Bicycle rentals and any food and beverage services will be charged at the same rate for Participants as for general guests. Free Vehicle Parking for up to 2 vehicles per rented campsite.

Recreational Marine Equipment and Vehicle Storage during or within 7 days of any camping reservations. Free Watercraft Rentals to enjoy the bay. Reimbursed Transportation Costs for approved Organizations to transport Participants to and from Campland on a first-come, first-served basis.

Camping Gear Free of Charge — upon request, and subject to availability, Campland will provide commonly used camping gear during the stay including tents, sleeping mats, camping chairs, camp stoves, flashlights, and binoculars.

Participants or Organizations should pre-reserve all camping gear when reservations are made. This gear must be returned at the end of the stay. Participants who are experiencing severe economic hardships certified by the Participant or verified by an Organization may apply to have a free sleeping bag, liner or bedroll purchased for them which they can keep for their own use as well as any future camping.

Sleeping bags can also be requested when participants are completing the Free Camping Program Application form. Participants are individual, families or groups who are eligible to participate in the program based on the defined criteria for underserved youth and families and who have certified their eligibility to Campland or had such eligibility verified by an Organization.

This program is for California residents only. Proof of residency is required. Please read our FAQ found below before calling or emailing us.

We look forward to introducing more people to waterfront camping along Mission Bay. Click Here to Apply. Learn How Your Organization Can Get Involved.

FAQ- Free Camping Program Frequently Asked Questions. What Do I Need to Qualify for Free Camping? What is included in the free camping program? Resort Amenities and Activities Free of Charge. Camping Gear Free of Charge — upon request, and subject to availability, Campland will provide commonly used camping gear including tents, sleeping mats, camping chairs, camp stoves, flashlights, and binoculars during the stay.

Sleeping bags can we requested when completing the Free Camping Program Application form. They can also be requested by the organization individuals and families are applying through. Who is eligible to participate in the Free Camping Program? Where Should I Send My Form? com Application forms can also be turned in at the Registration Office, Attn: Kim McAnally at Campland or mailed to: Campland on the Bay Attn: Kim McAnally PACIFIC Beach Drive San Diego, CA Online applications are found here.

How Long Will My Application Take for Review? How Many Nights Can I Camp For Free? Groups are not limited to a maximum number of free camping nights per year.

I am part of an organization and we are interested in the program. Who do we contact for approval? Can I qualify if I no longer live in California?

San Diego? This program is for California residents and their guests only. How Can I Get Free Watercraft Rentals with My Free Campsite? How Can Organizations Get Involved? Map of the Amenities. Discover all the amenities available to our campers with this interactive map.

Public Beach. Sports Court Basketball, Dodgeball, and PIckleball. Friendly Bowl Skate Board Park helmets required. Dogwood Park Off-leash dog park. Boat Ramp. Ice Cream Parlor. Video Arcade. Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve Owned by City of San Diego.

On Wednesday, July 13, the California Coastal Commission voted to Read More. July 14, Campland on the Bay is known for its wide variety April 11, For over 50 years, Campland on the Bay has delivered April 5, California is in a severe and historic drought.

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Sometimes it's awesome, and sometimes you really don't find anything. But you'll never know if you don't go. If you're a fan of discount outdoor gear, one website worth joining is called The Clymb. The Clymb holds 72 hour flash sales where you can buy gear for up to 70 percent below retail.

Sales feature select items from brands like Mountain Hardware, Keen, Black Diamond, Outdoor Research, and more. To take advantage of these, you need to join the site. You'll then receive emails about new promotions.

The plus side: The Clymb is a great way to snag discounts on outdoor gear that rarely goes on sale. One potential downside: if you want something specific, you have to be patient and wait for what you want to come along.

So it's best to go into it with an open mind! Want to check it out before you register? Use my affiliate link to have a look around The Clymb. A lot of my mountaineering students really love Sierra Trading Post.

It's a retailer stores and online that sells a lot of closeouts older products that didn't sell and "seconds," which are products with slight cosmetic flaws.

Their deals kind of range. Some of their stuff's almost full price, and some of it's super, super cheap. Other outdoor gear discount websites to check out: CampSaver.

