Boondocking Laws and Regulations
Camping on public lands requires you to understand state laws on camping, boondocking, and overnight parking. These articles were carefully researched through state codes and administrative rules, including popular practices. But you also need to know how to look up these laws and regulations to stay up to date on recent changes.
Can You Buy BLM Land?
Yes, you can buy BLM land. The Bureau of Land Management does sell off parcels of land, though not very often. But, when the BLM puts up parcels of land for sale, you are allowed to make bids on them. Should you end up with...
Is it Legal to Sleep in a Rooftop Tent While at a Rest Area?
Yes or no, depending on a state's specific laws and regulations concerning use of highway rest areas. Whether it is legal to sleep in a rooftop tent while at a rest area is often at the discretion of a law enforcement officer...
Can You Fly Drones in a National Forest?
Yes, you can fly drones in a national forest and national grassland. The U.S. Forest Service does not prohibit flying drones over much of its lands. There are a handful of exceptions which we have outlined below. But for the...
Is it Illegal to Walk Through Someone Else’s Campsite?
Does a person have a legal basis to charge you with violating their rights just because you walked through their campsite? Are there any laws that make it illegal to walk through someone else's campsite? Even if you didn't...
Does the Army Corps of Engineers Allow You Camp Anywhere You Want?
No, the Army Corps of Engineers does not allow you to camp anywhere you want. They instead require you to camp in areas they have designated specifically for camping. Most of these areas are developed campgrounds with numbered spaces...
Is Nude Camping in California Legal?
No, nude camping in California is not legal. The Golden State has a statewide law that makes being nude outdoors illegal, even if no one can see you. However, enforcement of this law has been very lenient in recent years. Generally speaking, nude camping in California remains...
Can You Sleep in a Church Parking Lot Overnight?
If you received permission from the church, then yes, you can sleep in a church parking lot overnight. Church parking lots are owned by the church and are therefore private property. Thus, you should ask permission from the church...
Can You Wash an RV While Camping at an Army Corps of Engineers Campground?
Generally speaking, no, you cannot wash an RV while camping at an Army Corps of Engineers campground. This is because the Army Corps of Enginees (ACOE) prohibits dumping of pollutants and sewage on to its land and waters.
Is Dispersed Camping Allowed in Massachusetts State Forests?
No, dispersed camping is not allowed in Massachusetts State Forests. However, "backcountry camping" is allowed within the state forest system, but is restricted to designated camping sites along hiking trails and by the presence...
Is it Legal to Live in a Camper?
Yes, in the United States, is it legal to live in a camper. In fact, there are perhaps a million Americans that already do this full time. The real question is, where. There are no laws at the federal, state, or local level against...
