A Motor Vehicle Use Map (or MVUM) is provided by the US Forest Service, is a key piece of information for boondockers seeking dispersed camping. These maps, available on paper at visitors centers or online from the Forest Service, tell you where you can and cannot take your vehicle. A double row of dots indicates where dispersed camping is allowed. MVUMs are also available as geo-enabled PDFs for use with GPS apps.
The MVUM will usually indicate where camping is allowed in relation to the road. For example:
“ Where designated on the Motor Vehicle Use Map, motor vehicle use off of designated roads and trails for the purposes of dispersed camping is permitted for up to 300 feet from the centerline of the road and 100 feet from the centerline of the trail when it is safe to do so and when not causing damage to National Forest System resources. ”
Note that maintenance is minimal on many of these roads. In places where snowfall can be heavy, many roads are closed seasonally. Travel at your own risk and be prepared for emergencies and road damage or blockage.
