The Best Campground Booking Sites
Camping is the cheapest way to sleep close to nature. Government booking sites handle national and state park campgrounds, which fill months ahead in peak season, while newer platforms list private land, glamping and farm stays. Free-camping apps map spots for vanlifers and overlanders.
How do I book a campsite in a national park?
In the US, Recreation.gov handles reservations for national park and federal campgrounds, and ReserveAmerica and state sites such as ReserveCalifornia cover state parks. Popular campgrounds in parks like Yosemite, Zion and Yellowstone open bookings on a rolling window, often six months ahead, and sell out within minutes, so be online the moment reservations open. Cancellations appear regularly, so keep checking.
Where can I find private campsites and glamping?
Hipcamp lists campsites, cabins, yurts and glamping on private land, from farms and vineyards to forests, often with more privacy than public campgrounds. KOA runs family-friendly campgrounds across North America with facilities like pools and cabins. In Europe, Pitchup and Eurocampings (from the ACSI campsite guide) list thousands of inspected sites with reviews.
Where can I camp for free?
In the US, dispersed camping is allowed on much public land, including national forests and Bureau of Land Management areas, usually for up to 14 days. Campendium and The Dyrt map free and cheap spots with reviews, and iOverlander is the go-to app for overlanders and vanlifers worldwide. Wild camping rules vary widely by country: it is legal in Scotland and Scandinavia but restricted in much of Europe.
What to look for in a campsite
- Hook-ups for electricity, water and sewer if you have an RV.
- Shade, level pitches and distance from roads.
- Toilets, showers and drinking water if you're tent camping.
- Fire rules and seasonal bans, especially in dry summers.
Tips for first-time campers
- Practise pitching your tent at home.
- Check the overnight low, not the daytime high.
- Store food securely, especially in bear country.
- Leave no trace: pack out everything you bring in.