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camping:dispersed [2018/06/27 10:32] frater_secessus [rules for dispersed camping] |
camping:dispersed [2023/08/24 17:46] (current) frater_secessus [length of stay] |
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[[lifestyle: | [[lifestyle: | ||
+ | ====== boondocking / dispersed camping / free camping ====== | ||
- | + | [Also see the [[opinion: | |
- | ====== boondocking / dispersed camping / free camping ====== | + | |
**Boondocking** or is the informal term campers use to mean free camping areas without utility hookups. Australian campers sometimes say "free camping" | **Boondocking** or is the informal term campers use to mean free camping areas without utility hookups. Australian campers sometimes say "free camping" | ||
- | **Dispersed camping** is a formal term that refers specifically to primitive camping in [[camping: | + | **Dispersed camping** is a formal term that refers specifically to primitive camping in [[# |
> " | > " | ||
- | |||
When talking to a park ranger or other officials say " | When talking to a park ranger or other officials say " | ||
- | |||
Camping without hookups in cities or other developed areas is called [[camping: | Camping without hookups in cities or other developed areas is called [[camping: | ||
+ | **Dry camping** might also refer to no-hookup camping outside the wilderness. | ||
===== practical issues ===== | ===== practical issues ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== length of stay ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | While dispersed camping usually allows multiple night stays it is **not for squatting or building structures**. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The most common [[# | ||
+ | |||
+ | > Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed **14 days within a 28 consecutive day period**. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location **until the 29th day since the initial occupation**. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska). | ||
+ | |||
+ | This means ≥2 sites are required for a rotation, and ≥29 days from Site 1 to Site 1: | ||
+ | |||
+ | * days 1-14 at Site 1 | ||
+ | * days 15-28 at Site 2 | ||
+ | * day 29 back at Site 1 | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Many National Forest districts limit stays in any NF((or NF Ranger district)) to 14d in any **30d** period, which causes some issues syncing camping and moving. | ||
+ | |||
+ | * days 1-14 at NF 1 | ||
+ | * days 15-28 at NF 2 (or non-NF land) | ||
+ | * days 29 - 30 at NF 3 (or some other non-NF land) | ||
+ | * day 31 - back to NF 1 | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ==== services, or lack thereof ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Assume there will be no [[water: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Open fires and firewood collection may be banned in some places/ | ||
+ | [[http:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | Note: | ||
+ | ==== timing your arrival ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | At some times the areas may be overrun by weekenders (recreational weekend campers): | ||
+ | |||
> " | > " | ||
" -- Spaceman Spiff((http:// | " -- Spaceman Spiff((http:// | ||
+ | To avoid competition from weekenders try to arrive at new sites mid-week. | ||
+ | If you need to run to town for reprovisioning or work, it is common to " | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== elevation ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Elevation can be an important part of the decision where to camp, as [[camping: | ||
===== where to boondock ===== | ===== where to boondock ===== | ||
+ | The most common place to boondock is on US Federal lands, which is surprisingly massive: | ||
- | ==== in National Forests and Grasslands ==== | + | {{https:// |
- | It is common for national forest (NF) and national grassland (NG) boondocking to be limited to 14-16 days in one spot, after which one must move at least 5 miles away. Some areas have no stated length | + | |
+ | Not all land is available for boondocking but this gives an idea of where boondocking on federal land is easier or harder to find. | ||
+ | ==== National Forests | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | {{https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | It is common for national forest (NF) boondocking to be limited to 14-16 days in one spot, after which one must move at least X miles away.((5 and 25 miles are common limits)) | ||
{{ : | {{ : | ||
The most important piece of information for boondockers is the MVUM (motor vehicle use map). These maps, available on paper at visitors centers or [[https:// | The most important piece of information for boondockers is the MVUM (motor vehicle use map). These maps, available on paper at visitors centers or [[https:// | ||
- | |||
{{: | {{: | ||
The dispersed camping symbols can be in an area or on either side of a roadway as shown here. | The dispersed camping symbols can be in an area or on either side of a roadway as shown here. | ||
+ | Note: in some areas only stoves with on/off valves are allowed: | ||
+ | >The use of commercially available portable lanterns, stoves, or heating equipment that utilize gas or pressurized liquid fuel is allowed. The stove must have an ON/OFF switch. No alcohol stoves. No hexamine or solid fuel cubes.((https:// | ||
- | ==== in Bureau of Land Management areas ==== | + | ==== National Grasslands |
- | Boondocking at any given location is generally limited to 14 days on BLM lane. Because the land is more extensive it is common to require a move 25 miles away after the 14 days has elapsed. | + | |
- | An exception to the limit on stays are the [[https:// | + | {{https:// |
