National Forests

Learn About Boondocking in National Forests

Boondocking in National Forests!

Boondocking in national forests is a popular way to enjoy the outdoors without paying for a campground or RV park. Boondocking, also known as dry camping or dispersed camping, means camping outside of designated areas, usually without any hookups or amenities. Boondocking in national forests can offer more privacy, freedom and scenery than staying in a crowded campground. However, boondocking in national forests also comes with some challenges and responsibilities. You need to be aware of U.S. Forest Service regulations, such as where you can camp, how long you can stay, and how to dispose of your waste. You also need to be respectful of the environment and other visitors, and practice leave no trace principles. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about boondocking in national forests, and how to have a safe and enjoyable experience.

National Forest Laws & Regulations

Learn about boondocking in national forests and grasslands with respect to the laws and regulations for dispersed camping and overnight parking…

e-bikes legal on national forests

Are e-Bikes Legal in National Forests?

Yes, e-bikes are legal in national forests. The U.S. Forest Service published its official policy...

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are fireworks allowed in a national forest

Are Fireworks Allowed on National Forest Lands?

No, fireworks are not allowed in any national forest or national grassland. Currently, each national...

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off-road bicycle riding national forest

Is Off-Road Bicycle Riding Legal in National Forests?

Off-road bicycle riding is illegal in many national forests. Even if a specific national forest...

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ovenright parking in a national forest

Is Overnight Parking Allowed in National Forests?

Yes, overnight parking is allowed in national forests. However, there are certain places where it...

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can you camp for free in a national forest

Can You Camp for Free in National Forests?

Yes, you can camp for free in national forests and national grasslands throughout the United...

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what uses are permitted in a national forest

What Uses Are Permitted in National Forests?

The kinds of uses that are permitted in national forests are long and varied. Almost...

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dispersed camping olympic national forest

5 Dispersed Camping Sites in Olympic National Forest

Dispersed camping (or boondocking) is allowed inside Olympic National Forest. The forest allows camping just...

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campbell tree grove campground, olympic national forest

Olympic National Forest, Camping Rules

These official rules and regulations for camping at Olympic National Forest were gathered from Orders...

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national forest land for sale

Can I Buy Land in a National Forest?

Yes, you can. You can buy land in just about any national forest. However, the...

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you can camp anywhere in a national forest

Is it Legal to Camp Anywhere in a National Forest?

Generally speaking, yes it is legal to camp anywhere in a national forest. However, there...

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thomas mountain yellow post site #1

Is It Illegal to Live in a National Forest?

Yes and no. If you are a camper or RVer, it is illegal to live...

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How Long Can You Camp in a National Forest?

Fourteen (14) days is the most popular answer to how long can you camp in...

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How Much Does it Cost to Camp in a National Forest?

The cost to camp in a national forest can range from $0.00 up to about...

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boondocking motor vehicle use maps

How to Use Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) to Find Free Camping

Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) are published by the U.S. Forest Service and apply only...

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inholding

Why Is There Private Property Inside National Forests and Parks?

Not all land inside a national forest or national park is public. A lot of...

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USFS: Rules for Boondocking on USFS Lands

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) manages all of the United States’ National Forests and National...

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National Forest Camping Rules

Read up on the specific camping rules for various national forests and grasslands…

camping at finger lakes national forest

Finger Lakes National Forest Camping Rules

Rules for camping at Finger Lakes National Forest were established by the U.S Forest Service...

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cherokee national forest camping

Cherokee National Forest, Camping Rules

These official camping rules and regulations for Cherokee National Forest were gathered from Orders and...

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sequoia national forest, kings canyon overlook

Sequoia National Forest Camping Rules

These official Sequoia National Forest Camping Rules were gathered from Orders issued by the Supervisor...

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campbell tree grove campground, olympic national forest

Olympic National Forest, Camping Rules

These official rules and regulations for camping at Olympic National Forest were gathered from Orders...

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tonto national forest camping rules

Tonto National Forest Camping Rules

The Tonto National Forest camping rules published below were gathered from Orders issued by the...

