by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 8:40 AM ET, Tue August 11, 2026
Five of the best places to camp in the United States are located on public lands throughout the country and are completely free to camp on, according to the 2026 Best Places To Camp: Top 10 in the U.S., created by the campsite-finding app The Dyrt.
The annual list is crafted based on reviews and ratings from the app’s users.
"The Dyrt is a camping authority first and foremost because of our community of campers," says Kevin Long, CEO of The Dyrt. "The 10 campgrounds that comprise the Best Places to Camp list are on there because they're highly rated and positively reviewed by the community. And people who love free camping love The Dyrt, so that may provide some insight to why three amazing dispersed camping areas top this year's rankings."
Where are the Best Places to Camp?
So just where are campers enjoying themselves the most?
The winner is Valley of the Gods, Utah. In the heart of red rock country, campers can pick their own spots and enjoy a truly “roughing it” camping experience with limited amenities, but the trade-off? Amazing night skies surrounded by gorgeous natural wonders. And the free price tag definitely has something to do with its high praise.
The second-best campsite is Scoria Pit, North Dakota. Located in the Little Missouri National Grassland, campers can enjoy hours-long sunsets and 360-degree views over the badlands in a dispersed camping style. It’s also close to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, making it a great camping site for park-goers.
In third place is The Wall, South Dakota, a free dispersed campsite in the Buffalo Gap National Grassland. The primitive campsite offers an incredible, sweeping view down into the valley below, and since it’s so close to the Badlands National Park entrance, many cost-conscious travelers will choose this campsite as their base camp.
The other most popular campsites are as follows:
- Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Campground, California
- Elkamp Eastcreek, Washington
- Mouth of Two Hearted River State Forest Campground, Michigan
- Navajo National Monument Canyon View Campground, Arizona
- Shavano Mountain, Colorado
- Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Cart-in Campground, Minnesota
- Sandy Springs Campground, Ohio
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