It's not easy finding a concise and accurate guide to dispersed camping.

Let's try to demystify the art known as "boondocking":

What is "Dispersed Camping"?

Dispersed camping, boondocking, wild camping, or free camping are all terms used to refer to camping in the backcountry, outside of organized campsites.

Sounds interesting, but what's the appeal?

1) Dispersed camping sites are often some of the most beautiful to be found.
2) Flexibility. You make your own site.
3) These sites are free.
4) Unique terrain, and sites are typically low-traffic.
5) Dispersed camping allows for as much solitude as you desire.

 Cool! Where can I find these dispersed camping sites?

Short answer: the best place to start looking for dispersed sites is on land under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or US Forest Service (USFS). Camping is permitted on BLM land and National Forest land unless specifically noted otherwise. Always make sure to check with the local office that deals with the area you are interested in camping in. Visit the BLM and USFS links below for help obtaining information:

                           www.blm.gov                               www.fs.fed.us

Any rules to follow?

Common sense rules, but rules nonetheless: Do not camp within 200 feet of a water source. Make sure no part of your vehicle is parked in a road (many areas require you to be a specific distance from the nearest road). Always carry out 100% of your trash and dispose of waste properly, leave no trace. Use established trails and campsites if at all possible. Always use your head, beware of bears and other wildlife. Be extremely careful with campfires and try and reuse existing campfire rings if you can find them.

What else do I need to know?

If you're going to give boondocking a shot, it is essential to make sure your vehicle is equipped to handle the variable terrain these sites offer. 4x4 is highly desirable although not always a must. Ground clearance is essential. Be sure to bring an off-road self recovery kit just in case. Also be mindful of rain - inclement weather can turn your nice dry campsite into an inescapable mud pit if a storm comes rolling through.

ALWAYS respect the land and ALWAYS be good stewards of the environment! If any particular area is marked as closed to camping, there is a reason for it. Practice Leave No Trace principles at all times. Be aware of and respect the boundaries of privately owned land.

If you've never tried dispersed camping, you are missing out on an enormous freedom! These public lands belong to the people and are ours to enjoy. Respect them, and they will remain wild and free for generations to come.

We get asked all the time about urban camping...

Is it safe? Is it smart? Is it even legal?

Broadly speaking, the answer to all three of the above is often "yes". 

Let's start with the most fundamental of these questions: "is it legal"?

While there are still plenty of municipalities that have laws on the books making sleeping in a vehicle illegal, the trend over the past few years has been towards repealing these laws. Despite insane rents and looming affordable housing crises, sleeping in your vehicle is now legal in San Francisco and even New York. Who'd have thought, huh? A judge in Los Angeles recently overturned a 31-year-old law making it illegal to sleep in your car, rightfully pointing out that the law clearly discriminated against the economically disadvantaged, the poor and the homeless. 

As to the questions of safety and intelligence, a little due diligence goes a long way. Survey the area before picking a spot to spend the night. Listen to your street smarts and don't make yourself a target. Try and spend the night in populated neighborhoods and try to park on streets with decent lighting. If a certain neighborhood looks suspect, move on. Listen to your gut. If you are planning to spend the night in a quiet residential neighborhood, be sure to be mindful and considerate of your neighbors, and respect private property. Don't remain in any one place for an excessively long time. And make sure you pay attention to parking regulations, nobody wants to get a ticket! 

So, next time you find yourself wondering whether or not to give urban camping a shot, take a few minutes to read up on the laws in your chosen city... you might be surprised to find out it's neither as difficult or as scary as you thought!

Lastly, always be mindful of the fact that if you are intoxicated and asleep in your vehicle, there is a chance you can still be charged with DUI. Even if the charges are dropped, it really isn't worth the hassle. 

Questions/thoughts? Let us know in the comments.