U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Learn about camping and boondocking at National Wildlife Refuges

Boondocking in National Wildlife Refuges!

Boondocking in national wildlife refuges is one of the least known federal recreation lands where free camping is allowed. However, of the 580+ national wildlife refuges, less than 10% support camping, and only a few allow dispersed camping. Of all the refuges that support camping, nearly all are located west of the Mississippi River.

National Wildlife Refuges Boondocking Map

This National Wildlife Refuges Boondocking Map contains locations of free boondocking and free campgrounds where bloggers and YouTubers have produced detailed reviews. Click on a map marker to access their reviews…

blm map overlay BLM
national forest overlay USFS
national park map overlay NPS
national wildlife refuge map overlay NWR
city boundary map overlay City
private property map overlay Private
wilderness area overlay Wilderness
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National Wildlife Refuge Boondocking Maps

Places to Camp for Free in National Wildlife Refuges

National Wildlife Refuge Camping Laws and Regulations