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prescott national forest camping rules

Prescott National Forest Camping Rules

The Prescott National Forest camping rules published below were gathered from Orders issued by the...

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kaibab national forest free camping

Kaibab National Forest Camping Rules

These official rules and regulations for camping at Kaibab National Forest were gathered from Orders...

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coronado national forest camping

Coronado National Forest, Camping Rules

These official rules and regulations for camping at Coronado National Forest were gathered from Orders...

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coconino national forest camping

Coconino National Forest, Camping Rules

These official rules and regulations for camping at Coconino National Forest were gathered from Orders...

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apache-sitgreaves national forest camping

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Camping Rules

These official rules and regulations for camping at Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest were gathered from Orders...

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National Forest Boondocking Recommendations

Discover places for boondocking in national forest with these selected recommendations…

dispersed camping sedona arizona

12 Free Camping Sites Near Sedona, AZ

Free camping near Sedona, AZ continues to be a constant pursuit for boondockers and dispersed...

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cherokee national forest

Where to Camp for Free in Cherokee National Forest

Cherokee National Forest offers many places where you can camp for free. Tennessee’s most popular...

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dispersed camping near crater lake national park

Dispersed Camping Near Crater Lake National Park

There is plenty of dispersed camping near Crater Lake National Park because its almost entirely...

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dispersed camping near bryce canyon national park

Dispersed Camping Near Bryce Canyon National Park

Dispersed camping near Bryce Canyon National Park is plentiful within adjacent Dixie National Forest and...

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dispersed camping near red feather lakes colorado

Dispersed Camping Near Red Feather Lakes, CO

Dispersed camping near Red Feather Lakes, CO is kinda hard to come by due to...

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Dispersed Camping Near Big Bear, CA

Dispersed camping near Big Bear, CA can be tricky to find, but there are several...

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Dispersed Camping Near Steamboat Springs, CO

Dispersed camping near Steamboat Springs, CO can be difficult to come by because there is...

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dispersed camping flagstaff arizona

Dispersed Camping Near Flagstaff, AZ

Dispersed camping near Flagstaff, AZ is plentiful due to the city’s close proximity to Coconino...

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Dispersed Camping Near Silverton, CO

Dispersed camping near Silverton, CO can be found in numerous places due to the town...

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dispersed camping glacier national park

Dispersed Camping Near Glacier National Park

Is there dispersed camping near Glacier National Park? Yes there is, and lots of it!...

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Dispersed Camping in Sequoia National Forest

Dispersed camping in Sequoia National Forest has risen in popularity due to the forest’s close...

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dispersed camping olympic national forest

5 Dispersed Camping Sites in Olympic National Forest

Dispersed camping (or boondocking) is allowed inside Olympic National Forest. The forest allows camping just...

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lumsden campground near yosemite national park

Places for Free Camping Near Yosemite National Park

There are places just outside of Yosemite National Park that allow free camping. Camping inside...

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free camping at grand canyon national park north rim

Where Can You Camp for Free in the Grand Canyon?

You can boondock just about anywhere in Grand Canyon National Park, as long as you...

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National Forest Boondocking News

big flat dispersed camping area, fishlake national forest, utah

Big Flat Dispersed Camping Area Under Temporary Closure

Fishlake National Forest in Utah announced today that they will close the entire Big Flat...

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national forest week 2023

Where Will You Be Boondocking on National Forest Week?

Yes, there is actually a, “National Forest Week”! It’s the effort of National Forest Foundation,...

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apache-sitgreaves national forest evacuation order

The Entire Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest is Closing!

Beginning Thursday, June 24, 2021, the entire Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest is closing due to extreme...

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winiger ridge campground colorado

Dispersed Camping Now Shut Down in Five Areas of Colorado

On Thursday, May 13, 2021, the U.S. Forest Service announced that it shut down dispersed...

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Finding Free Camping at Flaming Gorge

Aside from how gorgeous Flaming Gorge is, the beauty of camping there is that much...

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arizona schnebly hill road boondocking

Boondocking in Coconino National Forest, Arizona

So last week, we left the Sonoran Desert in Southern Arizona and headed north, to...

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