KOA, dispersed camping, reservations, RV tips, and campground etiquette.
BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land covers about 245 million acres in the US, mostly in western states. The short answer on camping: on most BLM land, you can camp for free for up to 14 days in any 28-day period, no permit required for basic dispersed camping. But that blanket rule has important exceptions…
The short answer: choose a campground when you want reliable facilities, reserved parking, and predictable amenities. Choose dispersed camping when you want solitude, zero fees, and the freedom to park where the views are best. Your decision comes down to three things: how much planning you want to do, how much comfort you need, and…
Finding a great campsite at a popular park requires either booking months in advance or mastering the short-notice game. The quickest path to a confirmed site is knowing which reservation system your target park uses, when its booking window opens, and what backup options exist when every site shows “booked.” Start by identifying the park…
Finding a free dispersed campsite comes down to three steps: download the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for the national forest or BLM district you’re targeting, use an app like iOverlander or FreeRoam to locate likely spots, then verify the site in person before unpacking. The legal ground truth is the MVUM — it tells…
For nearly all backcountry trips, a properly dug cathole is the standard way to handle #2. Dig 6–8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, trails, and camp. For car camping or places where digging isn’t allowed, bring a portable toilet or use campground facilities. Hygiene is simple: pack out used toilet paper or…
If you need to cancel a KOA reservation, go online or call the campground directly. For standard campsites and cabins, you’ll usually get a full refund (minus a small processing fee, typically $10–$15) when you cancel at least 48 hours before check-in. Holiday, peak-season, and special-event reservations often require 7 days’ notice to qualify for…
You have a weekend trip coming up and need to pick between a KOA campground and a state park. Here’s the short answer: KOA delivers predictable amenities, full hookups, and kid-focused activities, but costs more and feels like a parking lot. State parks give you real nature, lower prices, and space between sites, but you’ll…
Not all KOA campgrounds deliver the same experience. Some are full-service destinations with pools, playgrounds, and lake access; others are essentially parking lots with hookups and highway noise. The best KOA for you depends on your region, rig size, and what you plan to do between check-in and checkout. If you’re booking a KOA for…
Most KOA campgrounds set check-in at 2:00 PM, but the exact time varies by location and season. If you’re planning to arrive after the office closes (typically between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM), you’ll need to notify the campground ahead of time. Each KOA franchise handles late arrivals a little differently, so the key is…
The single rule that applies to all three types: pack it out. But the exact method changes based on where you’re camping, your group size, and local rules. The steps below walk you through prep, daily containment, human-waste handling, and a final verification so you leave the site clean and avoid fines or wildlife problems….
