No Reservations? Don’t Panic!

One of the joys of living in a Cabin On Wheels is to be spontaneous. There are options for places to camp – no reservations required.

 

If you are a member of Harvest Hosts, you can check the app or call ahead from the road to see if the Host (a farm, brewery, winery or attraction) accepts same-day reservations and has space for the evening. Boondockers Welcome (another membership) may also have options for calling ahead.

 

Keep in mind, most Harvest Hosts offer a safe place to park without hookups or other amenities. Dry camping (or boondocking) is generally the rule, though some hosts provide hookups for a fee, or let you use a generator.

 

There are also campgrounds on Bureau of Land Management and National Forest sites that are first come, first served. It’s best to do your research ahead of time so you know where these places are and when check-out time is.

 

In a pinch, you can find free places to park. Overnight parking is available at some Flying J/Pilot truck stops. Some Walmarts and Cracker Barrel restaurants also allow overnight parking. I have also heard that some interstate rest areas offer overnight camping – be sure to check before you park.

 

Your best bet is to download the Campendium, Freeroam or Free Campsites apps and search for nearby options.

 

This post isn’t meant to cover everything about no-reservation camping. I’m sharing information I’ve found in my research and experience.