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--- camping:dispersed [2022/06/28 17:49]
frater_secessus [National Forests]
+++ 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.
@@ Line 23: / Line 26: @@
   * days 1-14 at Site 1
   * days 15-28 at Site 2
-  * days 29 back at Site 1
+  * day 29 back at Site 1
@@ Line 29: / Line 32: @@
   * days 1-14 at NF 1
-  * days 15-28 at NF 2
+  * days 15-28 at NF 2 (or non-NF land)
-  * days 29 - 30 at NF 3
+  * days 29 - 30 at NF 3 (or some other non-NF land)
   * day 31 - back to NF 1
@@ Line 154: / 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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