CHEAP places to Camp overnight
Where can you camp in a proper campground, for
LESS THAN $10 PER NIGHT?I hope to build this into a practical guide of camping options that are cheaper than the State Parks, primarily for the benefit of travelers who are equipped to do basic camping or car-sleeping.While most of these camping options would be suitable for a longer camp-out, the list is primarily designed for travelers who just needa good night's sleep before moving on in the morning.If you can offer any ideas, please E-Mail Me and I'll include the information you provide.See also my list of FREE CAMPING locations, which lack the imprimatur of an authorized campground, but may suit your needs.A state-by-state list follows the general overview.
... GENERALNational Forests There are National Forests in almost every state, and most of them have several designated campgrounds in them. The cost for camping is usually $8, but some are cheaper and some are free. Payment is usually on the self-registration honor system. Golden Eagle and Golden Access apply, for 50% discounts. Facilities usually consist of a picnic-table and fire-ring at each campsite, and chemical toilets. Generally, a water pump, too. National Forest campgrounds are shown and named in the Rand McNally Road Atlas, with a green tent-shaped symbol, and are usually signposted from a major highway. Army Corps of Engineers Almost all fairly large artificial lakes in the USA are administered by the Army Corps of Engineers, who maintain the boat-launch sites on the lakes, as well as designated campgrounds at some of them. The Corps was originally obliged to provide a reasonable amount of free camping at each of its sites, but the law has now been relaxed, and camping at Corps sites is now pricey. However, the boat-dock parking areas can still be used for overnight parking, free. No facilities will be present. Just search your road-map for an artificial lake, and go there and look for the Corps logo sign, with the fortress motif. Note that the shores of many artificial lakes are also surrounded with private and state/county campgrounds, which will be no different from such facilities elsewhere. County Parks Many counties in the USA maintain at least one County Park, and there is often a campground within the park. The camping rates can be highly variable---you'll just have to check each one out. Make inquiry in any town in the county, about the presence and location of a County Park that has camping. Some are free, many are cheaper than the State Parks, but some are just as pricey. In general, I would say that a majority are under $10.
... STATE BY STATE - MASSACHUSETTS State Forests Massachusetts state forests are a miracle. Most are in the west, but there are others, including the Miles Standish SF, at the approach to Cape Cod. Camping fees in 1999 and 2000 were only $5, with the usual amenities. They can be hard to find, but a toll-free number (1-877-4-CAMP-MA) will get you directions to the closest one. They are lightly used, and always seem to have lots of free space.
- MISSOURI
State Parks Missouri is one of the very few states that does NOT charge a daily entry fee at its State Parks, so you're free to drive in and stay all day. Fees at basic campsites are as low as $8, including all the amenities you'd expect at a State Park.- NEBRASKA
State Recreation Areas Recreation areas are cheaper than State Parks, and have basic camping facilities. At about half of them, Camping fee is $3, plus a daily use fee of $2.50, or $14 annual. These $3 campgrounds are the ones still indicated as "Free" on most current lists of Nebraska parks. - WEST VIRGINIA
Wildlife Management Areas WMA's have rudimentary campgrounds, typically around $5, with self-registration. The areas are shown on the State Highway Map, and are signposted on the adjacent highway. Amenities are variable. - WISCONSIN
A real challenge. Wisconsin has draconian daily-use fees in State Parks and also charges as much as $7 per day to enter State Forests. Most Wisconsin counties also charge a per-day use fee for their county parks. However, it is possible to camp for less than $10 (just barely) in many County Parks, which are indicated on the state highway map.
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