- Camping & Backpacking, Car Camping
What is Dispersed Camping? Your Guide to Free Camping
For people seeking solitude in outdoor spaces, dispersed camping has been the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors without setting up camp directly next to someone else. Dispersed camping has no amenities, no camp hosts, and no reservations. In short, when you find yourself dispersed camping, you should be prepared for everything and anything.
Dispersed camping has been blowing up as more people struggle to snag campground reservations. And if you’re here, you might be wondering “What is dispersed camping”? Well, this guide includes everything you need to find free campsites.
As someone who enjoys long road trips, distant trailheads, and traveling on a budget, I have been dispersed camping in Washington for the past five years. I’ll share everything I have learned along the way!
Just a heads up! This post contains affiliate links, which means I could earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!
What is Dispersed Camping?
You might have head dispersed camping referred to as boondocking, dry camping, roughing it, etc. It is all of those things, but there is some context behind each of those names.
- Boondocking: Boondocking can be used interchangeably with dispersed camping. It refers to camping outside of official campgrounds without access to services.
- Dry Camping: Dry camping refers to camping without a supply of water at your campground.
- Wild Camping: Wild camping is more of the vibe of dispersed camping. You’re in the wild, away from the hustle and bustle of the city surrounded by nature.
- Roughing It: My Midwest family asks if I’m “roughing it” which is just their way of asking if the camping experience was more rugged and self-sufficient. Flush toilets are NEVER a part of roughing it.
Whatever you call it, dispersed camping, roughing it, or wild camping, just know you’re taking a step away from simple luxury in exchange for self-sufficiency and the great outdoors.
What are the Benefits of Dispersed Camping?
Once you get past the uneasiness that you can potentially feel from beginning your dispersed camping journey, the benefits of dispersed camping are numerous.
- Freedom & Solitude: Dispersed camping allows you to escape crowded campgrounds and find your own space in nature. You can choose your spot and make it your own.
- Cost-Effective: Dispersed camping is usually free. Apart from purchasing a National Forest Pass or entering a fee area, the sites are free.
- Closer to Nature: If you’re looking to connect with nature in an immersive way, dispersed camping is the perfect way to do that.
- Less Planning: I should say, less planning in advance. Without having to rely on making a reservation, you can go camping whenever you want! The planning comes in when you need to start packing and preparing for being in the wilderness.
But my favorite reason is that I can typically find a good place to stay near a trail head where overnight parking is not allowed.
What are the Rules for Dispersed Camping?
With freedom, comes responsibility. Here are some rules to follow when dispersed camping. These are GENERAL guidelines and they could vary slightly depending on WHERE you end up dispersed camping, so always check regulations ahead of time.
Location
- You can camp in a dispersed area for up to 14 days within 28 days
- After 14 days, you need to move to another site 30 miles away from the original location
Campsite Selection
- Campsites can be found along secondary roads and are likely not marked
- Choose a spot that has been a campsite before. Look for areas that appear as if they have been used before. They’ll be flat and lack plant growth.
- Use existing sites to avoid creating new disturbances.
Environmental Considerations
- Campsites should be 100 feet away from any natural water source
- Do not leave any trash, hazardous materials, human waste, or general pollutants at the site. Whatever gets packed in should be packed out.
Campfires
- Check fire regulations before the trip to ensure you can have one and under what circumstances.
- Use fire rings or firepits when possible.
- Completely extinguish all fires. They should be cold to the touch.
How Do I Research a Good Campsite for Dispersed Camping?
Finding a good campsite for dispersed camping is two-fold, the original research and the field research. There is the research you need to do before your trip and then the “research” you do when you’re on the ground hunting for a good spot to spend a couple of days.
Use maps that detail dispersed campsites. Many official forest service maps, topographical maps, and camping apps will have some spots. Dispersed camping on a forest road, you can usually spot a cleared area along the side of the road which indicates a possible site.
I would also recommend going to a local ranger’s office to talk about regulations. They typically have some good information about secret spots and popular areas for camping. Knowing where the closest visitor center is will be extremely helpful in case you have questions or need assistance.
Online Resources for Dispersed Sites
When dispersed camping I recommend downloading the Google map areas of the places you will be. This will ensure that you can find your way around even if you do not have service.
Some websites and apps that are great for dispersed camping:
- iOverlander: A crowdsourced site with campsites, hostels, RV Parks, and dispersed campsites fit for travelers, overlanders, and van-lifers. From the crowdsourcing, there are tons of notes and tips from people who have stayed at the various locations.
- ONX: A GPS navigation app, ONX has detailed maps that show public and private land boundaries, trails, and pinned dispersed sites. It is popular amongst hunters but has been growing in popularity in the general outdoor enthusiast community. I have found the best-dispersed campsites on this app.
- BLM website: The Bureau of Land Management site has some phenomenal maps of the available public lands with dispersed camping sites. They have updated wilderness areas and published live updates of current fire restrictions. The Bureau of Land Management is not overseen by the U.S. Forest Service, it is a separate entity so it is a great way to find campsites on BLM land outside of federal lands. There will be a separate fee for camping in these areas so keep an eye out for the required permits!
- U.S. Forest Service Website: The U.S. Forest Service Website has a comprehensive list of all the wilderness areas, established campgrounds, and primitive campsites. You can search their website by the type of camping you want to do. They will also note available picnic areas, recreation areas, and backcountry camping sites depending on what you want to do with your time! It is an overall great resource for planning your camping trips.
