Unleash Your Inner Explorer: A Guide to understanding Public Land Use
Welcome fellow adventurers! It can be hard to plan a trip, or even know where to camp, especially if you want to camp for free. So we’re providing a general breakdown to help you see more and save more! Whether you’re a seasoned outdoors enthusiast or a newbie in need of some camping 101, we’ve got you covered.
National Park Campgrounds: Where Nature's Majesty Awaits
Photo: Yosemite National Park in Spring
Picture this: waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves, surrounded by towering trees and the promise of adventure. National Park campgrounds offer just that, and more!
These are the world reknown places like Yosemite, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon. These places are perfect for RV’s as they usually have full facilities, even hot showers at the campgrounds. However, most cost between $20-60 per night.
With reservation requirements varying by park, your best bet is to head over to recreation.gov. There, you can snag the perfect spot amidst nature’s grandeur. Each site comes with a treasure trove of info, from available facilities to proximity to popular attractions. Oh, and watch out for those tricky roads—some are for high-clearance vehicles only!
Note: reservations for National Parks book fast so definitely need to plan in advance. However, if you want to stay around a park, there’s more public lands that may suit you better and the reservation process isn’t as strict.
BLM Campgrounds: First Come, First Served Fun
Above: Joshua Tree National Park has nice BLM surrounding it!
For those spontaneous souls among us, BLM (Bureau of Land Management) campgrounds are a dream come true. Simply show up, find your slice of paradise, and pay the fee on the spot. Cash or check? Take your pick! And if you’re the planning type, recreation.gov might just have a few gems waiting for you. However, MOST BLM sites are not able to be reserved. Meaning you show up and leave some cash in a drop box to cover your stay. If you don’t need full facilities you can often partake in dispersed camping throughout BLM. Dispersed Camping is finding a site and making it your own for a while, it’s free and not as hard to find a spot as you may think.
Dispersed Camping on BLM
Feeling the call of the wild? BLM land welcomes dispersed camping with open arms (unless stated otherwise, of course). Set up camp for up to 14 days, but remember: don’t leave your personal items unattended for more than 10 days! And let’s keep Mother Nature happy—dispose of trash and sewage in designated areas only. As for rinsing off, as long as it’s pollutant-free, you’re good to go!
Try parking a campervan in Painted Canyon BLM dispersed camping if you want to visit Joshua Tree National Park
To find BLM land near you , check out Onx app.
National Forest Campgrounds: Nature’s Playground
My FAVORITE! The sweet serenity of national forests! Here, the world is your oyster—as long as you play by NFS rules, that is. From well-equipped campgrounds to hidden gems along forest service roads, the options are endless. Just remember: “pack it in, pack it out” and follow NFS guidelines for bathroom breaks. And speaking of hidden treasures, have you heard about Potter Pass and Kaiser Peak? Trust us, the trout fishing is legendary!
Above: Chaos Crags in Lassen National Park has great national park camping nearby!
Federal Wilderness Areas: Backpacker’s Paradise
Strap on your boots and prepare for adventure—federal wilderness areas are calling! Perfect for backpacking escapades, these untamed lands offer a taste of true wilderness. Sorry glampers, this one’s not for you! But hey, why not park that campervan and embark on a day hike instead? It’s all about finding that perfect balance between luxury and rugged exploration.
California State and Regional Parks: Where Memories Are Made
Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about California State and Regional Parks. Boating, fishing, hiking—oh my! With each park offering its own unique charm, there’s something for everyone. Hot running water, comprehensive facilities, and even small general stores await your arrival. Take Del Valle in Livermore, for example—we’ll even deliver an RV rental to your Del Valle campground for free!
So there you have it, fellow adventurers! Whether you’re pitching a tent under the stars or cozying up in your campervan for hire, camping is all about embracing the great outdoors and making memories that last a lifetime. So go forth, explore, and let the wilds awaken your spirit of adventure!