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Plain-English guides to camping in the USA: dispersed camping rules, BLM land, boondocking, national park passes and how to book sites.
The America the Beautiful pass costs $80 for US residents and $250 for nonresidents in 2026. What it covers, what it doesn't, and the fastest way to buy one.
· 5 min read
Boondocking means camping in an RV or van with no hookups, usually free on BLM and national forest land. The rules, stay limits and winter long-term areas.
· 3 min read
Dispersed camping is camping on public land outside campgrounds, usually free. The stay limits, distance rules and maps that show where it's allowed.
· 4 min read
Four groups get a national park pass for free: military families and veterans, people with a permanent disability, fourth graders and volunteers. How to get each.
· 4 min read
If you're 62 or older, the Senior Pass gets you into every national park for $20 a year or $80 for life, often with half-price camping too. Here's how to get one.
· 3 min read