Some local gear stores also sell "seconds" for a discount. For example, at Wilderness Exchange mentioned above, you can buy brand new carabiners with practically invisible color defects for a few bucks off.

The defect doesn't impact the function or safety of the biner. Not ever outfitter or gear store does this, but it doesn't hurt to ask. Some outdoor clubs and outfitters will partner with retailers to provide discounts to members and students.

For example, when I was a mountaineering student through Colorado Mountain Club, I got a 10 percent discount at Bent Gate Outfitters in Golden. And when I went on to become an assistant instructor for that class, I got a slightly better deal.

Moosejaw is an online retailer of The North Face, Arcteryx, Patagonia, Mountain Hardware, Sierra Designs, Big Agnes, and many other top outdoor brands. So how do they save you money?

Three words: awesome rewards program. And you can apply this credit any time you buy. These savings really add up, so be sure to sign up! Eventually, some of you are going to come to a point where you're going to want to buy a lot of gear. You'll get into multiple outdoor sports.

Or you'll get into mountaineering, which, holy balls, there's so much gear to buy. You obviously want to spend the money on trips, not on the overpriced gear. So what do you do? REI actually has a credit card that gives you dollars back in your dividend.

You only get it once a year, and the refund percentage isn't huge, so you have to use your credit card for lots and lots of stuff. Paying your rent, paying your car payment, etc.

And I'm sure some people get a lot more than that. So that's a thousand dollars of gear just for paying your bills and buying stuff you would anyway. By the way, you know you're in Colorado when you're at a restaurant, and everybody pulls out their credit card to pay the bill — and they're all REI credit cards.

Happens all the time. I'm hopefully going to move to Mexico part-time in the next couple of years, but I will still be a Colorado Mountain Club member. Some of them even have free shipping.

Pro deals do have some restrictions on what you can do. You can't buy for friends or family. All sales are final, so you really do have to know what you're going to get. But once you're in their pro deal program, you basically go to a website called ExpertVoice.

And then you look at all the brands available and buy what you want. It's amazing. You can buy bicycles. You can buy a giant rack for the roof of your car. I just got a big shipment of Mountain House dinners.

It's like my supply for the year. And that's all through my pro deal at Colorado Mountain Club. Do you guys have any tips that I haven't covered?

I know you all are outdoors people. You buy some GEAR. If you've got another good place for your fellow dirtbags to shop, go ahead and drop it in the comments. And if you have gear questions, definitely hop in the Facebook Group and ask away! Originally published August 6, Last updated April 18, Colorado 14ers.

Mount Rainier. Blogging Resources. Travel Insurance. Gift Guides. Morning Routine Checklist. Free Breathwork Session. FREE Colorado 14er Starter Kit. Training Plan Workbook. Walk 2 Hike 4-Week Training Plan 4 Weeks. Soul Explorer 6-Month Life Coaching Program.

Rainier Training Plan. Work with me. Privacy Policy. Book Now. August 6, Gear , Learn Hiking. Sarah xx. Before you go on a massive shopping spree So that being said, here are some ways to get free and cheap gear: 1. Share gear with others on your trip For your first few trips, try to borrow all the gear that you can, other than maybe your clothes and your boots.

Borrow from friends and neighbors Use your social networks to see if anyone has what you need gathering dust on a shelf. Rent some gear If you're not quite ready to commit to buying expensive gear, think about renting. Buy old rental gear Most places that rent gear sell it at the end of the season or at the end of every two seasons.

Buy used and sometimes new gear from your friends and neighbors I have a friend whose goal is never to pay more than 50 percent of retail for gear.

Buy from Craigslist Craigslist is also a good place to look. It's awesome. Buy from resale stores. Buy from thrift shops especially in outdoorsy areas Here in Colorado, and I suspect in other outdoor destinations, a lot of tourists dump outdoor gear that they don't want to take home.

Buy returns from the REI Garage Sale If you live near an REI, definitely get on the email list for the garage sale.

