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Bicycle Camping Resources By State

Bicycle Campers Welcome

The following is a directory of bicycle camping resources throughout the United States (we have a larger, more detailed directory of bicycle camping resources in Kansas and its neighboring states of Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma).

Bicycle travelers typically prefer free or low-cost overnight stays, and often choose natural settings versus "campgrounds" populated by RV's and car campers. A such, this list is concentrated on parks, forests, and wilderness areas where tent camping, primitive camping, wild camping, and/or dispersed camping are permitted or encouraged.

This list not intended to be completely comprehensive list (since that's probably impossible), but should point you in the right direction for further research. Also note that not all of these links are exclusively devoted to bicycle camping; many are more broadly focused on "camping" in general.



Bicycle Camping in the United States

Nationwide:
  • Adventure Cycling Association – Adventure Cycling Association's mission is to inspire people of all ages to travel by bicycle. They create bike routes and maps, lead bike tours, publish Adventure Cyclist magazine, sell bike gear, and provide bicycle travel information. Self-contained bike trips are their specialty.
  • BikeOvernights.org – Provides inspiration, resources, and tools for short bicycle tours (1-2 nights). Stories, photos, gear recommendations, etc.
  • Bureau of Land Management – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages public lands in many states across the country, especially in the American West. In general, most BLM land is open to dispersed camping, as well as camping at a number of formal campgrounds.
  • FreeCampgrounds.net – A directory of free and low-cost campsites, primarily aimed at RV'ers, though many sites also accept tent campers.
  • FreeCampsites.net – A directory of free and low-cost campsites, primarily aimed at car camping and RV parking, though many sites also accept tent campers.
  • National Parks – The National Park Service administers America's national parks, national grasslands, national rivers, national historic sites, and more. Many of these have camping opportunities, ranging from established campgrounds to wilderness camping.
Alabama:
  • Wildernet – Recreation guide to camping in Alabama. Includes detailed information on campgrounds and other places to camp, hike, backpack, fish and mountainbike.
  • Alabama State Parks – Most Alabama State Parks host modern campsites along with primitive camping.
  • Natchez Trace Parkway – "There are more than a dozen campgrounds along the Natchez Trace Parkway corridor, three in the park, and many others just outside the park. The three Parkway campgrounds are free, primitive, and available on a first come, first serve basis. They do not offer electricity, showers, or dump stations." The Natchez Trace runs through Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
Alaska:
  • Alaska BLM Camping – "You can camp on most BLM lands for up to 2 weeks (14 days) at a time. All camping is on a first-come, first-serve basis."
  • Alaska National Parks – Alaska hosts 15 national parks, preserves, monuments and national historical parks.
  • Alaska State Parks – "Encompassing more than 3.3 million acres of rugged, unspoiled terrain, the Alaska State Park System provides endless recreational opportunities."
  • AlaskaCampgrounds.com – Alaska Campground Owner's Association (ACOA) members provide outdoor hospitality excellence to the camping public in Alaska.
  • AlaskaTrekker.com – "Tent and van camping is wonderful in Alaska, definitely your best bet for an inexpensive vacation. In Alaska, campsites abound on state, national park sites, commercial sites, or just off in the bush. Alaska state law does not prohibit camping by the side of the road. Other possibilities for roadside camping are the many turnouts, rest areas marked by rectangular blue signs and scenic viewpoints. All these can make good campsites."
Arizona:
  • Arizona BLM Camping – "BLM Arizona provides many opportunities for camping on public lands. Visitors have the opportunity to camp at campgrounds, Long-Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs), or in dispersed areas throughout the state."
  • Arizona National Parks – "From the canyonlands of northern Arizona to the classic western saguaro cactus regions of the south, you could easily spend a lifetime exploring Arizona's scenic national parks, monuments and wilderness areas."
  • Arizona Highways – 10 of the best campsites in Arizona
  • Arizona State Parks – Most Arizona State Parks offer modern campgrounds, along with primitive camping. Backcountry camping is offered at some parks, as well.
