Leave No Trace & Dispersed Camping Safety

Free dispersed campsites have no facilities — no water, no toilets, no trash pickup, and often no cell signal. Following these basics keeps these areas open and safe for everyone.

Core rules

Camp only in already-established sites when available rather than creating new ones. Camp at least 100–200 feet from streams, lakes, and trails (exact distance varies by forest — check the specific listing). Pack out all trash, including food scraps and toilet paper. Bury human waste 6–8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from any water source, trail, or campsite. Respect the typical 14-day stay limit (shorter in some areas like the Adirondacks) and move a meaningful distance before camping again in the same area.

Fire safety

Check current fire restrictions before you go — many Western forests ban campfires entirely during dry summer months. Use existing fire rings only, keep fires small, burn only dead-and-down wood (never cut live trees or bring firewood from another region, to avoid spreading invasive pests), and fully extinguish fires with water, not just dirt.

Water and navigation

Bring more water than you think you need, or a reliable filter/treatment method — natural water sources near dispersed sites are not tested or treated. Cell service is unreliable in most of these areas; download offline maps and tell someone your plans before you go.

Vehicle access

Many of the best sites require a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle on rough forest roads. Check current road conditions with the ranger district, especially after rain or snow.