Camping on Public Land 101: The Dos and Don'ts of Dispersed Camping
Even if you're an avid camper, camping on public lands may be a huge question mark. What exactly is public land? Where can I camp? How can I locate public land where camping is permitted? Camping on public land is one of the best ways to experience the outdoors, without the crowds, noise, or fees of traditional campgrounds. It's also one of the most misunderstood forms of camping. If you're ready to ditch the reservations and discover your own slice of wilderness, here's what you need to know about dispersed camping.
What is Dispersed Camping?
Dispersed camping means setting up camp outside of designated campgrounds on public land. Unlike camping in a national or state park, no reservations are required for dispersed camping. It's typically free, remote, and comes with no amenities—just you, your car camping setup, and the land. You'll mostly find dispersed camping on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land and in National Forests.
Where You Can (and Can't) Camp
You Can Camp:
- On BLM land and most National Forest land, unless marked otherwise
- In established pull-offs, fire rings, and previously-used campsites (leave as little impact as possible)
- Away from roads, trails, water sources, and private property boundaries
You Can't Camp:
- In most National Parks (unless in a campsite)
- Within city limits or on clearly marked private land
- On Tribal lands, unless explicitly allowed
Always check local land management websites and regulations before setting out.
The Golden Rules of Dispersed Camping
DO: Practice Leave No Trace
Pack it in, pack it out. Take everything with you—including food waste and toilet paper. Camp at least 200 feet from water sources to protect wildlife and ecosystems.
DO: Be Fire Aware
Check local fire restrictions before lighting up. Always obey local burn bans. They're in place for a reason. If fires are allowed, use established rings and keep them small. Fully extinguish fires before leaving or going to sleep.
DO: Use the Restroom Responsibly
If there are no bathrooms, bury human waste at least 6–8 inches deep and 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites. Better yet, use a portable toilet or a wag bag.
DON'T: Overstay Your Welcome
Most public lands have a 14-day stay limit in a 28-day period. Respect these rules to keep the land open and accessible for others.
DON'T: Make Your Own Campsite
Stick to already-established sites. Don't drive off-road or clear vegetation to make a new spot. If there's no established campsite, find a level area and do your best not to disturb the land.
DON'T: Leave Food or Trash Behind
This one should go without saying. Leaving food or trash not only damages the environment—it can create dangerous situations for wildlife and future campers. Always pack out everything you bring in, including waste, trash, food, and supplies.
How to Find Dispersed Campsites
- Use Apps: iOverlander, FreeRoam, and The Dyrt are great for finding verified dispersed camping locations.
- Call Ranger Stations: They'll often have the most up-to-date information.
- Look for Forest Roads: In National Forests, look for roads with numbered signs and pull-outs.
Dispersed camping gives you freedom and solitude, but it also comes with responsibility. With the growing popularity of van life and car camping, more people are venturing into remote areas, which makes responsible camping more important than ever.
At Camp N Car, we believe in preserving the places we love. That's why we build setups that let you tread lightly, stay self-contained, and leave no trace. Whether you're deep in the backcountry or perched on a bluff with an ocean view, dispersed camping is one of the best ways to reconnect with nature, yourself, and the road ahead.
