4th of July Camping Tips in 2025: Get a Coveted Campsite

Forgot to book a campsite? Don’t panic. Our travel experts share the best strategies for securing a spur-of-the-moment Independence Day getaway.

It happens every year. One minute it’s May, the next you’re staring down July 4th weekend with no campsite booked and zero plans. Independence Day is one of the busiest camping weekends of the year, but that doesn’t mean your holiday is doomed just because you’re a little type B. There are still ways to score a spot, even last minute.

Whether you’re rolling up in an RV or camper van, or packing your tent and hoping for the best, you’ll need to think strategically. We spoke with Kelly Self, the head of consumer PR at Kampgrounds of America (KOA), and avid backpacker Zach Bugos to get their best camping tips for 4th of July. Spoiler alert: Flexibility, technology, and a little determination can go a long way.

Kelly Self, head of consumer PR at Kampgrounds of America, Inc., and Zach Bugos, an avid backpacker, contributed expertise to this article.
This article was reviewed for accuracy by Amanda Capritto, TravlSync editor and full-time traveler.

How to Get a Last-Minute Campsite for 4th of July

Finding secluded campsites for 4th of July weekend isn’t impossible. Below are our best expert tips. Photo/Amanda Capritto.

Just Go… and Hope Someone Cancelled

We’ll say this first and foremost: showing up to a campsite without a reservation is risky. But sometimes, fortune favors the spontaneous. Kelly Self agrees, saying, “Don’t panic—last-minute camping is still possible.” She recommends checking your preferred campground’s site first, but says, “If it looks full, give them a call—cancellations happen, and staff may know of unlisted availability or have creative solutions to find you a site.”

Zach Bugos is less optimistic: “I’ll never go camping without a reservation. Reservations and lotteries in California are hard enough to get, let alone on one of the busiest weekends of the year.” But if you're daring? Try for same-day cancellations and hope for first-come, first-served.

Call Around

Online booking platforms update quickly, but they’re not always the whole story—sometimes a phone call can go a long way.

“Both are smart moves,” says Self. “KOA campgrounds update availability online in real-time, but calling can uncover opportunities that aren’t yet reflected on the site.” Rangers or campground staff might offer alternate sites or flexible solutions that work for your setup.

Bugos agrees: “Always call. You can get info a lot quicker and the rangers might be able to give better insight and help in finding a spot.”

Refresh Recreation.gov Hourly

When it comes to scoring last-minute campsites, persistence is key. “Use a multi-pronged approach,” says Self. “KOA.com and the KOA app offer live availability, so checking frequently can pay off.”

That same logic applies to public lands. Recreation.gov doesn’t always give real-time updates, but spots can (and often do) open up, so keep clicking. Refreshing every hour or two starting a few days before the holiday weekend can increase your odds. It’s also helpful to sign up for email alerts if they’re available.

Skip National Parks; Try State Parks

National parks are the obvious holiday pick—which means they’re also the most crowded. Instead, “Skip the crowds without skipping the fun,” Self suggests. State parks or KOA campgrounds near small towns often offer the same access to nature with less competition. “Many host festive on-site activities for the Fourth,” she adds.

Bugos expands, “I’d recommend state parks, backcountry, BLM, national forests, [and] private campgrounds over national parks on a holiday weekend.”

State parks can also be more lenient about arrival times, offer more space between sites, and provide awesome day-use amenities like picnic areas, swimming holes, and hiking trails that don’t require timed entry (which is great if you haven’t done a ton of planning).

Consider County or Municipal Parks

Don’t sleep on county and city parks. They’re typically less popular than national or state parks and may not even show up on booking platforms. Check your local parks websites or call them directly. County and city parks often offer quieter campgrounds with pretty decent amenities.

Some county parks offer lakeside or riverside camping, well-shaded tent sites, or even bike-in camping for holiday breakers rolling in without their rig. These destinations are a bit more low-key for single travelers or families looking to avoid big park chaos over the holiday.

Try Boondocking

For our more experienced campers and adventure seekers, boondocking (or camping without hookups on public land) can lead to more freedom and flexibility throughout your trip—and even more points if you’re equipped with a 4x4 or off-grid gear. But what you do need to do is go in with a plan.

“Expect high demand and limited services,” warns Self. “Boondocking spots near popular areas fill up fast. Have a backup plan, arrive early, and know the rules.”

Bugos adds that some backcountry spots require permits. “You can always try backcountry and find any open spot that’ll accommodate you, but you do need a permit [depending on the location].”

