5,083 camping areas available throughout the Forest Service – most for free
(Reston, VA / July 10th, 2023): Today marks the start of the 5th annual National Forest Week, celebrating the 193-million-acre US Forest Service (USFS) and the benefits it provides to the public, including the thousands of developed and dispersed camping opportunities nationwide.
Considering that more than 44 million Americans plan to go RVing this summer, the opportunity to camp for free or at a deeply discounted fee in a National Forest is a popular option, especially with the younger demographic of new RV owners. 84% of first-time buyers in 2022 were Millennials or GenZ, a group that prioritizes affordable vacations built around outdoor adventure.
While many people think of National Parks when it comes to camping, the US Forest Service has more options for those looking to experience our nation’s incredible public lands. When it comes to camping at any of the 154 National Forests nationwide, visitors have two options: campground camping or dispersed camping.
Campground camping is available at one of the thousands of developed USFS campgrounds and ranges from dry camping sites to campsites with water, electric, and sewer hookups. Most accommodate RVs and include a fire ring, picnic table, and a clearly marked parking area. There may also be a nearby restroom, fresh water tank filling stations, and dump stations for waste. The cost for most developed camping areas is minimal, averaging $10-$35 per night depending on the location.
The other option is ‘dispersed’ camping which is dry camping with no hookups, bathhouses, or amenities and is available at no cost. These are off the beaten path sites that are away from the developed camping areas. Visitors should look for some sign of previous campers, such as a flat area of soil, a natural fire ring, a pile of wood, etc.
The USFS makes it easy to find campground camping or dispersed camping options. Visitors can choose their type of camping or other recreational activities and see maps, fees, and any restrictions to ensure campers are prepared for their trip. The number of nights one can camp depends on the location, ranging from 3-30 days.
Twenty-nine percent of first-time buyers in 2022 cited the desire to boondock as a driving reason for their purchase. RV manufacturers have responded to this surge in boondocking interest with more models that include solar panels, off-road packages, larger water tanks, and other options that allow vacationers to camp anywhere, anytime. GoRVing.com has several tools to help visitors find the right RV to buy or rent for any kind of camping lifestyle.
About Go RVing
Go RVing is the one-stop resource for everything RVing, from comprehensive guides on how to get started to inspiring stories that will spark your next great adventure. Built for people just discovering RVing or the RVing expert, Go RVing will help you find your next RV and everything you need along the way.
Go RVing is the one-stop resource for everything RVing, from comprehensive guides on how to get started to inspiring stories that will spark your next great adventure. Built for people just discovering RVing or the RVing expert, Go RVing will help you find your next RV and everything you need along the way.