7053 views8July 31, 2020Updated on September 16, 2023
Fourteen (14) days is the most popular answer to how long can you camp in a national forest. But it’s not always the correct answer.
Some forests limit you to just 5 days, while others offers as much as 30 days. Each national forest and grassland creates its own occupancy rules on how long you can camp within their boundaries. Many national forests go on to add additional rules, like when you can return to the same site, and how many days you can camp throughout the entire year.
Boondocking inside Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming
How Long Can You Camp in a National Forest?
With respect to “dispersed camping” or “boondocking”, each National Forest and National Grassland has its own maximum limits on how many days you can camp within their boundaries. Some Forests and Grasslands update these limits every couple of years, while others have left them in place for decades…
Alaska
Forest
Limit
Official Rule Text
Eff. Date
Exp. Date
Source
Chugach NF
14 days
Camping, occupying, using, or leaving any personal items at any one area, campground or site on Chugach National Forest System lands for more than 14 days, during any 30-day period. Any camp relocation within the 30-day period must be at a distance of at least 10 air miles from the previous campsite.
Dispersed camping is permitted, but no rules have been published. Per phone call with National Forests in Alabama HQ, maximum camping limit is 14 days, after you vacate, you are expected to wait 24 hours before returning to the forest.
Per phone call with forest headquarters
Conecuh NF
14 days
Same as above
Talladega NF
14 days
Same as above
Tuskegee NF
14 days
Same as above
Arkansas
Forest
Limit
Official Rule Text
Eff. Date
Exp. Date
Source
Ouachita NF
30 days
You may camp in a dispersed area for up to 30 days. After 30 days, you must move at least 5 road miles for camping in another dispersed area. Campers may not return to the same campsite within the calendar year.
Camping in the general Forest area (outside developed recreation areas) shall be limited to a period not to exceed 30 consecutive days. Once the 30 day consecutive day limit has been reached, the camp must be removed for fourteen (14) days and cannot be reestablished less than one (1) mile from the original campsite. Camping in the general Forest area (outside developed recreation areas) shall not exceed a total of 90 days wtihin the calendar year.
Managed by Klamath NF. Per phone call with Klamath HQ, dispersed camping is permitted. Same rules as Klamath NF would apply. Note that Butte Valley NG is adjacent to Butte Valley Wildlife Area (run by California Department of Fish & Wildlife) which has camping facilities of its own.
Camping within a 10 mile radius of any one undeveloped campsite for a period longer than 14 consecutive days. Camping anywhere within the Inyo National Forest for more than 28 total days during a calendar year.
No camping in any one location for more than 14 consecutive days. No camping within the Klamath National Forest for more than 30 days per calendar year.
For more than 14 days per calendar year within a one-mile radius of any one undeveloped campsite. For more than 30 days per calendar year aggregate total outside of the developed campgrounds within the Lassen National Forest
No camping within a one-mile radius of the same location outside of a Developed Recreation Site for a period longer than 14 days in any 30-day period. No camping within a one-mile radius of the same location outside of a Developed Recreation Site for more than 28 cumulative days in any 12-month period.
Camping or otherwise occupying a single location (including leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies) for a period longer than 14 consecutive days. No camping, occupying, or otherwise leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies at any location on all national Forest lands described in this order for more than 28 days total during a calendar year.
The Dispersed Camping stay limits on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest is 14 days in one spot, 30 days total during the calendar year beginning with the first day of occupation.
Camping or otherwise occupying a single location (including leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies) for a period longer than 14 consecutive days. No camping, occupying, or otherwise leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies at any location on all national Forest lands described in this order for more than 28 days total during a calendar year.
Dispersed camping is free of charge and is limited to 30 days per calendar year; in addition, there is a 14-consecutive-day limit at any single location. Your site must be at least one-quarter mile from developed sites.
No camping for more than 14 consecutive days in any one location. No camping for more than 28 days, on any one National Forest, within a 60 day period. No camping within 3 road miles of a previous National Forest System camp location for more than 14 additional days.
No camping for more than 14 consecutive days in any one location. No camping for more than 28 days, on any one National Forest, within a 60 day period. No camping within 3 road miles of a previous National Forest System camp location for more than 14 additional days.
