I usually have an itinerary. KOA's are great. And they are everywhere.

 

Some campgrounds can be $$. They may have wifi, laundry machines, pools and more but...
State parks are often reasonable. May fill up on weekends, but weekdays normally have some room. Kind of have to plan ahead to research which ones have what you want. Showers, water at your spot.... Nat park campgrounds also. Many are pay honor system

Mom and Pop campgrounds are often less than name campgrounds $$$.

If you need no amenities, Some Nat forest areas allow camping anywhere. More chance of meeting mr bear out west. Again, some looking before you leave will tell you about these.

We have hit state parks or truck stops for showers

We rolled into a place in Alpine, Texas one evening about sunset. Two of us on two bikes. I started getting ready to warm super on our camp stove while my bud starting getting our beds and tent out. Our 'neighbor' for the night came over to say hi, evaluated the scene, came grabbed my canned goods and said, 'do you mind?' She was back in a few minutes with our hot food, her microwave making quick work of it. I'll always remember that couple and that kind of camaraderie in campgrounds

 

When I'm camping while touring I try to make sure I find a campsite at least a day in advance using websites like freecampsites.net. If I can't find any like that, then I'll search for a KOA or pay campsite. If its late and I can't find anything then I'll switch to a hotel. If I'm touring and staying in hotels, I just ride till I think I have about an hour or so of ride left in me and I'll pull over and try to find a hotel about an hour's ride away from me and book it from my phone.

 

 

My riding partner can't camp (too many surgeries and too much metal in him) and my wife absolutely, positively refuses to camp ANYWHERE, so the bottom line, most inexpensive places we stay is a Comfort, Quality or a comparable motel!

When I go solo, I'm a little less fussy but I've learned that some places are a little to sleazy for me so my minimums are Days Inn or a Super 8, but occasionally I will splurge a bit if there's a restaurant/bar on site or at least within walking distance.

 

^^this.

all I need is a quiet spot to put up the tent, I prefer off the beaten path. near a creek or river is a bonus, wake up and make a pot of cowboy coffee and hit the road. that's as good as it gets right there.

 

Camping is often allowed under river bridges. Free. Of course being aware of possible rising water is a MUST! Many such areas have primitive parks. The late night locals coming to have a drink know about these places too. Not sure how these spots could be found in advance