Arkansas:
California:
  • Cyclelicious – A directory of California State Parks with bike camping facilities.
  • California BLM Camping – "Tremendous camping opportunities can be found on public lands throughout California. These include developed campgrounds, dispersed camping opportunities and long term visitor areas."
  • California State Parks – "Hike or bike campsites are offered in many of our California State Parks. Vehicles are not allowed in these sites. A permit is not required to hike and bike in our State Parks. They are located in relatively undisturbed natural settings. Hike or bike campsites are reserved for people who either walk in or pedal into their campsites. Hike and Bikers are still required to register as campers in the campgrounds and pay fees, although the fees are usually lower than fees for a typical campsite."
  • California National Parks – The National Parks Service maintains 23 separate units in the state of California, most with either campsites or dispersed camping opportunities.
Colorado:
Connecticut:
  • Connecticut State Parks – "Connecticut offers campgrounds in thirteen state parks or forests. The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection provides 1400 campsites throughout the state for your outdoor enjoyment. Camping areas can be found in a variety of settings including shadowy woodlands, sandy shoreline beaches, inland lakes, and secluded islands."
  • ConnecticutCampgroundGuide.com – A guide to camping in Connecticut ... mostly RV campgrounds, but some offer tent camping opportunities as well.
Delaware:
  • Delaware State Parks – "Delaware State Parks have a great deal to offer in family camping. Take your vacation amid towering trees near a freshwater pond or enjoy the scenery of rolling sand dunes and sparkling bay waters."
Florida:
  • CampFlorida.com – A directory of commercial campgrounds, from the Florida Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, amnyu offering both RV and tent sites.
  • Florida State Parks – Florida State Parks offer "full-facility" campsites for tent campers and RVers, and "many state parks provide primitive campsites for those who enjoy secluded areas".
  • Tent Camping Florida – "Reviews for state and federal campgrounds around the state, while focusing on the needs of tent and pop-up camping."
Georgia:
  • Georgia State Parks – "Forty-one parks offer more than 2,700 campsites, including tent-only areas, RV pull-thru sites, primitive camping and group camping areas. Rates average around $23-$28 per night. Most state parks have laundry facilities and sell camping supplies."
  • Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest – Offers campgrounds, RV sites, and dispersed camping opportunities.
Hawaii:
  • Haleakalā National Park – There are two primitive wilderness campsites, at Palikū and Hōlua, which are accessible only by trail. Permits are required for overnight camping at these sites. Drive-up car camping is also available in the park.
  • Hawaii State Parks – "Hawai'i's State Park campgrounds are not set up for camping in vehicles, including campers, vans and trailers. Camping fees for Hawaii State Parks start at $12 per campsite per night ($18 non-resident)."
Idaho:
  • Idaho BLM Camping – "Many developed campgrounds and several secluded, undeveloped campgrounds are available on the scenic Idaho BLM lands. Visitors are encouraged to explore off the beaten path, and camping is allowed in non-designated areas on BLM land."
  • Idaho National Forests – There are nine national forests and national grasslands managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the state of Idaho. Most offer both established campgrounds and dispersed camping.
  • Idaho National Parks – The National Parks Service maintains seven national parks in the state of Idaho, most with either campsites or dispersed camping opportunities.
  • Idaho State Parks – Idaho state parks provide campgrounds for both RVs and tent camping. Camping is permitted only in designated areas.
Illinois:
  • Cyclists' Only Camping: Chester, Illinois – "In addition to offering a piece of ground for cyclists to pitch their tents, laundry facilities, restrooms, and showers with towels and basic toiletries are also available."
  • IllinoisGoCamping.com – Directory of the Illinois Campground Association. "The parks featured in this directory offer a variety of camp accommodations and experiences."
  • Illinois State Parks – "Generally, throughout the state, camping is available year round weather permitting."
