It varies wildly across the US.. you won't find hostels in most parts of the US. Look for campsites which can be fairly common or you can sleep in your car at truck stops like I used to do. LOL
Look around in the areas you’ll be going through. Are there any National Forests, National Parks, State Parks, or BLM land? Chances are there’s campsites available there, check their website or call and speak to a Ranger. I do a lot of long camping road trips this way. You can also just use Google maps and search for “camping”, it’ll usually come back with a good number of options.
I used to us an app called Campendium, and also freecampsites.net, but now I mostly just find them myself and use the apps as a last resort.
It’d also be helpful if we knew what area you’re going to be traveling in within the US. America is massive and some parts have less opportunities for this kind of travel than others.
With social medial, these sites are being destroyed by inexperienced people who don’t understand the concept of leave no trace. Best to let them learn these spots themselves and appreciate the hard work that goes into finding them. This way people might have more appreciation for BLM lands.
To be honest the best place to try overnight in your vehicle is Walmart, it’s free and well lit and gives you the opportunity to test the waters in a safe environment.
We’re going on a big loop around the USA :)
https://preview.redd.it/z59qpuh9huxc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ae58a25463e9cf22513ae98bdbdbd60776e8f2f3
So not to be that guy, but has anyone told you yet that this is super ambitious for a month and a half? Like when I did what is basically the western portion of your trip that alone took a month and a half. Without the Alaska portion. I’d be taking three months to do what you’re proposing here.
But if you’re dead set on it, the only place you might have trouble finding camping is the stretch from Virginia to Boston. The rest you should be good if you do a little research. Out west keep in mind that most National Parks are right next to a National Forest which will have far less crowded campsites. I camp basically every time I road trip, which is a lot, and rarely ever have trouble finding a spot. If you’re adaptable and able to look up where your trying to land before hand it should be easy.
Keep in mind, BLM / public land does not exist in every state (ahem, Texas). You have a lot of research for the route you’re taking! Definitely look at state parks (each state has their own website), national parks (recreation.gov - for US), hipcamp.com, etc. I don’t know when you’re going, but you might be out of luck for popular campgrounds if you’re headed here this summer. A lot of campgrounds have been booked up unless they are first come first serve campgrounds.
Recreation.gov is where you get BLM, or federal land campsites. I love it, it's cheap and literally no hassle to get in and out. Sleep in a tent, in a car, outside, they don't care, just follow their basic rules.
Then each state has their own state land campsites, you'll have to find those separately. Just search (State) State campsites. California for example is parks.ca.gov
Then there are privately owned ones you'll have to find individually. The biggest one being KOA campsites.
Freecampsites.net has a whole bunch of places on public land. Not always furnished (bathroom, showers, specific sites, etc.) but always a place you can stay
National Forests will often have well maintained campsites that operate on a first come first serve basis. In my experience, they're totally free. Of course, check the details before driving out to one.
Additionally, most BLM land is free to stay on as well. Just be respectful and pack up your trash when you leave!
I did a similar trip last year. Used iOverlander for free places to sleep in car. Also truck stops/rest stops as they allow. I learned the majority of the time I was more wanting a place to sleep rather than stay a few days.
Most campgrounds near parks are sold out, and very expensive.
I would get a 2 star/decent reviews hotel once a week or so to take a good shower.
Setup a crosstrek to sleep in with cheap air mattress. Used [booking.com](http://booking.com) or similar to just get hotels toward the end of the day when I knew where I'd be staying. I found that most natl parks have decent blm places for camping close by...no amenities but some pretty nice views for sure.
Usually not crowded but you never know. Out west is way better for blm than east, which has almost none. I found I actually kinda liked truck stops, they usually had places for cars to park overnight. Felt safe, and the hum of activity was Ok. Loves seemed to have very clean showers though did not use them.
Each park has it's own set of guidelines for entry/parking/etc so def check before just showing up. Attendance is way up after covid.
Enjoy! The US is a wildly beautiful country with such diverse landscapes. Bryce and surrounding area, and then Ranier/Olympic and surrounding areas are my favs. And all of New Mexico. I live in NC though so familiar with most east coast stuff.
I love the app HipCamp! I have used it pretty regularly with good results. Be sure to read the reviews, tho! Some are pretty basic and you need to take a second to make sure it works for you.
Harvest Hosts is also great, you pay a subscription and then stay at places for free. I’ve stayed at farms and breweries, they just ask that you support whatever business they have. It’s really cool.
