TOP FREE PLACES TO CAMP AND UNWIND FOR VETERANS


By akirschbaum
A tent set up in free places to camp.

While everyone else is scrambling for their next trip to the nearest beach or to have an island cruise, it is also nice to connect with nature. Plus, there are many free places to camp across the country. If you are a military Veteran who wants to relax and enjoy yourself for free at National Parks, don't miss this opportunity. However, as a responsible camper, you must take good care of the place. Some campsites have limited services or infrastructure, which may not include toilets, fire rings, or trash bins. In other words, you will be responsible for everything following the park's guidelines and fire bans.Suggested read: In the Market for a Military Tent? Buy One of These 5 Options

Can Veterans Camp for Free at National Parks?

In November 2022, the Biden-Harris Administration announced that Armed Forces Veterans and Gold Star families will have free lifetime access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites. This good news for Veterans who will have free places to camp at national parks will begin on Veterans Day, November 11. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack added that the grasslands and forests convey a lot of beautiful scenery for which the service members have sacrificed so much. He continued that though these fallen Soldiers can never be connected to their families, this is still a small way of showing gratitude. National Park Service Director Chuck Sams also said a small token of gratitude goes to Veterans who dedicated their lives to the country's freedom. Plus, the lifetime pass for Veterans to camp for free at national parks is a way to convey their vast gratitude and respect. The lifetime pass covers the driver and passengers at various national wildlife refuges, national parks, and even standard amenity fees at grasslands and national forests. Veterans can present one of the following ID cards to access free places to camp.

  • Department of Defense
  • Veteran Health ID
  • Veteran ID Card
  • Veteran's designation on a state-issued U.S. driver's license

Read next: Get Ready for Summer With These Military Workout Regimens

The Best Free Places to Camp With Family

1. California: Alabama Hills, Lone Pine

This place is also known as the Alabama Hills. It is near the highest peak in the lower 48 and the base of 14,505-foot Mount Whitney. The magnificent place is surrounded by huge rock formations and boulders, which form a private camping ground with a breathtaking view of Mount Whitney. To get there, you must drive to Whitney Portal Road, just a few minutes from Lone Pine, on California's Highway 395. That would be three hours north of Los Angeles along the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada. Dispersed camping is allowed in the area, but it is also trendy, so there might be a lot of campers, too. If you want to have some fun, this is one of the free places to camp. Just remember to check restrictions and requirements, as some parts of the park have been restricted due to overuse.

2. Oregon: Summit Rock, Fremont-Winema National Forest

The area is just a few miles from Crater Lake National Park; you will find Forest Road 960 in Fremont-Winema National Forest. There are designated areas to camp along this road, but trailers or RVs should stick to a few selected sites. If your car is high enough and designed for bumpy rides, you can continue to the dirt road toward Summit Rock. The area offers free places to camp and has a panoramic view from the top. However, you can hike if you want to view the scenery from the top. The place is a popular campsite during the summer; if it's fully packed, you can try the other campgrounds around the surrounding areas.

3. Washington: Quinault Ridge Road, Olympic National Forest

Dispersed camping is not allowed at the National Park, but you can at the National Forest, which is just a few meters away from the entrance. Be sure to check out the roadside spots off Quinault Ridge Road; it should be Forest Road 2258, north of Aberdeen and just off Highway 101. The camping spot is quiet and has a scenic view. Large vehicles can have a challenging turnaround, so be sure to pick the site wisely; you can opt for Forest Road 29, near Forks Town.

4. Alaska: Chena Hot Springs Road

Alaska has one of the largest public camping lands where you can have free places to camp, so picking the best spot is kind of silly. You will have endless options, so choosing a spot might take time. However, there is one that doesn't disappoint. It's outside Fairbanks, and there are three campgrounds on Chena Hot Springs Road. This is an excellent spot to enjoy the northern lights and the hot spring—a combination of great views and relaxation.

5. Hawaii: Papalaua Wayside Park, Maui

It's a different story in Hawaii, as you need a permit and can only camp at designated sites because they want to protect the island and their communities. Conversely, county-run campgrounds or national parklands are accessible and affordable. On the west shore of Maui, county-owned Papalaua Wayside Park offers a good snorkeling spot. Plus, it's right off Honoapiilani Highway, and the camping fee starts from $5 per person; however, be mindful that camping is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. You can get your permit from the Maui Department of Parks and Recreation district permit offices. Suggested read: Everyone Should Have One of These 5 Military Backpacks - Here's Why

6. Nevada: Spencer Hot Springs, Austin

Sometimes, camping in the middle of nowhere is all you need to bond well with the family, especially if there are hot springs that add more fun. The Spencer Hot Spring is 20 miles outside Austin and is nicknamed the Loneliest Highway in America. This is one of the free places to camp along dirt roads just around the hot springs. As a reminder, place your tent at least 300 feet from the water.

7. New Mexico: Cebolla Mesa, Carson National Forest

One of the ideal campsites is just about 25 minutes from Taos. The road in this area is three miles long and very rough, so you must check your car before visiting the area. However, once you reach your destination, it will be all worth it. You'll be greeted with a beautiful view and amenities like tables, toilets, and fire pits. You can also choose from various camping sites. One highlight of this camping site is the hiking trail of the canyon.

8. Arizona: Pumphouse Wash, Coconino National Forest

The Pumphouse Wash is one of this area's most popular camping grounds, on Forest Road 237, just between Flagstaff and Sedona. You will be asked to stay in four designated free places to camp. Those areas are large enough to accommodate RVs or groups. Lastly, there are a few biking and hiking areas that you can visit.

