As winter progresses, it’s time for many full-time RVers or snowbirds to begin migrating south in search of warmer weather. There are plenty of free camping opportunities in the American Southwest. These range from free trailer parks run by the city to attract tourists to vast stretches of desert where you can stay for months.
Quartzite, AZ
Quartzsite is probably the most popular snowbird location in the country. Every winter, this small town in the middle of the desert explodes into something resembling a small town as hundreds of thousands of RVs arrive for the Rock Show and RV Show. If you want to be close to lots of other full-time workers or snow enthusiasts, then Quartzsite might be exactly what you’re looking for.
There are five scattered BLM campsites within a few miles of town, as well as a Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA). For $180 you can stay in both LTVA areas of Arizona from September to April. If staying that long isn’t your thing, you can stay in the scattered campgrounds for free for up to 14 days out of 28.
Carlsbad, New Mexico
Everyone knows Carlsbad Caverns, but did you realize that there’s also a lot of BLM land in the area where it’s legal to disperse camp for 14 days at a time? Carlsbad Caverns are, of course, the big tourist attraction in the area. However, if you enjoy hiking, climbing or caving, there are many other recreational opportunities in the area.
Nights are a bit chilly, but daytime temperatures are pleasant, and the Guadalupe Mountains offer wonderful hiking and spelunking opportunities. Unlike Quartzsite, you may very well be camping in an area where you can’t see another camper or even a car for long periods of time.
South Padre Island, Texas
Maybe the beach is more your style. What could be better than camping on the beaches of South Texas? The South Padre Island National Seashore allows camping for up to 14 days. A vehicle pass is $10 for 7 days, so it’s not entirely free, but it’s pretty close. Padre Island is the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world.
Consider that last statement. Now imagine camping on a warm sandy beach and not being able to see a high-rise condo or hotel. If you get tired of deserted beaches, you can also head north to Port Aransas and camp out on the beach in the city limits for a few days!
These are just some of the possibilities for this winter. There are many more places throughout the Southwest, from Southern California to Texas, that many snowbirds call home each winter. Sure, you could head to a destination RV park and spend the winter in one spot. Or, you could spend a little more money on fuel and stay at several of the wonderful free campgrounds on public land.