This Is The Real Definition of Dispersed Camping

First, there may be some confusion between the terms dispersed camping, dry RV camping, and boondocking. They are all very similar, so confusion is understandable.

Let's take a look at the actual definitions.

What Does Dispersed Camping Mean?

It means camping in the national forest OUTSIDE any improved camping or recreational area.

In most places we stayed, there is nothing more around to define a spot than maybe a campfire ring.

You will never have any camping sites with utilities to connect to, such as potable water and showers, as you are camping 'in the wild.'

You even may not have cell phone service.

However, free camping in national forests doesn't mean you (or others) can go wild and do whatever you want. You must follow regulations when looking for and staying at a site.

Anyway, people often get this term mixed up with dry camping. (Heck, I did, too, and I learned the true meaning by doing this article, LOL!)

Dry camping is simply camping without being hooked up to any utilities.

You can use the term 'dispersed' camping when speaking of dry camping, but technically, it's remote camping in a US forest.

There you have it... now the question "What is dispersed camping?" should never come out of your mouth again.

What Is The Difference Between Boondocking And Dispersed Camping?

Boondocking is camping out in remote places, always without any utilities. But boondocking can be had almost anywhere, on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land and any other public lands.

Dispersed camping is camping (usually without utilities) in a national forest area. Most often, if you are camping in a national forest, you're also boondocking, UNLESS you're in a dispersed campground. If you're in one, you likely still don't have any utilities (you might), but you do have to park in a designated and numbered spot.

1. Websites - Campendium is a fantastic resource for knowing about a spot before arriving. They have it all: campgrounds, BLM land, forests, and more. There are a few other websites, but this one is the best. We mostly used this website (and the owners are good friends of ours).
2. Nearest Ranger Station - Rangers at ranger stations can tell you where public lands are and where camping is allowed. They also may have a few secret spots you can check out. Maybe, just maybe, they'll have dispersed camping maps you can use.
3. Google Maps - If you know you are going to camp in national forests but don't know where camp spots are, check out the satellite image on Google Maps. Often you can see clearings where the campsites are. Also, you may see RVs parked in the photo, usually a clear indicator of a camp spot.

Bring a bear canister of bear spray if you're in bear country, and don't leave food out or in your car. Bring a flashlight. Stay on the dirt road, don't drive off of it.

Stay within cellular reception in case of emergency. Use common sense, and you likely won't die or get hurt.

Marshall and I camped in remote locations for 6 and 7 years and somehow we lived to tell the tale, lol!

I arrived late to a very popular area with ZERO spots left. Panicking, I pulled my trailer much faster down the washboard road than I should have, desperately trying to find an open site.

Finally, it was dark, and I had to ask a group if I could park with them for the night. They begrudgingly said yes.

It was so uncomfortable. Never arrive after or near dark! Pack up and leave early.

That's so easy to answer:

1. Price: It's almost always free. Usually, there's a stay limit. Often you must move at least every 16 days (sometimes 14). My camping locations are free and away from people.
2. Beauty: Want a good view? Few campgrounds rival the beauty and nature you get camping without a campground. These places have trails, streams, woods, mountains, wildflowers, coyotes, and more. All without the crowds.
3. Facilities: Well, what facilities? That's right. There ARE none most of the time. If you are self-sufficient, there's no need to pay for utilities. Become self-sufficient using your own resources and escape the nasty bathrooms, noisy neighbors, views of bear lockers and trash collection services, etc.
4. Solitude: The peace and quiet of most remote sites are unrivaled by any RV park.
5. Flexibility: No reservations necessary. Never full (kind of). Leave and arrive on YOUR schedule.

Is Dispersed Camping Legal In National Parks?

Because the dispersed camping definition means camping in national forests, this question doesn't apply to national parks.

If you are wondering if parking anywhere you choose in a national park is allowed, the answer is no. There are exceptions, and you must inquire at the national park you want to visit.

Sometimes backcountry primitive camping is permitted but usually only with a permit and when using a tent, not a vehicle.

Camping restrictions are in effect to prevent resource damage from human impact. Though in some places, the rules fall on deaf ears.

Visitors can't spread trash. Sometimes they can't start campfires, and they can't be a nuisance, etc.

There are camping restrictions made to prevent resource damage from human impact.

Here are some typical rules you must follow in any wilderness area.

1. Trash: There are no garbage collection services next to your site. What you bring, you must take out in your waste cans. Or, if your local forest has trash cans, use them.
2. Leave Your Campfire Cold: Make sure all embers are out at your fire pit. Pour water on it, stir the ashes, and make sure it is cool to the touch.
3. Day limit: Every national forest has its number of days allowed limit. Adhere to the rules of the particular national forest you are in.
4. Follow The Principles Of Leave No Trace: This doesn't just apply to trash. The impacts of humans on public land can be devastating. Only camp in previously used, established dispersed camping sites. Only use existing fire rings. If you make a pit toilet, dig a cathole six inches deep. Don't tear down existing vegetation. You are not allowed to drive on meadows to access a site. You can't set up camp in a field. Only camp on bare soil. These rules help keep it nice for everyone while protecting plants, dirt, and wildlife. Follow the principles of leave no trace.
5. Distance from water: Catholes for human waste and camping sites must be at least 200 feet away from water sources.

Is dispersed camping free? Almost always, yes.

You need to find a site where dispersed secluded camping is allowed.

It should be an obvious campsite, you must camp responsibly, make sure there is good cell phone reception if you need it, and you're good to go. Pack up and leave early to arrive well before dark.

Set up, put wood in your fire pit (as long as there are no fire bans or fire restrictions where you are), and start enjoying the sounds of nature and wildlife!