The Best Campsites Aren’t on Google Maps

Why I Wrote This Post

I started writing this while planning a trip to a stretch of coast I’d never been to, a few hours past any major city, where it’s mainly tiny towns separated only by forest and coastline.

When I zoomed in on Google Maps, I noticed that in all of these places, there are almost no pins or at least any that seem trustworthy. No campground icons, no reviews, no names. Just miles of green and a thin road leading to the ocean.

That blank space made me realize something I’d learned before but never written down: that the best campsites usually aren’t on Google Maps. They’re the ones you stumble upon, find through locals, or hear about from a stranger at a surf shop who says, “Drive past the old bridge and keep going… you’ll know it when you see it.”

If you’ve ever planned a surf trip out to the Washington or Oregon coast, or an off-road loop through the desert backroads of Utah, you probably know the feeling: part excitement, part uncertainty, and a quiet hope that you’ll find something special.

Why the Best Campsites Aren’t on Google Maps

The problem with popular campgrounds

When you type “best campsites near me,” you’re usually getting the most convenient, not the most memorable. These campgrounds tend to:

• Be packed during peak season
• Sit right beside highways or RV loops
• Limit where you can cook or set up
• Feel more like a parking lot than a wild escape
  

There’s nothing wrong with them, but when you’re chasing solitude, sunsets, and good surfing or fishing, you want space, and somewhere you don’t need to reserve months in advance.

What “off-the-beaten-path” really means

To me, “off-the-beaten-path” doesn’t mean hiking 10 miles into the backcountry. It means those quiet pull-offs on forest roads, a flat meadow near a river, or a ridge with a 360° view, the kind of places where there are no road signs but plenty of peace.

How I Find Awesome Campsites

1. Start with public lands and forest roads

In the U.S., most of the best free camping lies on National Forest or BLM land. You can camp almost anywhere that’s not restricted, usually up to 14 days. Look for Forest Service Roads (FSR) branching off side roads; these often lead to prime dispersed camping spots with views that rival any paid campground.

In Canada, Crown Land works similarly. Some of the best places I’ve camped were on old logging roads where the only sign of life was a single tire track and the sound of water nearby.

2. Tap into local communities and niche online forums

Some of my best finds came from people, not apps.

• Local shops - Surf shops, gas stations, and diners are goldmines for intel. Locals know which roads are open or washed out.
• Online groups - Forums like r/Overlanding, r/CampingandHiking, or local Facebook groups (“Oregon Coast Surf Trips,” “Washington Off-Road”) usually have up-to-date info.
• Blogs & small creators - I’ve found great beta on tiny adventure blogs that don’t rank on Google but have firsthand notes on campsites, access roads, and tide timing. YouTube is always a great resource, too; it’s often where I find inspiration for trips in the first place.
  

Ask questions, read comments, and take notes. That’s how you find those “locals-only” spots responsibly. Even if there are no public pins on Google Maps, I place a lot of my own pins on spots as I hear about them, so if I’m ever in the area, I have an easy reference.

3. My favorite tools and tricks

If you’re exploring somewhere new, here are a few digital tools I use:

• Gaia GPS or OnX Offroad - for terrain, land boundaries, and road detail.
• Google Earth - to find clearings or cliffside pullouts you can’t see on Maps.
• Offline maps + pins - Always download before you lose signal. I keep a “Dream Campsites” note on my phone and place pins on my Maps app.
  

Setting Up Once You’re There

Simplicity, comfort, and good gear

When you finally find that perfect site, usually after an hour or two of driving dirt roads and second-guessing directions, the last thing you want is chaos.

That’s why I’m a huge fan of organized car-camping setups. I want to pull up, unfold, and be cooking within minutes. I’m starting to get my Chuk Kitchen Box dialed so I have a weather-resistant setup that unfolds into a full camp kitchen super quick. Adjustable legs, wind shield, drawers for cookware, it’s the kind of gear that lets you enjoy the view instead of fumbling with plastic bins.

Once camp’s set, I usually make something simple. You can check out a few of our favorite one-pot meals and camp recipes in other blog posts like this one: The Best Food for a Multi-Day Camping Trip.

FAQs: “Where Should I Camp?”

Where should I camp if I want a view and no crowds?

Try forest service roads near national parks, coastal pull-offs along Highways, or ridgelines on BLM land. Use satellite view and drop pins where the terrain opens up. Start exploring your local area to learn what types of terrain make for ideal camping spots.

Can I camp off the beaten path legally?

Usually, yes. In the U.S., National Forest and BLM land allow dispersed camping within limits (often 14 days, a set distance from water). In Canada, Crown Land is open for most residents. Always check local restrictions, pass requirements, and fire bans before you go.

How do I cook outdoors in remote campsites?

Keep meals simple and gear organized. A stable cooking platform (like the Chuk Kitchen Box), a windshield, and basic ingredients go a long way. Focus on one-pan or foil-pack recipes to minimize cleanup and maximize time under the stars. Always bring extra water!

🧾 Key Takeaways

• The best campsites are often unmapped, discovered through curiosity and local insight.
• Use tools like Gaia GPS, OnX, and local forums to find legal dispersed sites.
• Gear that prioritizes simplicity, like the Chuk Kitchen Box, transforms a random pull-off into a dream campsite.
• Talk to locals, explore safely, and respect the land (Leave No Trace).
• The adventure starts where the paved roads end.
  

If you’re heading somewhere off the grid soon, whether it’s chasing waves or just chasing quiet, take this as your sign to go. The best campsites won’t be listed anywhere. They’ll be the ones you find, and the ones you’ll never forget. 

 

Looking for a few places to go on your multi-day camping trip?

👉 7 Off-the-Beaten-Path Camping Spots in Utah
👉 7 Off-the-Beaten-Path Camping Spots in the PNW