  • Shawnee National Forest – "The Shawnee National Forest offers a variety of camping experiences ranging from primitive backpacking to a developed campground equipped with showers and electrical sites. Most campgrounds & picnic areas are located near lakes or areas of exceptional beauty."
Indiana:
  • Hoosier National Forest – "The Hoosier National Forest, in the hills of south central Indiana, provides a wide mix of opportunities and resources for people to enjoy. Rolling hills, back-country trails, and rural crossroad communities make this small but beautiful Forest a favorite." Campgrounds, RV parking, and dispersed camping.
  • Indiana Parks and Reservoirs – Most Indiana State Parks and Reservoirs provide campsites for RVs and tents.
Iowa:
Kansas:
Kentucky:
  • Daniel Boone National Forest – "The Daniel Boone National Forest embraces some of the most rugged terrain west of the Appalachian Mountains. The forest lies within the Cumberland Plateau, where steep forested slopes, sandstone cliffs and narrow ravines characterize the land in this area." Campgrounds, RV parking, and dispersed camping.
  • Kentucky Parks and Reservoirs – "Enjoy the beauty of nature in one of the 31 tent and RV campgrounds in Kentucky State Parks. Whatever your interests, our campgrounds have the facilities to meet your needs and offer some of the best camping in Kentucky, from primitive camping to full service RV camping."
Louisiana:
  • Kisatchie National Forest – "Hidden in the bayous, beneath the bald cypress groves and old growth pine, is a world of natural beauty, excitement, learning, recreation, resources and wildlife in their purest form." Campgrounds and RV parking.
  • Louisiana State Parks – "Louisiana's many state parks and recreational sites offer campers the perfect way to partake of this bounty. Whether you are looking for the ideal spot along that lovely stream to pitch a tent and cook some fresh fish, or you prefer the comfort of a cozy cabin with all the amenities, you'll find plenty of options."
Maine:
  • Maine State Parks – "Designed to harmonize with mountain, lake, and seashore, Maine's state park system is as varied as the state's landscape. Mountain trails, lakeside picnic tables, ocean beaches. Twelve state parks and the Allagash Wilderness Waterway provide camping opportunities."
  • White Mountain National Forest – "The White Mountain National Forest offers a variety of camping experiences: from family-friendly developed campgrounds, to popular backcountry sites, to the solitude of a Wilderness setting."
Maryland:
  • Maryland State Parks – "The Maryland Park Service offers more than 2,000 campsites, 120 full-service and camper cabins, and 100 picnic shelters to guests. Maryland's state parks offer a camping experience for everyone - from campgrounds with electric, sewer and water hookups and showers, to primitive camping in state forests."
  • The C&O Canal Bicycling Camping Guide – "There are plenty of camping options along the towpath. Rustic 'Hiker/Biker' Campsites (H/B) are provided about every 5 miles beginning at Mile 16. Each camp site has a water pump, Jiffy John, grill, and picnic table." The C&O runs along the Potomac River through Washington DC, Maryland, and West Virginia.
Massachusetts:
  • CampMass.com – "Travel East from the beautiful Berkshire Mountains through the river valleys of Central Massachusetts to the historic coastal areas. Mountains, Valleys, Rivers and Lakes abound in our Camping Adventure land."
  • Massachusetts State Parks – Campground camping at most parks, as well as hike-in camping in a few.
Michigan:
  • Michigan State Parks – "You are never more than half an hour from a Michigan State Park, State Forest Campground, State Recreation Area or State trail system." map
  • Michigan National Forests – Hiawatha National Forest, Huron-Manistee National Forest, and Ottawa National Forest offer campgrounds as well as dispersed camping opportunities.
  • MichCampgrounds.com – A directory of commercial campgrounds in Michigan, many tent-friendly.
Minnesota:
  • Minnesota State Parks and Forests – "State forests provide more than 2,000 miles of forest roads and thousands of logging trails, including 46 campgrounds with 1,000 campsites. State parks offer more than 5,000 campsites." State Forests also offer free dispersed camping opportunities.
