Inexpensive Campgrounds

We always look for city parks while traveling about the mid-west, and have stayed at more than thirty. Some are free; some charge a nominal fee (as low as $2.00/night). Some of our most enjoyable stays have been in Douglas WY (dry camping) - three day stays are permitted and FREE – both water and dump station are available, as are pay showers: Huron South Dakota (full hook-ups with both 30 and 50 amp) at the edge of a beautiful park and golf course and is located less than one hundred yards from the James River $17/day - $105/week.

John

What would be the best way to find those city parks that allow camping?  I have tried several times but not had much luck. 

go to freecampgrounds.com, they have a listing by states of free or all under $17.00

If we have the time (we know we will be in a specific area for a short period) we always look up the town/city on the internet – i.e.; Huron, South Dakota, campgrounds. However, we have just arrived in a small town and asked at the library, a policeman, even a convenience store. We stopped in Oakley, KS once and asked about camping in the area and the policeman we asked told us to just pull around the back of the park and stay there. “freecamping.com” is a good site, but there are others as well. Also, do not forget the casino parking lots!! Most are free, although not all and many often have limited hook-ups. Those that are not free, seldom charge too much, although that is beginning to change. Good luck

Big John> Yes, the Senior Access Pass is a bargain even for the $10 fee. But, it is free if one can validate a disability. There is no specific criteria for that disability. A VA disability or confirmation from a personal doctor will suffice.

Most people do not know that a Volunteer Pass -which carries similar benefits- can be acquired by volunteering a certain amount of hours at a National Park or Forest Service facility.

Either pass will provide the holder with a substantial reduction in camping and admission fees to federal facilities. And I do mean substantial!

As mentioned in this thread, use of the card at other than federal sites is on a case-by-case basis.

As for other bargain camping, it's just a matter of being willing to use the power of "self-contained." The Wal-Mat parking lot fits nicely into that scenario.

Either pass will provide the holder with a substantial reduction in camping and admission fees to federal facilities. And I do mean substantial!

On the above note... this is true ONLY if the federal facility is operated by the government. MOST concessionaires (contracted management) DO NOT give discounts for the "Volunteer Pass" - usually only the "Senior Pass" or "Access Pass" qualify for discounts at facilities operated by a concession (even though the facility is owned by the government).