Dispersed Camping 101: How to Camp Outside of a Designated Campground


An image of a BLM sign indicating public land boundaries in a natural setting.

Dispersed camping is a way to camp on public lands away from developed campgrounds. It offers solitude and a connection with nature that established sites often can't match. This guide will walk you through finding legal spots and ensuring you practice responsible, low-impact camping.

Understanding Public Lands

Dispersed camping is generally allowed on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). It is not permitted in National Parks. Always confirm the specific rules for the area you plan to visit, as restrictions vary.


Land Management Agency

Typical Allowed Uses

Rules for Dispersed Camping

Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

Camping, hiking, hunting, OHV use

Generally allowed for up to 14 days; check local field office for fire and site-specific restrictions

U.S. Forest Service (USFS)

Camping, hiking, fishing, logging

Generally allowed, but must be outside of developed areas; check specific National Forest rules

National Park Service (NPS)

Hiking, sightseeing, structured activities

Dispersed camping is generally NOT allowed; use designated sites only


How to Find a Legal Dispersed Campsite

Finding a legal spot requires research and knowing the rules for the land you are on.

1. Research the Area

Before you leave, check the official website or call the local field office for the specific National Forest or BLM district. Look for information on:


  • Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs): These maps show roads where vehicle travel is permitted and often indicate areas where camping near a road is allowed. You can often find these by searching for the local office or requesting a copy at the ranger station.

  • Stay Limits: Most agencies have a limit on how long you can stay in one spot (e.g., 14 days).

  • Fire Restrictions: Always know the current fire danger level and restrictions (e.g., no campfires, only gas stoves).

2. Follow the 150-200 Foot Rule

In most cases, you must camp at least 150 to 200 feet (about 50 to 70 steps) away from roads, trails, and water sources to protect riparian areas and maintain a sense of remoteness for others.

3. Seek Previously Used Sites

The best dispersed campsite is one that already exists. Look for areas with a bare patch of ground, often near established fire rings (if fires are permitted).


  • Why: Setting up on a previously used site prevents you from damaging new vegetation and widening the impact area.

The Seven Leave No Trace Principles

The cornerstone of dispersed camping is following the Leave No Trace (LNT) principles. When you camp outside a designated campground, you take on the responsibility of minimizing your impact.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

  • Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.

  • Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.

  • Pack out all trash, including food scraps and micro-trash.

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

  • Durable surfaces include established trails, rock, gravel, dry grasses, or snow.

  • In popular areas, use existing campsites.

  • In pristine areas, choose a site that will not be damaged by a short stay, and disperse use so no obvious campsite is created.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

  • Pack it in, pack it out. This includes all trash, sanitary products, and pet waste.

  • Human Waste: Deposit solid human waste in cat holes dug 6 to 8 inches deep and at least 200 feet (about 70 paces) from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the hole.

  • Dishwater: Scatter strained dishwater at least 200 feet from water sources.

4. Leave What You Find

  • Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts.

  • Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them.

  • Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.

5. Minimize Campfire Impacts

  • Use a lightweight stove for cooking.

  • Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings. Keep fires small.

  • Never leave a fire unattended. Completely extinguish all fires before leaving.


An image demonstrating how to properly put out a campfire using water and stirring until the coals are cold to the touch.

6. Respect Wildlife

  • Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.

  • Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.

  • Store food and trash securely (e.g., in bear canisters or hanging bags).

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

  • Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.

  • Be courteous on trails. Step to the side and let others pass.

  • Avoid loud voices and excessive noise.

Essential Dispersed Camping Gear Checklist

Make sure you have all the necessary supplies for self-sufficiency, as there are no amenities like water or trash services. For additional resources, check the Dispersed Camping Resource Guide File.


Item

Purpose

Notes

Shelter

Tent or hammock, tarp

Ensure it is weather-appropriate

Water & Filter

Water bottles, hydration pack, water filter/purifier

Plan for 1 gallon per person per day

Cooking

Stove, fuel, cookware

Essential if campfires are restricted

Food Storage

Bear canister or bear bag/rope system

Required in some areas; check local rules

Navigation

Map, compass, GPS device

Do not rely on cell service

Hygiene

Small shovel (for cat holes), toilet paper, hand sanitizer

Shovel is critical for waste disposal

Safety

First aid kit, headlamp, emergency communication device

Consider a satellite messenger for remote areas

Emergency Contacts

Local Ranger Station Phone Number: Person

Keep this information handy in case of emergencies or to report an issue at Place


When planning your trip, consider checking the weather forecast for Place on Date to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Campsite Etiquette: 10 Unwritten Rules for Being a Good Neighbor

Image
  Heading out into the great outdoors for a camping trip is all about peace, nature, and relaxation. But when you're sharing a campground with others, it's essential to remember that your relaxation shouldn't come at the expense of your neighbors! Being a good campsite neighbor makes the experience better for everyone. Here are 10 unwritten rules of campsite etiquette to help you be the most considerate camper in the park! 1. Respect Quiet Hours This is the big one! Most campgrounds have set quiet hours, often from 10 PM to 7 AM. This means no loud conversations, no blaring music, and no running generators. During quiet hours: Keep voices low, turn off loud music, and ensure your movements don't disturb the folks next door. Your tent walls are thinner than you think! Outside quiet hours: While you can be a bit louder, keep the volume reasonable. If you can hear your neighbor's conversation clearly, you're probably too loud. 2. Keep Your Fire Contained A campfi...
Read more

Turn First-Time Campers Into Lifelong Regulars: Your Campground's Onboarding System

Image
  As a campground owner, you know that a first-time camper is different. They arrive with more questions, a little more anxiety, and perhaps a massive trailer they're still figuring out. While seasoned regulars zip through check-in, first-timers represent a huge opportunity: their long-term loyalty and the massive lifetime value they can bring to your business. Imagine the Miller family pulling up to your gate. The kids are excited, but Mom and Dad are stressed. They're unsure where to park, they forgot the fire starter, and they're whispering, "Do we really know the rules here?" Your onboarding system isn't just about giving them a map; it's about turning that nervous uncertainty into a feeling of "We found our spot." Here is your proven, five-part plan to welcome and educate first-timers so they return every season. Section 1: Before They Arrive The journey to becoming a regular starts the moment they book. Reduce their anxiety with clear, p...
Read more

Exploring the History of Your Campsite: Local Lore and Hidden Gems

Image
  Camping is about escaping the everyday, breathing fresh air, and connecting with nature. But what if your next trip offered more than just s'mores and starry nights? Every patch of ground has a story, and with a little digging, you can turn your campsite into a fascinating historical or geological treasure hunt! Before you pitch your tent, consider researching the historical, geological, or cultural background of the area. It can enrich your experience and give you a whole new appreciation for the landscape around you. Why Bother with the Backstory? Knowing the history of your camping spot transforms a simple outing into an adventure in time. Deeper Connection: Understanding the land's past—whether it was a prehistoric seabed or a former logging town—fosters a stronger connection to the environment. Hidden Gems: You might discover forgotten hiking trails, ancient ruins, or unique geological formations that aren't on the official park map. Respect and Awareness: Learnin...
Read more