  • Minnesota National Forests – Chippewa National Forest and Superior National Forest offer campgrounds as well as dispersed camping.
Mississippi:
  • Mississippi State Parks – "Multiple state parks and recreational facilities from the Gulf Coast to the northern state line give each visitor and many a restless resident the opportunity to experience the wonder of Mississippi's outdoors for themselves. Whether with just a tent or a full-on RV with all the amenities, Mississippi state parks and campsites have a place for everyone."
  • Mississippi National Forests – The Bienville, Delta, Desoto, Holly Springs, Homochitto, and Tombigbee National Forests offer campground camping.
  • Natchez Trace Parkway – "There are more than a dozen campgrounds along the Natchez Trace Parkway corridor, three in the park, and many others just outside the park. The three Parkway campgrounds are free, primitive, and available on a first come, first serve basis. They do not offer electricity, showers, or dump stations." The Natchez Trace runs through Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
Missouri:
Montana:
  • Montana BLM Camping – "The BLM maintains a large number of camping sites on public land; the public is welcome to make use of the facilities provided. Camping is permitted on BLM lands that have not been developed as a camp site. You must have legal access to the area and travel on existing roads and trails."
  • Montana National Forests – There are ten national forests in Montana: Beaverhead National Forest, Bitterroot National Forest, Custer National Forest, Deerlodge National Forest, Flathead National Forest, Gallatin National Forest, Helena National Forest, Kootenai National Forest, Lewis and Clark National Forest, and Lolo National Forest. Most offer both campground camping and dispersed camping options.
  • Montana National Parks – Montana hosts two national parks: Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park. Both offer innumerable camping options in campgrounds and in the wilderness.
  • Montana State Parks – "Twenty of Montana's 54 state parks have more than 500 campsites to reserve. You can put up a tent, park your RV, sleep in a tipi or enjoy a unique overnight stay in a furnished cabin or yurt. For the spontaneous camper, 25 percent of the campsites are designated 'walk-up' sites, available on a first-come, first-served basis for visitors arriving without reservations."
Nebraska:
Nevada:
  • Nevada BLM Camping – "Nevada offers a wide variety of camping opportunities on public lands. There is no fee for dispersed, primitive camping, but there is a limit to the number of days one may camp in the same location. Dispersed, primitive camping is camping where there are no developed amenities such as water or toilets. Primitive campers are asked to follow the 'Leave No Trace' land use ethics."
  • Nevada National Forests – There is one national forest in Nevada: Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, which provides both campground camping and dispersed camping options.
  • Nevada National Parks – Nevada hosts two national parks: Death Valley National Park and Great Basin National Park. Both offer numerous places to camp in campgrounds and in the backcountry.
  • Nevada State Parks – 18 Nevada State Parks offer camping opportunities, with special consideration for bicyclists: "Touring cyclists benefit from a new State Parks policy that helps bicycle riders find camping spaces in the park, even if State Parks' campgrounds are full. This policy guarantees touring bicyclists a campsite in areas where they might not typically be able to check into a hotel or find other accommodations."
New Hampshire:
  • New Hampshire State Parks – "New Hampshire has 19 State Parks with camping facilities in beautiful surroundings, available for use by individuals, families, and youth groups. We offer various camping experiences, such as primitive camping, cabin and yurt rentals, full-service RV hookups, and lean-to's."
  • White Mountain National Forest – "The White Mountain National Forest offers a variety of camping experiences: from family-friendly developed campgrounds, to popular backcountry sites, to the solitude of a Wilderness setting."
New Jersey:
  • New Jersey State Parks – "Experience first-hand New Jersey's natural and historic world. Discover the many special places in this astoundingly diverse state. Visit New Jersey's state parks forest, recreation areas and historic buildings and villages." New Jersey State Parks offer campgrounds with both RV sites and primitive camping.