Some things I've found so far are the Biopod Nature from Grüezi bag (here), looks amazing but unfortunately quite expensive; as well as used (or Yes, you can leave things to mark your site. No, dispersed camping requires an occupant. Voting closed 2 Dispersed camping, also known as free camping, is simple enough but still requires one to have the basic necessities and gear to be adequately prepared

Free Camping Gear - Here are the gear and supplies most people need for dispersed camping and boondocking. Adapt this checklist to create a list of exactly what you need Some things I've found so far are the Biopod Nature from Grüezi bag (here), looks amazing but unfortunately quite expensive; as well as used (or Yes, you can leave things to mark your site. No, dispersed camping requires an occupant. Voting closed 2 Dispersed camping, also known as free camping, is simple enough but still requires one to have the basic necessities and gear to be adequately prepared

Always pack gear for 10 degrees colder than the posted weather report. Tailor your sleep system to your individual needs. This may just be a shovel for emergencies for first-timers doing an easy drive. If you plan to be out of cell service, some sort of satellite phone like a Garmin inReach may be a good idea.

If nothing else, bring a spare tire and a tire patch kit. Bring a basic first-aid kit and learn how to use it. House; you just need to be comfortable with all the basics. A small multi-tool may be helpful to pack with your first aid kit.

Yes, your campfire will give you light if you have one. At a minimum, have a headlamp. Layers are your friend when camping. A packable jacket that you can toss in the back seat is a great backup layer for warmer weather. You can always take off layers as needed. As a backup, an extra change of clothes, especially socks, is helpful.

Cell service is unpredictable; even if thedyrt. Well, the answer to that really depends on what you have around your house. All campervans come with included miles per night, basic insurance, and all cooking and bedding essentials.

This is likely the best pick for the first-time campervan renter in general. As the name suggests, this is the smallest option and drives more like an SUV than a full-sized campervan.

You can check out our top pick for a great water storage container below:. The Scepter Water Container holds 5 gallons of water and is incredibly durable. The cap makes it easy to pour into water bottles and it holds enough to last for most weekend camping trips.

Properly disposing of human waste is a critical element of Leave No Trace camping and essential for minimizing your impact while dispersed camping. A simple portable camp toilet will go a long ways to keep your campsite clean and avoid polluting any nearby waterways.

Simple is better here, and we recommend the following option:. The Luggable Loo is a simple, yet effective portable toilet. The seat snaps on securely and the entire package is very durable. Perfect for dispersed camping. Ok, time for a little comfort.

One way to up the experience is to pack a cozy and durable blanket for around camp. Our top pick for camp blankets is the stylish and functional Rumpl Puffy Blanket. It comes in a variety of sizes, but all share the same durability and are incredibly warm.

The Rumpl Puffy Blanket is the coziest camp blanket around. Not only will it keep you warm around your campsite, but it is made of durable materials and packs down nice and small.

A good cooler is the workhorse of your dispersed camping set-up. It keeps your drinks cold, helps keep animals from getting into your food, and even makes a decent work surface for preparing meals. Yes, they are expensive. But you will thank yourself over and over for making the upfront investment when you still have an ice cold cooler four days into your camping trip.

The Yeti Tundra 45 is simply the best cooler on the market. Incredibly durable and keeps ice frozen for days. It is very important to have a good understanding of where you are when dispersed camping. You need to know whether the land your on is public or private, where that forest service road leads, and what trails are in the area.

For this, we highly recommend a GPS app on your smartphone that allows you to download maps for offline use. Read more about our favorite apps for dispersed camping here.

While there are plenty of these apps available, Gaia GPS is by far the best of the bunch. Gaia GPS is our go to app for offline navigation while camping, hiking, biking, and more. The map layers are detailed and offer tons of options that are sure to suit your needs.

The ability to download maps for offline use makes it an essential tool for outdoor adventures. Copper Canyon LX Tent. MSR Habitude Tent. Thule Tepui Kukenam Rooftop Tent.

The best sleeping bag for your trip will largely depend on the time of year and the overnight temperature you can expect. For most campers, a three-season sleeping bag will be the most versatile. We recommend a temperature rating of between 20 — 30 degrees for most trips. It comes in both 30 degree and 15 degree ratings.

The unique shape is perfect for side sleepers! There have been some incredible advances since the days of foam sleeping pads, and we always recommend investing a bit of money in a good sleeping pad.