No camping or leaving camping equipment and personal property on, or otherwise occupying National Forest System lands for a period longer than 14 days within a 30-day period.
No camping or leaving camping equipment at any location within three (3) air miles of any prior camping or equipment location(s) for a combined total of more than 14 consecutive days. No camping or leaving camping equipment on San Juan National Forest lands for more than 28 days within a continuous 60 day period, where not otherwise further restricted.
No camping for more than 14 consecutive days in any one location. No camping for more than 28 days, on any one National Forest, within a 60 day period. No camping within 3 road miles of a previous National Forest System camp location for more than 14 additional days.
No camping or maintaining a campsite in excess of 14 days within any 30 day time period, unless the campsite has been posted with different stay limits by the Forest Service.
Establishing, maintaining, or using a dispersed campsite shall be limited to a period not to exceed 14 consecutive days. Upon vacating a site, all personal property will be removed. A new campsite may not be re-established within 1 mile of the vacated campsite for a period of 7 days.
No camping within the same 25-mile radius for more than 14 days during any 30-day period between April 1 to August 31. No camping within the same 5-mile radius for more than 14 days during any 30-day period between September 1 to March 31.
No camping within the same five-mile radius for more than fourteen (14) days in any thirty (30) consecutive day period. No returning to camp in any part of the five-mile radius within 30 days after having camped in the same location or any number of locations within the same 5-mile radius for 14 days in a 30-day period.
MAY 1 THROUGH OCTOBER 5 IN ALL OTHER AREAS– Camping in any one area or campsite is limited to a total of 18 days during any 45 day period. Camps must be relocated at least 5 miles away from the original site to qualify for a new 18 day period. OCTOBER 6 THROUGH APRIL 30 IN ALL OTHER AREAS– Length of camping stay is not restricted during this period.
THE SATURDAY PRIOR TO MEMORIAL DAY THROUGH LABOR DAY – Camping or leaving camping equipment in any one area or campsite is limited to a total of 14 days during any 30 day period. Camping is prohibited for the remaining 16 days on lands administered by the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. LABOR DAY THROUGH THE SATURDAY PRIOR TO MEMORIAL DAY – Camping or leaving camping equipment in any one area or campsite is limited to a total of 14 days during any 30 day period. Camps must be relocated at least 5 miles away (road miles) from the original site to qualify for a new 14 day period
No camping or otherwise occupying a single location on all National Forest System lands within the State of Montana for a period longer than 16 consecutive days. The term, “location” means the occupied undeveloped or developed campsite and the lands within a 5 mile radius. After leaving the location, a minimum of 7 days is required before any group of persons from that group may reoccupy the original location.
CAMPING by any person or group, or the placement of camping equipment in any area excluding developed campgrounds, is restricted to 18 days use during any 45 day period. For the purpose of this restriction, an area is defined as any given spot of ground and the surrounding land for a radius of 5 miles.
No camping within the same five-mile radius for more than fourteen (14) days in any thirty (30) consecutive day period. No returning to camp in any part of the five-mile radius within 30 days after having camped in the same location or any number of locations within the same 5-mile radius for 14 days in a 30-day period.
Occupying a campsite, outside of a developed campground or designated dispersed camping area, at the same site within the SNRA or on any NFS land within a 30-mile radius of the same site within the SNRA, for more than 10 days during any 30-day period between May 1st and September 15th , or for more than 16 days during any 30 day period between September 16th and April 30th .
No camping within the same five-mile radius for more than fourteen (14) days in any thirty (30) consecutive day period. No returning to camp in any part of the five-mile radius within 30 days after having camped in the same location or any number of locations within the same 5-mile radius for 14 days in a 30-day period.
It is prohibited to camp for a period in excess of 14 days within a 21 day period. No camping or leaving equipment at one location for more than 14 consecutive days with continuous or intermittent presence.
No camping within any developed campground or dispersed campsite on the Hoosier National Forest shall be limited to a period of time not to exceed 14 days in any 30 day period; or more than 30 days in a calendar year.
No camping or maintaining a campsite for more than 14 consecutive days in a dispersed or non-fee area without having terminated Forest occupancy for a minimum of 10 days within a 31-day time frame.
