Last Updated on 20 July, 2026 by Robyn Dockendorf

Growing up, I did a lot of camping with my family, but it was always in established campgrounds. You know the deal – parking right next to someone else, loud generators, and little privacy. When I started traveling, I discovered the peace and beauty of dispersed camping.

Dispersed camping involves parking overnight on public lands, such as National Forest or Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. It is primitive camping, meaning you’ll have to pack in everything you need and pack out everything afterward.

If you’re new to the world of travel and dispersed (wild) camping, use this article as your guide! I’ll cover where and how to find dispersed camping spots, what to expect, and share some expert tips on what to bring and what to watch out for.

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What Is Dispersed Camping?

Let’s start with the basics: what is dispersed camping? In its most basic form, dispersed camping is just camping outside of an established campground. It’s usually done on public lands, is free, and has no amenities.

Dispersed, or wild, camping offers more solitude and a closer experience with nature. Here are some of the major differences between dispersed camping and staying at a campground:

Additionally, campgrounds typically have rules regarding quiet hours, generators, trash, and other regulations. Dispersed camping relies heavily on Leave No Trace principles, which we’ll cover a little later!

If you prefer staying in a campground, we have plenty of camping articles that review campgrounds in popular state parks, National Parks, Preserves, and Monuments!

Identifying A Dispersed Camp Spot

Finding a dispersed campsite is easier than you might think. They’re fairly obvious for a few reasons:

• Flat, cleared area
• Rock fire ring

Wild camping should only be done at established dispersed camp spots. It’s frowned upon to make new sites because it tramples natural vegetation.

7 Common Places To Find Dispersed Camping

Free dispersed camping can be found in a variety of places across the country. If you’re traveling or planning a trip, you can base your adventures on areas that commonly have dispersed camping.

Below are the top areas to find dispersed camping:

1. National Forests And Grasslands

National Forests and National Grasslands are managed by the United States Forest Service (USFS). The USFS tells us that there are 154 National Forests and 20 National Grasslands, covering over 193 million acres of land!

Within National Forests and Grasslands, dispersed camping is often available at certain spots along Forest Roads. Camping areas are obvious because there is either a flat pull-off along the road or a small road leading to camping spots.

Dispersed Camping in a National Forest is common all across the country, while National Grasslands are found primarily in central and western regions of the United States.

2. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lands

The majority of BLM lands are in the western half of the United States. While there are a variety of habitats on BLM land, they’re commonly in open, flat areas with desert landscapes. Many dispersed camping spots on BLM land are shared with cattle or off-road vehicle users.

3. National Preserves

Some National Preserves, like the Mojave Desert National Preserve in California, offer free camping off remote side roads. An obvious clearing and a fire ring indicate a camping spot. Not all National Preserves allow wild camping, so it’s important to read the regulations beforehand.

4. National Recreation Areas

Recreation areas managed by federal agencies often allow primitive camping on the land. These are typically found off dirt roads or side roads within the Recreation Area and are obvious by a clearing and fire rings.

Recreation Areas are commonly found near large lakes and may be near a boat ramp, but not always.

5. State Forests

Many State Forests allow wild camping either free of charge or with a free permit that can be purchased online. Rules and regulations vary by state and by specific forest.

6. Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)

Wildlife Management Areas are another place where you might find dispersed camping. This is very popular in southern states like Florida. WMAs where hunting and backcountry access are common are the most common WMAs that allow wild camping.

Some WMAs require online registration that grants the user a code to open a locked gate, but camping is typically free.

7. National Monument Lands

National Monument Lands managed by the BLM or USFS may allow wild camping in specified zones. There may be a registration process or varying rules for each National Monument.

How To Find Dispersed Camping Spots

If you’re just getting into dispersed camping, it may seem a little intimidating trying to find a random spot in the middle of a forest to park for the night. After all, how do you know which road to go down and where the cleared spots are?

In reality, it’s easier than you might think to find wild camping spots! We traveled all over the United States, and there were only a few occasions when we had trouble finding suitable free parking for the night!

By the way, wild camping isn’t your only option when traveling. Our guide on finding free overnight parking breaks down all the places you can park for free overnight.

Use Official Public Land Maps

One of the best ways to find wild camping is to use official public land maps. The maps are updated frequently, so they are usually accurate and show areas with legal wild camping spots. Some of the most popular land maps available are from the USFS and BLM.

