If you're ready to settle down in nature for a while, you might already be familiar with some temporary campgrounds or short-term weekend spots, but how do you find available campsites for an extended stay? From official state and federal reservation platforms to camping apps, tools and availability trackers, here is how to find RV campgrounds and campsites that will allow you to stay for weeks, months or even indefinitely.
KOA (Kampgrounds of America)
KOA has over 500 campgrounds across North America, including 30-amp and 50-amp full hookup sites. You can get special seasonal or long-term rates at most locations, which makes KOA a popular choice for snowbirds, America's 18.1 million digital nomads and other extended-stay travelers.
Many KOA RV sites have laundry facilities and on-site stores to make your stay easier. To find available campsites for an extended stay, use the search filters on the website or app to narrow your search and look at individual campsite pages for details of special rates or extended stay camping policies.
Key features:
Dedicated extended stay options
Consistent amenities, full hookups and reliable Wi-Fi
Loyalty program with rewards for frequent or long-term guests
Nationwide network and easy reservation system
2. Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov is a one-stop reservation platform for 14 federal agencies. Here, you can book campsites and permits for federal lands, such as national parks and forests. Head to the camping and lodging tab, search by location and stay type, and enter your dates — typically, you can book up to six months in advance.
Check the details of campsites that catch your eye to see their site-specific policies and limits on extended stay options. If your chosen site is unavailable for your dates, a useful notification option will alert you when a space opens up.
Key features:
Access to national parks and forests
Advanced search filters and a notification option
Real-time availability information
Clearly stated permit requirements
3. ReserveAmerica
A gateway to state park reservations across the U.S., ReserveAmerica provides online reservations for thousands of private campgrounds. To find available campsites, filter by site type, amenities and dates, and then check the rules for campsites that appeal to you. The platform provides detailed information about each site and a monitoring option that will send you an email alert when a site becomes available.
Key features:
Primary booking platform for many state parks
Easy search options for multi-week or monthly stays
Detailed campsite information
User-friendly system for changing reservations
4. Hipcamp
If you want to find unique camping sites, Hipcamp connects campers with landowners offering everything from rustic campsites to treehouses or yurts. The app covers camping experiences across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K.
Start your extended-stay campsite search by entering your desired location and filtering by amenities, such as full RV hookups. If anything is unclear or if you want to ask about other camping options, you can easily contact each host directly.
Key features:
Access to private land and off-the-beaten-track experiences
Rates for weeks-long, months-long or longer stays, depending on the landowner
Community campsite reviews
Direct contact with the campsite host
5. The Dyrt
Covering over 500,000 campsites in the U.S., The Dyrt can help you find RV campgrounds or camping sites anywhere from state and national parks to dispersed sites. Search filters allow you to narrow down your options based on the amenities offered.
It's easy to see whether your chosen campsite accommodates extended stays. User-provided reviews and photos add an extra dimension, making it easier to choose the campsite that's right for you.
Key features:
Comprehensive database of campsites
Community reviews, photos and videos
Availability alerts
Monthly rates filter
6. Campnab
Campnab scans multiple platforms for newly canceled reservations that match your requirements and notifies you when one turns up. Since many campsites have limited availability for extended stays, this can help you target popular parks where securing reservations can be especially challenging.
There is a membership option that's useful for digital nomads or other frequent extended-stay campers, and the app covers federal, state and some private reservation systems, giving you plenty of options.
Key features:
Real-time cancellation alerts
Coverage across multiple platforms
Fully customizable searches
Time-saving benefits
Tips for How to Find Campsites for Extended Stays
Now that you know where to find available campsites, use these tips to help you pick the best one for your needs and secure it for your next getaway.
Book as early as possible: Extended-stay camping spots are in high demand. With over 3 million van lifers in the U.S., competition for coveted spots is intense. Set calendar alarms for when booking windows open or use the notification features on booking platforms.
Be flexible: If possible, start your booking in an off-peak or out-of-season period, or midweek. Check out underrated campsites or less popular parks — often you'll have just as great an experience, with added peace and quiet.
Contact campsites directly: If there's somewhere you love the look of but it doesn't seem to offer extended stays, it never hurts to contact them directly with a call or email.
Understand time limits and permits: Ensure your booking doesn't exceed campsite limits and that you have any necessary permits. Most of the top-rated platforms and apps clearly indicate what you will need for any given location.
Be flexible with desired amenities: Being willing to forgo one or two things on your nice-to-have list will open up a wider range of extended-stay campsite options. Plan ahead and prepare for self-sufficiency. Planning for things like waste disposal leaves you less reliant on camp facilities and with a wider choice of venues.
Booking Your Extended Stay Campsite Successfully
Finding long-term camping sites can be challenging given the rising demand. You can use the websites and tools in this list to give you a head start and ease the process of snagging hard-to-find extended-stay campgrounds.
