Whether you are planning a weekend camping trip or an adventure to multiple National Parks, the question you should ask yourself first is: What is Dispersed Camping? In a world where everything costs money and beautiful locations are often overcrowded, there are few opportunities to truly experience what nature is all about. The solution to these problems may just be the exciting world of Dispersed Camping!
What Exactly is Dispersed camping?
Dispersed camping is camping on publicly held lands, away from developed recreation facilities and the accompanying hordes of tourists. The good news is that almost all public land is fair game for camping. The few exceptions include conflicts with other authorized uses or posting that explicitly states “closed to camping”. The kicker in all this is that this experience is entirely free!
The possibilities of this type of camping are endless and can stretch as far (or as close) as one is willing to drive down the often unpaved road. Dispersed camping requires no reservations and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Often, you end up closer to the natural beauty of the National Parks than many people even realize!
When you disperse camp, oftentimes, it is just you, your tent/ RV/ camper, and an undesignated patch of land. While the beauty is already there, you must bring everything else you will need. The only requirement for this experience is that you will need to be self-sufficient, as there will likely be zero amenities. This means no picnic tables, potable water, dump facilities, trash cans, bathrooms, or showers!
What do I Need to Bring When I Go Dispersed Camping?
Once you figure out where you would like to go, the next step is to pack the correct equipment. What is dispersed camping if not an opportunity to become completely self-reliant and, in doing so, reconnect with nature! Remember, these campsites rarely have any amenities or services! Below is a checklist of the camping essentials that should be brought by everyone planning on dispersed camping:
Folding Table & Chairs
There are no provided picnic tables at dispersed camping sites. An elevated surface to prepare meals on or to sit around to play games at the end of the evening can never be underestimated.
Pop-Up Canopy
In desert-like environments shade is at a premium so bring along a pop-up canopy. No longer will you be forced to take shelter inside your tent or RV to hide from the midday sun.
Trash Bags
Bring a few more than you think you will need! Everything you pack into your campsite must be packed out, no exceptions!
Water (Or Water Filtration System)
You will have to bring all of the water you will need for drinking, dishwashing, and (possibly) bathing. Purchase a few collapsible water containers and ensure you have more than enough! Alternatively, if there is a nearby water source (and you have confirmed that it is still present) a water filtration system is a game-changer. Just make sure you have bottles of backup water in case the filter gets jammed or breaks!
Bathroom Kit Or WAG Bags
Cue in your trusty trowel, toilet paper, and trash bag (to pack out your TP). In highly sensitive areas you may even be required to pack out your waste in a WAG bag! It’s not all as bad as it may sound since your view while doing the deed will more than make up for any slight inconvenience.
Dishwashing Basin
Any smallish plastic tub will do. The water savings alone during clean-up more than justify bringing it along. Just don’t forget to bring your sponge & soap as well!
Camp Shower
Okay, admittedly this one is closer to the side of luxury, but if you are planning on being out there for the full fourteen days it may quickly become a necessity. Nowadays, they have very inexpensive models that when packed away they take up no more room than a water bottle. All I can say is your future sticky, smelly self will definitely thank you!
The Benefits of Dispersed Camping:
There are a lot of benefits when it comes to dispersed camping. Some benefits are very obvious such as the cost, it’s completely free; while others are a bit more unexpected, such as:
Flexibility
When planning trips in advance it’s often necessary to decide exactly when you will be there to make all the required reservations. This often leads to rushed adventures and stressed timelines. Instead, if you are exploring or passing through an area with available dispersed campsites you can decide where you want to camp at the end of each day in real-time, no reservations are needed!
Last-Minute Trips
If you decide you want to go on a spur of the moment camping trip on a Friday morning before a long weekend, chances are most campgrounds have been booked out. If, instead, you set your sights on dispersed camping, you can almost always find a spot in your desired location!
More Secluded Campsites
In most established pay campgrounds, the designated sites have you packed in like sardines in a tin. The vehicles and tents are so close that you can even hear the fellow camper sawing logs from three sites away. Dispersed camping is often located in more remote areas, which offers the option to camp farther away from other people and all the privacy you could want!
Bonus Perk
While few national parks allow dispersed camping, many national parks are surrounded by public land such as National Forests. All it takes is a quick drive out of the entrance of the park and you can begin searching for legal dispersed camping sites that are absolutely free. You often have the exact same scenery as inside the park and now you have it all to yourself!
What Lands allow dispersed camping?
