Hello there, I’m currently doing my first ever night of dispersed camping at a local national forest here in USA.

I plan to have this trip go two weeks, though I will be happy enough if I can make it to one without issue. After I’m done here I’ll go sightseeing at a big state attraction that my parents always talked about.

The only camping I ever knew about was campgrounds where you pay money for a site or a cabin. I had no idea that dispersed camping was a thing.

In certain public lands you are allowed to just park off the road and camp out for a certain amount of time. Each place has their own rules and exceptions but its generally 2 weeks before you have to move a couple miles.

I’m essentially allowed to live here in nature free of charge for as long as I like. I just need to observe and respect the rules and limits of the state. The idea of doing this makes me feel a sense of freedom that I really needed in my life.

The van is pretty much converted out. Ive got a comfy bed. Ive got enough solar panel power for charging devices, keeping lights on, and coffee in the morning (theoretically). Ive got propane heating. Combine that with food, water, clothes, and cleaning supplies to make for the bare minimum of a comfy existance.

Despite all that, I’m out of my comfort zone. All the preparation in the world couldn’t offset this feeling I have right now. The feeling of being in an unfamiliar new place and unsure if I’ll be okay. Perhaps a real adventure requires at least a dash of uncertainty.

Its dark and quiet in a way I’m not used to. Stillness is a little unsettling when youre used to noise and commotion. I’m also right off a busy ish road so theres a car passing every now and again which is a little noisy but not unwelcome.

If something does go wrong I’m parked in a way that I can just turn the key and go. I need to clear the way to driver seat a little better currently blocked by food bag. All my windows are covered well so nobody can really peek at me. Not that I think anyone is out here to peek in.

I realize now that my sneakers arent exactly meant for off path forest exploration. I will get some good boots for the next trip. Im an overthinking planner type person so its fustrating to forget things like this. But before I left I told myself that I wasn’t going to be able to think of every detail, and to just try my best and learn from the experience. I’m going to make mistakes and learn as I go and thats okay.

If you actually managed to read through this I thank you.

  • @[email protected]English
    19•1 month ago

    but its generally 2 weeks before you have to move a couple miles.

    I’m guessing that you’re probably talking about BLM land.

    https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/camping

    BLM-managed lands offer numerous opportunities for camping under the stars ranging from staying in an RV at a highly developed campground to simply throwing a sleeping bag on the ground in the backcountry. No matter what type of experience you are looking for, you can find it on BLM-managed public lands.

    Dispersed Camping

    Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as dispersed camping. Most of the remainder of public lands are open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted “closed to camping,” or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources.

    Dispersed camping is generally allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. Camping limitation rules vary per office, please check with your local office for details on camping limitations. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska).

    EDIT: Oh, no, the Forest Service does it too. A little over two weeks for them.

    https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/fishlake/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5121831

    You may camp in a dispersed area for up to 16 days. After 16 days, you must move at least 5 road miles for camping in another dispersed area. Campers may not spend more than 16 days of any 30 day period at the same dispersed area.

    Huh. Well, that’s interesting. First I’d heard of that.

    • @SmokeydopeOPEnglish
      9•1 month ago

      I think that USDA Forest Service is technically a different government land management agency from the Bureau of Land Management agency so the land isnt technically managed by BLM its managed by national forest services. They share similar general rules for dispersed camping . I checked out the site for my specific national forest to make sure it was allowed.

      • @[email protected]English
        3•1 month ago

        so the land isnt technically managed by BLM its managed by national forest services

        Nah, they each have land allocated to them. If it’s a national forest, then it’ll be the Forest Service; I’d figured that you were just confused about the land being part of a national forest. Wasn’t aware that the Forest Service had a similar policy to the BLM.

        There’s also the Fish and Wildlife Service and the Park Service; all have some amount of federal land allocated to them.

        Lemme find a map. I’ve seen ones that show which land belongs to each before.

        kagis

        Okay, cool, this one is interactive. Haven’t seen this before, just static maps.

        https://maps.usgs.gov/padusdataexplorer/

        You can click anywhere and it’ll show you which service the land is under the control of.

        • @SmokeydopeOPEnglish
          6•1 month ago

          I wasn’t clear enough with my wording, my bad. I meant that national forest land isnt managed by BLM. I’m aware the BLM manages most public land out west.

          Thank you for taking the time to explain it clearly and find that map. I personally like CGP Grey’s video on the subject