Dispersed camping is parking and camping, usually for free, on public lands or other areas without any connections to the power grid or other utilities, and not in an established campground with toilets and other visitor facilities. Dispersed camping is explicitly allowed by the land owner or manager, and individuals generally do not need to get specific permission each time they camp. For related terms and concepts, such as boondocking and free camping, see Camping away from campgrounds.
In the United States, dispersed camping is a formal term that refers specifically to primitive camping in National Forests or BLM land:
“ Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services; such as trash removal, and little or no facilities; such as tables and fire pits, are provided.[1] ”
Length of stay
While dispersed camping usually allows multiple night stays, it is not for squatting or building structures. You are expected to do your recreation then move on. Check the local district and signage for local regulations. When talking to a park ranger or other officials, use the term "dispersed camping" for best results. Remember that you do not own the land, so you cannot live on the land. You are there for recreation and/or camping.
In the United States, the most common rule for dispersed camping in one place, on BLM, Fish & Wildlife, and other non-National Forest land is a 14 day stay in any 28-day period, then mandatory relocation at least 25 miles away.
Here is the language from the BLM:
“ Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. The 28 day period begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location on public lands. The 14 day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28 day period. After the 14th day of occupation, the camper must move outside of a 25 mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day since the initial occupation. The purpose of this special rule is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska). ”
The 28-day rotation means you'll need two or more sites for a rotation:
- Days 1-14 at Site 1
- Days 15-28 at Site 2
- Return to Site 1
The 30-day rotation required by many National Forest districts limit stays in any National Forest (or NF Ranger district) to 14 days in any 30 day period, which causes some issues syncing camping and moving. This means three or more sites are required for a rotation:
- Days 1-14 at Site 1
- Days 15-28 at Site 2 (or non-NF land)
- Days 29-30 at Site 3 (or some other non-NF land)
- Deturn to Site 1
Spelling
Dispersed camping (camping distributed or spread out over a wide area) is sometimes incorrectly spelled "disbursed camping", which would mean something like "paid out camping", or even a "dispursed" camp.
