Dispersed Camping: What it is and how to do it right.

Are you familiar with the term “dispersed camping”? Perhaps not, but you probably already know what it is and not even know it.

Dispersed camping, like primitive camping, is camping on public lands away from designated campgrounds. It allows you to avoid larger crowds but does not include the luxury of facilities, such as bathrooms and showers.

In other words, if you have ever had an overnight hiking trip, you likely participated in dispersed camping simply by pitching your tent in a clear spot along the trail. In some of the more popular dispersed camping sites, you might find a lean-to shelter and even a privy, but it will still be considered dispersed when not in a campground.

So, why the confusing terminology?

“Dispersed camping” is used by the National Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to distinguish campgrounds from more primitive camping that is permitted on public lands. Aside from that, dispersed camping is primitive camping; it is just more official.

Looking to try dispersed camping for the first time? Let us go over a few things.

Where is dispersed camping allowed?

Dispersed camping is allowed in most national forests and parks. However, follow the rules and regulations of the park as to where to pitch your tent. Most public land will have established sites with campfire rings for dispersed camping. To avoid harmful impact to the environment, the Forest Service recommends using these instead of creating a new site.

Here are some of the most popular national parks and forests in the U.S. Included are whether dispersed camping is allowed and if a permit is required.

National Parks typically allow dispersed camping, but most require you to obtain a permit to do so. National Forest, on the other hand, do not usually require permits.

To locate a dispersed camping site:

1. Use maps that detail sites
2. Check in with the local ranger office
3. Acquire permit, if necessary

Parks and national forests often have maps available. These are valuable resources. They show trails and water sources, but can also display locations of campsites, both campground and dispersed.

When you have a location in mind, call the local ranger office to ensure that camping is currently permitted. Sometimes, camping may be temporarily restricted due to environmental factors, so it never hurts to double check.

Also, some public lands may require permits or registration for camping. If this is the case, the information is not hard to find.

Once you are ready to venture out to your target campsite, be prepared to discover it may already be occupied. For this reason, have a couple of locations picked out ahead of time, or you can risk it and venture further in hopes of locating the next great campsite. This is how most long-distance hikers do it. They hike until they are ready to quit for the day, and then find the next adequate site to set up camp.

One last resource to use is personal knowledge, whether its your own or someone you know. Hiking the trails in a national forest, you will inevitably pass by dispersed camping sites. Make a note of any you find interesting so that you can camp there later.

Guidelines for Dispersed Camping

First and foremost, check the rules and regulations for the location you plan on visiting. These will include length of stay, group size limitations, permit requirements, and if you must use a designated campsite. But, in general, here are a few basic guidelines:

• Use established fire rings
• Use dead, fallen wood or heat-treated wood if bringing your own
• Safely store odorous items (bear canisters and bags) when applicable
• Pack out your trash. Do not burn!
• Use the bathroom at least 200 ft away from any trails, campsites, or water sources
• Respect wildlife
• Leave what you find

Most of these guidelines will be covered in further detail below, but I do want to briefly discuss campfire rules.

To minimize the impact we have on the land, it is advised that we do not create a new fire ring unless absolutely necessary. Some public lands strictly forbid it, so check out their website and know before you go.

Also, use dead wood for your campfires. Do not saw, cut, or chop branches. It is very difficult to burn “green” wood anyway, so spare the tree the harm.

And if bringing your own firewood, make sure it is heat treated. This prevents the spread of foreign insects and pathogens that can cause severe damage to non-native habitats. I mention this because some dispersed camping sites are accessible by vehicle, so bringing your own firewood may not be as difficult as some think.

What to bring for your camping trip

Compared to camping at a campground, dispersed camping requires some additional items while forcing you to do without others. Here is a basic list of what you should bring:

This is an abbreviated list, so check out this basic overnight backpacking checklist for more items and details. And if you are new to dispersed camping, check out my article on starting backpacking for under $200.

