U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Learn about camping and boondocking at National Wildlife Refuges
Free Camping at Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
Both RV and tent camping at Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is allowed throughout most of the area. Vehicles cannot drive off-road and must park in either developed campgrounds provided by the Refuge, or in previously-used campsites along the road. All camping at Kenai NWR is free. 14-day stay Other Camping at Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Kenai National Wildlife Refuge supports camping throughout much of its land. However, camping with a vehicle generally demands you remain at one of sixteen (16) developed campgrounds inside the refuge. Boondocking Boondocking at Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is allowed, but you must set up camp ... Read more
Free Camping at Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge
Vehicle-based camping at Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge is allowed only in the two campgrounds found within its boundaries. Both located off the Alaska Highway, these campgrounds are easy to access for any vehicle, and both are free of cost.
Free Camping at Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge
Camping at Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge is allowed, but is limited to smaller RVs, vans, cars, and tent campers. Recreational camping is generally not permitted, instead, camping is restricted for wildlife-related activities (hunting, fishing, birdwatching, photography).
Camping at Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge
Camping at Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge is available at two (2) primitive campgrounds. Both campgrounds are located within the Sherburne Wildlife Management Area, which is a state-managed area. Camping is NOT free. Camping permits and access permits are required.
Free Camping at Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge
Free camping at Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge is available at two campgrounds found within the refuge. These campgrounds are the only camping options for visitors to Browns Park. Otherwise, there is no boondocking, dispersed camping, or backcountry camping at the refuge.
Camping at Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Camping at Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge is allowed at the refuge's only campground. It's not free, however, but it's still cheap at just $2.00 per day, and will accommodate all sized rigs from the largest RVs down to motorcycle campers.
McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge
The only place where camping is allowed at McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge is along the beach. It's free to camp here up to 14 days. There are no reservations, first-come, first-serve, and the only amenities are trash dumpsters.
A Guide to Boondocking in 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… [AK] [AL] [AR] [AZ] [CA] ... Read more
Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge Camping Rules
Read the full set of camping rules for Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, as sourced from the refuge literature, and the laws and regulations of US Fish & Wildlife Service. Includes boondocking and occupancy limits.
Free Camping at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge
Free camping at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge is available all year long, without reservations. The US Fish & Wildlife Service provides eighty-three (83) primitive campsites throughout the refuge. Each campsite is limited...
