Top 7 Tips For Dispersed Camping (and Why Dispersed Camping Is Awesome)
Dispersed camping is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience rural America, especially if you're on a budget. It's when you can camp almost anywhere in national forests (and other public lands) away from developed campgrounds, often for free! But it's not quite as simple as finding an empty patch of land and pitching your tent. Here's what to remember before you go dispersed camping:
Know where you're going.
It's crucial to know where you're going before you go, because in dispersed camping, there are no bathrooms or facilities of any kind. In other words: it's important that you plan out your route and set up camp in an area that is safe and comfortable for the weather conditions (rainy season or dry season, etc.). Make sure to check the weather forecast before setting off on your trip so that you can pack appropriately and aren't caught off guard by unexpected storms.
Bring a map & compass
If you don't already have a good grasp on how these two tools work together, this might be something worth learning before heading out into nature with just a tent and some food supplies—and especially if this is your first time dispersed camping! Knowing how these tools work will help ensure that even when things get confusing on your journey away from civilization, there will still be some way for them not only survive but thrive as well!
Pack and prepare for the unexpected.
When you're planning your first dispersed camping trip, it's important to be prepared for the unexpected. You never know what Mother Nature will throw at you, so pack wisely and prepare yourself with these items:
Tent
Sleeping bag (or just a sleeping pad if it's the summer)
First aid kit
Flashlight/headlamp
Map of your area or route (paper or electronic)
Compass (if you don't have one built into your phone) This isn't required by law but can come in handy! And remember: they only work properly when they are pointed at magnetic north - not true north! This can be determined using Google Maps' compass function or looking up how far east/west of true north one needs to turn the dials on their compass to get back on track again.
Tip: If possible, bring along a whistle and fire extinguisher as well!
Communicate with others who are dispersed camping.
The first tip is to communicate with others who are dispersed camping. This means you need to have a way of communicating with other dispersed campers, whether it's by cellphone or satellite phone, or even just plain old calling cards like they used to have at truck stops. You also want to make sure that you can call emergency services if the need arises. Plus, make sure that your family knows where you're going and when they can expect you back (or when not to expect you). Finally, stay in touch with friends too!
Estimate your driving time to get to the dispersed camping site, and have a back-up plan.
When you’re choosing a campsite, it’s best to have a back-up plan. You can also consider how long it will take to set up your camp and break it down again. For example, if you have a lot of gear and need an hour and half just to set up your tent, then you don’t want to be driving in the dark trying to find an acceptable site. If the sun sets at 6 p.m., but your campsite is 3 hours away from where you started driving, then by the time you get onsite, there won't be enough time left after setting up camp for dinner or any other fun activities (depending on how late sunset is).
If possible, travel during daylight hours so that there's still plenty of light left after arriving at your destination when planning dispersed camping trips
Camp at least 100 feet away from water sources.
Camping 100 feet or more from water sources is important for several reasons. First, it’s good practice to prevent fires from spreading to the water source and causing damage. Second, you want to protect wildlife that lives near water sources. If they become thirsty, they will search for another source of water, which could be your campground!
If you aren’t sure how far 100 feet is, try using your arm span as a guide: if two people stand with their arms stretched out facing each other and one person holds an end of a tape measure at their fingertips, then the other person should not be able to reach across and touch them without taking one step forward (or backward). This measurement can help determine how far away from a river or lake you need to stay so that it doesn't interfere with your trip planning when choosing where to set up camp!
Leave no trace.
One of the most important aspects of dispersed camping is leaving no trace. This means that you should pack out all trash, including food scraps and toilet paper. You also need to make sure that there are no signs that you were ever there in the first place, so pack out all fire rings and toilet paper. Do not bury any trash either! The best way to do this is to pack it all up in a bag or container during your stay and dispose of it at an appropriate facility when you get home (you can find more information about proper disposal methods on the Leave No Trace website).
Stay safe.
No matter how careful and attentive you are, dispersed camping is not a risk-free activity. As with all camping adventures, it's important to be aware of your surroundings, environment, food and water sources, equipment, location and site—and this goes doubly for dispersed camping.
That being said: if you're going to disperse camp (and we highly recommend that you do), make sure that your trip is as safe as possible by following these tips:
Dispersed camping can be an awesome way to connect with nature while saving money, but there are some things to keep in mind before you go.
If you're a first-time dispersed camper, or if you've never heard of the term "dispersed camping," then this article is for you. Dispersed camping is a great way to connect with nature while saving money—but there are some things you should know before setting out on your own.
Do I need a permit?
Yes and no. In most states, such as California, dispersed camping isn't allowed unless you obtain an official wilderness permit through the U.S Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management (BLM). However, as long as you stick within designated areas laid out in these permits (usually on public lands), then it's legal to camp outside these zones without any paperwork required. This makes dispersed camping one of the best ways for travelers who want to save some cash but still experience nature at its finest!
Conclusion
There's a lot that goes into dispersed camping, but the payoff is worth it. Just be sure to keep in mind the things we've discussed here, so you can have an amazing time and make great memories with your family and friends.
In case you need a reminder of all that we covered, here are the top 7 tips for dispersed camping:
Know where you're going before you go.
Pack and prepare for the unexpected.
Communicate with others who are dispersed camping.
Estimate your driving time to get to the dispersed camping site, and have a back-up plan.
Camp at least 100 feet away from water sources.
Leave no trace.
Stay safe.
If I had to pick one piece of advice that resonates most with me in regards to dispersed camping (and really any outdoor activity), it would be this: Know where you're going before you go! This seems like a no-brainer, but without taking this step seriously, your trip could end up being more stressful than enjoyable—or even dangerous! That said, when used wisely and safely, dispersed camping can provide some unforgettable experiences for yourself or those you choose to bring along on your adventure.