Shelter

Most people having their first go at dispersed camping will likely bring a tent, but tarps are also popular, whether sleeping on the ground or in a hammock. There is a possibility or foregoing tent or tarp if you plan to sleep in an established shelter along the trail.

Sleeping bag

You will need a sleeping bag or quilt to stay warm. Make sure you use one with a temperature rating suited for the temps you will be experiencing. Review the rating to see if what is listed is for comfort or survival. Manufacturers list their ratings differently, so be aware of what you are actually using.

Sleeping Pad

Sleeping pads are often forgotten by inexperienced backpackers, but using one is recommended, and not just for comfort. Read my article on why you need a sleeping pad when camping.

Food & Water

This is a no brainer. Bring enough food and water to last the duration of your trip, unless you plan to collect and treat your water. If you have a backpacking stove or plan to cook over a fire, you can have a warm meal. However, there are plenty of options for food that do not require cooking (tuna, chicken in a pouch, spam, etc.).

Water Filter

If you are not planning on bringing enough water for the duration of your trip, you will need a water filter or at least some way to treat the water you collect. I recommend the Sawyer Squeeze, but there are other options available. You will also need something to collect water in, such as a bag or bottle. Note that you can purchase a Sawyer Squeeze with a collection bag.

Cookware

To cook your food, you will need a pot and a cooking/eating utensil. If you are using a single burner backpacking stove, like the BRS Stove, you will need a smaller pot. You may also need a bowl to eat from, or you can eat straight from the pot.

Bear Canister/Bag

When hiking in an area with bears, you will need a bear canister or bag. Bear bags are cheaper and suffice in most areas, but some places require bear canisters. If this is the case, I recommend the Bearvault 450, or the Bearvault 500 if you plan to be out for several days or sharing the canister with others.

First-aid Kit

No one plans to be injured during a backpacking trip, but accidents happen. Be prepared by having a first-aid kit with items to clean and bandage wounds, plus some medication to manage pain when necessary. I typically build my own first-aid kit, but you can purchase a pre-packaged kit from camping stores or Wal-Mart. This kit on Amazon has everything you need, though I would not pack the whole kit on one trip. I would break it down to a smaller, lighter kit.

Knife

A knife can serve as protection, but this is an ideal tool for opening food packages or cutting material, such as thread or paracord, when needed. It does not have to be a Rambo knife. A small blade will suffice.

Lighter

A lighter is another valuable tool to have on your dispersed camping trip. You will need it to start a fire or to ignite your canister stove. Matches or ferro rods can be used as well, but they pose more difficulties. A lighter is quick and easy.

Headlamp

A flashlight will work, but a headlamp is more convenient. It keeps your hands free when walking around your campsite in the dark to look for something or answering nature’s call.

Phone & Charger

Most of us bring our phones everywhere. They are a powerful tool used as a GPS, camera, and messenger. If you do not bring a phone, at least have some method to message loved ones, like the Garmin InReach mini, which is a great tool anyway considering cell service isn’t always available.

You will also need cables and a portable charger to keep your electronics going during your trip. I use the Anker PowerCore 26,800mAh charger, which is more than most will need. A 10,000mAh, like this one from Anker will suit most people’s needs.

Trash Bag

One thing so many dispersed campers forget to bring is a way to pack out their trash. It does not need to be a white or black trash bag. A gallon-sized Ziploc bag works great because it can be sealed, reducing odors and the chance of leakage onto your gear inside your backpack.

Toiletries

While it is difficult to control our stink while in the backcountry for extended tracks of time, we do not want to forget basic hygiene. Bring a toothbrush and toothpaste, biodegradable soap, handwipes and/or sanitizer, and toilet paper. While “roughing it” may sound fun, you do not want to clean yourself with leaves!

Tips for Dispersed Camping

Ready to spend a few nights in the backcountry? Here are some tips to get you started on the right foot.

