Dispersed camping means camping on public land outside a developed campground: a pull-off on a forest road, a flat spot in the desert, a clearing by a creek. There are no hookups, no picnic tables, and usually no fee. Most Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and national forest land allows it.

It also comes with rules that are easy to break by accident. Here is how it works.

Where you can camp

BLM land

The BLM allows dispersed camping on most of its land unless an area is posted "Closed to Camping" or has its own restrictions. Its guidance:

  • Keep vehicles on designated roads and trails, unless the area is open to off-road travel.
  • Camp within about 150 feet of a designated route, and don't create new tracks.
  • Stay at least 200 feet from lakes, rivers and streams.
  • Don't camp within 1 mile of developed campgrounds, trailheads or picnic areas.
  • Use a spot that has been camped on before rather than flattening a new one.

National forests

National forests also allow dispersed camping across most of their land, but each forest sets its own details. The San Juan National Forest in southwest Colorado is a typical example:

  • Dispersed camping is not allowed near developed recreation sites; the forest uses a one-mile perimeter around campgrounds.
  • Camp at least 100 feet from any stream or other water source.
  • Keep your campsite within 150 feet of the road. In designated dispersed areas, vehicles may go up to 300 feet off an open road if they cause no damage.
  • Don't drive across meadows to reach a site.

Every national forest publishes a free Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) that shows which roads are open to vehicles and where you may drive off them to camp. It's the single most useful document for finding legal dispersed sites, and the ranger district office can tell you what's open and what's closed this season.

How long you can stay

Land Stay limit Then
BLM (general rule) 14 days within any 28-day period Move, often 25–30 miles
San Juan National Forest 16 days within any 30-day period Move at least 5 road miles

Limits vary by BLM field office and by national forest, so check the specific area. The BLM also says not to leave property unattended for more than 10 days (Idaho and Alaska differ).

Dispersed camping is meant for short-term recreation, not living on public land. The exception is the BLM's Long-Term Visitor Areas in California and Arizona, where winter visitors can stay up to seven consecutive months with a permit. See our guide to boondocking for those.

Fees and permits

Dispersed camping usually needs no fee, permit or reservation. Two exceptions are common:

  • Campfire permits in some states and regions; California's Campfire Permit is the best-known example.
  • Group permits for large groups. On the San Juan National Forest, groups of more than 75 people need a free special use permit.

Some popular dispersed areas have been converted to designated sites with their own rules, so read the signs at the entrance to the road.

Finding a spot

  1. Start with the maps. The BLM has a Where to Camp search and an interactive recreation map. Each national forest has its MVUM.
  2. Call or visit the local office. BLM field offices and Forest Service ranger districts know which roads are washed out, which areas are closed, and what the fire restrictions are this week.
  3. Arrive early. Popular areas near national parks fill up on weekends. Have a backup spot in mind.
  4. Look for existing sites. A flat, bare patch with an old fire ring is the right place to camp. A pristine meadow is not.

What to bring

There are no services, so you're fully self-contained:

  • All your water. None is provided, and streams need treating before you drink from them.
  • A way to deal with human waste. The BLM recommends a portable toilet or packing waste out. Where burying is appropriate, dig a cathole 6–8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water and trails.
  • Trash bags. Pack out everything you bring in.
  • A fire pan or nothing. Use existing fire rings, and skip the fire entirely when restrictions are in place.
  • Food storage suited to the area. Many western forests have bears; store food in your vehicle or a bear-resistant container.
  • Maps that work offline. Cell service is unreliable on forest roads.

Campfires

Fire restrictions change through the year and can be announced with little notice. Before every trip:

  • Check current restrictions for the national forest or BLM field office.
  • Use an existing fire ring or a fire pan.
  • Keep the fire small and never leave it.
  • Drown it, stir it and feel for heat. It must be completely out before you leave.

Escaped campfires from dispersed camps start wildfires every year. If in doubt, cook on a stove.

State guides

We're writing state-by-state guides to the best dispersed camping areas, with the specific rules for each forest and field office: