Writer of Pop Culture

With budgets tight, many families have shelved their plans for an away-from-home summer vacation. But if are willing to go without a few luxuries, camping just might be the next best option for your next adventure. The camping app, The Dyrt, has just posted the 10 best places to camp and four of the winning locations offer camping for free! Another one on the list offers sites for just $15 a night. The rankings are based on recent reviews and ratings from The Dyrt’s community of campers.

“I think my favorite part of this year’s Best Places to Camp list is the number of truly amazing free camping locations that are on it,” says Sara Smith, the founder of The Dyrt. “When you’re at The Wall or Saddle Mountain at the Grand Canyon, there’s no doubt that some of the best things in life — and best nature experiences — are free. On the other hand, sometimes you just feel like camping in luxury with an ocean view and s’mores ingredients delivered right to your campsite at a place like Bay Point Landing. To each camper their own.”

The Best in Free Camping

As the saying goes, “you get what you pay for” as the free locations offer very little in the way of amenities, but for seasoned travelers, the views and the locations are hard to pass up. On top of the top-ten list is “The Wall” located in Buffalo Gap National Grasslands in South Dakota.

“This boondocking spot is justifiably popular,” says report. “The views are incredible…It’s a good base for exploring the Badlands, but also excellent for spotting wildlife, catching sunsets and sunrises, and night-sky photography.”

The number two place for the best free camping is Saddle Mountain in Kaibab National Forest in Arizona.

“Views from any of the North Rim overlooks are stunning, and these campsites are clustered around the very impressive Saddle Mountain overlook. Hikers can tackle trails to Saddle Mountain or south to Point Imperial… No amenities, but civilization is relatively nearby at Jacob Lake and North Rim village.”

Sacred White Shell Mountain in Colorado takes the third spot on the list.

“This dispersed camping area is very close to Great Sand Dunes National Park, and only about a five-minute drive from the excellent hike to Zapata Falls. It’s another great place for stargazing or night-sky photography.”

Dropping down to #7, BLM Middle Fork Shafer Canyon Dispersed in Utah is another free spot to consider.

“It’s not easy to find a good, secluded campsite anywhere near Moab these days, but this area is along a high-clearance, 4-wheel-drive road near Dead Horse Point State Park and within easy striking distance of Arches National Park…The camping area is high up on the mesa with amazing views over the red-rock canyon. Expect epic morning and evening views, peace and quiet, and starry night skies.”

While not free, Hidden Valley Campground found at Joshua Tree National Park in California is a steal at just $15 a night and perhaps a more comfortable spot for newer campers.

“It’s right in the midst of several climbing spots, so rock climbers seek it out. It’s also an excellent area for landscape and night-sky photography, stargazing, hiking and wildlife watching. Sites have picnic tables and fire rings, and the campground has multiple restrooms and trash cans, but no drinking water or electrical hookups.”

If you’re more on the other end of the spectrum of campers who prefer to glamp it up, you’d prefer Bay Point Landing in Oregon which offers sites ranging in price from $50 to a whopping $279. You don’t even have to pitch a tent or bring your RV as cabins and Airstream trailers are available to rent too.

“This campground has a menu of luxuries way beyond the usual camping experience: heated saltwater pool, yoga, hiking tours and a general store that delivers right to your campsite when you order via text. There’s a playground and game room, Wi-Fi and cable. Campsites have full hookups and there’s a modern bathhouse, laundry room, fitness center and a food truck.”

About Glamping

Glamping, a term that blends the words “glorious” and “camping”, is very popular. According to The Dyrt, nearly 8 million people chose the glamping route in 2023. And of that group, 42% of them were first timers.

“Glamping remains the perfect foray into camping for the tentative non-campers out there,” says Smith. “It’s kind of like camping with training wheels, where people can get a feel for it without sacrificing all the comforts of home. For others, it’s a luxurious alternative to the tent camping they’re used to.”

Glamping sites can be found all across the U.S. including the Glamping Dome at Getaway on Ranger Creek in Tennessee. It’s a fully equipped and beautiful Creekside geodesic dome with 17-foot ceilings, a full kitchen, living room, air conditioning, two TV’s…you get the idea. This home-away-from-home for four ranges in price from$158-$457 per night. It’s just one of the 10 winners of The Dyrt’s “Glampy Awards.”

The Dyrt was created in 2013 by Sara Smith and was later joined by her husband, Kevin Long who serves as the company’s CEO. Smith says that The Dyrt was born through her desire to help make camping easier for everyone from seasoned travelers to brand-new newbies. It boasts of being the “most comprehensive camping resource” out there. The app includes tons of reviews from fellow campers and features photos and tips for every location. You can even book your next vacation on the app as well.

Main Image: Sara Smith and Kevin Long, co-founders of The Dyrt camping app.