As a backup, an extra change of clothes, especially socks, is helpful. Cell service is unpredictable; even if thedyrt. Well, the answer to that really depends on what you have around your house.

All campervans come with included miles per night, basic insurance, and all cooking and bedding essentials. This is likely the best pick for the first-time campervan renter in general.

As the name suggests, this is the smallest option and drives more like an SUV than a full-sized campervan. If you love the solitude of free camping but want the company of friends, The Squad is your compromise.

Not a great cook? Take a friend who is or try your hand at it anyway. This is the best pick for families or professionals on the go. With an optional rooftop tent, you can see the stars while dispersed camping.

When you need to buckle down and get some work done, the interior table becomes your mobile office. For parents on the go, The Squad has car seat capabilities. If you plan to spend lots of time in the van, size up to the next model with a high roof.

If you want to try your hand at full-time van life without committing to buying a van, take The Biggie for a spin. This is the best pick if you want all the creature comforts of van life.

Want to visit unique and exciting dispersed camp spots every day? The Biggie has room for you, your stuff, your van life dreams, and then some! Best Stand Up Paddleboard Spots near Denver.

Leatherman Signal Multi-tool The Leatherman Signal is the top all around multi-tool to bring on your next dispersed camping trip. A solid set of features I liked reading your post about your camping adventures. I respect your creativity and your courage to camp with little gear. I agree that gear Dispersed camping, also known as free camping, is simple enough but still requires one to have the basic necessities and gear to be adequately prepared: Free Camping Gear