• USFS Official Public Land Maps
• BLM Official Public Land Maps

Land maps may also be found at trailheads or at entrances to State or National Forest areas. Look for signboards with pamphlets, which can also offer information about wild camping.

Ranger Stations and Visitor Centers

Park rangers are familiar with the regions they manage and can offer valuable information about primitive camping areas or specific spots. They also have local knowledge about road closures, where the best spots are based on your preferences, and even better directions for how to get there.

Rangers can be found at district ranger stations or park visitor centers.

Phone Apps

Phone apps are a very popular way to find wild camping and can give you information about specifics at each site, such as levelness, road conditions, bugs, and any other concerns.

Some of the most popular phone apps to find dispersed free campsites include:

• iOverlander: Provides access information and directions to each site. Comments on each site can help identify any concerns.
• onX Offroad or onX Backcountry: Shows boundaries for public lands and has a dispersed camping layer.
• The Dyrt: Similar to iOverlander, offering photos and reviews from other users about specific camping spots.
• Campendium: Similar to The Dyrt and iOverlander, with a map view and user comments and photos.

Apps can be useful for up-to-date information for popular wild camping sites, but they can be glitchy, have incorrect coordinates, and have out-of-date information if no one has stayed at the site recently. 

In other words, take the information found with a grain of salt!

Drive Around

If you have the time, driving down forest and backroads is a great way to discover dispersed camping sites. Stick to the common areas where wild camping is found (BLM, State Forests, etc).

While driving, look for pullouts, clearings, or narrow offshoot roads that may lead to a clearing. Most established wild camping sites will be flat, cleared, and have a rock fire ring.

While driving, keep a lookout for posted signs or purple spray paint on trees that indicate private land.

Google Maps or Google Earth

Sometimes, searching satellite imagery on Google Maps or Google Earth allows you to see clearings along back roads that indicate wild camping sites. This method is a little less accurate because the clearings could be something else, such as access to a well pad or just a pull-off for construction equipment. 

Ideally, this method should be used in conjunction with other methods to make sure you’re actually seeing a dispersed camping spot and not something else.

Beginner-Friendly Dispersed Camping Areas

Wild camping might seem a little intimidating, but if you start with a beginner-friendly dispersed camping area, it can make the transition from beginner to pro quick and easy!

Some regions of the US are much easier to find wild camping than others. In general, primitive camping is much easier in the western part of the country. Wild camping is difficult on the East Coast.

Check out these areas for your first primitive camping trip:

• National Forests in the Rockies, Pacific Northwest (PNW), and the Appalachian Mountains.
• BLM land in Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado.

Wild camping can be found in many places, but the above areas offer easy access to plenty of sites.

Recommended Gear For Wild Camping

Wild camping is significantly different than camping at an established campground. Instead of having most things provided, you’ll have to depend on yourself to bring all the gear, food, and water you’ll need.

Dispersed camping areas provide no amenities, so you’ll have to be self-sufficient. There are usually no bathrooms, drinking water, trash cans, picnic tables, or tent pads. Not only do you have to remember to bring everything you need, but it’s also essential to pack everything you brought with you back out.

Below, I’ll give my top gear recommendations for camping at a dispersed camp spot. The gear you need will differ depending on your setup, such as tent camping, campervans and RVs, or car camping.

Sleeping Gear

Dispersed campsites are typically somewhat flat, but you’ll still need some gear to make your stay enjoyable and comfortable.

• Tent
• Footprint or ground tarp
• Sleeping pad
• Sleeping bag
• Pillow
• Extra blankets

Sleeping pads make a world of difference when paired with a sleeping bag. We love the affordable NEMO Switchback Sleeping Pad, made of closed-cell foam and taller nodes to trap warmth around your body. It folds up into an accordion style for easy transport.

If you’re new to dispersed and tent camping, it’s essential to understand just how cold it is to be exposed to the elements at night, even inside a tent! Make sure to get a sleeping bag that’s rated for the correct temperature you’ll be sleeping in.

Cooking Gear

Sleeping and eating are two of my favorite things to do while camping…and just in general, if I’m being honest! Having quality cooking gear is one way to ensure your camping adventure is enjoyable.

