10 Amazing Big Rig Friendly Boondocking Spots

Nov 15, 2021 | Best Campgrounds, Boondocking

10 Amazing Big Rig Friendly Boondocking Spots

By Sara Sheehy

Boondocking, or camping off-grid on public land, is often assumed to be only for small rigs—those nimble but not-too-spacious setups like truck campers, vans, and shorter travel trailers. And while it’s true that smaller campers often have the ability to access remote spots that the big rigs cannot, there are plenty of off-grid camping locations in the U.S. for campers that are 40 feet or longer.

Comfortable, spacious accommodations in some of the most beautiful destinations in the country? Yes, please. Here are 10 amazing big rig friendly boondocking spots.

Truck and trailer parked in the woods behind sage bushes.

Owens River Road Dispersed Camping | Mammoth Lakes, CA – Photo by: Cindy

Owens River Dispersed Camping, California

Located in the Inyo National Forest, Owens River Dispersed Camping offers large, well-spaced campsites close to great hiking trails and all the amenities of nearby Mammoth Lakes, California. Campers have reported fitting rigs up to 40 feet long at this spot and rave about the blazing fast cell service, perfect for those who need to get a little work done while traveling.

Fifth wheel parked in the middle of the middle at sunset.

Palm Canyon Dispersed Camping | Quartzsite, AZ – Photo by: LivingOurDreamNow

Palm Canyon Dispersed Camping, Arizona

Palm Canyon, just north of the snowbird destination of Quartzsite, Arizona, is a quiet and scenic respite from the bustling energy of its more populous neighbor. With its wide-open landscape and packed dirt campsites, it’s hard to imagine any size camper that Palm Canyon couldn’t fit. Enjoy the clear night skies and short hiking trail to the palm oasis the canyon is named after.

White class A parked on a beach with house on silts in the background.

Magnolia Beach Camping | Port Lavaca, TX – Photo by: Wanderland Travelers

Magnolia Beach Camping, Texas

Camp to the sound of waves crashing into the shore at Magnolia Beach Camping in Port Lavaca, Texas. This Gulf Coast camping area welcomes campers of any size, and the hard-packed shell beach makes parking a breeze. Just remember to pay careful attention to the tide forecast and high tide line when picking a boondocking site at this destination.

Lake Panasoffkee Wildlife Management Area, Florida

Big rigs are welcome at Southwest Florida Water Management District’s five-star-rated Lake Panasoffkee camping area in Wildwood, Florida. Campers report that the grassy, wide-open field is perfect for small and large rigs alike but caution that this area is popular and that a free permit (available online) is required to camp.

Red canoe sitting on the shore of a lake surrounded by trees.

Seboeis Lake Boat Landing | Brownville, ME – Photo by: Desarie

Seboeis Lake Boat Landing, Maine

Remote Seboeis Lake in central Maine not only offers free boondocking at its spacious boat landing, but those sites are big rig friendly, too. Be sure to bring your kayak or paddleboard to ply the waters of this calm, forest-rimmed lake. Campers can stay for up to 14 days in this scenic and relaxing spot.

Large class C and car parked next to a fire ring in a field with fall colored trees.

Cooper Creek Road | Free Soil, MI – Photo by: Tree Plant

Cooper Creek Road, Michigan

Quiet serenity awaits on Cooper Creek Road in Free Soil, Michigan. Tucked in the shade of the tree-covered dunes that line Lake Michigan, this dispersed camping area is a favorite of those making their way up western Michigan toward the Upper Peninsula. Campers report finding spots for rigs up to 40 feet, with plenty of room for smaller campers, too.

North Pole Road Dispersed Camping, South Dakota

Spacious camping and stunning views are par for the course at North Pole Road Dispersed Camping in Custer, South Dakota. There are multiple camping areas along the road, most of which will easily fit one or more big rigs. The Campendium community loves this spot for its easy access to Custer State Park, the Black Hills, and a bit further afield, Badlands National Park.

Grayrocks Reservoir Public Access, Wyoming

Enjoy waterfront camping and plenty of space to stretch out at Grayrocks Reservoir in Wheatland, Wyoming. Reviewers love the gorgeous sunsets and miles of spacious, free campsites along this sprawling reservoir. Grayrocks can get busy during summer weekends but it stays nice and quiet during the week.

Harper’s Corner Road Dispersed Camping, Colorado

Easy access and gorgeous views are the name of the game at Harper’s Corner Road in Dinosaur, Colorado. Campers report rolling in with setups of 40 feet and longer, including one extra-long combination of a 32-foot motorhome with a 20-foot car hauler. There’s even a bit of cell phone service for those who need it. This dispersed camping area is along a scenic drive that crosses through Dinosaur National Monument.

RV and trailer camped in an open field surrounded by trees.

Ringold Springs Recreation Site | Mesa, WA – Photo by: K&R

Ringold Springs Recreation Site, Washington

Nestled along the Columbia River in Mesa, Washington, Ringold Springs Recreation Site offers quiet camping near Hanford Reach National Monument. This big rig friendly dry camping destination offers first-come, first-served sites near a boat launch popular with fishermen. If you don’t have a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Access Pass, then a Washington State Discover Pass (available online) is required to camp here.These 10 boondocking sites are just a small fraction of what is available for big rig campers in the U.S. To explore more destinations, set your Campendium search filters to “Free” under “Price” and click the “Access RV Length” checkbox next to the size that best suits your camper.

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