A Camp Noobs Guide to Dispersed Camping

We’ve all been there - traditional campgrounds packed with blow up tents. Walmart coolers packed with White Claws. BlueTooth speakers blasting your least favorite music. Screams of laughter as teenagers cut through your campsite on the way to the overflowing outhouse.

Jellystone Parks, KOIs and RV parks fill a niche. They’re fun for families, offer easy in and out, and have pool slides and shuffleboard to fill the day.

Dispersed camping is the flipside of corporatized camping. To disperse camp is to appreciate a return to the raw, unfiltered experience of sleeping under the stars, embracing and cultivating your inner cave person, far from the maddening noise of RV generators and the confined borders of paved camp sites. Whether you're a seasoned backpacker looking for a new camp experience or a newcomer seeking adventure, dispersed camping opens up a world of possibilities that traditional campgrounds simply cannot hold a candle (or match) to.   

DISPERSED CAMPING DEFINED

Wild camping, boondocking, primitive camping and dispersed camping all refer to camping in undeveloped areas without designated campsites, facilities, or services.  Unlike traditional campgrounds with their marked sites, picnic tables, fire rings, and bathrooms, dispersed camping takes place in natural settings where you are encouraged to be completely self-sufficient.

Dispersed camping offers experiences that traditional campgrounds simply cannot match.  If Solitude and Privacy is your jam, you should camp in the wild. Craving Freedom and Adventure?  Primitive camping offers unparalleled flexibility in location selection and trip planning. You're not constrained by reservation systems, check-in times, or campground rules. If you don't like your chosen spot, you can simply move to another location. You never know what you’ll find, and you’ll often be pleasantly surprised.  

Ready for Natural Beauty and Authenticity? The most spectacular dispersed camping locations often surpass anything available in developed campgrounds. Mountain meadows, desert vistas, lakeshores, and forest clearings provide backdrops that enhance the entire camping experience. The absence of infrastructure allows nature to take center stage.

Without the distractions of developed campgrounds, dispersed camping facilitates a deeper connection with the natural world. The rhythm of natural light, the sounds of wildlife, and the absence of human-made noise create an environment conducive to reflection and restoration.  Connect with your inner hippie caveman, breathe in the calm, and consider dispersed camping!

WHERE CAN I GO DISPERSED CAMPING?

National Forests

Most U.S. National Forests allow dispersed camping. Generally, you can camp for free for up to 14 consecutive days, after which you must move at least 25 miles away. Some forests have specific restrictions on how close you can camp to roads, trails, or water sources, typically requiring you to stay at least 100-200 feet away from these features.

Popular National Forests for dispersed camping include the Coconino National Forest in Arizona, the White River National Forest in Colorado, and the Olympic National Forest in Washington. Each forest has its own specific regulations, so checking online before your trip is essential.  

PRO TIP  #1 For the most  up to date info –check with local ranger stations when you arrive in the forest.  

PRO TIP  #2  These locations can be very popular and you might want to leave a bit of extra time to scout for your camp spot in daylight.

Bureau of Land Management Areas

BLM lands are often considered the gold standard for dispersed camping, particularly in the western United States. These areas typically offer the most lenient regulations, with many locations allowing camping for up to 14 days with minimal restrictions.

The vast expanses of BLM land in states like Nevada, Utah, and Arizona provide endless opportunities for solitude and stunning landscapes.

Do a deep dive for find BLM lands that fit the bill of the nature you are looking for.  Mountains?  Streams?  Deserts?  BLM land has got it covered. 

National Grasslands

Less well-known but worth considering, National Grasslands offer dispersed camping opportunities across the Great Plains and other regions.  If you’re in the Midwest, these areas often provide a different type of wilderness experience, with wide-open spaces and unique ecosystems.

State and Private Lands

Some state lands allow dispersed camping, but regulations vary dramatically by state. Private lands may offer dispersed camping opportunities through apps like Campendium, FreeRoam, or iOverlander, where landowners grant permission for camping on their property. 

PRO TIP:  While on the subject of Apps – iOverlander is an app we at C6 Outdoors have been using for years to discover dispersed camping locations. You can dive deep and read reviews of the sites you’re interested in. The ones with the most positive reviews will have a stronger chance of being occupied, but it’s worth a drive by to check. 

International Opportunities

Many countries have different approaches to wild camping. Scotland's "Right to Roam" laws allow wild camping in most areas, while Scandinavian countries have similar "allemansrätten" or "right to roam" traditions. However, other countries strictly prohibit wild camping, so research local laws before traveling internationally.

ESSENTIAL GEAR SUGGESTIONS

Be prepared for self-sufficiency. You will be bringing with any amenity that you need so your gear list will be more extensive than traditional car camping.  And do make a list and review it, share it with your camp mates, and then double check it.  Once you’re out there, there’s no turning back!

Vehicle

Almost all dispersed camp areas will be off gravel/dirt fire roads.  4 wheel and all wheel drive is recommended, but most fire roads can be driven with standard 2 wheel drive.  If you’re in a 2 wheel drive or your vehicle doesn’t have much clearance, just we aware of the road conditions and turn around if you have any problems. You don’t always have to forge ahead. Remember,

Shelter and Sleep System

Bring a Rev Tent.  Hands down this comfy and versatile 4-season shelter is only way to go.  : )  Make sure you bring your C6 Rev Pillows and MuthaTucka Camp blanket.  And if you want that extra touch – pack those Rev Tent custom sheets. 

Water Storage

Water is your most critical resource. Bring more water than you think you'll need, typically at least one gallon per person per day for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene. You can pack water purification methods such as water filters or purification tablets, but don’t count on finding natural water sources. 