Trail mix — another convenient and filling Frre of protein and carbs, a Campig option for CCamping wanting healthy snacks. Geaf cookies do not store Organic Food Promotions personal information. Free Camping Gear Campiny Needed for Free Camping. Some truck stops might also offer wifi if you have work to get done while on the road. I am part of an organization and we are interested in the program. Vans The Biggie The Squad The Smalls Locations Denver Salt Lake City Las Vegas Phoenix Pricing Resources Itineraries Vanlife Information Reviews National Parks Winter Essentials FAQ Insurance Contact Book Now.	West Virginia. Rose tinted glasses and all that, but it's still nice to keep playing outside as simple as possible. Free Camping program. I was surprised how useful having the little side table actually was. So there you have 'em. After camping for many years, we have found that these are the easiest and tastiest meals while camping.	Some things I've found so far are the Biopod Nature from Grüezi bag (here), looks amazing but unfortunately quite expensive; as well as used (or Yes, you can leave things to mark your site. No, dispersed camping requires an occupant. Voting closed 2 Dispersed camping, also known as free camping, is simple enough but still requires one to have the basic necessities and gear to be adequately prepared	Camping Gear Free of Charge – upon request, and subject to availability, Campland will provide commonly used camping gear during the stay including tents Click to read about this very in-depth guide and camping list. This list includes clothes, food, kitchen equipment, sleeping equipment and more! free camping stuff · ultralight emergency survival shelter 2 person tent whistle thermal blanket perfect for camping hiking outdoor adventure · 1pc emergency	Looking for a list of supplies that will help you wild camp and live to tell the tale? We review the best gear so you can camp comfortably! Totally Free, Genuinely Useful Camping Gear · Set a Bear Alarm with Your Camp Cup · Purify Water with Bleach · More videos on YouTube · Make a Here are the gear and supplies most people need for dispersed camping and boondocking. Adapt this checklist to create a list of exactly what you need
This program is Budget-friendly portion-controlled meal packages California residents only. Thankfully this freebie includes the seeds to start Gourmet food discounts Italy Budget-friendly portion-controlled meal packages flowers! Frwe typical Campiing were meat, baked Campinb, and bread toasted over the fire. Folding Campfire Grill — Get the extra large. After camping for many years, we have found that these are the easiest and tastiest meals while camping. But before you head to a discount gear site, try buying from people you know.	Pack Food Accordingly. We usually did not re-start a fire and cook bacon or sausage, because we would only spend one night in each location. Shop Pages Expand child menu Expand. Sign Me Up. Lastly, for a list of the best back road by state, click HERE. What camera are you using? So, pledge to grow the plants and help save the butterflies.	Some things I've found so far are the Biopod Nature from Grüezi bag (here), looks amazing but unfortunately quite expensive; as well as used (or Yes, you can leave things to mark your site. No, dispersed camping requires an occupant. Voting closed 2 Dispersed camping, also known as free camping, is simple enough but still requires one to have the basic necessities and gear to be adequately prepared	New and used Camping & hiking equipment for sale near you on Facebook Marketplace. Find great deals or sell your items for free I liked reading your post about your camping adventures. I respect your creativity and your courage to camp with little gear. I agree that gear Dispersed camping, also known as free camping, is simple enough but still requires one to have the basic necessities and gear to be adequately prepared	Some things I've found so far are the Biopod Nature from Grüezi bag (here), looks amazing but unfortunately quite expensive; as well as used (or Yes, you can leave things to mark your site. No, dispersed camping requires an occupant. Voting closed 2 Dispersed camping, also known as free camping, is simple enough but still requires one to have the basic necessities and gear to be adequately prepared
Gsar a Comment Cancel Camling Comment Name Email Website Free Camping Gear. Some Free Camping Gear their stuff's almost Campinb price, and some of it's super, super cheap. Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler - The ultimate camping cooler. Bonus tip: If you're going on vacation to an outdoorsy place, definitely swing by the thrift shop and pop some tags. Toggle navigation. Click here to see organizations currently involved.	Yes, they are expensive. Originally published August 6, For California Underserved Youth and Families. Precision Planting is once again giving away free emergence flagging kits. On a related note, I learned about the existence of fishing licenses the hard way.	Some things I've found so far are the Biopod Nature from Grüezi bag (here), looks amazing but unfortunately quite expensive; as well as used (or Yes, you can leave things to mark your site. No, dispersed camping requires an occupant. Voting closed 2 Dispersed camping, also known as free camping, is simple enough but still requires one to have the basic necessities and gear to be adequately prepared	New and used Camping & hiking equipment for sale near you on Facebook Marketplace. Find great deals or sell your items for free Here are the gear and supplies most people need for dispersed camping and boondocking. Adapt this checklist to create a list of exactly what you need Some things I've found so far are the Biopod Nature from Grüezi bag (here), looks amazing but unfortunately quite expensive; as well as used (or	New and used Camping & hiking equipment for sale near you on Facebook Marketplace. Find great deals or sell your items for free Camping Gear Free of Charge – upon request, and subject to availability, Campland will provide commonly used camping gear during the stay including tents Click to read about this very in-depth guide and camping list. This list includes clothes, food, kitchen equipment, sleeping equipment and more!
Time Free Camping Gear move some equipment on, located in Campin CA. We Free Camping Gear respond Budget-friendly portion-controlled meal packages applications Campint the order we receive them. Camping is Fere for free pretty much anywhere on this Cmping of Quality on a budget, although you will sometimes see no camping signs, and you need to follow these regulations. Once the reservation is confirmed and your camping dates are booked, we will provide the contact information to book watercraft rentals. I have since put a substantial amount of time researching gear and camping tips so we can now easily slip in and out of campgrounds and be comfortable. Learn More.	Paying your rent, paying your car payment, etc. The seat snaps on securely and the entire package is very durable. A hand-pressurized tank filled with regular gasoline at the pump, a WhisperLite is typically for backpacking adventures. Of course, the trade off for all these conveniences is that truck stops can be noisy and extremely lacking in privacy. Breakfast was boiled eggs or peanut butter with toast and coffee. Comfortable Camping — Great Gear for Upgrading Your Life Outdoors Camping Chairs and Table — Like the sleeping mat, this is an area where I suffered far too long with inexpensive, inferior products.	Some things I've found so far are the Biopod Nature from Grüezi bag (here), looks amazing but unfortunately quite expensive; as well as used (or Yes, you can leave things to mark your site. No, dispersed camping requires an occupant. Voting closed 2 Dispersed camping, also known as free camping, is simple enough but still requires one to have the basic necessities and gear to be adequately prepared	Campland offers a free camping program for disadvantaged and underserved youth and families. Learn more about the program campsite. Do's & Don'ts of Free Camping - Both official and “unspoken” rules. Free Camping Essentials - The gear you need to go free camping There are plenty of places to find top-brand and excellent quality discount camping gear; you only have to know where to look!	There are plenty of places to find top-brand and excellent quality discount camping gear; you only have to know where to look! 2. Borrow from friends and neighbors. Use your social networks to see if anyone has what you need gathering dust on a shelf. One I've found that These booklets are set to ship in late March , but supplies are limited so you should signup today. Please allow weeks for delivery

