“How do I find a free place to sleep and save money while I travel?”

Have you ever wanted to go on an adventure across the United States, but your wallet was telling you no? Well, if you have a bit of an adventurous side to your life and you want to save some money, you’re in luck. In this blog, I will guide you through the most efficient ways to sleep for free and what to pack for your travels.

Free Campsites

• So I’m just going to come out and say that freecampsites.net will be your best friend. This website shows you great free places to camp worldwide with a pinpoint for your GPS. The best thing about it is the reviews. You’ll learn the first-hand experience of others before you. If you have a bit more room in your budget, you can search the paid sites as well, but don’t let the paid campsites fool you. I have stayed at some amazing places for free on account of this website. This is my go-to, and I am certain that from now on, it will be yours too.

• The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is another place to scout out a free place to sleep for a night or two……or two weeks. BLM provides many developed campsites for a fee but doesn’t there. They also offer Dispersed Camping that is completely free. Dispersed camping on BLM land allows you to camp for 14 days for free within a 28 day period. You can find all the information about camping at the Bureau of Land Management website. This includes a location search bar to help you find the best place to sleep without paying a dime.

*Hot Tip: BLM is federal land so be cautious when bringing substances that are only legal statewide.

Car Camping in the city

If you have a spacious vehicle to sleep in, this is a great alternative rather than paying the costly tab for a hotel bed. While it might not be the most luxurious way to sleep, it definitely can be the most adventurous. It will save you a lot of money and make your journey go further.

• Sleeping Only – The number one thing to remember when it comes to car camping in the city is that it is for sleeping only. Park at night and leave in the morning.

• Local Laws – You should always know the local laws in the area. You don’t want to waste your time having to talk to a police officer.

• Rest Stops – Rest stops are always a safe and helpful option when you are passing through and need a quick rest.

• Wal Mart – Most Wal-Mart parking lots and many major shopping areas will let you sleep for free overnight. Again always check in to make sure it is okay. The freecampsites.net website often highlights shopping areas that are good for overnight sleeping.

• Neighborhoods – Sleeping on the street in neighborhoods is technically “illegal” but we have never had any issues. Be mindful and respect other people’s space, do not park right in front of someone’s front door, and always remember the “park at night and leave in the morning” rule.

*Hot Tip: For those times when you just want to sleep inside… Try Couchsurfing. With this website, you can find cool folks that are willing to let you crash on their couch for free. It is a great way to meet locals in new areas.

“What should I pack?”

Types of Food

The most crucial way to travel on a budget is by preparing your own meals! There are lots of great food options to take on your travels. Here are the go-to’s:

• Breakfast – If you want a quick breakfast before your next adventure we suggest instant oatmeal with fruit, a protein powder shake, or bread with peanut butter and bananas. If you have the time and energy you can cook up an egg scramble with potatoes.

• Lunch – Pack a good sandwich or wrap at breakfast to bust out on the go. You might want to keep your tomatoes and condiments on the side. No one wants to eat a soggy sandwich.

• Dinner – There are so many good campfire dinners. Our go-to is to chop up some veggies and put them into aluminum foil pouches with oil and seasonings. Grill up your meat/tofu/mushrooms with seasonings of your choice and get creative. While city camping, you can find a park to bust out your single burner propane stove. Our go-to is to make some pasta and chop up some raw veggies with oil and vinegar. Voila… Pasta Salad!

• Snacks – It’s great to have healthy snacks to keep your energy going so you don’t get malnourished. Here are some of our favorites:

• Trail mix
• Fruit
• Chopped veggies with hummus
• Energy and protein bars

Cooking Gear

I love to eat! It’s safe to say that I am always prepared to cook up a nice meal and you could be too. Here are some things that I recommend having when road-tripping to your new destination.

• Iron Skillet – This type of skillet is the best for cooking on direct fire.

• Camping Stove – I recommend getting a camping stove just in case you can’t make a fire. I use a single burner camping stove to save space in my vehicle.

• Utensils – Here are some of the basic utensils that you will need to prepare a meal.

• Spatula
• Bowl and Plate
• Corkscrew for wine
• Eating Utensils – Spoon, Fork, Knife
• Tongs
• Chef Knife and Cutting Board

• Cooler – It’s essential to have a nice cooler. Don’t find out the hard way like we did when your kombucha explodes. Cowboy cold beers are the worst!

• Aluminum Foil – Try throwing some chopped veggies in a packet made with Aluminum foil and toss it next to the fire. They will be cooked and ready to eat in no time at all.

• French Press – For those of you who can’t survive without your coffee or tea in the morning.

• Wax Wraps – A plastic-free and reusable way to keep your food fresh and bring your sandwiches on the go.

Sleeping Arrangments

In my opinion, this is the most important topic to talk about. No matter if you sleep in a tent or a vehicle everyone needs a comfy place to sleep. Here is a quick checklist to get you started.

• Tent – The most important thing when you are moving from place to place quickly is that your tent is easy to set up and takedown.

• Sleeping Pads – Sleeping in a tent does not need to be uncomfortable. Badass padding is a must! An air mattress is something to consider but it is not for me. I prefer nice cushions compared to blowing things up every night. You can get very cheap foam padding or go for some nicer memory foam.

• Blankets – You want the most bang for your space with your blanket choice. Nights can get cold in the most unsuspecting places on the road so be prepared but keep space in mind. Lightweight sleeping bags and wool blankets are always a good call.

• Tarps – Having a couple of tarps and some rope on hand is a must. Always check the weather when you’re setting up camp. You will need a tarp for both underneath and tied above your tent if rain is in the forecast.

• Hammocks – Great for those much needed day naps.

Extra Items for Camping

Its always good to pack according to where you will be spending the night. Here are some items to keep in mind to make your experience the best it can be.

• Water – Not all campsites have drinking water especially when your camping for free. Be prepared with plenty of water.

• Toilet Paper – Let’s get real. You might find yourself in a spot without a bathroom or a bathroom that is out of toilet paper. Always have your own on hand!

• Sanitation Products – Baby wipes are great for those inevitable moments when you do not have a shower or sink. Hand sanitizer is another good one and there are natural options out there.

*Hot Tip: If you are one of the badasses who have to play the period game then I highly suggest investing in a Diva Cup. It is eco-friendly, saves you money, and you never have to worry about running out because it’s reusable.

• Backup Battery – Keeping your phone and other electronics charged is not always easy on the road. Car chargers are great but your car will not always be running. A backup battery will save the day! Solar chargers are also something good to consider.

• Fuel – Believe it or not there are many places in the vast USA where gas stations are few and far between. Fill up your tank before getting on the highway. Always know how many miles it is until the next fuel station and make sure you will be able to make it there.

• Bug Spray – Whether you go for deet or some of that hippy stuff, bug spray is a must-have.

• Sunscreen – Keep the coral reefs in mind when choosing your sunscreen and avoid stuff with chemicals. Hats are great too.

“I regret spending money on that epic, life-changing trip.” Said no one ever.

And with our guidance, you don’t have to spend much. What are you waiting for??!! Get your vehicle packed and start living your epic journey!