Dispersed camping — also called boondocking or primitive camping — means setting up outside a developed campground, usually on national forest or BLM land, typically for free. No hookups, no restrooms, no reservations: just you, your site, and a lot more solitude. It's one of the best-kept secrets in outdoor recreation, and also one of the easiest to do wrong. Here's how to do it right.
Where it's allowed
Much Forest Service and BLM land permits dispersed camping — but not everywhere, and not always. Some areas require a permit, some close seasonally, and some popular spots have been restricted because of overuse. Always confirm the rules for the specific unit; the managing agency or ranger district is the authority, not a random pin on a map.
Finding a site
The golden rule is to use sites that already exist. Look for established pullouts and clearings with a fire ring and bare, compacted ground — signs others have camped there before. Using an existing site concentrates impact instead of scarring new ground. Motor-vehicle-use maps for national forests show which roads are open and where you can pull off.
The common rules
They vary, but a few show up almost everywhere: a 14-day stay limit within a given period; a requirement to camp a certain distance (often 100–200 feet) from water, trailheads, and developed areas; and limits on how far off a road you can drive. Fire rules change constantly with conditions — always check current fire restrictions before you strike a match, and never assume a fire is allowed just because there's a ring.
Pack in, pack out — everything
There's no trash service. Whatever you bring, you carry out, including food scraps and micro-trash. For human waste where there are no facilities, bury it in a cathole 6–8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water, or pack it out where required.
Leave No Trace isn't optional here
The entire privilege of free, dispersed camping depends on people not ruining it. The seven Leave No Trace principles — plan ahead, travel and camp on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, minimize campfire impact, respect wildlife, and be considerate of others — are the difference between these areas staying open and getting closed.
Come self-sufficient
No water means carrying your own, and more than you think. No hookups means managing your own power and fuel. Cell service is often nonexistent, so download maps offline, tell someone your plans, and don't count on a signal to bail you out.
Dispersed camping takes more preparation than pulling into a reserved site, but the payoff — quiet, space, dark skies, and no reservation scramble — is hard to beat. Start with a well-traveled, established area for your first trip, learn the rhythms, and work toward the more remote spots as your confidence grows.
Browse dispersed camping areas on Campification to plan your first trip.