Dispersed Camping
For many people dispersed camping is a way to enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest away from a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services; such as trash removal, and no facilities; such as tables and fire pits, are provided. You can camp just about anywhere in the Intermountain Region’s Forests, dispersed camping, is welcomed in most areas. Rules listed below may vary by forest, some additional restrictions may apply and your stay maybe day limited, so check with the forest you plan on visiting for their restrictions and stay limit in the links at the bottom of the page.
Rules for Dispersed Camping
- Motorized vehicle use for the purpose of dispersed camping is only allowed 150 feet from any designated route to limit resource damage. Use existing campsites.
- Large groups of people, who wish to use the forest, may need to obtain a special use permit. There is no fee and permits can be obtained at the nearest Forest Service Office.
- You need to be self-contained. No amenities are provided, such as water, restrooms, or trash cans.
- You may camp in a dispersed area limited number of days set by the forest. After the limit, you must move to another dispersed area. (Check with forest for limits)
- Please place your campsite at least 200 feet from any stream or other water source.
- Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter.
- Follow Leave No Trace principals.
- Ensure there are no fire restrictions are in place before lighting a campfire and be prepared with a shovel and water to extinguish the fire before you leave the area.
Tips for "Leave No Trace" camping
- Be sure your camping spot is at least 200 feet from water. This will help protect water quality and minimize pollution.
- Set up your tent or trailer where you will not have to destroy vegetation. Do not drive over vegetation and wear sneakers or light shoes around camp to avoid trampling it.
- Pack out everything you pack in. Burying, scattering or burning food scraps will only attract animals and leave a mess for other people.
- To dispose of human waste, dig a hole 6 inches deep into the humus layer of soil, at least 200 feet from water. After use, cover the hole and microorganisms will take care of it.
- Follow Leave No Trace principals.
Where Can I Disperse Camp?
Many people drive out on Forest Service roads into the woods and find a clearing or a spot near a stream or with a view of the mountains. Visitors are encouraged to use existing camp sites. Typically, dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads.
Motorized vehicle use for the purpose of dispersed camping is only allowed 150 feet from any designated route to limit resource damage. Visitors are encouraged to use one path of ingress and egress to prevent resource damage and use existing campsites if they are available. Select the Interactive Visitor Map to learn more.
Can I Have a Campfire?
Campfires are permitted when dispersed camping unless a restriction has been issued during a particularly hot, dry summer. Call the Forest Supervisor's Office for the status. Please use existing fire rings if present to minimize the scarring of new rocks, soil, and plants. Campfire rings are not necessary to keep a fire from spreading, but clearing flammable material such as leaves, needles and twigs from around it is necessary. Follow Smokey Bears campfire safety tips and make sure your fire is dead out before you leave!
Firewood gathering is permitted for campfires. Use wood that is dead and on the ground. Dead standing trees (snags), are homes for the little critters that live in the forest. Do not break branches off standing trees; live trees do not make good campfires because they retain water. Wood permits are not needed to collect firewood for campfire use on the forest. If wood is transported home for personal use a permit is required. To obtain a permit please visit a local Forest Service office.
Let Smokey Bear help you pick a spot for your campfire.
Dangers of Causing a Wildfire
The National Forest has wildfires each year, many of these are caused by human activity, typically escaped campfires from dispersed campers. Campfires are allowed when you are dispersed camping unless there are fire restrictions in effect due to high fire danger conditions. It is your responsibility to know if fire restrictions are in effect before you go camping. You can learn about any fire restrictions by contacting a local Forest Service office.
Before you leave your campfire make sure is it completely out. You should be able to put your whole hand into the ashes without being burned; it should be cool to the touch. Stir the ashes to make sure all embers have cooled. This is very important as many forest fires are caused by abandoned campfires that were not completely out. Please only burn wood and paper produces in campfires. Items such as aluminum cans, soup cans, glass bottles, and plastics should be packed out when you leave.
Going to the Bathroom in the Woods
Dispersed camping means no bathrooms and no outhouses. Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails.
Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
For those with camp trailers, dispose of waste and grey water at dumping stations located at many Forest Service campgrounds.
Treating Your Water
With an increasing population and visitation to our National Forests, some water sources have been contaminated with invisible micro-organisms that can make people very ill and even kill them in some cases. Giardhea is a common contamination that has been spread through improper toileting to many water sources. It will cause diarrhea, cramping, and other physical problems.
The only way to ensure that water from any undeveloped source is safe is to treat it. Follow the water treatment guidelines recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Water from faucets in developed recreation areas has been tested and treated and is safe to use without treating.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention guide for water treatment while hiking, camping, and traveling.
Taking Dogs Camping
Dogs are welcome on National Forest lands but need to be on a leash when in developed recreation sites such as campgrounds. Also, there are some forests that have urban-interface districts and if per chance you camp or hike there be aware of their pet restrictions due to the wildlife in the area. For example, a bobcat or wildcat may be looking for food and if your pet is not monitored then the movements of your pet may look like a tasty treat. After all, this is their land in which they live too.
Please remember that not everyone loves your dog as much as you do. Be considerate of other visitors and carry a leash to restrain your pet when around other people or wildlife. Remember to clean up after your dog!