If you're wondering which U.S. states are the absolute best to visit
in terms of sheer natural beauty and plentiful free camping this is the video for you
Hey everybody how's it going? In this video we're covering the top 10 highest rated states for free
camping and boondocking in the United States. We've crunched the numbers and this list is based on
which states have the most five-star camping reviews as submitted by the Campendium community.
And to kick things off at number 10 is the state of Nevada or Navadah if you want to sound like a tourist.
The Silver State is known for its striking red canyons, wide-open landscapes, and
big bodies of water at Lake Tahoe and Lake Mead. And if you somehow tire of nature you can head to
the entertainment capital of the world - Las Vegas. Number nine on the list is the state of Montana.
The views are stunning with landscapes filled with pristine rivers jagged rocky mountains and densely
wooded pine forests. It's the fourth largest state with 30 plus million acres of BLM, that means about
one third of Montana's land mass is public with a huge variety of free camping options.
Eight on the list is South Dakota, it's got the Black Hills National Forest,
Mount Rushmore National Monument, and of course Badlands National Park.
One of the most epic free camping sites in the United States is just outside of the Badlands
entrance at Nomad View and Steer Pasture Overlook. Coming in at number seven is California
there's 840 miles of gorgeous coastline but if you're looking for free dispersed camping
you're better off avoiding the beaches and heading inland to the Sierra Nevada Mountains
and the Mojave Desert. Linked above is an entire video where you'll find more information on the
best free camping in the Golden State. Number six on the list is Texas, now camping in Texas
can be a truly diverse experience as you can find yourself in areas running from prairies to deserts
to mountains to marshes and everything in between. Even better, free camping in Texas can be abundant
if you do a little searching. In my opinion the crown jewel of Texas is Big Bend National Park
where a backcountry permit is just ten dollars and it allows you 14 nights of stay per year.
Colorado is number five on the list. Free camping here is not just about saving a buck it's
about living within some of the most amazing scenery the Rocky Mountains have to offer
dispersed camping in the Centennial State is downright prolific throughout the dozen
or so National Forests and Grasslands within state borders. Even with the popularity of camping on the
rise, finding an idyllic place to set up camp in Colorado is still relatively easy, there's almost
always an available spot just a little further up the road. Pro tip - just don't roll in late on a weekend
at night. Guys, keep in mind whichever state you're visiting be sure to leave no trace while camping .
Always use a pre-existing site with a pre-existing fire ring and pack out every single thing that you
pack in, including bullet casings, bottle caps, and especially toilet paper. It's really up to
you and me to take care of our public lands and ensure that they stay wild and pristine
and open to camping. Number four on our top ten list is the state where cows outnumber the people.
The Cowboy State of Wyoming. Nearly half of Wyoming is BLM and National Forest land which
is generally available for dispersed camping. You can find world-class free camping near Grand Teton
and Yellowstone National Park or venture way out beyond the crowds in other national park
worthy settings. Now Wyoming is a lot like Montana and Colorado in regards to wildlife
you should always be hyper aware of the large animals that live in the wild
never approach them and don't leave your food out unattended and accessible. Every year many bears
have to be killed by rangers because of careless tourists who leave food sitting out in the open.
It's easily preventable so please don't be that person, and respect the wildlife wherever you go.
Now we're closing in on the top three states for free camping and the bronze medal goes to New
Mexico. The Land of Enchantment lives up to its reputation with magical sprawling deserts, stunning
mountain ranges, fewer crowds and plenty of fresh air. New Mexico is home to some of the best free
National Forest camping, cheap camping in State Parks, and ample dispersed camping on BLM land.
There are many quaint little towns, cultural events and two-lane roads that wind on forever away from
the hustle and bustle of civilization. Utah comes in at number two on the podium. From the beautiful
red rock desert of the south to the powder-filled mountain slopes of the north.
Utah has something for everyone, with its Mighty Five National
Parks and the abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities, it's simply a camper's paradise.
And now for the gold medal, have you guessed what it is? The number one state for free camping is the
Grand Canyon State - Arizona. Love the desert head to the wide open saguaro covered lands around
Ajo and Quartzsite. Looking for cooler temps and thick pine forests well Prescott, Flagstaff or
the rim of the Grand Canyon might be what you're looking for. There's just so much
geographic diversity and a host of world-class camping across the entire state. For a deep dive on
what Arizona has to offer click above for another video or visit campendium.com where you can plan
your trip in much greater detail and read all the recent reviews posted by campers like you. If you
found this video useful please give us a like, hit subscribe, and turn on the notification bell so you
won't miss any new videos. Thanks for watching guys please stay safe and enjoy the ride.