New Mexico:
  • New Mexico BLM Camping – "Tremendous camping opportunities can be found on public lands throughout New Mexico. These include developed campgrounds and primitive, dispersed camping opportunities, which can be found in a wide variety of backcountry environments – from the wide open high plains and deserts of southern New Mexico to the alpine mountains of northern New Mexico."
  • New Mexico National Forests – There are five national forests in New Mexico: Carson National Forest, Cibola National Forest, Gila National Forest, Lincoln National Forest, and Santa Fe National Forest. Most provide both campground camping and dispersed camping options.
  • New Mexico State Parks – "New Mexico has 35 diverse state parks, including cool lakes, mountain forests, canyons, desert beauty, and fascinating historical sites." New Jersey State Parks offer campgrounds with both RV sites and primitive camping.
New York:
  • New York National Forests – There is one national forest in New York: Finger Lakes National Forest, which offers campground camping only.
  • New York State Parks – "Why not consider staying in one of New York's beautiful state parks? Imagine pitching a tent near the St. Lawrence River or one of the beautiful lakes or waking up in your recreational vehicle surrounded by the majesty of the woods or cooking breakfast in a cabin overlooking the 'Grand Canyon of the East'."
North Carolina:
  • Blue Ridge Parkway – "On the Blue Ridge Parkway, nine campgrounds serve the visitor from early May through the fall color season. Camping is $16 for all campgrounds. Camping is permitted only in designated campsites."
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park – The park offers both "backcountry" camping (for backpackers) and "frontcountry" camping (in campgrounds). Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires a free permit for all backcountry camping in the park.
  • North Carolina National Forests – There are four National Forests in North Carolina: Nantahala, Pisgah, Uwharrie, and Croatan. "Whether you seek the solitude of a backcountry camping site or a convenient place for you and your family to pitch a tent or park an RV, there are plenty of places to camp."
  • North Carolina State Parks – "Camping is available at many state parks, typically for RVs as well as tents. Unless otherwise noted, campgrounds are open year-round."
North Dakota:
  • North Dakota State Parks – "ND Parks and Recreation offers many different camping opportunities in our parks. We offer primitive camping sites (sites with no electricity or water), modern camping sites (sites with electricity and water), cabins, yurts, tipis and overnight group facilities."
  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park – "Three campgrounds are available in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Fees are collected for camping. Individual sites are $10 per night, and $5 per night during the off-season. Anyone planning to camp overnight in the backcountry must obtain a free backcountry permit. There are no established backcountry campsites."
Ohio:
  • Ohio State Parks – "Family Camping is available in 56 state parks. Pitch your tent in the grass, or park your trailer on the pad provided."
  • Wayne National Park – "Located in the hills of southeastern Ohio, the Forest is a patchwork ownership that covers over a quarter million acres of Appalachian foothills. The Wayne National Forest offers a variety of camping opportunities."
Oklahoma:
Oregon:
  • Crater Lake National Park – Oregon hosts one national park: Crater Lake National Park, which offer numerous places to camp in both campgrounds and in dispersed camping areas.
  • Cycle Wild – "There are well over 150 designated campgrounds within 75 miles of Portland. In addition, there are hundreds of undeveloped sites in northwest Oregon and southwest Washington where camping is legal. Dispersed camping is generally permitted on most public lands, but nearly every public land agency has exceptions to that general policy."
  • Cycling the Oregon Coast – "Those bicycling along the south Oregon coast will find less automobile traffic, wide shoulders, and lots of places to see and camp. The south coast is preferred because there are more sunny days and less traffic. There are more campgrounds and secluded beaches making it easy to find a place to camp."
  • Oregon BLM Camping – "Situated throughout most of Oregon, BLM campgrounds are typically located along rivers, streams, lakes and reservoirs offering a variety of recreation opportunities. Able to accommodate both tent camping and small to medium recreation vehicles (no RV hookups), BLM campgrounds offer a range of settings from the forests of western Oregon to the high desert country east of the Cascade Mountains."
