Think budget camping is a thing of the past? Not so fast. While it’s true that many RV parks these days feel like you’re booking a luxury suite on wheels, there’s a whole world of ultra-budget campsites out there that can still get you under the stars for next to nothing. (Shhh … and some of these budget campsites are so budget that they’re even free.) These aren’t just gravel lots next to gas stations either. We’re talking scenic views, peaceful settings, and the kind of solitude that made you fall in love with RV life in the first place.
So, if you wanna experience some spectacular travel on a budget, let’s take a look at some of the most affordable campsites in the country. These low-cost (or no-cost) spots offer all the beauty, adventure, and comfort you want without breaking the bank.
1. Saddle Mountain Dispersed Camping – Tonopah, Arizona
Cost: Free
Saddle Mountain is a boondocker’s dream, offering wide-open spaces and striking desert views just about an hour west of Phoenix. Set on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, this area gives self-contained RVers the opportunity to stay for free on public land with near-total privacy. The terrain is a mix of desert brush and rocky ridges, and it’s not uncommon to spot the odd desert fox sniffing around. And you’re sure to catch an epic Arizona sunset. You won’t find amenities here, so come fully stocked with water and your own power solution — but if you’re set up for dry camping, this is the desert oasis you’ve been looking for.
Why it’s great: Free camping with mountain views, epic skies, and room to spread out.
2. Magnolia Beach – Port Lavaca, Texas
Cost: Free (3–14 day limit)
Yes, you read that right — beach camping for free! Magnolia Beach is nestled on the shores of Lavaca Bay along the Gulf Coast and offers hard-packed sand that’s easy for RVs to park on. Camping is permitted right along the water, and although there are no hookups, the county provides public restrooms nearby. (If you need a hookup — and you have some budget for it — Magnolia Beach RV Park can hook you up.) Locals and seasoned road warriors love this place for its calm vibe, warm breezes, and small-town Texas charm. It’s perfect for fishing, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing with your toes in the sand. Sunrises here are hard to beat, and you’ll often share the beach with dolphins just offshore.
Why it’s great: It’s beachfront, beautiful, and costs absolutely nothing.
3. Lake Meredith National Recreation Area – Fritch, Texas
Cost: Free at designated campgrounds
Operated by the National Park Service, Lake Meredith offers several designated free camping areas around a sparkling lake set in the high plains of the Texas Panhandle. Sanford-Yake and Harbor Bay are two of the most accessible options for RVs, with pit toilets and picnic tables included. The area is known for its excellent fishing, hiking trails, and open skies, and while it can get breezy, that’s part of its rugged charm. It’s also a great stopover if you’re heading east or west across the state and want a break from the usual truck stop routine.
Why it’s great: Lakefront camping with all the serenity and none of the fees.
4. Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park – Millington, Tennessee
Cost: $10–$13 (tent sites), $20–$27 (RV sites)
Nestled in the woods just north of Memphis, Meeman-Shelby Forest offers some of the most affordable developed campsites in the region. This state park spans over 13,000 acres and features two lakes, multiple hiking trails, and a dense forest that feels miles away from civilization. For anyone on a budget, these RV campsites come with electrical hookups, and the bathhouses are clean and well-maintained. There’s also a small lake with a swimming beach and canoe rentals, making this park ideal for family-friendly camping on a budget. And when you’re ready to switch gears, Memphis barbecue and live music are just a short drive away.
Why it’s great: Forested solitude with big-city access—at a fraction of the usual cost.
5. Buckhorn Draw Campground – Green River, Utah
Cost: $15/night
This BLM-managed campground is tucked deep in the San Rafael Swell and surrounded by massive sandstone cliffs and otherworldly desert scenery. The eight-site campground offers fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, but you’ll need to pack in your own water. The nearby Buckhorn Wash Pictograph Panel is a must-see, and the area is rich with OHV trails, slot canyons, and peaceful desert hikes. It’s off the beaten path, but that’s what makes it so magical—and for eight bucks a night, the views alone are worth the drive.
Why it’s great: Budget-friendly basecamp for exploring one of Utah’s best-kept secrets.
6. Black Canyon Rim Campground – Heber, Arizona
Cost: $20/night
If you’re looking for cooler weather and a break from the desert heat, the Mogollon Rim has what you need. This pine-forested campground near Heber-Overgaard sits at about 7,500 feet elevation and offers a dozen first-come, first-served sites that feel peaceful and tucked away. It’s dry camping, but the air smells like pine needles and campfire smoke, and the towering trees offer ample shade and shelter. Hiking trails lead right from the campground into the surrounding forest, and at $20 a night, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better bargain in Arizona’s high country.
Why it’s great: Piney solitude, high elevation, and perfect temps — all on the cheap.
7. O’Leno State Park – High Springs, Florida
Cost: $5–$18 depending on campsite type
O’Leno State Park is one of Florida’s oldest state parks and still holds onto its timeless charm. Located along the Santa Fe River, this park has both developed and primitive sites, with primitive tent camping available for as little as $5. RVers will find spots with electric and water hookups that rarely break the $20 mark. The park offers hiking, swimming, and paddling opportunities, along with a swinging suspension bridge and historic CCC-era structures. Wildlife is abundant, and Spanish moss-draped trees give the whole place a dreamy, old-Florida vibe.
Why it’s great: Affordable access to Florida’s natural beauty without the usual crowd.
8. Liberty Harbor RV Park – Jersey City, New Jersey
Cost: $75 tent sites, RV starts at $165 — BUT there’s a trick
OK, this one bends the rules a bit, but hear me out … Liberty Harbor RV Park is the closest campground to New York City (a not-so-RV-friendly city). And while RV sites here are pricey, the park offers tent sites for as low as $75 a night. (Cheap in NYC is relative, right?) If you’re traveling in a campervan or car with rooftop tent, you may qualify for the tent pricing — especially if you’re OK skipping hookups. The park has showers, security, and ferry access to Manhattan just two blocks away. For urban campers who want the ultimate budget city adventure, it’s the deal of a lifetime.
Why it’s great: NYC access without the NYC price tag (if you play it smart).
9. River Park South Campground – Cottonwood, Idaho
Cost: $20–25/day
Run by the city of Cottonwood, this riverside park is quiet, cozy, and often completely empty. There’s a restroom, a few shaded picnic tables, and room for a handful of RVs or tents. The city asks only for a $5 donation to help with upkeep. The setting is rural and relaxing, with the sound of the babbling creek nearby and the friendly town just a mile or two up the road. It’s a great example of small-town generosity — and the kind of place you only find when you’re taking the backroads.
Why it’s great: Small-town charm, restful setting.
10. Deadman’s Basin Fishing Access Site – Shawmut, Montana
Cost: Free (7-day limit)
Montana is full of fishing access sites that double as primitive camping areas, and Deadman’s Basin is a hidden favorite. Located along a large reservoir in central Montana, this spot has open spaces for RVs and tents alike, and allows up to seven nights of free camping. The area is remote and quiet, ideal for fishing, kayaking, or simply enjoying the wide-open sky. Bring everything you need — there are no services — but you’ll be rewarded with peaceful solitude and those classic Big Sky views.
Why it’s great: Free, wide-open camping with some of the best stargazing in the country.
Bonus Recommendation for Budget Campsites
If you’re not afraid of the occasional boondocking, I’m a long-time fan of Harvest Hosts. For one annual fee, they deliver unlimited stays at wineries, farms, breweries, and even the occasional alpaca farm. It’s an ultra-budget-conscious option for campsites across the country.
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