Dispersed camping offers an experience far removed from the structured environment of developed campgrounds. It involves setting up camp outside of established sites, typically on public lands managed by federal agencies. This style of camping appeals to those seeking solitude and freedom in choosing their own location. Dispersed camping is generally free of charge, making it an accessible option for many outdoor enthusiasts.
The Core Concept: What is Dispersed Camping?
Dispersed camping is defined by its primitive nature, operating entirely without the infrastructure found in developed campgrounds. Campers will not find amenities such as flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables, or designated trash receptacles. This lack of services necessitates complete self-sufficiency, a practice often referred to as boondocking or wild camping.
Developed sites offer a pre-determined, maintained space, while dispersed camping requires the individual to select and manage their own primitive site. This freedom of choice comes with the responsibility of carrying in all necessary supplies and packing out all waste. While generally free of charge, this type of camping requires a high degree of preparation and environmental awareness from the participant.
Where to Find a Legal Campsite
Finding a legal dispersed campsite begins with identifying the correct land management agency, primarily the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). These federal lands generally permit dispersed camping, but specific rules and restrictions vary significantly between districts. Contacting the local ranger district or field office before a trip is necessary to confirm current regulations, including fire restrictions or temporary area closures.
Regulations often dictate specific distances campers must maintain from established infrastructure and natural resources. A general rule is to camp at least 200 feet away from water sources like streams or lakes to protect riparian areas from contamination. Campers are also required to set up their site a minimum of 150 feet from developed roads, trails, and recreation areas.
When selecting a specific location, campers should prioritize using sites that show evidence of previous use, rather than creating a new disturbance. Using existing campsites minimizes the impact on vegetation and soil, preventing the proliferation of fire rings and compacted areas. Adhering to stay limits, commonly set at 14 days within a 30-day period, is also a mandatory requirement on most public lands.
The Golden Rules: Leave No Trace Principles
The ethical framework governing dispersed camping is built upon the seven principles of Leave No Trace (LNT), which guide campers in minimizing their environmental impact.
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Plan Ahead and Prepare involves researching the area’s weather, terrain, and specific regulations. Ensure all necessary gear is packed to avoid reliance on the environment.
Traveling and Camping on Durable Surfaces
Traveling and Camping on Durable Surfaces means selecting a site that can withstand use, such as dry mineral soil or rock, and avoiding fragile areas like meadows. When setting up camp, staying within 200 feet of a road or trail is often required, and the campsite should be inconspicuous, blending into the natural surroundings.
Properly Disposing of Waste
Properly Disposing of Waste is paramount in a setting without trash services. Everything brought in, including food scraps and hygiene products, must be packed out. Human waste requires digging a cathole six to eight inches deep and at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails.
Minimizing Campfire Impacts
Minimizing Campfire Impacts starts with checking for current fire restrictions and only building fires where permitted. Fires should be kept small, using only dead and downed wood that can be broken by hand. Fires must be completely extinguished until cool to the touch before leaving the site.
Leaving What You Find
Leaving What You Find means resisting the urge to build structures, dig trenches, or collect natural items like antlers or rocks. This preserves the site’s natural state for future visitors.
Respecting Wildlife
Respecting Wildlife involves securing all food and scented items in a vehicle or approved container. This prevents habituation, which can lead to human-wildlife conflicts.
Being Considerate of Other Visitors
Being Considerate of Other Visitors involves seeking solitude by camping well away from others and keeping noise levels low. This practice ensures that the wilderness experience remains intact for everyone seeking the quiet and isolation that dispersed camping provides.
Essential Preparation and Safety
Self-sufficiency in dispersed camping requires meticulous preparation, particularly concerning water and food. Campers must bring all the water they need for drinking, cooking, and hygiene, or carry a reliable filtration or chemical purification system capable of treating natural water sources.
Food storage must adhere to bear-aware practices, often meaning storing all scented items, including toiletries, in a bear-resistant canister, hanging them properly, or securing them inside a hard-sided vehicle. Accessing many dispersed sites requires a vehicle with high clearance or four-wheel drive, as roads are often unmaintained. It is prudent to scout the road conditions on foot before driving down an unknown path.
Safety planning is necessary due to the lack of cellular service in remote areas. Campers should carry a physical map and compass or a dedicated GPS device for navigation, rather than relying solely on a phone. Informing a trusted person of the exact location, planned route, and expected return time is a highly effective safety measure.