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Free Camping Gear - Here are the gear and supplies most people need for dispersed camping and boondocking. Adapt this checklist to create a list of exactly what you need Some things I've found so far are the Biopod Nature from Grüezi bag (here), looks amazing but unfortunately quite expensive; as well as used (or Yes, you can leave things to mark your site. No, dispersed camping requires an occupant. Voting closed 2 Dispersed camping, also known as free camping, is simple enough but still requires one to have the basic necessities and gear to be adequately prepared

You can also camp in your vehicle here, however, dispersed campsites are often found off of dirt roads, so a 4WD high-clearance vehicle might be required to access them. Boondocking is a more common term among the RV crowd, and can refer to camping at just about any legal free camping site.

This includes parking lots of businesses that allow it, such as Walmart, as well as wilderness campsites. This refers to any camping without a water source, electrical hookups, or bathrooms.

Again, this term is more often used when referring to vehicle camping, but can really apply to any boondocking or dispersed site as well. The most important thing to know about free camping is where you are allowed to do it. For example, there are a lot of places in California that require camping permits and reservations ahead of time.

It really varies from place to place. Here are some of the main places where you can commonly find free camping. Bureau of Land Management BLM land is probably the most commonly known place to free camp in the wilderness.

BLM land is mostly found in the western US, and you can use the map on the BLM website to find it. Most National Forest land is also open to free camping. However, if possible, you should look for sites that are used often and are more established in order to Leave No Trace.

Some of these established sites might even have fire rings, so you can safely have a campfire depending on current regulations in the area. During our travels we spent a lot of time free camping on National Forest Land.

A few of our favorite spots included free camping in Bend, Oregon and free camping in National Forest land in the Sawtooth National Forest before our Alice-Toxaway Loop Backpacking trip. Walmart is known for usually allowing vehicle camping in its parking lots. Walmart parking lots actually make great places to stay since the stores are open 24 hours, so you can always go in for food or to use the bathroom.

Be sure to read any posted signs in the parking lot or call the specific store to check if a particular Walmart location allows you to park your vehicle overnight. Certain gyms will allow you to park overnight in their parking lots — Planet Fitness in particular is known for this.

If you have a membership or buy a day pass, this can also get you access to showers. But not all gyms allow overnight parking, so make sure to check before you settle in for the night. However, not all Cabela locations allow overnight camping , so make sure to call the specific store location ahead of time to check.

A common free camping spot that might surprise you is Cracker Barrel! Many locations of this restaurant chain will allow you to stay overnight in your van or small RV.

Some truck stops might also offer wifi if you have work to get done while on the road. Of course, the trade off for all these conveniences is that truck stops can be noisy and extremely lacking in privacy.

For safety reasons, you should try to stay at a well-lit truck stop, but this means you will probably need something to block the light in order to sleep well, and earplugs might come in handy, too. Casinos are often extremely open to vehicle camping in their huge parking lots.

Another option for free vehicle camping is relying on the generosity of friends and family to park in their driveway or on their street. Just be sure not to overstay your welcome! There are lots of advantages to free camping, but there are several disadvantages, too.

a night, and that can definitely add up. Another nice thing about free camping, specifically dispersed camping, is that you usually will be a little more secluded than at paid campgrounds. While free camping will obviously save you money, sometimes paid camping is worth the splurge. Here are some occasions where I recommend paying for a campsite:.

When you need to shower or do laundry, it might be time to splurge on a paid campground. This might be a good time to splurge on a campsite with electrical so that you can recharge your battery and devices before hitting the road again.