9. Utah: Muley Point, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

It is considered one of the most breathtaking free camping sites. The site overlooks the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which is above the San Juan River Canyon, near the rock formation known as Mexican Hat. Once in the area, you are high above Goosenecks State Park and view Monument Valley. To get there, go via Utah State Route 261 and pull off on the dirt Muley Point Road. Remember to tread carefully and watch out for extreme temperatures during summertime.

10. Texas: Grapevine Hills, Big Bend National Park

One of the go-to free places to camp is within Big Bend National Park. However, if you plan to camp overnight, you will need a $10 backcountry permit. But it is worth it since the five scenic sites offer quiet solace and outstanding views. No amenities are provided at the National Park, and you'll need a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle when visiting. Read next: 8 MilSpouse-Approved Tips to Downsizing & Traveling the U.S. in an RV

11. Colorado: Piney Lake, White River National Forest

It will only take 11 miles to drive from Vail toward Piney Lake, exit via 176 off Interstate 70. However, there is a 45-minute drive on the rough dirt road. Once at the White River National Forest, you will be greeted with a handful of dispersed camping sites; remember that this is on a first-come, first-served basis. During summertime, you can rent cabins near Piney Lake's shores and enjoy the Gore Range's view. Always remember to be a responsible camper and follow all posted signage.

12. Wyoming: Shadow Mountain, Bridger-Teton National Forest

This spot is so popular that it's no longer a secret place; during peak season or summer, it fills up quickly. There are a lot of dispersed camping areas within Bridger-Teton National Forest. But Shadow Mountain and Ditch Creek have a selected roadside camp spot with spectacular views of the Gros Ventre and Teton ranges.

13. Montana: M-K Campground, Custer Gallatin National Forest

M-K is one of the areas with free places to camp; it's just two miles up Main Fork Rock Creek Road and a few miles off Beartooth Highway. The campground at Custer Gallatin National Forest has ten riverfront sites, picnic tables, and toilets. However, there is no trash collection. Finally, if the campground is full, you can opt for the dispersed camping sites just along the road.

14. Nebraska: Sandhills, Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest

Dispersed camping in this area, including the 116,000-acre Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest, is allowed a mix of grassy dunes and prairie. If you’d prefer facilities, you can post at the 23-site Steer Creek Campground, just on the southeast corner of the national forest. Or, opt for a disperse-camp outside of the campground.

15. Kansas: Woodbridge Primitive Park, Lawrence

Thirty minutes outside Topeka, there are some free places to camp! The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers runs the Woodbridge Primitive Park. In the large grassy area of the park, primitive tent camping is allowed. Or, if you want more privacy, you can opt to hike the 4.5-mile trail and choose a campsite with a set of fire pits. The area is about 15 miles off Interstate 70 and is a good spot for overnight.

16. North Dakota: Camels Hump Lake, Medora

Just off Interstate 94, you will find this low-key campsite. There might be a little highway noise from the site, but it is one of the free places to camp. Next to Hump Lake is Theodore Roosevelt National Park, just 15 minutes away. Both sites are managed by the North Dakota Game and Fish and are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for camping. Three of the designated sites come with fire rings and picnic tables.

17. South Dakota: Badlands Overlook, Wall

The campsite, also known as the Nomad View, is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. It is off State Highway 240, within Buffalo Gap National Grassland, three miles north of Pinnacles Entrance to Badlands National Park. Tents or rigs can be set up on the edge of the badlands, and the site is big enough for RVs and trailers. Sometimes, the area can get windy.

18. Wisconsin: Porcupine Lake Wilderness, Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

This area is a quiet corner of Wisconsin’s 1.5-million-acre Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Luckily, there are many free places to camp for dispersed camping. The only catch is that you need to hike to your campsite. It will take around a half-mile walk from the closest parking area, four miles southeast of the town of Drummond. Some of the things you need to remember include setting up your site at least 100 feet away from a trail or bodies of water.

19. Iowa: Eagle Lake State Game Management Area, Britt

Have you ever tried camping in the middle of a cornfield? The Eagle Lake State Area is a local campsite. However, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is allowing dispersed camping for up to 14 days in its selected areas.

20. Indiana: Blackwell Horsecamp, Hoosier National Forest

This is one of the campsites that drivers with trailers and RVs love because it has a big area to turn around. Also, van dwellers and tent campers will find many things to enjoy in the area, including the 36-mile hiking trails. The Tower Ridge Road and Hoosier National Forest campsite are thirty minutes away from the town of Bloomington and a mile off Highway 446.

21. Michigan: Hovey Lake Campground, Hiawatha National Forest

This secluded free place to camp is on the east of 99-acre Hovey Lake and is managed by the Forest Service. It is located outside of Munising, and it is worth remembering that there is no cell phone service in the area, which can be a blessing or a curse. However, it is a lake loaded with wooded campsites, trout, fire rings, picnic tables, and a lot of privacy.

Have Fun at Make Memories at These Free Places to Camp

If you plan on taking your RV or any vehicle, it's best to know the road conditions or rules for free places to camp before you go. Planning ahead of time will make your experience more enjoyable and less stressful. Further, when scoping out places to park or camp, it would be great to check out your camping options. Lastly, remember to enjoy the moment and have fun.Suggested read: Choosing the Best Gun Safe for Veterans


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