Camping or the establishment of a campsite shall be limited to a period of time not to exceed 30 days in the general forest area. After the 30 day period, the campsite must be vacated for a period of 14 days.
Occupancy by any individual or group or equipment in any one area within the boundaries of the White Mountain National Forest, is limited to 14 days during any 30 day period.
No camping or leaving camping equipment (such as, but not limited to: tents, camper trailers and tarps) in the same location for longer than sixteen (16) consecutive days. After sixteen days, the camp and equipment must be moved off of Forest Service land to another location that is at least five miles away, for an additional stay, not to exceed sixteen (16) days.
No occupying the same location for more than sixteen (16) consecutive days within a 30 day period. After this period the camping equipment and all persons must move off the National Forest for two weeks.
No camping or leaving camping equipment (such as, but not limited to: tents, camper trailers and tarps) in the same location for longer than sixteen (16) consecutive days. After sixteen days, the camp and equipment must be moved off of Forest Service land to another location that is at least five miles away, for an additional stay, not to exceed sixteen (16) days.
Dispersed camping (outside developed recreation areas) shall not exceed 14 days on the Mark Twain National Forest. Once the 14-consecutive day limit has been reached, the camp cannot be reestablished within one mile from the preceding location. You cannot establish a campsite or be a member of a camping party in excess of 14 days within a 21-day period.
No camping in any one area or campground or at any one site on Bitteroot National Forest System lands for more than 16 accumulated days, during any 30 day period. Any camp relocation within 30-day period must be at a distance of at least 5 air miles from the previous campsite. No camping for more than 45 accumulated days on the Bitteroot National Forest within the same calendar year.
Camping or otherwise occupying a single site for over 16 consecutive days within a calendar year. Camping or otherwise occupying any number of sites over 32 cumulative days within a calendar year.
Camping or otherwise occupying a single site for over 16 consecutive days within a calendar year. Camping or otherwise occupying any number of sites over 32 cumulative days within a calendar year.
Camping or otherwise occupying a single site for over 16 consecutive days within a calendar year. Camping or otherwise occupying any number of sites over 32 cumulative days within a calendar year.
Camping or otherwise occupying a single site for over 16 consecutive days within a calendar year. Camping or otherwise occupying any number of sites over 32 cumulative days within a calendar year.
Camping or otherwise occupying a single site for over 16 consecutive days within a calendar year. Camping or otherwise occupying any number of sites over 32 cumulative days within a calendar year.
Camping or otherwise occupying a single site for over 14 consecutive days within a calendar year. Camping or otherwise occupying any number of sites over 28 cumulative days within a calendar year.
From May through November 15 of each year, no person, group or organization shall camp at, use, store equipment at or otherwise occupy any single location for a period of 14 consecutive days within any 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, campers must leave the “District” (where the occupancy of stay is occurring) for 14 days. Once the 14 day limit of stay has been reached, use shall not occur again until 14 days have lapsed from the last day of use. “District” is defined as Fort Pierre Ranger District, Wall Ranger District, Fall River Ranger District, Pine Ridge Ranger District, and Bessey Ranger District.
Occupancy by any individual or group or equipment in any one area within the boundaries of the White Mountain National Forest, is limited to 14 days during any 30 day period.
Camping within the boundaries of the Lincoln National Forest for a period exceeding 30 days within a 45 day period except to exclude the developed sites listed above in section (1).
Camping within a 10 mile radius of any one undeveloped campsite for a period longer than 14 consecutive days. Camping anywhere within the Inyo National Forest for more than 28 total days during a calendar year.
Camping or the establishment of a campsite within the Wayne National Forest shall be limited to period of time not exceed 14 days in any 30 day time period.
You may camp in a dispersed area for up to 30 days. After 30 days, you must move at least 5 road miles for camping in another dispersed area. Campers may not return to the same campsite within the calendar year.
Camping or otherwise occupying a single location (including leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies) for a period longer than 14 consecutive days. No camping, occupying, or otherwise leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies at any location on all national Forest lands described in this order for more than 28 days total during a calendar year.
Camping or otherwise occupying a single location (including leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies) for a period longer than 14 consecutive days. No camping, occupying, or otherwise leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies at any location on all national Forest lands described in this order for more than 28 days total during a calendar year.
