Not just in deserts. Unless the rules have changed recently, one can camp for 14 days in National Forest or Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land for free before

Not just in deserts. Unless the rules have changed recently, one can camp for 14 days in National Forest or Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land for free before you are required to move. Exceptions are in very crowded areas (like a lot of California's National Forest near paved roads). These areas make up the majority of land many western states and some really beautiful areas. More and more locked gates are being put up to prevent access, but lots of old logging roads are still open. Grab a good atlas for a state you want to travel in that has all the roads on it (like Benchmark) and just start looking at it. Find a place that looks interesting and go there. You can find amazing spots that way. Going to places found on "Ten Best" lists or camping magazines are the way to find a beautiful place with way too many people around.