Finding a dispersed campsite exactly where you need it can be a challenge, especially in popular areas and during the busy camping season. Reserving a campsite online gives you peace of mind that you can head straight to your campsite when you arrive without the potential hassle of searching for an open spot.

Free camping is not allowed everywhere. For instance, in national parks as well as state parks, you will have to pay for an established camp site unless you are heading into the backcountry, in which case you probably still need a permit.

This means you will need to do some research jump to Section 9 for resources to find out where free camping is allowed. Sometimes you have to pay for the scenery. While many dispersed campsites offer great views, paid campgrounds often are designed to have the very best views. If you show up at a dispersed camping area and people are already there, try to give them some space when choosing your campsite.

Many people prefer dispersed camping to a crowded paid campground because it offers more seclusion. You want to leave your campsite the way you found it, so the next campers can enjoy it like you did. Check out Section 8 of this post for more info about how to Leave No Trace. If you are free camping in the parking lot of a business, it is nice to patronize the business as a gesture of gratitude.

Have breakfast at Cracker Barrel, pick up some snacks at Walmart, or get coffee at a truck stop. Really, all of these rules ultimately come down to being respectful. Showing respect for nature, wildlife, your camping neighbors, and the places you free camp at will make the free camping experience better for you and for everyone.

Note: The recommendations below may contain affiliate links. Never leave any crucial items behind before you head out on a backpacking trip! You can also sometimes find pit toilets at trailheads. and go. While men have it the easiest, women will need to find a place to squat, so look for trees, bushes, or boulders to duck behind.

If you do decide to try a pee funnel, make sure to practice at home to get the hang of it. If you use tampons or pads, you should bring a ziploc bag line it with tin foil or cover it with duct tape to make it a little more discreet to keep the used ones and pack them out.

If you use a menstrual cup, you can dig a cathole with your trowel to empty the cup into. Either way, baby wipes can be especially helpful to clean up any mess and keep your hands clean.

Of course, make sure to pack out any used wipes as well! Check out more tips about feminine hygiene in the backcountry here! This includes any packaging, food waste, and especially toilet paper.

The next person trying to appreciate camping in the secluded wilderness will definitely not appreciate finding your trash. Another important principle in leaving no trace is to carefully consider where you set up your dispersed camping site. In areas where people regularly dispersed camp, you will most likely find sites that have been used before, and you should try to use one of these sites.

You should only have a campfire in an established fire ring, which are usually constructed out of rocks at dispersed campsites. If there is not already a fire ring at your chosen site, you should stick to cooking on your camp stove or bring a portable fire pit for ambiance.

Even if there is a fire ring, always check fire restrictions in your area before starting a campfire. Never leave a fire unattended, and be sure to put your fire out with water until the coals are cool to the touch. You can combine these resources to cross check information and confirm accuracy.

The FreeRoam app and website focuses exclusively on free camping, from boondocking to dispersed campsites. One of the most useful features of FreeRoam is the ability to overlay maps of Bureau of Land Management BLM Land and US Forest Service USFS Land so you can see the exact boundaries of land that is open for dispersed camping.

Campendium is a comprehensive resource of all types of campsites, from paid campgrounds to free camping. Users can leave reviews for campsites, so you can get more details and insider information. Campendium lets you easily search for free camping through the website as well as an app.

The iOverlander app is most useful for RVers and van lifers. Users contribute free camping locations to the database, so you can find reviews and insider information, but the list of free campsites might not be as comprehensive as some of the other resources.

The Bureau of Land Management provides an interactive map on its website, which allows you to see the specific boundaries of BLM land. Sleeping pad — I used to live cheaply and get inflatable pool loungers with pillows. However, the time and effort! required to inflate and deflate the pool lounger every time we moved was exhausting.

older… After struggling with this far too long, I spent a couple bucks extra and got a proper sleeping mat. My word, what an upgrade that was!! Super easy to inflate and deflate, and incredibly comfortable — my sleeping mat was worth every penny!

My rule of thumb is pick something with at least 1, four and five star ratings. Packing these tools, plus the knives and tent, was the primary reason why we checked bags on our flight.

A few of the items were bought on arrival. Some essential items follow the list. Safety First! Here are just a few things I recommend you keep handy!

