![]() ![]() If all else fails, find a Walmart or a truck stop. Free camping isn’t solely limited to Federal Lands.Check out these online resources and apps that make it easy to find places to camp:. ![]() If you’re going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that has been used before. Plants, soil, and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact on the forest.Camping on a level area also makes sleeping more comfortable. Note that this is done at your own risk: if renting an Escape Campervan, you are NOT covered by insurance and are NOT covered in the Escape Roadside Assistance plan if you are OFF a paved road. If not possible, camp near a bare, well-packed gravel track. Attempt to camp close by a paved road.Use Google Earth to get an idea of roads and landscapes. Scour Google Maps. Again, look for the green areas that signify public lands.We’ve never been led astray and you’ll be amazed at how much they’ll go out of their way to help you out. Ask a ranger. For an inside track into the best places to stay, keep an eye out for any BLM Ranger Station or visitor center and ask the true locals (Rangers) for their suggestions.To make it easier to find a dispersed camping site, follow these tips: Some places you may be able to camp at could lead to a miserable time if they aren’t suitable for how you like to camp. Sometimes the question isn’t “Can I camp here?” but more “Should I camp here?”. Be aware of wildfires during the warmer months in California and surrounding areas when planning your trip – camping is not permitted when there are active wildfires in the area.ĭispersed camping sites are definitely not all made equally. Look for the (usually) brown and yellow signs announcing your entrance to public land and you’ll know you’re in the right place. Closer to civilization: Parking lots and truck stops.Some County Parks & City Parks – Check signs.Unless stated otherwise (always check with a ranger), it’s legal to sleep in your vehicle within ANY federally designated lands. Always check with a ranger to confirm which areas are and are not legal when you arrive. Look out for posted signage, such as “no overnight parking” and “day use only.” If you see one of those, we recommend you find another place to camp. The United States is peppered with federally-owned land, comprising roughly 28 percent of the entire country (and about half is in the West). Within these areas, it’s (usually) legal to car-camp for FREE! Remember this as it’ll save you big $$$ during your road trip. Look at a Forest Service map specific to the state you want to stay in and you’ll see areas designated as National Forest or Bureau of Land Management land. Read our guide on how to find free camping to learn more about other types of free camping and where to find them. Make sure to consult a map before heading out to make sure dispersed camping is allowed in the area would like to go to. Simply find a suitable spot and set up camp. Yes, dispersed camping is free and does not require reservations beforehand. Both forms of camping offer similar benefits but one can be accessed by car (four wheel drive is recommended) while the other requires a little more effort. Dispersed camping and primitive camping are often used interchangeably but primitive campers usually leave the car behind in favor of hiking, biking, or some other non-gas powered mode of transportation. Primitive camping is backcountry camping in remote areas without amenities like bathrooms, picnic tables, trash cans, or any other man-made structures. What is primitive camping? Is it the same as dispersed camping? What you do get in lieu of these luxuries are very few neighbors, a canopy of stars, the wind in the trees, and the satisfaction of knowing you’ve finally made it off the beaten track. Unlike pay campsites in national, state, and RV parks, dispersed campsites offer few of the amenities you’d typically expect like toilets, showers, adjacent restaurants, etc (think middle of nowhere). It’s perfect for those looking to save on campground fees and enjoy nature without neighbors. Dispersed camping, also known as free camping, pirate camping, boondocking, or just plain roughing it, is camping outside of designated campground areas on Forest Service Land. ![]()
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