Some other options for finding free camping areas include Gaia GPS, Google Earth, and contacting the nearest ranger station to your desired area.
Gear Recommendations for Dispersed Camping
When dispersed camping you need to be entirely self-sufficient. There will not be access to things like garbage cans, bear containers, or even fire pits in most cases. There is great responsibility in dispersed camping to maintain the seven leave no trace principles.
For dispersed camping, you’ll need all of the gear possible for a safe and comfortable camping trip. For a complete list of camping gear, check out this blog post on camping gear. The post includes things like the best sleeping bag, camping chairs, and camp kitchen gear! There are all save and splurge options for the gear!
The following are some camping gear recommendations for complete self-sufficiency. This does not include everything you need, just items I have found extra helpful for dispersed camping.
Pack in at least 5 gallons of potable water to use for drinking and washing dishes. You can use local water to put out fires, but it is a good idea to also pack enough water to completely put out any fires you may have. Dispersed campsites do not have running water like many established campgrounds. This is the exact water jug that I bring every time!
Bring something for trash removal as there will not be trash cans available at your site. Plastic bags work just as well, but if you will be camping for a while, something to contain the smell like the Litter G’tter Trash Can is really nice .
Likely, you will not be in an area with cell service. Bring a device like the Garmin Inreach that you can use to contact someone for emergency help in remote areas. I bring this device on every camping, hiking, and backpacking trip.
There are no toilet facilities at dispersed sites and depending on regulations, you will need to pack out human waste including toilet paper. Bring a portable toilet with a wag bag to contain waste, enable easy clean up, and contain any smell.
Regardless of whether you will be in bear country, a bear canister or bear bag will help store food. This helps with small rodents as well. Food storage is an important part of leave no trace. If your campsite has picnic tables be sure to clear them off at the end of the day.
While some dispersed camping spots might have a fire pit ring that others have previously made out of rocks, portable fire pits help contain flames and minimize the chances of starting a fire outside of designated areas. They’re also easier to smother.
Permits
In the Pacific Northwest, a Northwest Forest Pass grants people access to National Forest Land in Washington and Oregon. This permit is required for regretting on the national forest land.
For camping in a campsite run by the state parks in Washington, you need a Discover Pass.
Check your local regulations to determine what permits you will need to camp in state forests.
When you camp outside of a developed campground, there are significantly more items that you’ll need to be safe off the beaten path. Always pack enough food for an extra day or two of camping and consider bringing water purification tablets in case you run out of water.
If you plan on car camping on a dispersed site, here is my gear list for car camping gear.
Tips for Dispersed Camping
Here are some tips that I have found extremely helpful for getting started with dispersed camping.
- Figure out the kind of camping you want to do. If you are completely new to camping, consider staying in an established site first. Use the National Forest Service Website to practice looking up camping areas.
- When in doubt, identify the forest access road in the area. Dispersed camping is typically allowed on all U.S. forest service roads, but make sure they are managed under the national forest service not local forest service management.
- Download the Google Maps for the general area you will have access to maps when out of service range.
- National Forests have some established sites that are First Come, First Serve. They are some of my favorite campsites to stay in because it is not considered primitive camping, but still a designated campground.
- Minimize human impact on the area by NOT creating new campsites. Stick with the ones that are already there.
- The best dispersed campsites tend to be unexpected. Embrace the journey of finding a really beautiful spot, even if it takes a little bit of driving.
- Drop a pin in Google Maps of your location so you can find the campsite again at a future date.
- Trailhead dirt roads typically have great campsites. Consider dispersed camping before doing a big hike so you’re closer to the trailhead.
Pack It Up
Dispersed camping, wild camping, boondocking, whatever you want to call it, is one of the best ways to get outdoors and save some money. You can be as close to or as far from civilization as you’d like to give your privacy.
With dispersed camping, you have numerous opportunities to find the best camp spots in a remote location. Reference the U.S. Forest Service for current regulations and camping areas. And always be prepared for anything!
I guarantee you’re going to have an amazing time dispersed camping! If you have any questions, drop it in the comments and I would be happy to help!
Happy Camping!
Meet the Author -
Sarah Borgen
I am an Educator and outdoor Enthusiast based out of Seattle and writer of Exploren Borgen! My adventures consist of weekends spent in the woods, on a hike, car camping, and taking a deep breath of fresh air. When not on an adventure, you can find me in a classroom teaching high school science! I love having a job that allows me to the opportunity to discuss things like conservation, sustainability, and accessibility.
The Ultimate Washington Map
Endless adventures, all at your fingertips
If you’ve ever wished you could access my adventure journals to uncover notes about hundreds of Washington destinations, now’s your chance. I spend an entire year creating this interactive map to make adventure more accessible. You can sort, filter, and explore my notes on hundreds of trails, breweries, campgrounds, and more.
Have a question? Put it in a comment and I'll get back to ya!
Meet the author
Sarah Borgen, AKA your outdoor bestie
I’m an outdoorsy educator and adventure advocate, which is why I’m passionate about creating resources – like blogs, guides, and interactive maps – to simplify your travels. I’m eager to share some of Washington’s greatest destinations and hidden gems with you.
One Response
This is such a thorough guide! Dispersed camping is such a fun way to camp! ☺️