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dsmith004's avatar
dsmith004
Explorer
Dec 16, 2018

CrowdSourced Locations

I'm nearing retirement and looking forward to traveling across this beautiful country in a travel trailer. I started creating a spreadsheet of State Parks and Forest Service Lands when it occurred to me that such a list might already exist.

So, here's the $1000 question. DOES a site exist where users can add sites including private sites, friendly farmers who allow you to stay on their pastures for a fee, etcetera?

If one doesn't exist what would you like to see in such a site. There are the obvious details like directions, phone numbers, stores in the area, Cellular coverage per operator, WiFi, and the like.

Regards,
Dale

9 Replies

  • "I use the online publication "Day's End" from Escapees. Join them, then it's another $10/year to receive this list of places to camp that virtually nobody else will know about. If you make enough contributions to this list, the fee is waived."

    Very interesting, never heard of this one before.
  • AllStays Camp & RV app includes just about every type of campground, as well as many other POIs of interest to RVers, and includes filtering that lets you choose what it will find. If you are looking for non commercial campgrounds, my favorite app is the Ultimate Campground Project.
  • dsmith004 wrote:
    DOES a site exist where users can add sites including private sites, friendly farmers who allow you to stay on their pastures for a fee, etcetera?
    I use the online publication "Day's End" from Escapees. Join them, then it's another $10/year to receive this list of places to camp that virtually nobody else will know about. If you make enough contributions to this list, the fee is waived.
  • https://www.recreation.gov/

    is the comprehensive site for US government campgrounds, including reservations.

    But mostly I've agency specific websites for campground information, especially opening/closing dates - individual national parks, forest service districts, state park websites.


    https://www.reserveamerica.com/

    handles reservations for many states, and some private groups.
  • Hi Dale,

    Welcome to the forums.

    One of the best sites is:

    https://freecampsites.net/

    dsmith004 wrote:
    I started creating a spreadsheet of State Parks and Forest Service Lands when it occurred to me that such a list might already exist.

    So, here's the $1000 question. DOES a site exist where users can add sites including private sites, friendly farmers who allow you to stay on their pastures for a fee, etcetera? There are the obvious details like directions, phone numbers, stores in the area, Cellular coverage per operator, WiFi, and the like.

    Regards,
    Dale
  • You can also join Harvest Hosts. Vineyards, farms and museums that allow free overnight parking. The "free" part is subject to where you stay. It's courtesy to buy something from the host. We spend a lot more at a Harvest Host vineyard than we would at a campground :)
  • There is a group that shares sites on private property, they want you to volunteer to do the same on your property but it isn't a requirement. I actually joined and altho we own some acreage it seemed impractical to open it to any one to camp on. Especially considering the popularity of where we live. But I don't recall the name of the group, they send me occasional email but I could not find it searching my email trash not recalling their exact name.

    Ah ha! I spoke too soon and found it with a quick Google search it is this site--Boondockers Welcome
  • Google search, punch in any location followed by "campground" and you'll get just about anything you want to know.

    State Parks? DNR web sites for each state.

    KOA web site, Good Sam web site, and a bunch sites specific for private campground exist for just about any location.

    Then there is the BLM web site for Federal campgrounds and the Army Corp of Engineeers. Not to mention private organizations like Elks, American Legion, and a host of Church organizations that have directories for their unique organization.

    When all else fails, there's always good old Google. Just type type in "WalMart" and your selected city!

    Since I'm from Indiana, here's one for private campgrounds: Click here.