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How To Find The Perfect Campsite For Your Group Motorcycle Camping Trip

Mar. 3 2023 Road Trips By Cycledesign

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It only takes one motorbike camping trip to understand why everyone raves about it. These two complement each other like peas and carrots! Motorcycle camping is pure freedom: it's just you, your motorcycle, and the great outdoors, enjoying a night beneath the stars. There are no frills, only simplicity, self sufficiency, and loneliness.


1. Digital Resources For Finding A Campsite

While many are not motorcycle-specific, there are numerous applications and websites available to assist you in your search for the best campground. Here's a list of resources  frequently consulted for assistance. These are listed in descending order of frequency of use.

  • Google Maps

  • Google Street View

  • The Dyrt – Highly recommend giving their “PRO” membership a try!

  • recreation.gov (App & Website)

  • Reserve America

  • Ultimate CG

  • onX Hunt + onX Offroad

  • US Forest Service

  • HipCamp – the AirBnB of camping apps

  • Facebook Groups For Motorcycle Camping


While some apps, such as Ultimate CG, do charge a price to use, the modest fee is well worth it in exchange for discovering amazing camping spots. Some of these free apps (for example, Dyrt) have Pro versions that allow you to view maps without cell connectivity. The greatest campgrounds are frequently found in places with no signal.


2. Planning Ahead: Finding Campgrounds For A Motorcycle Trip

There's nothing worse than watching a gorgeous sunset as you desperately hunt to find a place to sleep, passing campground after campground with "FULL" signs at the gate. After a long day of riding, it's good to be able to unwind and kick the boots off with ease. Don't assume that cool campground you heard about would have a spot for you, especially on a weekend during peak season.

Because Google Maps provides such an integrated network of links and information in one place, it is the first place to look for campgrounds.

Why should you choose Google above the others? It makes the job easier. The majority of campgrounds offer reviews and are linked directly to their separate reservation systems.

In circumstances where a campground allows you to choose your site during the reservation process, you can also look at the campsite from an aerial view to see what you're reserving. For example, are there trees to provide shade for hammocks and/or tents? From there, you can widen your horizons by exploring some of the more specific categories listed below.


3. Choosing The Right Campsite For You Or Your Riding Group

  • State And National Park Campgrounds

Camping within the boundaries of a national or state park is one of the greatest ways to experience it. Typically, more than a month's notice is required, so plan ahead and reserve your spot online.

When you arrive at the park, you may have first come, first served (FCFS) alternatives depending on the park. During peak season, larger parks, such as Yellowstone, fill their FCFS sites before 7 a.m. on most days.

State and national parks typically use recreation.gov, Reserve America, and Xanterra to make online camping reservations. It's also a good idea to visit the park's website before using one of these reservation methods.

  • National Forest Campgrounds

If you want a less family-oriented setting while still enjoying the outdoors, National Forest Campgrounds are a better option for you or your riding group. While our national forests are usually the greatest place to discover free campsites, most of their established campgrounds need a registration fee.

The seclusion and surrounding landscape more than compensate for the lack of "glamping" choices. These campgrounds are also searchable on Google Maps, the Recreation.gov app or website, and the US National Forest App.

National Forest Campgrounds are frequently located in areas with no mobile coverage, and reservations cannot be made online. If you want to reserve one of these sites ahead of time, call the number indicated on the USNF website. Take a screenshot of your phone's bookings in case you need to know your site number when you arrive.


4. Motorcycle-Friendly, Private Campgrounds

If you're new to motorcycle camping and want to stay somewhere more comfortable, KOA campgrounds feature plenty of amenities (showers, wifi, swimming pools, etc.) and are available nationally. They're motorcycle-friendly and frequently close to major interstates or tourist sites, making them accessible by motorbike.

Motorcycle-specific and "biker-friendly" campgrounds are widespread around major motorbike locations, such as the Great Smoky Mountains' twisting roads. Some are so motorcycle-friendly that four-wheeled vehicles are not permitted in the camping area, just bikes! Two Wheels of Suches in Northern Georgia is one example of this.


5. How To Find Free Campsites On A Motorcycle Trip

For the seasoned camper, dispersed camping offers the greatest motorcycle camping available. It's camping at its most raw and savage. You'll need to be completely self-sufficient with no facilities available, like a food store for animal deterrence, bathrooms, or running water. Please read and understand the Leave No Trace Guidelines before embarking on a dispersed camping adventure.


  • Forest Service Land (USFS) 

The greatest place to look for free camping is on Forest Service Property. Unless otherwise specified, free (distributed) camping is permitted in all National Forests and Grasslands across the United States. With dispersed campsites, a reasonable rule of thumb is to put up camp 100 feet from any water source and 150 feet from a roadway. Keep in mind that some areas may not permit camping. Make sure you do your homework on dispersed camping.


  • Bureau of Land Management Land

BLM land, a branch of the U.S. Department of Interior, is more typically found in the western United States. Similar to the USFS, these public lands provide both dispersed (free) and developed (paid) camping opportunities.

If you're visiting a popular place, such as Moab, Utah, you may have to pay a fee to use BLM land. You can always contact the local BLM office for more information, or ask a friend who is familiar with the area.


  • Truck Stops & Rest Areas

These are, without a doubt, the final choice when looking for a free spot to lay your head at the drop of a hat. No, they're not a campsite, but they're worth mentioning.

It is possible to stay in truck stop parking lots, but only while travelling in groups. If you are familiar with these places, they can be useful in a pinch. Keep in mind that most rest stops along major highways do not allow camping. You may be asked to leave if you pitch a tent.