Although roughly 40% of the US is designated as Public Land, not all of it is created equal or even available for dispersed camping. In general, you will find that dispersed camping sites are considerably more challenging to find the further east you go. More than likely if you find yourself asking the question What is dispersed camping? you will begin your journey using either BLM or National Forest Land.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
The BLM is an agency that is responsible for roughly 250 million acres of public land. Most of this land is located in the western part of the United States (Alaska, Arizona, California, and Colorado boast the highest amounts of BLM land)! Since much of this land is designated for a wide variety of uses, there is a very real possibility that if you don’t research your campsite beforehand, you could wake up surrounded by a herd of cattle!
National Forests And Grasslands
Although smaller than the BLM, The US Forestry Service is responsible for more than 170 national forests and grasslands across America! Each National Forests & Grassland has slightly different rules, so check ahead to ensure you are aware of all requirements!
What are the Rules of Dispersed Camping?
There are a few simple rules that must be followed while dispersed camping. The following rules prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by the continual use of any particular area:
Timeframe Allotments
General guidelines dictate that dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period “not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period, unless otherwise posted”.
Required Distance
You must ensure that you are located outside the vicinity of developed recreation areas (campsites, picnic areas, trailheads, Day-use parking). You must also be at least 100-200 feet from any road, trail, or water source.
Leave No Trace
At an absolute minimum leave your campsite as you found it, but better yet pack out any additional trash you find!
Pack It In – Pack It Out
Whatever you brought into your campsite you must also leave with (including disposing of waste properly), no exceptions!
Respect the wildlife
Give local wildlife the space it deserves. Ensure that your food is properly stored and kept out of the reach of any curious animals
Respect your neighbors
Any other campers you may see out there are on their own search for a piece of paradise. Don’t crowd in, there is more than enough space for everyone. In general, try to keep your voices, your music, and your generators on low.
As mentioned previously, each public land area is often governed by different entities and thus has its own set of rules. The above rules are general guidelines but it is always best to research your desired dispersed camping site beforehand for the complete set of current restrictions before you start your trip!
How to find Dispersed Camping Sites:
Thus far we have addressed the question, “What is dispersed camping?”, discussed expectations, what to bring, and which land types allow it. Now the most important step left is figuring out how to find these free dispersed camping sites! Whether you still enjoy carrying printed maps, talking on the phone, or using the modern convenience of Apps and websites, there are plenty of options that allow you to find these hidden gems! I have included a few of my personal favorites to help set you on the right path.
FreeCampsites.net
This website is a great resource to begin your search online as it provides maps, GPS coordinates, pictures, and even user-submitted reviews so you have more of an idea of exactly what you are arriving at.
Call the Corresponding Agency
This one requires you to already know which entity owns the land that you are hoping to camp on. A quick call to any nearby National Parks or Forests and a local ranger would more often than not point you in the right direction.
Google Earth
This online utility is often one of the easiest and quickest methods to scan the landscape of the location you are thinking about camping in. Oftentimes, you’ll even be able to spot other people camping!
Campendium.com
This awesome camping resource allows you to search for dispersed camping by state. They also have posted user reviews and pictures.
US Public Lands App
This is my personal go-to app as it lets you overlay BLM & National Forest land over a satellite image while keeping track of your GPS location. This way you can ensure you are in the right location and legally able to disperse camp.
These are by no means the only available sources available to gather information, but rather a good jumping-off position to get your feet wet! I have attached a useful video demonstrating a possible process here.
How to Choose the Perfect Dispersed Campsite
When deciding on the perfect campsite it is important to try and minimize your impact on existing vegetation as much as possible. Drive along existing roads and keep your eyes peeled for the telltale fat disturbance left behind by previous campers. When setting up your camp look for barren dirt, rock, or sand to pitch your tent or park your camper. If you don’t think your vehicle will fit in your first choice of locations don’t force it. There are plenty of other “secret spots” tucked away just around the corner!
Depending on your location you may also be able to find campsites with existing fire rings! Just be sure to review and obey all fire restrictions that are in place. It is your responsibility to know about any fire restrictions or bans before you arrive!
Remember to scout out your intended location before you try and drive your vehicle/ camper there. It’s always easier to press the back key on a computer and keep searching than it is to turn your motorhome or trailer around at a locked gate or dead-end!
Conclusion
Dispersed camping is camping for free on public land, without all the facilities and amenities. You have the freedom to camp where you want, how you want and truly connect back to nature! It’s your responsibility to take care of both the land and yourself while you’re out there, so plan ahead! Start with shorter, less demanding trips and before long you will become a master of dispersed camping. This way, the next time you hear someone ask the question, “What is Dispersed Camping?” you are ready to change their entire camping perspective! Happy camping!