Here are some essential cooking gear items to pack for your wild camping trip:

• Camp stove
• Fuel for a camp stove
• Multiple lighters
• Cooking pots and pans
• Utensils
• Plates
• Cutting board
• Wash bucket or collapsible bin
• Biodegradable soap
• Cooler
• Bear-safe food storage

Camp stoves come in all shapes and sizes. The nice thing about wild camping is that, unless you’re backpacking, you’ll have your car with you, so you can pack a few extra creature comforts, extra fuel, and more supplies than you would if you were backpacking and worried about weight.

Bringing multiple lighters is a biggie. Grill lighters go out all the time, so bring backups like waterproof matches, BIC lighters, and grill lighters to ensure you’ll be able to start a fire when needed.

Here are some of my favorite camp gear items that make life easy when wild camping:

• OXO Outdoor Wash, Dry and Stow System: Comes with a wash basin and drying rack. All you need to provide is the water and biodegradable soap!
• Coleman Cascade Classic Camp Stove: A compact design and two-burner capabilities make this grill one of the best for car camping at a dispersed camp spot.
• GSI Outdoors Santoku Knife Set: This knife set is amazing. It includes a paring knife, chef’s knife, serrated knife, a folding cutting board, soap bottle, and dishcloth.

For plates, there are plenty of affordable plastic sets to be found at camping stores. They’re safer to transport than heavy ceramic plates.

A bear-proof canister is critical when tent camping in bear country. They can and will enter a tent if they smell food. You can check out our guide on what to do if you see a black bear or grizzly bear for information on handling a hairy situation with these large mammals.

Water and Filtration Gear

Unlike an established campground, there are no potable water spigots at wild camping sites. It’s a good idea to not only bring all the water you need, but also a way to purify water in case of an emergency, and you need to stay longer than expected.

Here are my top recommendations for filtration gear:

• Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System with Cnoc Premium 2-Liter Bladder: Gravity-fed water filter featuring a 0.1 micron filter that removes 99.9% of bacteria and parasites, and 100% of microplastics.
• LifeStraw Peak Series Water Filter Straw: Great for emergencies, it features a 0.2 micron filter for bacteria, parasites, and microplastics.
• Katadyn Micropur Purification Tablets: These tablets use chlorine dioxide to purify water. Place one tablet per liter of water and let it sit for 4 hours before drinking.

A good rule of thumb is to bring 1 to 2 gallons of water per person per day at a minimum. If you have the room, 1-gallon or 5-gallon jugs work great for car camping.

Bathroom Gear

One major adjustment from established campgrounds to wild campsites is the lack of bathrooms. Unless you have a campervan or RV that is equipped with a toilet, you’ll need to do all your business in nature.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Toilet paper
• Biodegradable wipes
• Trash bags
• Shovel

Alternatively, you can use something like the PACT Outdoors Lite Bathroom Kit, which comes with an aluminum shovel, dehydrated wipes, and tabs that contain mycelium to help break down your business and eliminate harmful bacteria.

Remember to pack out ALL trash from your campsite. That means toilet paper, too! We found that bringing a biodegradable dog-poo bag was a great option to put our toilet paper in and then properly dispose of it in a garbage can.

Additional Primitive Camping Gear

Eating, drinking, sleeping, and bathroom gear are the bare-bones essentials when camping at a wild camp spot. With the above items, you’ll definitely survive wild camping, but you may not thrive without some additional creature comforts.

Below are some things that will make your camping adventure more enjoyable, relaxing, and fun!

• Headlamp or portable lantern
• Multi-tool/knife
• Hand sanitizer
• Trash bags
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen or sun hat
• Camp chair
• Folding table
• Hammock
• Mountain pie maker
• Weenie roaster sticks
• Seasonings

You may or may not be able to bring some of these items depending on your setup (backpacking, campervan, RV, or car camping). However, these can make camping fun despite the lack of amenities.

Starting A Fire At A Wild Campsite

Sitting in front of a crackling fire is basically the definition of a successful camping trip! However, when dispersed camping, there are a few crucial rules to follow to ensure your safety and to prevent wildfires.

• Wood Collection: Some areas do not allow wood collecting, and you must bring your own wood to burn. This is usually because there are certain animals or ecosystems that require downed wood to thrive. Regulations on this can typically be found online or on notice boards in the camping area.
• Fire bans: Fire bans are common in the West, especially during the peak summer season. Check local regulations to learn if fires are permitted where you plan to camp.
• Putting out the fire: Before leaving your campsite, it’s critical to ensure your fire is actually out. 