We often stock up on the 2.5 gallon water jugs from the grocery store and use them for drinking, cooking and basic bathroom face cleaning and teeth brushing.  

If you plan on showering while dispersed camping, you’ll need to go a bit more pro with your water storage. You’ll need at least a few gallons a “shower” if you’re using a solar shower.  You’ll need a tree or roof bars to hang your solar shower off of. It’s gravity fed. Showering with a solar shower is a sprinkling, but the water can get quite warm and it does the trick.  Factor in the setting and showering out of a black bag can be quite satisfying - especially when you’re hanging it from a tree, in the middle of nature, without another soul in sight.     

Number One & Number Two

This is a deal breaker for many a trepidatious camper.  Number One is not a problem for most campers. Any bush will do.  But the dreaded Number Two – this is what separates the man from the cave man. 

Proper human waste disposal is crucial for environmental protection and public health when dispersed camping. For solid waste, you can bring along a portable plastic camp toilet and go into one the bio bags (our preferred method).  Or if you can handle a squat, dig a small hole 6-8 inches deep and at least 200 feet away from water sources, trails, and campsites.

Pack a lightweight trowel or camping shovel for digging, and always bury waste completely, covering it with the original soil. Toilet paper should either be packed out in sealed bags or buried deeply with the waste (though packing out is preferred to prevent wildlife issues).

In heavily used areas or ecologically fragile locations, pack-out systems may be required and at the very least are strongly recommended.

The philosophy behind dispersed camping centers on the Leave No Trace principles, emphasizing minimal impact on the environment. Campers are expected to pack out all trash, use existing fire rings when available, and camp in previously disturbed areas when possible. This approach preserves the natural beauty of these spaces for future generations while providing an authentic outdoor experience.

For toilets, consider one with folding legs and a high weight capacity.  They fold up quite small, are sturdy, and come with a starter supply of bags.  Other essential supplies includes a camping biodegradable soap for hand washing, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and sealable bags for packing out used toilet paper and feminine hygiene products.

Power and Lighting

Without electrical hookups, reliable lighting and power become essential. LED headlamps and lanterns provide efficient lighting, while portable power banks (like cell phone battery packs) keep essential devices charged. For longer trips, consider solar panels or portable generators for extended power needs.

You can charge the portable power banks off your car.  You can also run 12v power from the aux lighter power in the dash.  If you’re travelling with a powered refrigerator, you can up the camp game and bring along a more robust power bank with 120v outlets. 

PRO TIP:   Start your car and run the engine for 20 minutes a few times a day to allow the alternator to top off the battery charge.

PRO TIP #2:  Never disperse camp without a way to jump your car battery, especially if you’re camping with only one vehicle.  There are plenty of reasonably priced Lithium Battery Packs available and can be a life saver in regular at home life too.   

Food Storage and Cooking

Plan meals that require minimal cooking and can be prepared with portable camp stoves. Bring a well-stocked cooler with plenty of ice for perishables, or get a 12v powered fridge.  Plan your meals and consider non-perishable options  (canned food, pasta, etc.).  Be sure to store all food inside your vehicle at night. There’s a not so slight chance that bears and other hungry animals will make the rounds after you go to sleep. 

Navigation and Communication

GPS devices, physical maps, and compasses are crucial since cell service may be unreliable or nonexistent. Consider satellite communicators like Garmin inReach devices for emergency communication in remote areas.

First Aid and Emergency Preparedness

A comprehensive first aid kit tailored to your group size and trip duration is essential. Include medications, emergency supplies, and tools for basic repairs to your gear and your vehicle. Travel with a spare tire and know how to change it!  Knowledge of wilderness first aid is as important as having the right supplies.

BUDGET

Traditional campgrounds that can charge $30-100 per night.  When I first started road tripping for vacations, I used to pay this much to stay in motels – so I have a hard time forking out this cash to camp.  Dispersed camping on public lands is typically free. This makes it an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers, those planning extended trips, or people like me, who have been around the block a few times and can’t come to grips with inflation : )

If you don’t already have a nice camping kit, the initial investment in support gear can be substantial. A complete dispersed camping setup might cost $500-2000 depending on the quality of equipment chosen. This includes a Rev Tent, cooking equipment, refrigeration, water storage, lighting, power, bathroom accessories, and an emergency kit.

Ongoing costs are minimal and primarily involve fuel for your stove, food, and transportation to your chosen location. Many dispersed camping regulars find that the initial gear investment pays for itself within a few trips when compared to campground fees.

We view dispersed camping gear as a long-term investment rather than a one-time expense. Quality equipment, properly maintained, can provide years of reliable service across countless adventures.  For example, the Rev Tent is designed to last a lifetime and be passed on to the next generation of campers in your family. 

PLAN YOUR FIRST DISPERSED CAMP TRIP

Success in dispersed camping starts with thorough planning and realistic expectations.

Research your chosen area extensively, including weather patterns, road conditions, and any seasonal restrictions. Contact local ranger stations for current conditions and specific regulations. Plan your route with multiple backup options in case your first choice doesn't work out.

Start with shorter trips to test your gear and procedures before committing to extended dispersed camping adventures. This approach allows you to identify gaps in your equipment or knowledge without serious consequences.

Consider traveling with experienced dispersed campers for your first few trips. Their knowledge and equipment can provide valuable learning opportunities and additional safety margins.

So…  Are you ready to hit the back country and for some dispersed camping?

C6 Outdoor offers almost everything you need to disperse camp except the battery  power.  If you have any questions about any gear you may need or just want to share your dispersed camping experiences with us, please reach out – we’d love to hear from you.