Tell someone where you will be and when you should be back

Before heading out, let someone know the area you plan to camp at. You might not know the exact location, but you will be easier to find in case something bad happens. Because you might not have cell coverage, also give an estimated time for you to be back. If you are not back within this time frame, then your loved ones will know to start looking for you.

Picking a dispersed campsite

If this is your first time camping in the backcountry, knowing how to pick a good campsite to pitch your tent is important. Here is a quick guideline.

• Use established campsites when possible.
• Do not camp on the trail.
• Make sure there is a flat spot to pitch your tent.
• Do not sleep under potential widow makers, or tree hazards.
• Do not camp too close to water.
• Avoid areas of recent animal activity.

Use established campsites when possible

As previously mentioned, most public lands prefer for you to use an established campsite to minimize the impact of the land. These campsites are usually just off the trail and easy to spot.

Do not camp on the trail.

This is not just about setting your tent up on the trail. You want a tent site far enough off trail that you are not disturbed by people passing by, or animals for that matter. Yes, animals will use the trails, too.

Find a flat spot to pitch your tent

When it comes to a good night’s sleep, make sure you find a flat spot to pitch your tent. If you set up on uneven terrain, you will know it when you try to get comfortable. You may find yourself struggling to stay on your sleeping pad if on a hill, or any bumps, ruts, or tree roots will cause an uncomfortable lie.

Make sure to remove any rocks or sticks to avoid damage to your tent. I also recommend using a tent footprint to minimize the potential threat of puncturing your tent floor

Look for tree hazards

Look up before picking where to pitch your tent. Make sure there are no dead tree branches above you, or anything that looks like it has a chance to fall. Mind entire trees, as well! Also, do not camp under lone trees as these are targets for lightning strikes.

Do not camp too close to water

The sound of the creek sounds nice, but it is a water source for animals. Move a hundred feet away or so. You should still be able to hear the flowing water and you will not have far to walk to collect water in the morning. Additionally, you do not want to use the bathroom within 200 ft of water anyway. And completely avoid standing water unless you like mosquitos and other irritating bugs.

Avoid areas of recent animal activity.

There has been animal activity at every campsite, but I am speaking mostly about bears and other large animals. Animals tend to hang around a spot they like for a while, especially if there was something there it likes, such as food remains or trash from previous campers. Remember to use a bear canister or hang a bear bag if you are in bear country.

When a campsite has had recent bear activity, it will likely be noted on the park website. Often, these campsites will be closed as a precaution.

Gathering Water

You likely will not have access to tap water at a dispersed camping site, so if you do not bring enough water, you will need to collect and treat it. The most popular method for doing so is using a water filter but treating your water with iodine or purification solutions will work, too. As previously mentioned, I recommend using the Sawyer Squeeze above all other options.

Using the bathroom

Here are two rules for using the bathroom when camping:

1. Be at least 200 ft away from the trail, campsite, or water source.
2. When going #2, dig a 6-8” deep cathole and cover it when done.

Being 200 ft away from the trail and campsite provides you privacy and is good backcountry etiquette. And for safety reasons, do not use the bathroom within this distance of a water source. When the urge to go #2 strikes, use a stick or a small trowel to dig what is called a “cathole”. Dig at least 6 inches, do your business, then cover it back up.

Animal safety

We need to be respectful of animals to keep them and ourselves safe. Remember, you are in their home! Know your part in helping to preserve the natural state of nature.

• Do not harass or feed animals during your time out in the wild.
• Do not leave trash or food around for animals to find.
• Make sure all gear is packed out.

The thing to remember is leave no trace. What comes with you into the wild, needs to come back out. Anything unnatural left lying around can potentially lead an animal to harm.

Be prepared when venturing to an area with black bears! Read my article on hiking in black bear country so you know how to avoid and handle encounters.

Camping in the wild is a true nature experience

So, are you ready for a dispersed camping trip? If so, you are about to experience nature in a way unlike any other. The peace and tranquility of being away from the hustle and bustle of civilization is nectar for your soul.

Consume as much as your soul needs.