Dispersed Camping
Many enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds (and other campers) by using dispersed camping. The alternative outdoors experience, also called boondocking, can used anywhere in the National Grasslands outside a designated campground. However, this means there are no amenities or conveniences such as toilets, picnic tables, trash cans, treated water, or fire grates.
Figure 1. Do not drive off established roads if the ground is soft or moist, especially after recent rainfall. The tire tracks create ruts and damages the area.
(Licensed photo by pro2audio/Adobe Stock photo. )Therefore, some extra responsibilities and skills are necessary for dispersed camping. It's your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience.
Dispersed camping is permitted anywhere in the National Grasslands, except within 1/4 mile of an occupied area, which includes developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, boat ramps, picnic areas, or trailheads.
Driving cross-country (off a road or trail) by motorized, wheeled vehicles is prohibited in the National Grasslands except for dispersed camping. For this activity, vehicles may drive up to 300 feet off-road to camp along established roads.
Please follow the guidance outlined in the area Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) and Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) maps, which are available on the Visitors Maps and Guides page.
Special note: Please do not drive off established roads or paths if the ground is moist and soft, particularly after recent rainfall or snow melt (Figure 1). Driving on soft ground can have a significant impact on the environment, primarily through soil compaction, damage to vegetation, and erosion. These impacts can lead to long-lasting changes in the landscape and ecosystems.
Contact the local Ranger District Office for more information.
Dispersed Camping Guidelines
Dispersed camping requires more preparation and readiness than camping in developed areas. Below are a few key guidelines.
Figure 2. An image to remind dispersed campers to bury human waste in a hole at least six to eight inches deep to avoid animal interference, and always a minimum of 200 feet from any water source to avoid contamination.
(Licensed photo by Ljupco Smokovski/Adobe Stock photo. )- The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 36 CFR § 261.58(e), found in the USDA Forest Service regulations, prohibits dispersed camping within a quarter-mile (1/4 mile) radius of a developed recreation site or occupied areas. This rule prevents dispersed campers from setting up camp too close to campgrounds and other facilities, maintaining a buffer for the integrity of developed areas and preventing overuse and resource damage near these sites.
- Campers are responsible for being self-sufficient, bringing their own water, managing waste disposal, and providing their own electricity.
- Follow the Leave-No-Trace principles of Pack in, Pack Out. Take your trash and waste with you to minimize your environmental impact.
- Waste management. To dispose of human waste, use the cat hole method. Dig a small hole six to eight inches deep and at least 200 feet from any water source. Since animals will often dig up cat holes and scatter the toilet paper, it is preferred that you pack out all toilet paper. If you must bury toilet paper, use a minimal amount and cover it with at least six inches of soil.
- Camp on bare soil if possible, avoiding damage to plants and grass.
- Do not camp within 200 feet of any water source.
- Make your campsite less visible.
- Camping or otherwise occupying a single site for over 14 consecutive days and/or camping or otherwise occupying any number of sites for 28 cumulative days in a calendar year is prohibited within all Northern Region (Region 1) National Forest System (NFS) lands within the Dakota Prairie Grasslands in North Dakota and South Dakota.
- Do not drive off established roads or paths if the ground is moist and soft. Driving on soft ground during dispersed camping or OHV recreation can significantly impact the environment, primarily through soil compaction, vegetation damage, and erosion. These impacts can lead to long-lasting changes in the landscape and ecosystems.
- Travel and recreate with minimum impact. Respect the environment and the rights of others. Educate yourself and prepare before you go. Allow for future use of the outdoors by leaving it better than you found it
Note: Additional guidance regarding the use of fire and water is available in the sections below.
Contact the local Ranger District Office for more information.
Campfires in the Grasslands
Figure 1. An illustration of a campfire in a fire ring made from stones and rocks.
(Licensed illustration by PNG Kingdom/Adobe Stock photo. )The Grasslands Supervisor may issue closure or restriction orders for using certain areas or activities as needed. Fire restrictions limit or prohibit fires at certain times due to high fire danger conditions. Visitors are responsible for monitoring current state conditions. Please refer to our Alerts and Fire Danger Status bar at the top of the page to determine if fire restrictions are in effect. Visit our Fire pages for additional resources and information.
Campfires are permitted when dispersed camping. Here are some tips:
- Use existing fire rings to minimize the scarring of new rocks, soil, and plants (Figure 1).
- Clear an area of combustible material six feet from a campfire to reduce the chance of it spreading.
- Never, ever leave a fire unattended.
- You should have a bucket, shovel, and axe to control or extinguish escaped fire.
- Before you leave your campfire,
Many wildfires are caused by human activity, typically escaped campfires from dispersed campers.
Before leaving any campsite where you have used fire, ensure it is dead out. You should be able to put your whole hand into the ashes without being burned, and it should be cool to the touch.
Everyone is responsible for keeping fires under control.
If you detect any signs of fire that is not under control, anytime, anywhere, call 911 immediately. First responders will manage the situation. Fire spreads aggressively. Every minute counts.
Need more campfire safety tips or suggestions? Visit the Smokey Bear website.
Contact the local Ranger District Office for more information.
Water Usage in the Grasslands
Figure 2. A person washes their hands in a stream.
(Licensed photo by bongkarn/Adobe Stock photos. )Water becomes contaminated by waste materials. Here are a few tips for keeping water clean.
Human Waste
- Dig a hole six inches deep and at least 200 feet away from any water source, such as creeks, wetlands, springs, or lakes.
- When you're done, fill the hole with the dirt you dug up and dispose of your toilet paper in a proper waste container.
- Never defecate or leave toilet paper on top of the ground. Waste and trash could easily contaminate the local water source. Plus, animals may scavenge and litter the toilet paper across the grasslands.
Pet Waste
Pick up after your pets and dispose of waste properly, at least 200 feet away from local water sources to mitigate contamination.
Washing
- Wash your body, dishes, etc., and dispose of wastewater at least 200 feet away from any water source.
- Use biodegradable soap only.
- Do not use soap directly in a water source (Figure 2).
Contact the local Ranger District Office for more information.