Dispersed Camping on Your National Forests

There are basically two types of camping in your National Forests: camping in a developed campground and dispersed camping. Dispersed camping is a term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest outside of a developed campground.  Dispersed camping is free and, therefore there are no services such as trash removal, tables and fire pits. The Gila National Forest allows dispersed camping throughout the forest unless otherwise posted. Travel Management was implemented in 2016 and the Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) show dispersed camping corridors as well.  Following these simple guidelines will guarantee a better experience for all who come after you.

REMINDER: 

There is a 14-DAY STAY LIMIT on the Gila National Forest and Forest Order 03-06-19-004 explains the prohibitions.  Using national forests for residency for any amount of time is illegal.

Choosing a Campsite

Look for a campsite that is invisible from the main trail. Tents and packs with subdued earth toned colors can help hide your campsite from nearby campers and travelers on the trail. This will give other visitors a greater feeling of solitude. 
Pick a site that is at least 200 feet from water. Plants along the shoreline are easily trampled and killed by tents and campfires. Have a good place for a tent where you will not have to destroy vegetation by trenching.  If possible, pick a site for your tent where the ground is naturally bare.  Never choose to put your camp in the middle of a meadow or grassy area.

 Campfires

Campfires on the Gila NF can be limited to certain times of the year.  Before building a campfire check with the local Ranger District to determine if campfires are permitted. 
Campfires can leave unnecessary signs of human  presence in the forest. The best way to prevent a campfire scar is to use a portable stove and not build a fire at all. If you build a fire, here are some ways to lessen its impact.

• Use only fallen dead wood, do not cut down snags.
• Keep your fire small.
• To prevent your fire from spreading, clear away the duff and litter until you reach dirt.
• Make sure there are no overhanging branches or severe winds.
• Smokey Bear can help you learn how to build a campfire.

A ring of rocks is not necessary. Rocks will do little to contain a campfire and the flames will color them an unsightly black. 
Never leave your fire unattended, and erase all trace of your fire before you leave. 
 

Trash

Do not burn your garbage in your campfire. Aluminum cans and foil will not burn. Pack it out.  Cigarette butts, pull tabs, candy bar wrappers and toilet paper are litter. Pack out your trash instead of burying it or trying to burn it. Bears can dig up garbage pits and scatter the trash.  Pick up and pack out all litter left by the previous campers.

Soap and Human Waste

Fish and soapy water do not mix. Please wash your dishes on shore in a pot of water and then dump the water on the ground far from any waterways. You can take baths without polluting as well. 
Bury human waste with a shovel or a trowel. Dig a cathole five of six inches into the humus layer at least 100 feet from the water. Afterwards, cover the hole and microorganisms will decompose the waste.   If you are in a large group, dig a long but shallow latrine. Remember to fill it in before you leave. 
 

Respect Wildlife

Observe wildlife from a distance.  Do not follow or approach animals.  Never feed or leave food out for animals.  Keep a clean camp and keep trash with food smells where animals can't get into it.  Feeding wildlife is harmful to their health, alters natural behaviors and exposes them to predators and other dangers.  Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.  Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.  Avoid wildlife during sensitive times:  mating, nesting, raising young or winter.

Breaking Camp

Breaking down your camp, drown your campfire. Stir your campfire, add a bucket of water, stir again, pour another bucket of water on it. Stir, see if it's cool to the touch and add dirt.  Make sure it is out by feeling the ashes with the back of your hand. If any ashes feel warm, use more water. Scatter the cold ashes and any rock away from the campsite where they can’t be seen. Scatter your firewood. Spread needles and twigs over the fire scar. 
Pack out all garbage and unburned materials. If using stock, scatter animal manure for quicker decomposition. 
Fill the latrine (if you had one). Check your campsite and know that you are leaving it cleaner and more natural than it was when you arrived.

Dispersed Camping Tips
 

Remember the basic rule:  Leave No Trace!