5 Best Free Campsites Near National Parks

Camping
Written By Michele Underwood

(That Aren’t Packed or Sketchy)

A lot of people visiting national parks want to save money on camping—but they also don’t want to feel like they’re an hour away from the entrance. These five spots are close to the park boundaries, legal, and totally free. All public land. No fees. No reservations. Just space to camp and room to breathe.

Five free dispersed campsites near national parks, marked by location on U.S. map.

1. Grassy Lake Road – Near Yellowstone National Park, WY

Closest Entrance: South Entrance (via Grand Teton)
GPS: 44.0937, -110.6738
A well-known free camping area in the Bridger-Teton National Forest that follows the Snake River and links Grand Teton to Yellowstone. Big trees, open pull-offs, and easy access to both parks.

  • Pros: Free, forested, near both Yellowstone and Grand Teton

  • Cons: Can be busy, limited flat spots

→ More on Grassy Lake Road from the U.S. Forest Service

2. Forest Road 302 – Near Grand Canyon South Rim, AZ

Closest Entrance: South Entrance (Tusayan)
GPS: 35.9801, -112.1237
Just minutes from the main gate, FR 302 is a go-to dispersed zone in Kaibab National Forest. Quiet pine forest, easy pull-offs, and the Canyon a few miles away.

  • Pros: Minutes from South Rim, good road access

  • Cons: Can fill up fast in summer

→ More on Forest Road 302

3. NF Roads Near Cosby – Great Smoky Mountains, TN

Closest Entrance: Cosby (east side)
GPS: 35.7501, -83.1712
Off the beaten path and way less crowded than Gatlinburg. These national forest roads offer primitive pull-outs just outside the east side of the Smokies.

  • Pros: Quiet, wooded, no permit required

  • Cons: Limited cell service, rougher road

4. Sheep Bridge Road – Near Zion National Park, UT

Closest Entrance: Kolob Terrace or Springdale
GPS: 37.2008, -113.0959
This BLM zone outside the west edge of Zion is super popular—but if you get there early, you’ll find incredible views and legal camping on public land.

  • Pros: Free, open desert views, easy access to Zion

  • Cons: Popular, dusty, limited shade

→ More on Sheep Bridge Road

5. North Fork Road – Near Glacier National Park, MT

Closest Entrance: Polebridge (north side)
GPS: 48.7746, -114.2370
Primitive forest road just outside the less-used north entrance. Remote, rugged, and scenic. If you’re okay with no amenities, this is the move.

  • Pros: Wild, quiet, amazing views

  • Cons: Rough road, no services, long drive to park facilities

→ More on North Fork Road from Flathead National Forest

Pro Tip:
What to Know Before You Go:

Always check local regulations, fire restrictions, and access conditions before heading out. Some of these areas are in bear country, and you won’t have the bear boxes or lockers you'd find inside a national park. Bring a bear canister or hang your food properly. Don’t leave trash or scented items out. These spots are legal for now—don’t be the one that ruins it.

Final Thoughts

These five spots get you close to the parks without paying park campground prices. All are free, legal, and worth having saved for your next trip.

My Camp Kit

Here’s all the gear I actually use—tents, lighting, sleep setup, and camp kitchen stuff.

Michele Underwood https://www.overlandgirl.com
Next

5 Best Dispersed Campsites with a View (Free Camping on Public Land)