  • Oregon Hiker-Biker Camping – "Hiker-Biker campsites are open areas for walk-in or bike-in camping. These campsites are to be used solely by visitors arriving at the park on foot or bicycle. There's always room for hikers or bicyclists even when regular campsites are full."
  • Oregon National Forests – There are eleven National Forests in Oregon (as well as a National Grassland and National Scenic Area). "In addition to developed campgrounds that provide a range of settings and experiences, the forests offer a more primitive, or 'dispersed camping,' experience outside of these developed areas."
  • Oregon State Parks – "There are more than 50 parks with year-round and seasonal campgrounds in the Oregon state park system. Thirty-one state parks accept campsite reservations. Twenty-one state parks are first-come, first-served."
Pennsylvania:
  • Allegheny National Forest – "The Allegheny National Forest (ANF), Pennsylvania's only National Forest, is approximately 517,000 acres in the northwestern corner of the State." The forest offers both established campgrounds and dispersed camping opportunities.
  • Great Allegheny Passage – "The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) rail-trail offers 141 miles of hiking and biking between Cumberland, MD, and Homestead, PA, near Pittsburgh. In Cumberland, the GAP joins the C&O Canal Towpath, creating a continuous trail experience, 325 miles long, to Washington, DC. Camping on the Great Allegheny Passage is permitted in designated areas only."
  • Pennsylvania State Parks – "Whether you like sleeping close to nature in a tent or relaxing in style in an RV, camping in a state park gives you the inside view to explore history, natural areas and fun activities for the entire family." Pennsylvania State Parks offer modern, rustic, walk-in, and backpacking campsites.
Rhode Island:
South Carolina:
  • Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests – "Camping is allowed in developed campgrounds and in designated primitive sites. Visitors desiring to camp outside these areas may apply for a free permit from the local district offices on the Long Cane, Enoree and Francis Marion districts. No permit is required on the Andrew Pickens district for dispersed camping."
  • South Carolina State Parks – "The South Carolina State Parks offer some of the best camping opportunities in the state, with over 3,000 campsites statewide. We offer tent and RV camping experiences from the mountains to the sea and on most every major reservoir lake in between. Designated tent sites are equipped with water and tent pads; however, if you have a tent you can place it on any campsite, tent or RV, throughout the state park system."
South Dakota:
  • South Dakota BLM Camping – There are 274,000 surface acres of BLM land in South Dakota. The Fort Meade Recreation Area has two campgrounds, and dispersed camping is permitted on BLM lands that have not been developed as a camp site. "You must have legal access to the area and travel on existing roads and trails."
  • South Dakota National Forests and Grasslands – South Dakota has one national forest (Black Hills National Forest), and three national grasslands (Buffalo Gap, Dakota Prairie, and Fort Pierre). "The Forest has 30 campgrounds with more than 682 individual camp sites." Dispersed camping is also allowed on most of the Forest. The grasslands also provide both campgrounds and dispersed camping opportunities.
  • South Dakota National Parks – South Dakota has two national parks: Badlands National Park and Wind Cave National Park. Both parks offer campgrounds, and backcountry camping is permitted at Badlands National Park. "No fee or permit is required, but providing information to a ranger and signing trailhead logs is recommended. Backpackers may camp anywhere in the park that is at least .5 mile from any road or trail and not visible from park roads."
  • South Dakota State Parks – "From the adventurous Black Hills to the Glacial Lakes, and rural tranquility of the Southeast region, South Dakota features thousands of campsites to choose from. Most campgrounds include restrooms, hot showers, a picnic table, and a fire ring. Most parks are available year-round."
Tennessee:
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park – The park offers both "backcountry" camping (for backpackers) and "frontcountry" camping (in campgrounds). Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires a free permit for all backcountry camping in the park.
