#BOONDOCKING CALIFORNIA HOW TO#
#BOONDOCKING CALIFORNIA FULL#
#BOONDOCKING CALIFORNIA FREE#

Once you’ve found your camping spot, make sure you leave your pitch the way you found it, and minimize waste. You may camp at one site for a maximum of 14 days, and you may stay in each district for up to 21 days before having to vacate.įurthermore, if you are a group of 75 or more people you must gain a permit to camp in a US state forest – you can get that by contacting the local district office. The regulations are slightly different in California state forests. However, from May 1 to September 15, the camping is limited to 14 nights. However one exception is the territory covered by the BLM Bishop Field Office where dispersed camping is limited to 14 days per year.įurthermore in Yosemite, the limit is 30 nights of camping per calendar year. This is perfect for hikers who will move camp a few miles at a time. What that means, is that you may camp within a 30 mile radius for two weeks, either all in one block, or spread out across a 28-day period. Legally in Bureau of Land Management Areas you can camp for two weeks at a time within a 30 mile radius during a 28-day period. How long are you allowed to camp in state areas? If you’re interested in primitive camping within one of these, it’s best to contact the regional office of the area you are visiting to ask for locations.

#BOONDOCKING CALIFORNIA FREE#

These exist in the hope of encouraging free campers to camp in the same place, and therefore reduce the impact on the environment.

While you can camp almost everywhere else, the Bureau of Land Management has also made dispersed camping areas that are situated beside popular hiking trails. For information on permits, and where you can and cannot camp, click here. Furthermore, camping is forbidden between Yosemite Valley and Little Yosemite Valley. In the famous Yosemite National Park you need a permit to camp outside of official campgrounds. Sometimes permits are also required to camp – often in the most popular parks. Campers are asked to not camp in the middle of a clearing or meadow, and to make any campsite hidden so not to spoil the landscape for other people.For example, in Sierra National Forest you can see the restrictions here. When you know which region or state forest you wish to camp in, you can check that state forest or BLM area’s official page for where restrictions exist. Each state forest and BLM area has several regions where dispersed camping is not allowed. Areas that specifically state ‘closed to camping’ or similar are forbidden.You are not allowed to camp within 100 meters of a water source (springs, rivers, water catchments etc).You are not allowed to camp in or near paid campsites (you must be at least one mile away), trailheads, or recreation areas.Just be aware that there are a few areas where dispersed camping in California is forbidden: Maps can also help pinpoint potential water sources to camp nearby. Keep an eye on contours as the more spaced out they are on a map, the flatter the ground will be. A great state map, such as this one could help in finding camping spots too. Typically any areas that are green on Google Maps are also publicly owned. Forest Service, and other state institutions will be publicly owned. Land looked after by the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, U.S.

#BOONDOCKING CALIFORNIA HOW TO#

We have tips on how to camp respectfully further down this article. Just remember that public land should be treated with respect – just as you would like your own land to be treated. The fantastic thing about California is that dispersed (primitive) camping is allowed and legal, as long as you are camping on state ground and adhere to a few simple guidelines. It also allows you to experience some of nature’s best views for free. It’s a chance to get back to basics, enjoy nature, and separate yourself from the hustle and bustle of 21st century life. In our opinion, there’s nothing better than camping. So read on and let your adventure begin! Dispersed camping in California: The rules and where you can and cannot camp We explain the rules for dispersed camping in California in this article, along with the rules around campfires.

Which makes camping a fantastic way to explore the ‘Golden State’. Thankfully, dispersed camping in California is legal and free on publicly owned land – such as areas under Bureau of Land Management control. And we believe dispersed camping in California is one of the best ways to experience and enjoy them!

#BOONDOCKING CALIFORNIA FULL#

states with iconic beaches, spectacular waterfalls and stunning mountains and deserts, California is full of natural sights ready to be discovered.

Boondocking california