Dispersed Camping
Always know before you go. Check the alerts section on National Forest websites for information on area closures and fire restrictions!
What is Dispersed Camping?
Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services; such as piped water, toilets or trash removal.
There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It is your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers.
Rules for Dispersed Camping
- Groups of over 75 people who wish to use the forest, need to obtain a special use permit. Permits can be obtained at the nearest District Office.
- You need to be self-contained. No amenities are provided; such as water, restrooms or trash cans. Pack out what you pack in.
- You may camp in a dispersed area for a limited period of time, usually 14 days, but this can be further limited in some National Forest areas. Inquire about stay limits at the nearest District Office.
- Please place your campsite at least 150 feet from any stream or other water source.
- Be Bear Aware. There are bears on the National Forest, so keep a clean camp and store your food and garbage appropriately.
How to Pick a Campsite
The best way to find out what areas are open to dispersed camping is to contact the nearest District Office to the area you wish to visit. Typically, dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads.
There are dispersed camping spots you can reach by many graded dirt roads, but there are some rough, steep, or narrow roads that are dangerous for the family car or larger recreation vehicles (RV's). Ensure the road you plan to take is safe for your class of vehicle. You can do this by talking to the staff at your local Forest Service office. The Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) is a free map that shows the roads systems available for motor vehicle use within the Ranger District you are planning to visit. Other forest maps are also available for download or purchase.
Make sure your vehicle is in good working order and that you have plenty of gas and daylight remaining to find a spot.
To prevent resource damage, 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 in the forest. Do NOT camp within 150 feet of any water source, as plants near water are especially fragile.
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Check for fire restrictions before your trip
Inquire about campfire restrictions at the nearest District Office.
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Get a Campfire Permit
Campfire Permits are required year-round for the use of campfires, charcoal barbeques, gas stoves and lanterns outside of developed recreation areas. Permits are available free of charge and can be obtained online or by visiting any Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management or CAL FIRE office.
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Bring Campfire Tools
Make sure you have adequate water to put the fire out, at least one large water container you can lift to pour the water over the fire. You'll need at least several gallons of water to put out your average size campfire.
You will need a shovel to stir the fire until it's out.
If you don't bring your own firewood collect only dead wood that is on the ground. You should not cut branches off of live trees. If a popular camping area does not have dead wood on the ground, please purchase firewood from a nearby business. Keeping firewood local keeps the pests and diseases in the wood local, rather than spreading them to locations. Learn more about keeping firewood local.
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Wind Considerations
Do not build a campfire if it is windy or may become windy.
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Use existing fire rings
Use existing fire rings if they exist. Minimize the scarring of new rocks, soil, and plants by using existing fire rings.
Select a site that is not in a meadow or clearing, that is not next to a tree with low overhanging branches, that is at least 100 feet from any water source to protect fragile vegetation.
Clean an area and make a ring of rocks about two feet in diameter.
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Make sure your fire is out
Before you go to bed each night or leave after your visit, make sure campfire is it completely out. Drown with water and stir with the shovel. Repeat until the fire is cool to the touch. Stir the ashes to make sure all embers have cooled. This is very important! Many wildfires are caused by abandoned campfires that were not completely out.
Going to the Bathroom in the Woods
Dispersed camping means no toilets. That means extra care has to be taken to dispose of human waste. To dispose of feces, dig a hole six (6) inches deep at least 100 feet away from any water source. When you are done, fill the hole with the dirt you dug up and bag your toilet paper and take it with you to dispose of in a proper waste container. Never defecate or leave toilet paper on top of the ground. It is unsanitary, makes the area look unsightly and can easily get into a local water source and contaminate it. More tips for properly disposing of human waste.
Trash
As Woodsy Owl says, 'Give a hoot, don't pollute'. Dispersed campsites do not typically have trash services. It is extremely important to take your trash with you when you leave. Bring trash bags and pack out what you pack in and dispose of it in a trash can or dumpster once you return.
Water
We used to be able to take a cup and drink directly out of the sparkling creek, a rushing waterfall, or a clear, deep lake. There is NO safe water source anymore. With an increasing population and increased visitation to our National Forest, water sources have been contaminated with invisible micro-organisms that can make people very ill and even kill them in some cases. Giardia is a common contamination that has been spread through improper toileting and wild animals to many water sources. It will cause diarrhea, cramping, and other physical problems.
The only way to ensure that water from any undeveloped source is safe is to treat it. That means heating it over a stove until it comes to a rolling boil, using water purification tablets or a water purification filter.
Have Fun!
If you follow these tips you can save a safe, low impact, primitive camping experience. Thank you for helping care for our National Forests.