  • Natchez Trace Parkway – "There are more than a dozen campgrounds along the Natchez Trace Parkway corridor, three in the park, and many others just outside the park. The three Parkway campgrounds are free, primitive, and available on a first come, first serve basis. They do not offer electricity, showers, or dump stations." The Natchez Trace runs through Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
  • Tennessee State Parks – "Three of our parks take reservations for camping. All Other Parks With Campgrounds - First Come First Serve. Backcountry Camping is available at fourteen State Parks."
Texas:
  • National Forests and Grasslands in Texas – "From primitive camping to RV camping, the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas has much to offer."
  • Texas State Parks – Texas has 55 state parks, as well as state forests and wildlife refuges. Campgrounds are available in most parks.
Utah:
  • Utah BLM Camping – "BLM Utah offers outstanding camping experiences throughout the state. It is the general policy of the BLM that undeveloped Federal lands under it's administration are available to the public for camping and general recreation. Dispersed camping in an appropriate and responsible manner requires knowledge. Please learn about camping ethics before your next adventure."
  • Utah Bicycle Camping – "More people are enjoying Utah's diverse cycling opportunities than in any other state. It is a natural to create new camping opportunities by combining the best of Utah's exploding biking with the peace and serenity of Utah's spectacular scenery. Whether you prefer your tires fat and knobby or slick and skinny, you can find exciting camping options from Bear Lake to the Grand Staircase; from Dinosaur National Monument to Great Basin National Park."
  • Utah National Forests – There are five national forests in Utah: Ashley National Forest, Dixie National Forest, Fishlake National Forest, Manti-LaSal National Forest, and Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. "Visitors will find campgrounds located throughout the Forests. Many of the campsites can be reserved, and there are also sites available first come first served in many of the campgrounds. Camping in undeveloped areas (outside of designated campgrounds) is also permitted. Please stay on existing roadways when accessing these undeveloped areas, and follow the practices in 'Caring for the Forest' when camping in undeveloped areas."
  • Utah National Parks – Utah has five national parks, most of which offer both campground camping and backcountry camping opportunities.
  • Utah State Parks – Utah has 29 state parks with camping facilities. "You must camp only in those places specifically provided or marked. If a tent pad is provided, tents must only be placed on the tent pad. Fires may be built only in fire rings, stoves, grills, or fireplaces provided."
Vermont:
  • Green Mountain National Forest – "Camping is a favorite activity in the National Forest. The goal of the Green Mountain National Forest is to offer visitors a variety of camping experiences. All camping is first come, first served, and there are no reservations. There are many areas available on the Green Mountain National Forest for rustic or dispersed camping. Visitors can camp anywhere on the forest unless the area is posted closed to camping, while staying the recommended 200 feet from roads, trails, and bodies of water to disperse impact. These areas provide a place to camp and enjoy nature's solitude at no charge."
  • Vermont State Parks – "Vermont State Parks offer a wide variety of camping experiences, including drive-in camp sites, lean-to's, cabins, cottages, remote campsites, group camping areas, and even an inn-style lodge, all surrounded by Vermont's beautiful mountains, lakes, forests and fields."
Virginia:
  • Blue Ridge Parkway – "On the Blue Ridge Parkway, nine campgrounds serve the visitor from early May through the fall color season. Camping is $16 for all campgrounds. Camping is permitted only in designated campsites."
  • George Washington & Jefferson National Forests – "The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests afford virtually every type of outdoor recreation activity you can imagine. Hiking, mountain biking, camping, and fishing are the most popular activities; but don't forget bird watching, horseback riding, photography, orienteering, and cross-country skiing. "
  • Virginia State Parks – "Our 35 parks have thousands of campsites, hundreds of cabins, more than 500 miles of trails and convenient access to Virginia's major waterways." There are "more than 1,700 campsites, ranging from primitive sites to developed sites with electric and water hookups."
  • Guaranteed Camping for Touring Cyclists at Virginia State Parks – "Long distance touring cyclists are always welcome in Virginia's award winning parks. Virginia's state parks designate areas for cyclists to camp even when campgrounds are full, to ensure that long-distance touring cyclists will always have a place to stay."
