Many of us have the desire to take a vacation at least once a year. This is especially true when work is stressing us out or the kids seem to be hanging out on their own more and more. When you go on vacation as a family you find that you are all able to spend quality time together and for at least a week or two things seem almost normal.

Camping is a great way to bond together as a family and it helps that you don’t always have to spend a ton of money. It is true that when you go on a camping trip you will usually have to purchase tents, sleeping bags, cookware, and tons of other equipment. However, there is a way in which you can camp for free.

There are some places that will allow you to make camp without having to pay a cent. You can either pull off along one of the many state highways or you can go to a random wooded area that is not really mapped out. Make sure that the places you stay at are safe and that there are signs telling you it is ok to park your car overnight. The last thing you need is to get a ticket or have someone kick you out of your tent in the middle of the night.

The safest sites to go to are the National Parks. It is true that most of them will charge you. Try to find some of the lesser known parks in your area and stay in one of their free camp sites. It is best to do this at the end of summer when tourist season is over. That way there is plenty of space and it will be quiet.

Municipal parks in your area are another place to look at. Tell them that you want to volunteer to clean up the park after a big event. When you do this they will be more inclined to let you and your family stay on their premises without paying a dime.