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--- camping:dispersed [2022/01/08 18:32]
frater_secessus [US Bureau of Reclamation] poverty flats
+++ camping:dispersed [2024/07/20 17:11] (current)
frater_secessus [boondocking / dispersed camping / free camping]
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 [[lifestyle:words_of_wisdom|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." -- TrainChaser((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-You-re-solo-and-you-die-or-something-major?pid=319157#pid319157))
 ====== 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".
+[Also see the [[opinion:frater_secessus:successful_boondocking|Successful Boondocking]] sister article]
+**Boondocking** or is the informal term campers use to mean camping without utility hookups. Australian campers sometimes say "free camping".((sometimes sleeping in a Walmart parking lot is called Wallydocking.))  There is //usually// no fee associated with boondocking. .
 **Dispersed camping** is a formal term that refers specifically to primitive camping in [[#in_national_forests_and_grasslands|National Forests]] but similar access is available in other areas.
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 ==== length of stay ====
-While dispersed camping usually allows multiple night stays it is **not for squatting or building structures**.  You are expected to do your recreation then move on. The most common [[#rules_for_dispersed_camping|rule for dispersed camping]] in an area is //a 14 day stay, then relocate ≥25 miles away, and do not return for at least 28 days//.
+While dispersed camping usually allows multiple night stays it is **not for squatting or building structures**.  You are expected to do your recreation then move on.   Check the local district and signage for local regulations.
+The most common [[#rules_for_dispersed_camping|rule for dispersed camping in one place]] on BLM, Fish # Wildlife, and other non-NF land is //a 14 day stay in any 28-day period, then mandatory relocation ≥25 miles away//.  Here is the language from the main BLM site:
+> 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.  We will need a ≥3 site rotation with ≥31 days from to NF 1 to NF 1.
+  * 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
@@ Line 24: / Line 46: @@
 [[http://img.mousetrap.net/2020/IMG_20200401_084827.jpg|Nails may be present]] from the burning of wood pallets.
+Note:   California requires [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLO1eC7RgEk|a free permit]] for fires, including stoves.
 ==== timing your arrival ====
@@ Line 54: / Line 76: @@
 {{https://img.mousetrap.net/misc/usnf.jpg}}
-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 5 miles away.  Some areas have no stated length of time for return; others say days, one month, or one year.  Some NFs like the [[https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tonto/passes-permits/?cid=fseprd518434|Tonto National Forest]] require passes.
+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))  Some areas have no stated length of time for return; others say days, one month, or one year.  Some NFs like the [[https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tonto/passes-permits/?cid=fseprd518434|Tonto National Forest]] require passes.
 {{ :camping:mvum.png?direct&300|}}
 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://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/ohv/ohv_maps.shtml|online]], tell you where you can and cannot take your vehicle.  A double row of dots indicates where dispersed camping is allowed.
@@ Line 135: / Line 157: @@
   * camp (and use [[toilet:cat_hole|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
+  * camp in established (already used) spots to minimize additional damage.  The presence of a fire ring is a good indicator of an established site.
   * adhere to restrictions on fires and firewood
+  * you can generally go through any unlocked gates you find on public land unless indicated otherwise.  If you find the gate open then leave it open.  If you find the gate closed, unlatch it and pass,then relatch after you are through. This will keep grazing animals from wandering off.
+  * you are allowed to //recreate// on public land but not //live// on it permanently.  So when talking to rangers you are traveling, camping, recreating, passing through, etc.
 ===== proving the length of your stay =====
-In some heavily-used BLM areas((like Quartzsite, AZ and Lake Havasu, AZ)) a free permit is mandatory;  it will show the date range you are allowed to stay. To get the permit check in with the civilian "camp host", usually positioned near a main entrance and flying a flag.  If the flag is up you can come up and sign in;  if they flag is down they are "off duty".
+In some heavily-used BLM areas((like Quartzsite, AZ and Lake Havasu, AZ)) a free permit is mandatory;  it will show the date range you are allowed to stay. To get the permit check in with the civilian "camp host", usually positioned near a main entrance and flying a flag.  If the flag is up you can come up and sign in;  if they flag is down they are "off duty".  Find a spot and watch to see when the flag goes up so you can register.
-In most areas the length of stay is on the honor system, perhaps 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.  It is also common for rangers just to chat or share local regs and information so don't be anxious if they stop to talk to you.
+In most areas the length of stay is on the honor system, perhaps 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.  It is also common for rangers just to chat or share local regs and information so don't be anxious if they stop to talk to you.  They may remind you of the rules but they do this routinely during contacts and is no judgement on you.
-It's not normally required or requested, but in areas with a great deal of lawless camping (or aggressive enforcement) you may want to have some supporting evidence for the duration of your stay:
+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 by keeping an especially-tidy campground and having supporting evidence for the duration of your stay:
   * receipts from the last town you were at((https://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=31414&pid=389687#pid389687))
-  * 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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