This is referred to as camping away from a developed area, on public land. Although I may camp at designated campgrounds from time to time, I prefer this way. Most developed campgrounds, come with many features such as runnung water spigets, toilets, fire rings, trash facilities, and picnic tables. When you do dispersed camping, you must bring your own items. This may be okay for some, but if you are a beginner camper, you may want to stick with developed campgrounds. This way, you have the amenities provided, so that you don’t have to take out extra expenses for. With disperse camping, comes pretty strict rules. Most are just common sense, but some you must know about ,by doing some research ahead of time, by pulling up your local BLM, and forest service information online. Remember the song “this land is your land, this land is my land”?, well it’s true, this is our land, so let’s keep it clean and thriving for generations to come. Here are some good rules to follow, not just for dispersed camping, but whenever you go camping:
Dispersed camping is only allowed for specific duration. Check online, or contact your local BLM, or forest service areas ahead of time.
Camp at least 200 feet from any running water, such as lakes and streams.
No camping on private property, unless you have been given permission by the owner of the land.
Obey all signs.
Never dispose of refuse, waste, gray water, or anything hazardous that would pollute the area you are in.
Stay on designated roadways. Never create your own path, as this can destroy precious plant and animal life.
Always bury any animal and human waste ,about 200 feet out, and at about six to seven inches underground.
Pick up all your trash, and take it with you.
No camping within one-fourth of a mile from any watering hole, or tank hole. This will ensure that any animal, that relies on this water ,will not be denied.
Only gather wood that is on the ground for your campfire. Cutting down a tree for firewood, is illegal.
You as well as children, should know about fire safety. Always use a fire ring when building a fire. With disperse d camping ,you will likely have to build your own.
Never bathe in any local lake, stream, or watering hole/tank.
Always use common sense, and be respectful to people as well as plants and animals.
Whatever you pack in, you must pack out. It wouldn’t hurt to pack out just a little more of what others may have left behind.
