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camping:dispersed

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Words of Wisdom: “The most important thing is to be careful, esp when you’re alone… If you can’t recognize danger when you see it, this is not the life for you.” – TrainChaser1)

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”.

Dispersed camping is a formal term that refers specifically to primitive camping in National Forests but similar access is available in other areas.

“Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services; such as trash removal, and little or no facilities; such as tables and fire pits, are provided.”2)

When talking to a park ranger or other officials say “dispersed camping” for best results.

Camping without hookups in cities or other developed areas is called stealth camping.

practical issues

“During tourist season (Memorial Day to Labor Day), getting off paved roads usually gets me away from crowds. The exception to this is hunting and fishing openers. You might want to plan for some in city camping during these weekends.

” – Spaceman Spiff3)

where to boondock

in National Forests and Grasslands

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 of time for return; others say days, one month, or one year.

The most important piece of information for boondockers is the MVUM (motor vehicle use map). These maps, available on paper at visitors centers or online, tell you where you can and cannot take your vehicle. A double row of dots indicates where dispersed camping is allowed.

The dispersed camping symbols can be in an area or on either side of a roadway as shown here.

in Bureau of Land Management areas

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 Long Term Visitors Areas (LTVA) in California and Arizona. These charge a fee for unlimited stays from September - April. A typical LTVA site might offer dump stations, water, and trash receptacles.4) Some offer showers.5) Due to relatively close quarters, Supplemental rules apply.

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.

in National Parks

Camping in National Parks (NP) is usually restricted to defined campgrounds.

rules for dispersed camping

Rules vary by specific area but these are common:

  • dispersed camping not allowed near (within miles) of any recreational improvement like “campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads.”6)
  • talk to local rangers / hosts to see if any special conditions exist
  • camping must be self-contained
  • practice leave no trace camping
  • camp no further than n-hundred feet from a road/trail allowing public motor vehicle use
  • camp (and use cat hole toilets) no closer than n-hundred feet from any water source
  • 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
  • adhere to restrictions on fires and firewood

proving the length of your stay

In some BLM areas (like those around Quartzsite) a free permit is required; it will show the date range you are allowed to stay.

In other areas the length of stay may be on the honor system, spot-checked by rangers. Sometimes rangers drive by, noting vehicles or photographing plates. If they see the same vehicle after the allowed number of days they know that camper is violating the rules.

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. You may want to have some supporting evidence for the duration of your stay:

  • receipts from the last town you were at7)
  • email to district office when you arrive, including GPS coords and pic of your rig.
camping/dispersed.1530109929.txt.gz · Last modified: 2020/10/11 19:48 (external edit)