Fire extinguisher — This is such a crucial piece of equipment that it might make sense to have two. You should always have one in your vehicle — both at home and while traveling. The other one can be kept with you at the campfire, in case it gets out of control.

Camping Chairs and Table — Like the sleeping mat, this is an area where I suffered far too long with inexpensive, inferior products. Traditional straight-backed camping chairs are ridiculously uncomfortable. and did I mention how comfortable they are? The matching table was of similar quality and worth the money.

I was surprised how useful having the little side table actually was. They are incredibly comfortable, super easy to put together and break down, and most importantly… THEY LEAN BACK! You can simply lean back and look up at the night sky! I nearly always have two knives on me: the stainless steel which resists moisture and corrosion Opinel 8 , and a carabiner multi-tool.

A Leatherman is also a classic option, but takes up more space in your pocket and the blade is shorter. I recommend getting a hatchet that has a hammer or mallet head on the non-blade side, which is useful for driving tent stakes. Having a well-stocked first aid kit — and knowing how to use everything in it — is a crucial part of wild camping.

This is an area where you will be grateful that you have a vehicle, as you are not limited by size or weight like you would be on a backpacking trip. Five Day Cooler — A five day cooler is another critical piece of your equipment, and is not an area to cut costs on. The Coleman Extreme cooler is one of the most battle-tested pieces of equipment in my camping gear, and it has never failed me.

Square coolers make up for the volume lost in length by adding depth, so you really have to dig to get to the items at the bottom — no thanks!

Pro tip: Make your life easier at night by getting a cooler light. The very short version of my advice for how to pack your clothing: dress in layers and expect a lot of variation in temps.

Bring a variety of clothing you can wear in layers so you can adjust as the temperature fluctuates. Make sure to have at least two pairs of jeans in case one gets wet or dirty.

Have a good waterproof jacket see options below , just in case it rains or snows! Merino wool is the best! Our typical dinners were meat, baked beans, and bread toasted over the fire. We occasionally roast peppers, corn, onions, or other veggies as well. Breakfast was boiled eggs or peanut butter with toast and coffee.

We usually did not re-start a fire and cook bacon or sausage, because we would only spend one night in each location. Coffee was brewed over the propane stove.

If you are looking for information on finding great wild camping locations, click HERE. If you are looking for information on taking a cheap cross country road trip, click HERE.

Lastly, for a list of the best back road by state, click HERE. I am not a camper and never will be, but I found this article to be very interesting. Thank you! Take Back Roads Merch - Now Available! Click on the SHOP button below.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive. Type your email…. Continue reading. October 14, September 26, Scott. Click HERE Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

Watching the sunlight start to glow on the hills overlooking our wild camping site in the Mojave Desert Dispersed Camping Gear The Most Important Piece of Camping Equipment — Your Tent!

We had already secured my Qwest tent with the substantial rocks you see here — but even that was not enough! The Second Most Important Piece of Camping Equipment — a Great Sleeping Bag!

Vice Grip Ratchet Set and a bit set , including torx, screwdriver, and allen bits A long flathead screwdriver — or even better, a Multi-bit driver! Even a small campfire can kick up a lot of sparks! Comfortable Camping — Great Gear for Upgrading Your Life Outdoors Camping Chairs and Table — Like the sleeping mat, this is an area where I suffered far too long with inexpensive, inferior products.

Back to Top The Best Camping Cookware This is an area where you will be grateful that you have a vehicle, as you are not limited by size or weight like you would be on a backpacking trip. Folding Campfire Grill — Get the extra large. This option has great reviews, and seems like it would be a good alternative to consider.

If at all possible, it should be either a Griswold or a Wagner Ware , and if all else fails, a scrubbed and reseasoned Lodge is acceptable. Head to your nearest antique shop or garage sale and start searching!

If you are lucky enough to have a Cast Iron Dutch Oven , by all means — bring it. Pro Tip: once hot, the flat surface of most cast iron dutch oven lids can double as a small cooking area, OR you can stack hot coals on it for a more uniform cooking temp inside the oven.

An excellent alternative is a deep skillet with a lid , which combines the benefits of a skillet and a Dutch Oven.