The Beginners Guide to Dispersed Camping

Where Can You Disperse Camp?

There are different dispersed camping regulations for each distinct land area. You can start by searching Google Maps for BLM, National Forest, Wildlife Management Areas, and state forests in your area. To make sure you follow all local regulations, you should give the nearest ranger station or BLM office for guidance and complete list of rules and check if there are any additional requirements.

The Bureau of Land Management is part of the U.S. Department of the Interior and manages land in the United States. The BLM is in charge of land in the Western US, deserts, and open landscapes. You can camp in Vans, RVs, and sometimes tents on BLM land. On BLM land, there is a possibility of waking up with cattle or sheep grazing in your campsite since BLM land is used for various purposes.

National Forests are public lands that belong to the Forest Service. National Forests are in almost every state in the United States, and they often border National Parks —although it is illegal to camp in most National Parks and other areas (sprawling 85 million acres of public lands) maintained by the National Park Service. You can camp in National Forests with RVs and tents. Most National Forests allow dispersed campers to stay for two weeks, although the limit depends on the Forest’s regulations.

Wildlife Management Areas and state forests are run at the state level and have a wide range of regulations – you will need to check in with your local rangers or land managers responsible for these areas.

Fees, Licenses, and Permits Required for Dispersed Camping

Usually it is free to dispersed camp – In some land areas there are local fees so it is always good to double check before heading out.

National Forests Dispersed Camping Costs

Typically there are no fees or permits required for dispersed camping in National Forests. Use the U.S National Forest Service interactive map to find forests and more details.

BLM Dispersed Camping Costs

Generally dispersed camping outside of developed areas and campsites is free on BLM land. Specific areas may have local fees imposed – call your BLM office before heading out. More details.

Dispersed Camping Rules

Every camping location has its own specific set of rules. If you’re wondering, “where is dispersed camping allowed,” some of these locations and their camping rules are:

National Forests Dispersed Camping Rules

National Forests can differ in dispersed camping rules, but a standard practice they all have is that you can camp everywhere besides developed campgrounds and recreational areas. Here are some other rules to consider:

1. Each National Forest has different rules for the number of days your are allowed to dispersed camp. Look up your forest here.
2. Do not overstay your allotted days in the forest as to avoid adverse effects on natural resources.
3. You must be self-contained (bring your own water, toilet supplies, pack your trash out).
4. Do not set up your campsite within 100 feet of any water source (such as streams and rivers), roads, or trails.
5. Obey any campfire or burn bans.
6. There are bears in the National Forest, so make sure you follow safety precautions while camping and store food properly.
7. Ensure you practice principles of leave no trace.
8. Call the local Forest Service to see if there are any restrictions.

BLM Dispersed Camping Rules

BLM land tends to have more cohesive and consistent rules than National Forests for dispersed camping but there can still be local variances. Here are the standard rules for dispersed camping on BLM land:

1. You can camp in the Bureau of Land Management areas for 14 days before having to move at least 25 miles to another spot. This is to minimize damage on sensitive areas due to prolonged human impact.
2. Choose dispersed sites that have already been camped on if possible. 
3. Make sure you use existing camp stoves and fire rings if possible. 
4. Dispose of all waste properly. 
5. Do not leave anything unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska) 
6. Set up your camp at least two hundred feet away from all water sources.

As dispersed camping does not typically have potable water sources, you will have to be responsible for supplying your own drinking water. No matter how idyllic a natural water source may look, never drink the water directly! It may have bacteria or microscopic parasites which can make you sick. 

When dispersed camping, you have three options to get safe drinking water:

1. Bring your own potable water (this works best if you are car camping, or not going far on foot from your vehicle).
2. Bring a portable water filter if you will be hiking miles of trails to get to your own campsite – provided you will be camping near a stream or lake where you can get water.
3. Boil water from a nearby stream or lake to kill any bacteria or parasites (again a better option for more remote camping)

How to Go to the Bathroom When Dispersed Camping

The best way to go to the bathroom when dispersed camping is to dig a cathole for your waste. Make sure your cathole is at least 8″ deep, at least 200 feet from water, trails, or your campsite, and fill in your cathole with dirt when you are done. Finally, cover up and disguise your cathole with leaves, dead wood, or other nearby natural elements.

While you can use leaves or other natural items to wipe, you should make sure that they aren’t poisonous. Used leaves can be placed in your cathole. If you want to bring wipes or toilet paper, you should bring a container to store them in until you can dispose of your trash in garbage cans when you return to society.

How to Make a Dispersed Camping Campfire