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camping:dispersed [2021/05/25 15:43]
frater_secessus [Bureau of Land Management areas]
camping:dispersed [2022/03/13 19:13]
frater_secessus [length of stay]
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 ===== practical issues ===== ===== practical issues =====
  
-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. +==== 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.   Check the local district and signage for local regulations.  
  
-Since there is no water availableyou will need to plan ahead.+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 periodthen mandatory relocation ≥25 miles away// Here is the language from the main BLM site:
  
-Since there are no trash receptaclesyou will need to [[camping:dispersed:trash|manage your trash]] There are typically no [[lifestyle:faq_toilet|toilets]].+> 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 occupationthe 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 areasIn 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 collectionpark well away from fire rings.  [[http://img.mousetrap.net/2020/IMG_20200401_084827.jpg|Nails may be present]] from the burning of wood pallets.+This means ≥2 sites are required for a rotationand ≥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
  
  
 +In addition, many National Forest districts limit stays in any NF((or NF Ranger district)) to 14d in any **30d** period, so 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
 +  * 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:drinking|water]], [[camping:dispersed:trash|trash]], or [[lifestyle:faq_toilet|toilet]] services.  There may be no shade, or so much shade no [[electrical:solar:output|solar harvest]] is possible. If you do find a free site with a pit toilet or trash cans use them appropriately and with consideration for others.  
 + 
 +Open fires and firewood collection may be banned in some places/times.  Have a [[food:cooking:stoves|camping stove]] for cooking in case you can't make a fire. When camping in areas that forbid firewood collection, park well away from fire rings.   
 +[[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 ==== 
 + 
 +At some times the areas may be overrun by weekenders (recreational weekend campers)
  
 > "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. > "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 Spiff((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-Fear-of-not-finding-a-place-to-camp?pid=304507#pid304507)) " -- Spaceman Spiff((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-Fear-of-not-finding-a-place-to-camp?pid=304507#pid304507))
 +
 +To avoid competition from weekenders try to arrive at new sites mid-week.  Arrive early enough in the day that you can see where you are driving and setting up camp.  
 +
 +
 +If you need to run to town for reprovisioning or work, it is common to "save" your campsite by erecting a small tent or similar in the spot.  Theft is rarely an issue but valuables should probably be left in your vehicle.   Be sure to mark your campsite on the nav so you know how to get back to it!
 +
 +
 +==== elevation ====
 +
 +Elevation can be an important part of the decision where to camp, as [[camping:snowbirding#elevation|it affects ambient temperature]].  If the listing you are using does not show elevation you can find approximate elevation on [[https://www.freemaptools.com/elevation-finder.htm|a site like this]].
 +
 ===== where to boondock ===== ===== where to boondock =====
  
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   * [[https://www.blm.gov/arizonaBLM Arizona]]   * [[https://www.blm.gov/arizonaBLM Arizona]]
 +
 +
 +==== 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://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/fs/monuments.htm))
 +
 +They are managed by BLM, USFS, NPS, Fish & Wildlife, etc. 
 +
 +Check the monument's website for dispersed camping opportunities. 
 +
 +
  
 ==== US Bureau of Reclamation ==== ==== US Bureau of Reclamation ====
  
-The USBR maintains some paid campgrounds.  [note:  secessus is currently researching the possibility of dispersed camping, but it doesn;t look promising.]+The USBR maintains some paid campgrounds.  [note:  secessus is currently researching the possibility of dispersed camping, but it doesn;t look promising. -- UPDATE:  [[https://freecampsites.net/#!7590&query=sitedetails|Poverty Flats]] is reported to be USBR.]
  
 Their [[https://usbr.gov/recreation/overview.html|main site]] says:  Their [[https://usbr.gov/recreation/overview.html|main site]] says: 
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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 "campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads."((https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/fishlake/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5121831&width=full))   * dispersed camping not allowed near (within miles) of any recreational improvement like "campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads."((https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/fishlake/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5121831&width=full))
   * 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:self_contained|self-contained]] 
   * practice [[https://lnt.org/learn/7-principles|leave no trace]] camping   * practice [[https://lnt.org/learn/7-principles|leave no trace]] camping
   * camp no further than //n//-hundred feet from a road/trail allowing public motor vehicle use   * camp no further than //n//-hundred feet from a road/trail allowing public motor vehicle use
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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 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 bynoting vehicles or photographing plates.  If they see the same vehicle after the allowed number of days they know that camper is violating the rules. +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". 
-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:+ 
 +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.   
 + 
 +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://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=31414&pid=389687#pid389687))   * 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 to district office when you arrive, including GPS coords and pic of your rig.
  
  
camping/dispersed.txt · Last modified: 2023/08/24 17:46 by frater_secessus