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The thought of paying for a campsite and handing over $10 – $50 for the use of a square of dirt, a stinky drop toilet, showers that possibly don’t work or cost extra, other campers playing loud music until the late hours and bugs that you can get for free in other places turn you off—then you, my friend, need to wild camp.
Photo: rtwPaul
Firstly, that shower that didn’t work in that paid campground?
I find this is one of the biggest arguments heard from people who have never wild camped—they can’t figure out where to take a shower. If you’re wild camping and want to clean up, then use a truck stop shower. RV parks and some campgrounds will let you pay to use their working shower facilities.
How do I find a camping location?
There are 193 million acres of National Forest in the United States. Not all of it can be used for wild camping, but a lot of it can. To find a place along your route, to Gaiagps.com and download their app. In it, you can apply layers to maps. One of those layers shows you USFS boundaries. Overlay that with a road map and you’re pretty much set to find a wild camping spot.
Dispersed camping is allowed in National Forests unless signs say otherwise. If you are in doubt call the local office and double-check. If it’s not allowed in a certain location, the rangers will be able to tell you where it is.
Wild camping may mean leaving your bike parked and you needing to hike in a certain distance to set up camp. The general rule is to camp 100-200 feet away from any road, trail, or water source. If you spot a previously used area it is best to use that, so as to not cause additional impact to the area.
Can you have a fire?
The general rule of thumb here is no! Of course, if there is a sign saying you can, it is still always better to call the local ranger station to confirm first as that sign may be out of date due to current conditions. Once approved for fires, ensure you only use deadfall for firewood. Never cut and burn live trees or bring firewood from another area.
And of course, follow all Leave No Trace principles with all your waste.
For more information check the Forest Service website
Photo: rtwPaul
What about camping on BLM Land?
Most of the information about dispersed camping in National Forests also applies to BLM land,. But since BLM supports several different programs on their land holdings, including grazing, mining, and recreation, it is always best to confirm with the local office first if camping is allowed. The land may be leased to ranchers who specifically don’t want people camping. The office will have this information, and then of course direct you to an alternative option.
If you meet the rancher first, it’s better to ask “Is it OK to set up my tent here for one night and I will be gone first thing in the morning?” while pointing to a potential site, as opposed to simply asking “Can I set up camp here?”.
Over the years I have had a lot more favorable responses to the former vs the latter
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