

Boondocking michigan for free#
While slightly more difficult to find, and sometimes more restricted, BLM land is generally available for free dispersed camping to the public provided you:Ĭamp at least 1 mile outside of any Developed pay-for BLM Campgrounds and Grazing Areasīreak camp at least 200yrds from any water source or stream The Bureau of Land Management oversees and manages 1 of every 10 acres in the United States! However, the majority of that is west of the Mississippi. Using the resources provided below and some common sense, it is usually easy to stay within the above guidelines and determine where you’re allowed to camp.īLM (Bureau of Land Management) Free Camping Note that permits are sometimes required, so check with the local ranger stationĪnd make yourself aware of current fire conditions (both wild and prescribed) by visiting this interactive map before making campĪlthough this all sounds rather complicated, it isn’t.

Strictly adhere to current local restrictions on campfires, and manage them safely and properly, using only existing fire rings when possible. Only stay up to 14 days in a given 28 day period (before moving to another location at least 25 miles away)Ĭamp a minimum of 1 mile from any Developed Recreation Area such as developed forest service pay-for campgrounds, day-use picnic areas, and trailheadsĮstablish camp at least 200ft from any water source or stream This also helps determine the National Forest boundaries, so you don’t inadvertently trespass.

On Google Maps, nearly all National Forest and Grasslands are clearly and conveniently designated in green, making it easy to determine which National Forest you’ll be (or are) traveling near. As such you should familiarize yourself with the Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly principles and practice them while making use of these and other free camping locations.įree Camping on National Forests and Grasslands IMPORTANT: All public lands are an incredibly precious resource and should be treated with the greatest respect. Often, with a little work and research, you’ll find absolutely incredible free camp spots with breathtaking views and significantly fewer “camp neighbors” than traditional developed campgrounds. There are literally millions of acres of National Forest, Grasslands, BLM, and other public lands scattered throughout the United States, and most of it is accessible to the public for free! Public lands are our preferred source of free campgrounds.
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How to Find Free Camping Sites on Public Lands

In this post, we’ll cover how to find free camping on public lands, overnight parking options, and “free” camping memberships, as well as provide you with a list of the best resources for locating free camping spots on your next adventure! And for those who have not camped primitively before, you may be questioning the safety as well.īut for every problem there is a solution - when you’re done here you can head over to our mega post where we answer 16 common questions all about dispersed camping. In most cases camping for free means there are no hook-ups, no electricity, no plumbed water, no flush toilets, no showers, no trash cans, no on-site laundry, and in some cases little more than a spot to park on overnight. However, these free camping options may come with some sacrifice to comfort if ill prepared.