Amanda Capritto, TravlSync editor and full-time vanlifer, has spent the last 19 months boondocking with great success. “In more than a year and a half of full-time travel, I’ve only paid for a campsite once—and that was because my van had an electrical issue that required me to plug into a 30-amp hookup.”

“Otherwise, though, I’ve been camping on National Forest and Bureau of Land Management land in some of the most beautiful, secluded locations, all for free,” she says.

Go Without Your Rig

If you typically travel with a whole RV setup, consider ditching the rig for a tent this holiday, and you may find that your camping options open up.

“Flexibility with site type and location is your best bet for success,” says Self. Some camps have more tent spots than RV spots, so if you’re open to traveling with or without your rig, that’s double the options.

Tent camping also means no hookups or pads, so you may find openings at campgrounds that aren’t suited for larger vehicles. The biggest plus in our eyes? Tent camping sites are usually cheaper and often offer a more scenic experience all around.

Drive Further

It’s often not as complicated as you may think: just try looking a little further than you would normally travel (it is a long weekend, afterall).

“Look within 150 miles for the best shot,” Self recommends. “That distance can take you beyond the usual weekend crowd, but still close enough for a quick getaway.”

If you're in a metro area, just a couple hours' drive can lead to lesser-known camps that may not be as booked out. Plus, you might come across charming small towns and fun roadside eateries along the way.

Go Anywhere BUT the Beach

It’s July, so let’s get real: beach campgrounds are typically one of the first to go. If you want a quieter experience last minute, campsites inland should be your goal. “Head for the hills—or forests, lakes, or prairies,” says Self. “Campgrounds in the Midwest, mountains, or tucked-away state parks can have a relaxed vibe—ideal for a quieter celebration.”

Even popular beach states like California and Florida have some inland goldmines—think shady forests, desert sands, and rolling hills. Snag one of these spots and you’ll avoid feeling like packed sardines and might even find some cooler weather. Though, if it’s cooler weather you’re seeking, we’ll steer you away from those inland deserts—you’re better off camping in Joshua Tree in the fall.

Choose an Under-the-Radar Location

If you’re not dead set on a particular destination, try one of these lesser-known spots:

Eastern Oregon: Oregon is often overlooked for its southern neighbor, California. But Bugos raves about the stunning wilderness eastern Oregon has to offer for remote campers.
Northern Arkansas (Ozark National Forest): The Ozarks are iconic thanks to Jason Bateman and the hit show Ozark, and if it’s shaded swimming you’re after, this is your spot.
Western North Carolina (Pisgah National Forest): Blue Ridge views, need we say more?
Nebraska’s Sandhills: This open prairie offers some of the greatest stargazing in the country.
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula: Lake Superior and waterfalls, how much more tranquil can you get?
Hill Country, Texas: Rolling hills and a handful of historic small towns are Texas Hill Country’s claim to fame.
Central Idaho: You’ll find both rivers and forests, sans the massive crowds.

These spots will likely have smaller crowds and adorable small-town 4th of July festivities—like charming street fairs and parades. As Self puts it, “Experiencing Independence Day in America’s small-town communities can be a great way to celebrate.”

FAQs

What are the best apps for last-minute campground reservations?
KOA App, KOA.com, and The Dyrt are our favorites for last minute bookings. They offer real-time updates on availability, have user reviews, and are easy to navigate on a phone.

How to plan a last-minute camping trip?
In short: be flexible and ready to go at a moment’s notice. Use a mix of apps and phone calls to uncover last minute openings. Be open to different site types (ex: tent vs. RV), and be willing to drive a bit further than normal.

How hard is it to get a campsite in Yosemite?
Frankly, it's very hard. Yosemite is one of the most popular destinations for July 4th (and, truthfully, most of the year), and reservations book out months ahead of the holiday. Last-minute openings are rare and usually quickly snagged. Use Recreation.gov, call rangers, and keep refreshing—but definitely don’t bank on getting a last minute slot in Yosemite. If anything, look outside the park and plan to enter for day use if camping isn’t an option for you.

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Article By: Lauren Keary

Lauren Keary’s passion for travel began during college when she sailed on Semester at Sea to 17 different countries. Since then, that number has grown to over 40. This passion for travel has also taken a foothold in her career, as she previously worked as a travel writer for BuzzFeed and the Evening Standard full-time, writing additional travel content for TripSavvy, Outside, and San Diego Magazine in her spare time. When she’s not writing about her adventures, you’ll probably catch her out on a hike with her dog Rusty, or looking for the best new coffee shop in town. But let’s be clear, she’s always going to be that friend in the friend group who’s catching flights (not feelings), so you’re much more likely to see her at 30,000 feet.