To ensure your fire is truly out and will not flare back to life with wind, follow these steps:

1. Dump water onto the fire until you no longer hear hissing. 
2. Use a stick or shovel to move the coals around to ensure everything is soaked with water.
3. Hover the back of your hand over the coals to ensure they are cold. 
4. If they’re still warm, keep dumping water and stirring until they are cold.

A gusty wind can easily flare a campfire back to life if not properly doused. Sparks and embers can then fly to nearby brush and start a wildfire. So, make Smokey the Bear proud and put out your fires!

Primitive Camping With Pets

Bringing your favorite fuzzballs along for the adventure is a wonderful way to bond with your pets. Whether you’re bringing a canine or feline, we have tips on making this escapade safe and enjoyable for all.

Here are some essential guidelines for wild camping with pets:

• Hunting safety: One of the downsides of wild camping is the potential to share land with hunters during hunting season. Make sure your pet is visible with a bright vest, bandanna, or a light-up collar.
• Wildlife: You’re more likely to experience wildlife at a wild camping spot due to its remote location. Always keep your pet on a leash or, at the very least, have their leash within reach. Bears, mountain lions, wolves, skunks, and raccoons can all spell disaster for your pup. Our guide on what to do if you see a wild animal offers guidance on interacting with wildlife while hiking or camping.
• Waste: Always pick up after your pup does their business. Their poo negatively impacts the environment and can spread diseases to wild canines like foxes, coyotes, and wolves.
• Attendance: Never leave your pet tethered and unattended at a primitive campsite. Anything can happen, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Many dispersed camping areas are remote and offer the chance to let well-behaved doggos and kitties explore off-leash. Always be vigilant and respectful of others. Not all dogs are friendly, and not all people are comfortable around dogs.

Essential Camping Gear For Pets

If you’re new to camping, you may be wondering what to bring along to make your pet comfortable on your wild camping experience. Like humans, it’s important to bring all the gear your pet will need with you, and pack out all trash and waste accumulated during your stay.

With the right gear, your canine or feline companion will have the best time and show their appreciation with excited tail wags or loud purrs! Below are some recommended pieces of camping gear to make your pet happy and content while camping in the wild.

• Eating and Drinking: We love the Ruffwear Basecamp™ Dog Bowl. It has a non-skid base and sound-dampening material to make meal prep more serene. It can hold 6.75 cups of food and is made with food-grade stainless steel.
• Dog Bed: The Highlands™ Dog Pad is lightweight, folds in an accordion-style for easy packing, and has a waterproof base to keep your pup (or kitty!) warm and cozy at camp.
• Runner: The Knot-a-Hitch™ is a game-changer at a primitive campsite. Hook it between two trees, and your dog has a vast area to explore while safely on leash!
• Kibble Storage: We use the Kurgo Kibble Carrier when camping. It holds up to 5 pounds of kibble and has a roll-top closure system to seal out moisture.
• Litter box: Camping with a cat? Don’t forget a litter box. The Pet Fit For Life Collapsible Litter Box is compact for easy traveling and holds up to 5 pounds of litter.

While not essential, don’t forget to bring your fuzzball some toys to play with, the proper clothing for cold weather (if needed), and some rewarding treats!

If you’re bringing your cat on their first camping trip, head over to our guide on harness training your cat to learn how to transform them into an adventure cat!

Wrapping Up Our Wild Camping Adventure!

Dispersed camping is a fun way to explore the country in solitude and connect with nature on a deeper level. Camp spots are found in remote areas, lending peace and tranquility to any camping trip.

To recap the most important aspects of this beginner-friendly guide to wild camping, here are the most important things to know:

• Dispersed camping differs from campgrounds in various ways, such as no fees, no amenities, individual spots, and quieter experiences.
• Wild camping can be found on public lands like National Forests, BLM land, National Preserves and Recreation Areas, State Forests, Wildlife Management Areas, and National Monument lands.
• Utilize maps, visitor centers, ranger stations, and phone apps to find primitive camping spots.
• Remember to bring all the gear you (and your pet) need with you and pack out everything brought in.
• Check local regulations for starting a fire and always douse it thoroughly before leaving.

With these tips in mind, you’re ready for your first wild camping experience! Have fun, and if you need more guidance on camping gear or traveling, check out the Dirtbags with Furbags blog! Don’t forget to give your furbags an extra pet from us!