers

Sometimes the best spots aren’t on a map. Locals and other van lifers often know about hidden gems where camping is tolerated or completely free.

What to Do: Strike up conversations at cafes, visitor centers, or campsites. Join online van life communities to connect with experienced travelers.

Helpful Tip: Be respectful when asking locals avoid framing it as “free camping” and instead say you’re looking for quiet, safe places to park overnight.

4. Arrive Early to Secure a Spot

Free campsites can fill up fast, especially during peak seasons or weekends. Arriving early not only gives you more options but also reduces the stress of last-minute hunting.

What to Do: Plan your travel days so you arrive at your destination by mid-afternoon. Scout multiple locations ahead of time in case your first choice is full.

Helpful Tip: Avoid arriving after dark, as it’s harder to spot hazards and you risk disturbing others.

5. Be Respectful of Quiet Hours and Rules

Free campsites often rely on an honor system to stay accessible. Noise, litter, and fires can quickly get a site shut down for everyone.

What to Do: Familiarize yourself with any posted rules or unspoken guidelines, such as quiet hours or waste disposal protocols. Always clean up your area before leaving.

Helpful Tip: Carry a small trash bag to pack out your rubbish and pick up extra litter if you see it.

6. Utilise Rest Areas and Truck Stops (Where Allowed)

Rest areas, truck stops, and highway pull-offs can be great for overnight stops when nothing else is available. However, rules about overnight stays vary.

What to Do: Check signage and state or regional rules to confirm overnight parking is permitted. Avoid parking in designated truck spaces to leave room for professional drivers.

Helpful Tip: Invest in blackout curtains to block out bright lights at rest areas.

7. Look for Places That Welcome Overnight Parking

Big-box stores, visitor centers, and casinos sometimes allow overnight parking, provided you ask permission. These spots aren’t glamorous, but they’re convenient for quick stops.

What to Do: Politely ask the manager or security staff if overnight parking is allowed. Follow any specific guidelines they provide.

Helpful Tip: Park away from entrances and leave early in the morning to avoid overstaying your welcome.

8. Check Online Forums and Social Media Groups

Van life forums, Facebook groups, and Reddit communities are treasure troves for real-time campsite advice. Fellow travelers often share updated information on free or low-cost spots.

What to Do: Join active groups like “Van Life Community” or “Free Camping Australia” to stay in the loop. Search specific locations within these groups for recommendations.

Helpful Tip: Post your own questions when heading to a new area. Most members are happy to help and may even share spots that aren’t widely known.

9. Stay Stealthy in Urban Areas

Sometimes you need to camp in a city, and stealth camping becomes your best option. Discretion is key to avoid being moved along or fined.

What to Do: Look for low-key spots like residential streets, industrial areas, or near parks where overnight parking isn’t prohibited. Keep lights and noise to a minimum, and don’t draw attention to your van.

Helpful Tip: Rotate your parking spots to avoid overstaying in one area.

10. Leave No Trace

Leaving a mess behind is the fastest way to ruin free camping for everyone. Practicing “leave no trace” ensures these spots remain accessible for future travelers.

What to Do: Pack out all trash, avoid damaging vegetation, and minimize your impact on the environment. If you’re camping in remote areas, dispose of human waste responsibly.

Helpful Tip: Bring biodegradable soap and avoid using it near waterways. It’s better for the environment and keeps campsites clean.

Bonus Tip: Always Have a Backup Plan

Even with the best research, not every spot will work out. Weather, restrictions, or crowds can derail your plans, so having a second option ready saves stress.

What to Do: Identify a backup site near your intended location before heading out. Apps and forums are great for quickly finding alternatives.

Helpful Tip: If your backup falls through, consider parking in a safe spot like a truck stop for the night and regrouping in the morning.

Finding free campsites is part of the adventure, and with a little preparation, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Follow these best practices to discover amazing spots while respecting the environment and other campers. Free camping is all about being adaptable, so embrace the journey and enjoy the freedom it brings.