- | Animal grazing is common on BLM lands and fences may be put up. | + | [[https:// |
- | ==== in National Parks ==== | + | As you can see in the map they are generally in the Western part of the U.S. |
- | Camping in National Parks (NP) is usually restricted to defined campgrounds. | + | ==== Bureau of Land Management areas ==== |
+ | |||
+ | In this pic the lighter tan areas are BLM-managed land: | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | Boondocking at any given location is generally limited to 14 days on BLM land. Because the land is more extensive it is common to require a move 25 miles away after the 14 days has elapsed. | ||
+ | |||
+ | An exception to the limit on stays are the [[camping: | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Animal grazing is common on BLM lands and fences may be put up. Unless posted otherwise you may open go through gates; remember to close them again after you pass. The general rule is to leave gates how you found them; leave open if they were open and close them after passing if they were closed. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | * [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ==== national monuments ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | > National monuments are areas of federal land set aside by the Congress or most often by the president, under authority of the American Antiquities Act of June 8, 1906, to protect or enhance prominent or important features of the national landscape.((https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | They are managed by BLM, USFS, NPS, Fish & Wildlife, etc. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Check the monument' | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ==== US Bureau of Reclamation ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | The USBR maintains some paid campgrounds. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Their [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | > There are some Reclamation project areas that do not have developed recreation facilities for public use; however, dispersed recreational opportunities such as hiking, photography, | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ==== National Parks ==== | ||
+ | Camping in National Parks (NP) is usually restricted to defined | ||
+ | |||
+ | Various [[https:// | ||
+ | It may be worth skipping NPs on [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== state trust lands ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | State trust lands have [[camping: | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== state forests ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | * [[https:// | ||
+ | ==== wildlife refuges ==== | ||
+ | Reguges managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service may allow dispersed camping((https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | > Campers may select their own campsites and are limited to camping 14 days in any 12 month period. Camping within one quarter of a mile of water is prohibited by Arizona state law. All vehicles must remain within 100 feet off of the road. Campfires are allowed but only dead, down, and detached wood may be used. Uprooting dead stumps, trees, and bushes is forbidden. In addition, dead wood may only be collected from areas on the refuge that are not designated as wilderness. Please consider bringing your own supply of wood as wood is very scarce.((https:// | ||
Line 48: | Line 150: | ||
Rules vary by specific area but these are common: | Rules vary by specific area but these are common: | ||
+ | * 14 day stay, then relocate ≥25 miles away, and do not return for at least 28 days | ||
* dispersed camping not allowed near (within miles) of any recreational improvement like " | * dispersed camping not allowed near (within miles) of any recreational improvement like " | ||
* talk to local rangers / hosts to see if any special conditions exist | * talk to local rangers / hosts to see if any special conditions exist | ||
- | * camping must be [[toilet: | ||
* practice [[https:// | * practice [[https:// | ||
* camp no further than // | * camp no further than // | ||
* camp (and use [[toilet: | * camp (and use [[toilet: | ||
* camp at the location no more than //n// days, after which move a minimum number of miles and not return to the site for a length of time. See below. | * camp at the location no more than //n// days, after which move a minimum number of miles and not return to the site for a length of time. See below. | ||
- | * camp in previously-used spots to minimize additional damage | + | * camp in established (already |
* adhere to restrictions on fires and firewood | * adhere to restrictions on fires and firewood | ||
+ | * you can generally go through any unlocked gates you find on public land unless indicated otherwise. | ||
+ | * you are allowed to // | ||
===== proving the length of your stay ===== | ===== proving the length of your stay ===== | ||
- | In some BLM areas (like those around | + | In some heavily-used |
- | In other areas the length of stay may be on the honor system, spot-checked by rangers. | + | In most areas the length of stay is on the honor system, |
- | If the ranger makes only one drive by he might ask questions about how long you've been there and when you intend to leave. | + | It's not normally required or requested, but in areas with a great deal of lawless camping (or aggressive enforcement) you can distinguish yourself from squatters |
* receipts from the last town you were at((https:// | * receipts from the last town you were at((https:// | ||
- | * email to district office when you arrive, including GPS coords and pic of your rig. | + | * email district office when you arrive, including GPS coords and pic of your rig. |
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