Most folks associate camping with staying at an organized campground - those typically will have amenities like bathrooms and showers. They also have something most overlanders would like to get away from - crowds.
Traveling in a fully-equipped overland vehicle isn't just for weekend getaways: it presents an awesome opportunity for remote work as well. In a world where remote work becomes more widespread, more and more folks realize that you don’t have to be home to put in quality work.
In our experience, most folks haven’t heard about dispersed camping and don’t know that most national forests will let you camp for free. Getting off the well-traveled roads will lead you to some of the most beautiful and isolated places. Picture driving into the forest, turning down a gravel dirt road and finding a secluded spot under the trees, and no one around for miles. Dispersed camping, also called dry or primitive camping requires a bit more planning but trust us, it’s worth it.
So, where can you camp for free and away from the crowds? In the United States, dispersed camping is allowed on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) public land and within the boundaries of national forests across the country. Some areas might be closed to restore natural habitats or protect the existing ones but for the most part, as long as you are on public land, it’s fair game.
Below are our tips for finding the most badass dispersed camping spots:
1) Get comfortable with Google Maps satellite view - zoom in to get an idea of roads and landscapes. A green area will mark either a national park (typically a no-no for dispersed camping) or a national forest
2) Apps like Gaia allow you to see the boundaries of national forests so you never end up camping on someone’s private property - you don’t want THAT morning wake-up call (download here: https://www.gaiagps.com/discounts/?fp_ref=cypressoverland1)
3) Go old school and use a map - some roads will not show on Google maps plus you may (probably will) lose cell service once you get off the beaten path
4) Chat with a Forest Ranger - rangers are the most knowledgeable people you want to speak with if you’re going off the grid for the first time or in a new place
5) Be open-minded - Don’t forget to bring your sense of adventure! It doesn't take up too much room. Sometimes a road you’re taking might no longer exist or be blocked with fallen logs after winter. With overlanding, the journey IS the destination. Don’t rush to get to your camp spot and truly, enjoy the ride.
PRO TIPS
Camp fire permit:
For places that allow camp fires, you will need a fire permit. When camping in California, follow this link to obtain the permit: http://www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfire-Permit/. During the drought season, you will see “Campfires banned” signs when entering a national forest. The permits are free and very educational.
Leave No Trace:
Rule of thumb: leave the campsite better than you found it. Make sure to fully pack your garbage (and any other garbage or food scraps you find that other people might have left) and be careful to not disturb wild life and other visitors - that way, future generations of explorers will still be able to enjoy the wild the way we do. For 7 Leave No Trace principles, click here.
Food, Water and Fuel:
Plan ahead and bring extra food, water and fuel. The last thing you need when adventuring into the wild is worrying whether you have enough water to drink and cook with. Our motto for food packing: better to bring more than less.
Nature calls:
When nature calls, be ready with a shovel. No stress - every Cypress Overland vehicle comes with one. “How do I go to the bathroom in the woods?” is one of most frequent questions campers ask. Rest assured, our ancestors have been doing it for millennia. Rule #1: Leave No Trace. General rule of thumb: do the deeds at least 70 steps (200 feet) from your campsite, trail or body of water. For other details check out REI Expert Advice.
See you on the road.