Camping, occupying, or otherwise leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies at any locations on the Willamette National Forest described in this order, overnight, for a period longer than 14 calendar days, in a 30-day period. Occupant must move off the Forest after 14 days; return to the Forest must not occur before 30 days have passed. Camping, occupying, or otherwise leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies at any locations on the Willamette National Forest described in this order, overnight, for more than 50 calendar days total within a 365-day period.
No official rule published. Per phone call with Fremont-Winema HQ, they enforce a 14 day limit, return after 4 days
Per phone call with forest headquarters
Pennsylvania
Forest
Limit
Official Rule Text
Eff. Date
Exp. Date
Source
Allegheny NF
14 days
No camping or otherwise occupying Allegheny National Forest lands by any individual(s) for a period longer than fourteen days within a thirty day period.
No camping in areas other than developed campgrounds within the Black Hills National Forest longer than a total of (14) days (including portions of days) in any 60 day period.
From May through November 15 of each year, no person, group, or organization shall camp at, use, store equipment at or otherwise occupy any single location for a period of more than 14 consecutive days within an 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, campers must leave the “District” (where the occupancy of stay is occurring) for 14 days. Once the 14 day limit of stay has been reached, use shall not occur again until 14 days have lapsed from the last day of use. “District” is defined as Fort Pierre Ranger District, Wall Ranger District, Fall River Ranger District, Pine Ridge Ranger District, and Bessey Ranger District.
From May through November 15 of each year, no person, group, or organization shall camp at, use, store equipment at or otherwise occupy any single location for a period of more than 14 consecutive days within an 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, campers must leave the “District” (where the occupancy of stay is occurring) for 14 days. Once the 14 day limit of stay has been reached, use shall not occur again until 14 days have lapsed from the last day of use. “District” is defined as Fort Pierre Ranger District, Wall Ranger District, Fall River Ranger District, Pine Ridge Ranger District, and Bessey Ranger District.
Camping or otherwise occupying a single site for over 14 consecutive days within a calendar year. Camping or otherwise occupying any number of sites over 28 cumulative days within a calendar year.
14 days in developed and dispersed areas. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days. After the 14th day, the camper must leave that area/campground for minimum of seven days before returning for another stay. In dispersed recreation areas after 14 consecutive days, the camper must move at least one mile for a minimum of seven days before returning for another stay.
Persons may camp within designated campgrounds or on undeveloped sites not closed to camping within the Forests for a period of not more than 14 days within any period of 28 consecutive days. The 14 day limit may be used either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous occupation during the 18 day period. Campers must relocate to another site 14th day of occupation. This new site must be at least ten miles, in a straight line, away from the previous location. Once the 14 day camping limit has been reached in a given site, use shall not occur again until at least 14 days have elapsed from the last day of use.
No person, tent, camper, trailer, or other type of mobile home may occupy any general undeveloped area of National Forest Lands for more than fourteen (14) days in any thirty (30) day consecutive period.
Camping or otherwise occupying a single location (including leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies) for a period longer than 14 consecutive days. Occupant must move off the Forest after 14 consecutive days and return to the Forest must not occur before 30 days have passed. Camping, occupying, or otherwise leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies at any location on all national Forest lands described in this order for more than 28 days total during a calendar year.
THE SATURDAY PRIOR TO MEMORIAL DAY THROUGH LABOR DAY – Camping or leaving camping equipment in any one area or campsite is limited to a total of 14 days during any 30 day period. Camping is prohibited for the remaining 16 days on lands administered by the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. LABOR DAY THROUGH THE SATURDAY PRIOR TO MEMORIAL DAY – Camping or leaving camping equipment in any one area or campsite is limited to a total of 14 days during any 30 day period. Camps must be relocated at least 5 miles away (road miles) from the original site to qualify for a new 14 day period
Camping or otherwise occupying a single location (including leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies) for a period longer than 14 consecutive days. Occupant must move off the Forest after 14 consecutive days and return to the Forest must not occur before 30 days have passed. Camping, occupying, or otherwise leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies at any location on all national Forest lands described in this order for more than 28 days total during a calendar year.
