I’ll add that I’d love an app that can specifically filter for campsites that aren’t for rvs.

ReserveAmerica and Recreation.gov for govt campsites. iOverlander is a great community driven mapping software for all things vanlife/rv, but has a yearly subscription. I believe they still have a free ad supported version, but when they first switched to that model the ads were cancer. I use it enough that the $70/yr (last re-up, may have changed) is worth it. Other sites exist that are similar. Also, just figuring out where blm land and natl forest land are and either talking to rangers for that district is a good place to start.

I often use national park websites if that is your destination. They have MVUM (motor vehicle use maps) that can be handy. These often list places where dispersed camping is allowed.

The state and national parks have the best camping imo if you’re interested in sightseeing/hiking and having a campfire. I don’t consider third party campgrounds unless a state or national park (or BLM land) isn’t around or they’re fully booked. Picking which tent site within the campground is best is a bit harder sight unseen— usually they provide an overview of the campground online with the sites marked so you can make some best guesses based on proximity to the bathroom, site isolation, etc. Check for reviews of the bathrooms (a lot require quarters to operate the shower).

If Fall Creek Falls is anywhere in your neck of the woods I highly recommend it! The south has some of the best waterfall hikes.

Finding sites that prohibit rvs kinda depends on the website you’re reserving your site with. You’re basically looking for tent only with vehicle access.

You can try going to an outdoor store and chatting with the employees for suggestions

Site Seeker or the ANWB app. ADAC is not that good.

If it’s marked on a map I consider it a bad spot. I just browse terrain maps for nice looking locations and then hike there to see what it’s like in person. If there are signs of other people having stayed there in the recent months then I go somewhere else.

Admittedly I have the luxury of free to roam laws so I can camp quite literally where ever I want.

Car gives you some options hikers might not have. It’s better to find actual dispersal camping areas or campgrounds for privacy and safety using the resources others mentioned, but rest stops can be useful for a quick overnight. Most of the SE have bs rules but I’ve had luck just coming in late and leaving early in a few areas, obviously manage your risk and only take on what you’re willing to gamble.

Put on a creepy costume like a ghost or creepy cryptid (ghost probably more effective).

Haunt local campground late at night from a distance.

Start a social media campaign about campground bring haunted / fake creepy stories based on your own hauntings.

Now should be emptier for you to use.

Just watch out for teens with a talking dog possibly investigating the events.

I start local and work my way out. Does your county have a website that shows campgrounds? How about adjacent counties? After that, I start looking at state recreation areas and parks. As I’m not too far from a state border, I look at the adjoining states as well.

In my area, most state parks that allow camping have separate areas for RV vs tent camping.

freecampsites.net
iOverlander
^ these are the main resources I use when looking for somewhere to camp. But they are much more focused on finding spots to bed down for the night between destinations.

In the south, you are probably better off searching through state park, national park, or national forest websites.

Imo, a better strategy is to think of something you want to do while out camping. After all, camping is just sleeping, but less comfortable. What do you want to do for all the other hours in the day? Fish? Hike? Paddle a canoe? Look for spots that accomodate these things, and then go try them out.

Also, the best resource is going to be other locals. Try to find some friends who want to go with you, and your social network will probably provide all the info you need