[1]Dispersed Camping is the term given to camping in a national forest elsewhere than designated campsites. It is the essence of a camping experience, but without being around others. Participating in dispersed camping means not having access to services (for example: trash removal, toiletry facilities, tables and/or fire pits).
Responsibilities There are additional factors to consider when one decides to undergo a dispersed camping trip as compared to a standard camping trip. For instance, it is critical that natural resources remain unbothered and scenic. In order to preserve the land and ensure safety amongst current and future campers, it is your job to take care of the area in which you decide to set up camp.
Rules:
- Groups involving more than 75 people require a permit (which can be obtained at a local District Office); keep an eye on your group to ensure that they are contained
- No amenities are provided, so make sure to plan accordingly
- Length of stay cannot exceed 14-16 days (depending on which national forest you are in)[1][2]; must move at least 5 miles to continue camping, but can not return to the same spot for one year
- Campsite must be at least 100 feet from any water source
- Be cautious of animals, especially bears in forests *Store food accordingly*
- Campfires are allowed unless otherwise stated (may change due to fire danger conditions)
Where to set up your campsite?
- Search for a spot by stopping at a Forest Service office near the desired location and ask about available areas off of main roads
- DO NOT camp on developed land (which includes campgrounds and picnic areas)
- Drive through off roads, but make sure to not drive on meadows or create your own path (as it can damage the natural resources of the land)
- Look for a site that has been used before and has bare soil (if possible) -it will help prevent further damage to the land and plants
- Try to not be in sight of others; make a campsite that seems to blend in with the scenery
How to make a safe campsite
- Check for fire rings (if there are any)- this will reduce the waste of rocks, soil, and plants
- Find an area that is clear and away from hanging tree branches
- Clear an area approximately two feet in diameter and create a circle of rocks
- Use firewood of your own or dead wood you find nearby because the wood rots into the soil which helps micro-organisms survive and thrive
- DO NOT use branches from trees
Make sure your fire is completely out before leaving the area. This means ensuring the ash is cooled down by stirring it (which prevents accidental forest fires)
What to know about water in the woods
- Pick up after yourself:
Water is contaminated by people when they do not dispose of their toiletries and garbage appropriately
- Using the bathroom
Since there is no outhouse when it comes to dispersed camping, a person must dispose of their waste accordingly:
- Dig a hole about six inches deep for your human waste; when you are done, fill the hole up with the dirt you dug out.
- Take your toilet paper with you when you leave because it will contaminate the local water source if left behind in the wilderness
Treat your water
- Water is not safe from “natural sources” like waterfalls and lakes anymore. Now there are various organisms that will harm and possibly kill humans if they consume it.
- Only way to ensure that your water is clean is by using a purification filter to heat the water until it comes to a boil (the only exception to this would be if the water is coming from a designated recreational area).
Dispersed Camping Across California In California, there are plentiful of national parks which means there are many dispersed camping areas. Some of these areas include:
- Stanislaus National Forest[4]]
- Eldorado National Forest[5]
- Hanning Flat Dispersed Area (Sequoia National Forest)[6]
- BLM Dispersed Camping Area for JNP (Joshua Tree National Park)[7]
- Dispersed Camping in Nevada City, CA
- Grizzly Flat Dispersed Campground (Mendocino National Forest)[9]
- Baltimore Lake (Tahoe National Forest)[10]
- Plumas National Forest[11]
References
- ^ "Fishlake National Forest- Recreation". United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
- ^ "Dispersed Camping". USDA Forest Service: Mendocino National Forest. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
- ^ "Camping Across America". USnomads: The Road Book. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
- ^ "Dispersed Camping Stanislaus National Forest" (PDF). USDA. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
- ^ "Eldorado National Forest". USDA. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
- ^ "Sequoia National Forest- Hanning Flat Dispersed Area". USDA. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
- ^ "Joshua Tree: Camping Outside of the Park". National Park Service. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
- ^ "California- Off the Beaten Path". Total Escape. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
- ^ "Grizzly Flat Dispersed Campground". USDA Mendocino National Forest. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
- ^ "Baltimore Lake". USDA Tahoe National Forest. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
- ^ "Dispersed Camping". USDA Plumas National Forest. Retrieved 6 May 2019.