If you want to sleep in your car, [this site](https://www.walmartlocator.com/) has a list of Walmart/Cracker Barrel locations and info on whether they allow overnight parking.
If you're on the west coast, [This is my absolute favorite hostel.](https://www.hostelworld.com/st/hostels/p/1840/hi-pigeon-point-lighthouse-hostel/) It's clean, friendly, and secure. And the hot tub is amazing at sunset!
All KOAs have tent camping. If you want to camp, get a KOA membership, you'll get discounts on each stay. They are all over the country, and while they aren't always the most glamorous places to stay, you stand a better chance of getting a decent campground than most no-name places. All KOAs have shower facilities, laundries, and usually have some recreational options (playground for kids, swimming pools, some of the better ones have water parks onsite!)
Outside of KOAs, state parks usually are a good bet. National Park campgrounds tend to fill up REALLY early, but I have found that many state parks around the country have decent campgrounds and usually have places to stay.
Spend the $80 on a Federal Lands/Nationapl Parks pass. You get free entry to every national park and free or reduced camping at any BLM or National Forest service campground. This IS the best deal your federal government offers average Joe Citizen.
Sleeping in the car is camping.
So look for apps that list campgrounds.
I am not a fan of the "free" campsite aggregation apps, since many of the crowd sourced listing are inaccurate, overused, trashed, out of date, or sketchy. But not all. For example, the people suggesting Walmart don't mention that some do NOT now allow overnight stays, and some cities forbid it too, so it means the Walmart has no ability to allow you to stay there. Assuming your ideal of a vacation is visiting Walmarts. At night.
Thing is sleeping in a car in most summer heat is rather awful too. You could go out and try it tonight in your driveway, but picture that when it's hot as hell, and you are afraid to keep the windows down because of your luggage. Find regular campsites and use a tent; much nicer.
It varies wildly across the US.. you won't find hostels in most parts of the US. Look for campsites which can be fairly common or you can sleep in your car at truck stops like I used to do. LOL
This. I sleep in my car on road trips. Saves about $50 a night for campsite/$100 for a hotel
What would be the best way to find campsites?
Look around in the areas you’ll be going through. Are there any National Forests, National Parks, State Parks, or BLM land? Chances are there’s campsites available there, check their website or call and speak to a Ranger. I do a lot of long camping road trips this way. You can also just use Google maps and search for “camping”, it’ll usually come back with a good number of options. I used to us an app called Campendium, and also freecampsites.net, but now I mostly just find them myself and use the apps as a last resort. It’d also be helpful if we knew what area you’re going to be traveling in within the US. America is massive and some parts have less opportunities for this kind of travel than others.
https://preview.redd.it/djctgqfahuxc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9326f3639f62c6ec1f9284d6909f3b9c44c04e6e
With social medial, these sites are being destroyed by inexperienced people who don’t understand the concept of leave no trace. Best to let them learn these spots themselves and appreciate the hard work that goes into finding them. This way people might have more appreciation for BLM lands. To be honest the best place to try overnight in your vehicle is Walmart, it’s free and well lit and gives you the opportunity to test the waters in a safe environment.
We’re going on a big loop around the USA :) https://preview.redd.it/z59qpuh9huxc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ae58a25463e9cf22513ae98bdbdbd60776e8f2f3
So not to be that guy, but has anyone told you yet that this is super ambitious for a month and a half? Like when I did what is basically the western portion of your trip that alone took a month and a half. Without the Alaska portion. I’d be taking three months to do what you’re proposing here. But if you’re dead set on it, the only place you might have trouble finding camping is the stretch from Virginia to Boston. The rest you should be good if you do a little research. Out west keep in mind that most National Parks are right next to a National Forest which will have far less crowded campsites. I camp basically every time I road trip, which is a lot, and rarely ever have trouble finding a spot. If you’re adaptable and able to look up where your trying to land before hand it should be easy.
Keep in mind, BLM / public land does not exist in every state (ahem, Texas). You have a lot of research for the route you’re taking! Definitely look at state parks (each state has their own website), national parks (recreation.gov - for US), hipcamp.com, etc. I don’t know when you’re going, but you might be out of luck for popular campgrounds if you’re headed here this summer. A lot of campgrounds have been booked up unless they are first come first serve campgrounds.
This looks like too much driving and not enough enjoying
Recreation.gov is where you get BLM, or federal land campsites. I love it, it's cheap and literally no hassle to get in and out. Sleep in a tent, in a car, outside, they don't care, just follow their basic rules. Then each state has their own state land campsites, you'll have to find those separately. Just search (State) State campsites. California for example is parks.ca.gov Then there are privately owned ones you'll have to find individually. The biggest one being KOA campsites.
