RV travelers often look to stretch their budgets with free or cheap campsites, and with a bit of research you can find free RV parking spots worldwide. In the U.S., for example, many public lands managed by the National Forest Service or BLM allow dispersed camping at no cost. Likewise, Canada’s forests and “recreation sites” on crown land (BC) or PLUZ zones (Alberta) offer free camping, while citizens can stay up to 21 days on federal lands (a permit is needed for foreign visitors).
North America (USA & Canada)
In North America, free camping often means “boondocking” on public lands. In the U.S., federal lands like BLM areas, National Forests, National Parks, state trust lands and Wildlife Management Areas frequently allow free or very low-cost camping. Many veterans also use rest areas or highway pullouts for a quick overnight stop. In Canada, several provinces have networks of free sites: for instance, British Columbia’s forest ministry maintains hundreds of free Recreation Sites across remote regions. Alberta has Public Land Use Zones (PLUZ) open for boondocking (usually requiring a minimal provincial permit). Remember that dispersed sites have no hookups or services (no water or toilets), so treat them as primitive camping. As a tip, the U.S. “America the Beautiful” pass ($80/yr) also grants access to federal parks, many of which have low-cost (or even free) tent or backcountry sites for campers. If you plan to boondock on federal land in the United States, it is worth reviewing the official dispersed camping guidelines provided by the U.S. Forest Service.
Europe & UK
Rules vary widely in Europe. In Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden) the “Everyman’s Right” lets you camp one night on public land as long as you stay well away from dwellings. Other countries are stricter: for example, Germany forbids wild camping altogether. (Legally you’re only allowed to stop briefly in a carpark to “restore your fitness to drive,” not to set up camp.) The UK also bans wild camping without landowner permission in most areas, though in practice one-night stops in remote lay-bys or pub car parks (e.g. patronizing a local inn) are often tolerated quietly. In general, look for official “Stellplatz” or parking areas that welcome RVs for a night (often for a small fee), and avoid camping in prohibited zones. Apps and forums like Park4Night, iOverlander or local groups can pinpoint these spots or share tips.
Australia & New Zealand
In Australasia, “free camping” means staying off-grid in self-contained vehicles. New Zealand’s concept of “freedom camping” allows campervans to stay overnight on many public sites free of charge – but there are strict rules (carry all waste out, use toilets, and check local bans). About 500+ authorized freedom-camping spots exist nationwide, but fines can apply if rules are broken or signposts ignored. In Australia, free camping is allowed only in designated areas, often managed by state parks or local councils. These sites might use honesty-box fees or have stay limits. Some remote beaches, rest areas or national park bush camps have no charge. The laws vary by state and even by council, so it’s smart to consult local park websites (e.g. National Parks NSW) before stopping. In both countries, a self-contained rig (with its own toilet and water storage) is often required for ‘freedom camping’.
Iceland
Iceland has very scenic but regulated camping. Technically, you can pitch a tent for one night on uncultivated public land (so-called “free camping”). However, there are many caveats: campervans may not free camp outside of designated sites, and wild camping is banned in many popular or sensitive areas (like the southern lowlands and major national parks). In practice, most travelers use one of the country’s ~170 official campgrounds, which are affordable (about $12–$20 USD per night) and often require no advance booking. In short, while Iceland’s wilderness is open, finding a free legal spot is difficult, so plan to use established sites on your trip.
Tips and Resources
Use government/public-land resources. Check forestry or park websites (USFS, BLM, Canada parks, DOC NZ, etc.) for maps of free campsites. For example, the NZ Department of Conservation lists all approved freedom-camping spots. Citizens’ initiatives like freecampsites.net aggregate user-posted free sites (it’s been described as “the Waze of free campgrounds”).
Apps & maps: Smartphone apps like iOverlander, Park4Night or country-specific apps (e.g. CamperMate in NZ) let you search for free spots or read reviews from other campers. They’re a must-have tool for planning on the fly.
Overnight parking: Many RVers stop at large stores and services. Walmart, Cracker Barrel, Camping World/Cabela’s/Bass Pro shops, truck stops (Flying J/Pilot) and casino parking lots often allow one-night stays at no cost (usually if you ask management or make a purchase). Always be discreet: park at the back, keep slides in, and don’t set up camp outside the vehicle. Rest areas on highways are also an option where legal.
Leave No Trace: Wherever you park, treat the spot as fragile. Follow local regulations and etiquette (e.g. many places require self-contained vehicles, or forbid camping near water sources). Don’t leave trash, and camp only for short overnight stays unless posted otherwise. Many countries explicitly say “leave only footprints” as a rule. For global camping etiquette, the Leave No Trace principles offer a clear standard for minimizing your impact when staying at free or undeveloped sites.
You can make free RV parking even easier by following simple travel habits that keep your days relaxed instead of rushed. Many RVers use the 3 3 3 travel rule to avoid burnout and enjoy more flexible overnight stops, especially when mixing paid campgrounds with free public land stays. If you want a quick overview of how it works, you can check out our guide.
Happy camping and safe travels – and don’t forget to book your RV so you can hit the road (and rest free) on your next adventure!