Dispersed Camping 101

A guide to camping for free.

Imagine this: You’re planning an impromptu trip to Yosemite for the upcoming weekend. You log onto recreation.gov only to find that all campsites have been reserved for months. No worries, you think, you’ll just show up early to claim any last-minute cancellations. Except when you arrive at 8:00 am, you find a long line of people ahead of you with a more aggressive definition of “early.” All campgrounds are filled, local hotels are way out of budget, and the nearest affordable lodging options are hours away. What do you do?

This scenario is becoming all too familiar. As more people seek refuge in nature, finding or reserving a campsite at popular destinations can feel impossible. In 2019, US National Park visitation grew by more than nine million visits, and that trend is expected to continue. As our National Park System continues to reel from an ever-increasing influx of travelers, having alternative lodging options in our back pocket is absolutely essential.

For those looking to connect with nature on their own terms, dispersed camping may be the perfect (or even preferable) option.

What is dispersed camping?

Dispersed camping, also known as boondocking, refers to any camping away from developed campgrounds. It’s the wilderness without the hassle of reservations, and is also one of the best ways to sleep under the stars for free . . . as long as you don’t mind “roughing it” a bit.

While developed campgrounds often come with a wide array of amenities ranging from picnic tables to restrooms with running water, dispersed camping usually means a complete lack of services. What these sites lack in amenities, however, they make up for it in solitude and freedom—what many of us look for when we visit National Parks anyway. While official campgrounds are often filled to capacity and humming with RV generators, boondocking offers a respite from the chaos. It generally provides a more intimate wilderness experience away from crowds, which explains why many avid travelers (especially those on a budget) actually prefer it to a more traditional campground setup.

It’s worth noting that boondocking can take many forms, and not all dispersed camping sites are oases. (Sleeping in a vehicle in a Walmart parking lot is a popular boondocking option for those on long road trips, for example.) Sometimes they really are just a place to spend the night with better access to the places you’re actually trying to see. 

We’re going to focus primarily on camping on public lands in this article, but in any case, finding a free place to stay is as easy as knowing where to look.

Tips for Finding a Spot 

Tip #1: Local Ranger Station To find the contact information for the station relevant to your trip, simply google “[public land you plan to visit]” + “ranger station.” This may take some trial and error, as ranger districts can be confusing for those unfamiliar with the area, so don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and call. If possible, visit the station in person. Rangers are able to answer questions about dispersed camping regulations and they will also be able to offer campsite suggestions and provide critical information such as road and weather conditions. Some areas require special permits for things like campfires––the rangers will let you know. Be sure to grab a map at the ranger station, too. 

Tip #2: Online Resources If you end up needing a last-minute place to camp and can’t make it to a ranger station, there are some online resources to help you find a spot. Websites like freecampsites.net and Campendium offer a plethora of sites to consider. Phone applications like iOverlander and theDyrt are another useful option. You can also look up Bureau of Land Management land or National Forests near your destination. 

Tip #3: Forest Service Roads When searching for a dispersed campsite, forest roads are a great place to look. When driving on public lands, these will often appear as gravel or dirt roads turning off the main paved route. Many of these roads were originally developed for logging purposes, though they are now primarily used for recreational access. However, not all roads are created equal. Some are only accessible to high-clearance 4x4 vehicles, especially after inclement weather, so be conscious of your vehicle’s limitations and always check with a local ranger if you’re unsure. When you do come across a spot that looks promising, try to choose a site that has already been occupied to minimize your impact on fragile natural areas.

A Few Things to Note

While dispersed camping on public land offers unparalleled flexibility compared to designated campgrounds, it comes with some basic rules: 

1. You can’t disperse camp on all public land. National Parks often do not permit camping outside of designated campgrounds, but National Forests and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land are usually fair game. Most dispersed camping spots have a maximum 14-night stay within a 28-day period. 

2. Leave no trace. It is really important to practice the LNT principles when you are dispersed camping. Be sure to pack out all of your trash (including toilet paper), camp in an established spot, avoid creating new fire rings, and follow local regulations. 

3. Pack properly. Choosing to camp away from designated campgrounds usually means no access to basic amenities. Plan accordingly and pack all necessary supplies you might have at your disposal in a more established setting. This includes items you might not normally consider, like a water filtration system if you don’t have enough fresh water for your stay (never trust a wild water source), toilet paper (you MUST pack this out), and garbage bags.

4. Have a map. Even if you pick up a detailed road map from the ranger station, always download the area on Google Maps for access offline. Many backcountry roads will not have cell reception, especially near National Parks. To avoid getting lost, have a digital map at your disposal. Also, pick up a paper map just in case.

5. Arrive Before Nightfall Try to get to your campsite before dark so you can scope out sites and set up camp. Traversing unfamiliar terrain at night, especially on roads that are irregularly maintained, adds an unnecessary level of risk. Dispersed camping sites are typically first-come, first-served, so arriving earlier means a better chance of claiming the perfect spot.

So, next time you plan that impromptu National Park adventure and you can’t seem to score a campground reservation, fear not. You have options!

—Nicole Bonilla