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camping:dispersed [2021/05/25 15:32] frater_secessus [National Forests and Grasslands] |
camping:dispersed [2022/06/28 17:49] frater_secessus [National Forests] |
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===== practical issues ===== | ===== practical issues ===== | ||
- | While dispersed camping usually allows multiple night stays, it is not for squatting or building structures. | + | ==== length of stay ==== |
+ | While dispersed camping usually allows multiple night stays it is **not for squatting or building structures**. | ||
- | Since there is no water available, you will need to plan ahead. | + | The most common [[# |
- | Since there are no trash receptacles, you will need to [[camping: | + | > 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). |
- | When camping in areas that forbid firewood collection, park well away from fire rings. | + | 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 | ||
+ | * days 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 | ||
+ | * days 29 - 30 at NF 3 | ||
+ | * day 31 - back to NF 1 | ||
- | At some times the areas may be overrun by weekenders: | + | |
+ | |||
+ | ==== 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 | ||
> " | > " | ||
" -- 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: | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | 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 | ==== National Forests | ||
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{{https:// | {{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 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:// | + | 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:// | ||
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==== National Grasslands ==== | ==== National Grasslands ==== | ||
+ | {{https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | As you can see in the map they are generally in the Western part of the U.S. | ||
==== Bureau of Land Management areas ==== | ==== 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. | 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. | ||
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* [[https:// | * [[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 ==== | ==== US Bureau of Reclamation ==== | ||
- | The USBR maintains some paid campgrounds. | + | The USBR maintains some paid campgrounds. |
Their [[https:// | Their [[https:// | ||
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===== rules for dispersed camping ===== | ===== rules for dispersed camping ===== | ||
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 // | ||
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* adhere to restrictions on fires and firewood | * adhere to restrictions on fires and firewood | ||
===== proving the length of your stay ===== | ===== proving the length of your stay ===== | ||
- | In some BLM areas (like those around | + | |
- | In other areas the length of stay may be on the honor system, spot-checked by rangers. | + | In some heavily-used |
- | If the ranger makes only one drive by he might ask questions about how long you've been there and when you intend | + | |
+ | In most areas the length of stay is on the honor system, | ||
+ | |||
+ | 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: | ||
* 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 to district office when you arrive, including GPS coords and pic of your rig. | ||