If you’re tired of cramped, noisy campgrounds and aching for a bit of solitude, you might be interested in some of the best-kept secret RV spots in the country.
Places that used to be secluded are now covered with people. It’s harder than ever to find truly remote outdoor spaces.
Fortunately, we have you covered. Today, we’re digging into some of America’s unknown campsites.
PLEASE NOTE: Access to these campgrounds constantly changes due to weather, fire, or other reasons. Always contact the managing department to verify if a campsite is open and if your RV can fit.
Let’s get into it!
How to Find Secluded Camping Spots
Locating a genuinely secluded camping area may be more challenging than you think. Once remote scenic destinations are filling up with visitors faster than ever before. But there are some great resources for folks trying to escape it all.
Public lands, or those managed by the National Forest Service (NPS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM), offer plenty of secret RV spots. Some restrictions, such as time limits, apply. And be aware that most National Parks will charge for overnight accommodations.
Additionally, websites like The Dyrt, Campendium, and freecampsites.net can help you find dispersed sites.
11 Best Spots for Quiet Camping
If you want a lead on some of the most well-hidden locales, you’re in luck. Here are 11 of our favorite secret RV spots that haven’t already become a haven for tourists.
#1 Jewett Cove, Greenville, ME
Jewett Cove is a hidden gem on the shores of Moosehead Lake. Five rustic sites are free to use for 14 days at a time. A boat launch gives visitors easy access to the water, and each spot has a fire ring and a picnic table. We also hear the vaulted toilet is cleaner than most.
You’ll have a five-mile trek on an unpaved road to get there, but it’ll be worth it.
The grounds have a western view over the lake, offering unbelievable sunset views.
#2 Tamworth Camping Area, Tamworth, NH
From May to October, in-the-know RVers set up shop at Tamworth Camping Area. By day, you can fish or swim from the pebble-covered beach. Many spots are on the Swift River, so the bubbling water can lull you to sleep at night.
This area isn’t free but has more amenities than your average BLM site. Some of the sites have full hookups, and there’s access to a bathroom with coin-operated showers.
There’s even a shop where you can pick up firewood and other necessities.
#3 Haw Creek Falls, Hagarville, AR
This RV spot hasn’t always been a secret. Haw Creek Falls was once a bustling campground but is now a designated Point of Interest. You won’t find hookups or amenities, and the area operates on a “pack it in, pack it out” philosophy, so don’t expect anywhere to dump your trash.
However, the sights here are worth roughing it.
The emerald forest, obscure rock formations, and of course, the falls, will make you feel like you stepped into a fairy tale.
#4 Targhee Creek, Island Park, ID
If you’re anywhere near Yellowstone National Park, you won’t want to miss the Targhee Creek dispersed camping site. You can book a spot at the trailhead for less than $15 per night. But on the surrounding forest roads, there are plenty of free sites to boondock.
The road leading to the trailhead is bumpy. In fact, most reviews of the area mention the rough ride they took to get to their space. But if you’re vehicle can handle it, we suggest making the trek.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to visit Yellowstone National Park, use these 5 Yellowstone Camping Hacks.
#5 Wakeley Lake, Huron National Forest, Michigan
Folks looking to ditch the RV for some primitive tent camping will enjoy this secret spot.
The Wakeley Lake area is perfect for fishing, kayaking, and bird-watching. It’s open year-round, but be aware you can only fish from April to September, so don’t expect to catch your dinner during colder months.
Camping here costs $10 per night, but you’ll have access to vaulted toilets, trash service, and a fire ring at each site.
#6 Grizzly Flat Dispersed Campground, Mendocino National Forest, CA
Grizzly Flats caters to backcountry campers in northern California. Local officials recommend not attempting the drive in an RV due to unpaved roads and rocky terrain. But people with tents can stay here for free.
There’s a vaulted toilet and little else. However, people come here for the scenic views and remote location rather than the amenities. The land is undergoing revitalization, so park in an approved area before trekking off to your campsite.
#7 Elkmont Campground, Gatlinburg, TN
Great Smoky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular parks in the country, and its spectacular views and cozy atmosphere draw tourists from around the world. The park can get crowded, so those looking for some extra room should check out Elkmont.
It’s a larger campground, but well-spaced, densely wooded spaces mean you shouldn’t feel cramped. Nightly prices range from $13 to $30. Reservations are required, and we hear that some sites are on steep grades, so look into the park map to ensure you get a good spot.
Pro Tip: Considering a visit to the Smoky Mountains? These are 5 Reasons To Avoid Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
#8 Pine Mountain Campground, Bend, OR
The Pine Mountain Campground is where you want to be for a night under the stars. It’s part of the Deschutes National Forest and adjacent to the University of Oregon’s observatory. There’s a rumor that sometimes walk-ins can take a look through their telescope, but we can’t verify that.
Getting to the peak of Pine Mountain is no easy feat.
In fact, it might not be wise to make the trek with a fragile trailer. But if you’re hauling something more robust, you should be fine. Even if you lose a hubcap, the expansive views and solitude at this secret RV spot should be worth it.
#9 Tobacco River Campground, Rexford, MT
Montana’s Kootenai National Forest features unbeatable scenery and excellent fishing. Anglers can hook whitefish, kokanee salmon, and rainbow trout. The grounds are open year-round, depending on weather conditions. Even better, you can stay up to 16 days at no cost.
We hear you’ll want to look at the map before you try to find a spot. It can be hard to know exactly where you’re going, and if you make a wrong turn, you can easily end up stuck.
#10 Bear Spring Mountain, Downsville, NY
The secluded Bear Spring Mountain campground is on the western end of the Catskill Forest Preserve. Rustic pull-through sites on Launt Pond and Spruce Pond can accommodate 40-foot trailers and offer easy access to the water.
The grounds are open from May to September.
The nightly fee is $18 for New Yorkers, but there’s a $5 fee for everyone else.
Don’t Skip These Secret RV Spots
Camping and RV travel are more popular than ever, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still find secret spots to boondock. These lesser-known gems offer the quiet seclusion we all crave from time to time.
Best of all, many of them are completely free! If you want to venture off the beaten path, many of these backcountry treasures could be exactly what you’re looking for.
Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA
To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).
You should give it a try!
As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.
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