Good Low cost Camping Map Books for The West?

[covered_wagon]

I would like to avoid electronic books and love actual paper books and maps if anyone knows a good resource for low cost camping spots along western routes. I like out of the way routes and stay off the common routes. Even spending extra 2 days getting somewhere is not a problem.

Thank you ever so much.

[Ivylog]

And I thought I was stubborn having resisted getting a smart phone. Using it right now and the amount of info at your fingertips is unbelievable.

[agesilaus]

dcason wrote:
We use Benchmark atlases and google maps...works great.

I have Benchmark maps and they are good but do not show campgrounds other than parks. The OP does not want to use electronics. So the GS book if it is still published is his only option.

Unfortunately the OP is just out of sync with the modern world. But good luck to him.

[dcason]

We use Benchmark atlases and google maps...works great.

[covered_wagon]

Tvov wrote:

Janss wrote:
Years ago, theee book to have was Don Wright's Guide to Free Camping (actually free and low cost). I think that's right up your alley. Of course, because it's years old, some of the info may not be accurate.

He used to publish Western and Eastern U.S. editions. Then it was combined into one very large book. So here's a few links that I quickly found, but search the web yourself if you want to.
Western Edition
Full edition

Edit: Actually, here is the Wright website:
The Wright Guide

Cool thank you. My ideal camping guide takes you thru back roads that help to avoid the beaten path. I don't need free camping specifically, I just like those places that aren't parking lots with a a lot more natural surroundings.

Interesting books!

The website seems to indicate that it has an updated 2022 guide?

[Tvov]

Janss wrote:
Years ago, theee book to have was Don Wright's Guide to Free Camping (actually free and low cost). I think that's right up your alley. Of course, because it's years old, some of the info may not be accurate.

He used to publish Western and Eastern U.S. editions. Then it was combined into one very large book. So here's a few links that I quickly found, but search the web yourself if you want to.
Western Edition
Full edition

Edit: Actually, here is the Wright website:
The Wright Guide

Interesting books!

The website seems to indicate that it has an updated 2022 guide?

[Janss]

Years ago, theee book to have was Don Wright's Guide to Free Camping (actually free and low cost). I think that's right up your alley. Of course, because it's years old, some of the info may not be accurate.

He used to publish Western and Eastern U.S. editions. Then it was combined into one very large book. So here's a few links that I quickly found, but search the web yourself if you want to.
Western Edition
Full edition

Edit: Actually, here is the Wright website:
The Wright Guide

[valhalla360]

Slim pickings and it's only going to get worse as time goes on. Particularly if you are looking for free/cheap, those places tend to get shut down.

Also online sources tend to update frequently, so you don't wind up at a campsite that is no longer available.

Best bet would be to stop in the local tourist/chamber of commerce office and ask.

[covered_wagon]

Thank you everyone. I will figure it out. I want to get away from the electronic life when I hit the road and escape. Something about the paper and turning the pages and a magnifying glass. Perking the coffee and cooking from scratch. Campgrounds so quiet, no worries about how far you get each day.

[agesilaus]

PhilipB wrote:
Good Sam Campground directory is like a phone book for rv parks, state parks, etc. for the entire country. I also carry a regular atlas. It has quite a few of the various attractions marked in red.

Many states still print vacation guides you can request online.

I entirely forgot the GS book, we used to get one every year. Helpful but a pain to use and only covers commercial campgrounds. A look at it tells you why there aren't any competitors, it must be close to 3 inches thick.

And I just thought of something, RV Trip Wizard is all on your computer, no internet needed and has thousands of camps not all commercial. Everything on Campground Reviews is in there. A great planning guide too.

[PhilipB]

Good Sam Campground directory is like a phone book for rv parks, state parks, etc. for the entire country. I also carry a regular atlas. It has quite a few of the various attractions marked in red.

Many states still print vacation guides you can request online.

[Lwiddis]

I agree that finding paper books and maps is difficult to impossible. Thankfully I've kept most of the oldies I assembled beginning in 1978.

[agesilaus]

There are just too many spots to put in a book, none that I know of. There are state by state atlas books available but they aren't that good for picking out sites and cost around $15-20 each
Online is the only practical way.
Last thought once a good site is published, online or in a book it will be ruined by the flood of people.