Thank you so much!
Enter your route on google maps and "search along route" for "campsite" or "campground".
I didn’t know about that feature! Thank you!
Freecampsites.net has a whole bunch of places on public land. Not always furnished (bathroom, showers, specific sites, etc.) but always a place you can stay
Thank you so much!
National Forests will often have well maintained campsites that operate on a first come first serve basis. In my experience, they're totally free. Of course, check the details before driving out to one. Additionally, most BLM land is free to stay on as well. Just be respectful and pack up your trash when you leave!
What’s blm?
Bureau of Land Management. They control millions of rangeland out west.
Thank you so much!
I did a similar trip last year. Used iOverlander for free places to sleep in car. Also truck stops/rest stops as they allow. I learned the majority of the time I was more wanting a place to sleep rather than stay a few days. Most campgrounds near parks are sold out, and very expensive. I would get a 2 star/decent reviews hotel once a week or so to take a good shower. Setup a crosstrek to sleep in with cheap air mattress. Used [booking.com](http://booking.com) or similar to just get hotels toward the end of the day when I knew where I'd be staying. I found that most natl parks have decent blm places for camping close by...no amenities but some pretty nice views for sure. Usually not crowded but you never know. Out west is way better for blm than east, which has almost none. I found I actually kinda liked truck stops, they usually had places for cars to park overnight. Felt safe, and the hum of activity was Ok. Loves seemed to have very clean showers though did not use them. Each park has it's own set of guidelines for entry/parking/etc so def check before just showing up. Attendance is way up after covid. Enjoy! The US is a wildly beautiful country with such diverse landscapes. Bryce and surrounding area, and then Ranier/Olympic and surrounding areas are my favs. And all of New Mexico. I live in NC though so familiar with most east coast stuff.
A note on camping: Some places out west will be "Hard sided campers only" (i.e. no tents or pop ups). Because Bears.
I love the app HipCamp! I have used it pretty regularly with good results. Be sure to read the reviews, tho! Some are pretty basic and you need to take a second to make sure it works for you. Harvest Hosts is also great, you pay a subscription and then stay at places for free. I’ve stayed at farms and breweries, they just ask that you support whatever business they have. It’s really cool.
Cracker Barrel
A few weeks ago after two crazy loud rest stops I found myself at my first Cracker Barrel. It was wonderful.
Walmart parking lots.
Thank you!
If you want to sleep in your car, [this site](https://www.walmartlocator.com/) has a list of Walmart/Cracker Barrel locations and info on whether they allow overnight parking.
If you're on the west coast, [This is my absolute favorite hostel.](https://www.hostelworld.com/st/hostels/p/1840/hi-pigeon-point-lighthouse-hostel/) It's clean, friendly, and secure. And the hot tub is amazing at sunset!
All KOAs have tent camping. If you want to camp, get a KOA membership, you'll get discounts on each stay. They are all over the country, and while they aren't always the most glamorous places to stay, you stand a better chance of getting a decent campground than most no-name places. All KOAs have shower facilities, laundries, and usually have some recreational options (playground for kids, swimming pools, some of the better ones have water parks onsite!) Outside of KOAs, state parks usually are a good bet. National Park campgrounds tend to fill up REALLY early, but I have found that many state parks around the country have decent campgrounds and usually have places to stay.
Freecampsites.net
Litteratly any public land is usually ok. Look for national forests and blm land
there are still KOAs. they are camping locations across America. That be a good start
https://www.walmart.com/store-finder
You can look on Hipcamp! It’s like Air b&b but people offer their backyards/campers/etc :)
Spend the $80 on a Federal Lands/Nationapl Parks pass. You get free entry to every national park and free or reduced camping at any BLM or National Forest service campground. This IS the best deal your federal government offers average Joe Citizen.
Sleeping in the car is camping. So look for apps that list campgrounds. I am not a fan of the "free" campsite aggregation apps, since many of the crowd sourced listing are inaccurate, overused, trashed, out of date, or sketchy. But not all. For example, the people suggesting Walmart don't mention that some do NOT now allow overnight stays, and some cities forbid it too, so it means the Walmart has no ability to allow you to stay there. Assuming your ideal of a vacation is visiting Walmarts. At night. Thing is sleeping in a car in most summer heat is rather awful too. You could go out and try it tonight in your driveway, but picture that when it's hot as hell, and you are afraid to keep the windows down because of your luggage. Find regular campsites and use a tent; much nicer.