Camping or otherwise occupying a single location (including leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies) for a period longer than 14 consecutive days. Occupant must move off the Forest after 14 consecutive days and return to the Forest must not occur before 30 days have passed. Camping, occupying, or otherwise leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies at any location on all national Forest lands described in this order for more than 28 days total during a calendar year.
Camping outside developed campgrounds at any one campsite in excess of fourteen (14) cumulative days within a 28-day period, then relocating the camp within five (5) road miles of the site just occupied without a waiting period of three weeks (21 days)
Camping in the Bighorn National Forest for more than 14 days within a 28 day period without moving all equipment and personal property a minimum of 5 road miles after the 14th day.
No camping in areas other than developed campgrounds within the Black Hills National Forest longer than a total of (14) days (including portions of days) in any 60 day period.
Camping or otherwise occupying a single location for a period longer than 16 consecutive days. The term “location” means the occupied undeveloped campsite and the lands within a five mile radius of the campsite. After leaving a location, a minimum of seven days is required before any group of person(s) from that group may reoccupy their original location. More restrictive stay limits may apply in some areas, check with the local district office.
Camping or otherwise occupying Toppings, Spread Creek, Pacific Creek, and Colter Dump dispersed camping areas for longer than five (5) days within a 30 day period between May 1 and Labor Day.
No camping within the same five-mile radius for more than fourteen (14) days in any thirty (30) consecutive day period. No returning to camp in any part of the five-mile radius within 30 days after having camped in the same location or any number of locations within the same 5-mile radius for 14 days in a 30-day period.
Persons or organizations may not camp, store equipment at, or otherwise occupy any single location in an non-developed dispersed campsite more than 16 days, within any period of 30 consecutive days. After 16 days the persons and all camp equipment, gear, and supplies must be moved at least 3 miles in distance from the previous location if the wish to re-establish a campsite on National Forest System lands.
Camping in a dispersed area more than once during any 30 day period.
No person or associated group may use the same campsite that they have vacated within the 30-day period. Once vacated, regardless if camped at a site less than 16 day maximum period, a person or associated group, cannot return to the same campsite within a 30 day period from the date of their last night of camping.
Camping or otherwise occupying a single location for a period exceeding sixteen (16) consecutive days. The term “location” means the occupied area or campsite and the lands within a five mile radius of that occupied area or campsite. After leaving a location, a minimum of seven (7) days must elapse before any person or group, may re-occupy their original location.
No camping within the same five-mile radius for more than fourteen (14) days in any thirty (30) consecutive day period. No returning to camp in any part of the five-mile radius within 30 days after having camped in the same location or any number of locations within the same 5-mile radius for 14 days in a 30-day period.
Many forests have not defined an Expiration Date, opting to let the original rule continue indefinitely.
The majority of national forests and grasslands enforce a 14-day limit.
Some forests limit stay to as little as 5 days, while other limit up to 30 days.
Some forests are specific about enforcing these limits per stay, while others are vague on enforcing limits per stay or per year
Some forests specify how many days you must wait before returning to the same site
Some forests specific how far in miles you must relocate before returning to the same site
Understanding Forest Orders
Each National Forest and Grassland publishes “Forest Orders” which have the power of law. These are issued by the forest supervisor to enact rules. Each limit on camping stay is defined in a Forest Order.
How Many Days Do I Have to Wait Before I Can Camp at the Same Site Again?
Some Forests and Grasslands will require you to wait anywhere from 1 day to as many as 14 days before you can reestablish your camp at a site you previously used. But, many other Forests and Grasslands don’t specify this at all.
In many cases, forest rangers rarely enforce camping limits. They are usually more concerned about campfires, tree cutting, off-road vehicles, and illegal hunting. Campers who exceed their stay are usually the least of their concerns. In most cases, they only get involved when someone else complains.
Is It Illegal to Live in a National Forest?
Yes, and no.
If you are a full time camper, it is illegal to use a National Forest or Grassland as a permanent residence.
However, you are free to relocate your camp and move to another area of the same Forest, or move to another Forest or Grassland, to continue camping. In that sense, it is possible, and legal, to live full time in national forests and grasslands. Read more about this on, “Is it Illegal to Live in a National Forest?“