Washington:
  • Bicycling in Washington – The state of Washington's DOT does an outstanding job of detailing transportation options for bicyclists, including a state bike maps, lots of local bike maps, transit options, lodging options for bicyclists.
  • Washington BLM Camping – "BLM public lands in Oregon and Washington offer an amazing array of settings including coastal beaches and headlands, Cascade forests and rivers, Columbia Plateau pothole lakes, and high desert mountains and grasslands. The use of most trails, undeveloped or primitive recreation sites, and open space is free. Most BLM campgrounds and campsites operate on a first come, first served basis."
  • Primitive Camping in the North Cascades – Learn about primitive camping opportunities in the Mt. Baker Wilderness, the Glacier Peak Wilderness, and via U.S. Forest Service Roads.
  • Washington National Forests – There are five national forests in Washington: Colville National Forest, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forests, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, and Olympic National Forest. "Whether you seek the solitude of a backcountry camping site or a convenient place for you and your family to pitch a tent or park an RV, there are plenty of places to camp." Rules for Dispersed Sites
  • Washington State Parks – "Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure or a quiet retreat from the world, you'll find it in one of Washington's extraordinary state parks." Unfortunately, there seems to be little bicycling-specific camping information available.
Washington D.C.:
  • The C&O Canal Bicycling Camping Guide – "There are plenty of camping options along the towpath. Rustic 'Hiker/Biker' Campsites (H/B) are provided about every 5 miles beginning at Mile 16. Each camp site has a water pump, Jiffy John, grill, and picnic table." The C&O runs along the Potomac River through Washington DC, Maryland, and West Virginia.
West Virginia:
  • Monongahela National Forest – "Visitors to this beautiful place will enjoy breathtaking vistas, peaceful country roads, gently flowing streams, and glimpses of the many species of plants and animals that inhabit the Forest." The forest offers both campgrounds and dispersed camping opportunities.
  • The C&O Canal Bicycling Camping Guide – "There are plenty of camping options along the towpath. Rustic 'Hiker/Biker' Campsites (H/B) are provided about every 5 miles beginning at Mile 16. Each camp site has a water pump, Jiffy John, grill, and picnic table." The C&O runs along the Potomac River through Washington DC, Maryland, and West Virginia.
  • West Virginia State Parks – "West Virginia's state parks and forests offer camping experiences from primitive tent sites to full-hook up service."
Wisconsin:
  • Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest – "The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest covers more than 1.5 million acres of Wisconsin's Northwoods." Some campsites "offer modern conveniences and some are more primitive offering a tranquil get-away".
  • Wisconsin State Parks – "Spend the night with nature in one of more than 4,900 campsites in the Wisconsin State Park System. Camping opportunities include family campsites, backpack, hike-in and canoe-in sites, and equestrian campsites."
Wyoming:
  • Wyoming BLM Camping – "There are 17.8 million acres of public land in Wyoming. Camping is allowed anywhere except those few places actually closed to overnight camping. Camping
    opportunities are available in developed campgrounds as well as undeveloped areas. Undeveloped campsites can be located on public lands most anywhere near an existing road or vehicle route."
  • Wyoming National Forests – There are four national forests in Wyoming (Bighorn National Forest, Bridger-Teton National Forest, Medicine Bow National Forest, and Shoshone National Forest) and one national grassland (Thunder Basin National Grassland). Most offer both campgrounds and dispersed camping opportunities.
  • Wyoming State Parks – "Camping is available at 7 state parks and one Historic Site."

It's encouraging to see that some states appear to truly value bicycle campers, by providing dedicated bike-camping sites, by guaranteeing that cyclists will have a place to camp, by documenting camping areas that are bicycle-friendly, or by providing ample public land that may be freely used by the public.

Why can't Kansas do that?

Last Update: August 19th, 2014