Curious about escaping the busy campgrounds and finding a spot all to yourself? Dispersed camping might be just what you need. Imagine pitching a tent under a starlit sky, without neighbors in sight—places like Carrizo Plains make that possible. In this blog post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know to try dispersed camping, from choosing the perfect spot to packing essential gear. If you’re after a camping adventure that’s free and gives you true freedom, read on.
What is Dispersed Camping?
Dispersed camping is camping outside of developed campgrounds, usually on public lands like national forests or Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas. Instead of staying in a campsite with marked spots, restrooms, and picnic tables, you set up your tent or RV in more remote, natural areas.
Dispersed camping doesn’t come with the usual amenities, so it requires a bit more preparation. You’ll need to bring everything with you, including water, food, and a way to handle trash. The goal is to leave no trace, meaning you pack out everything you pack in and leave the area exactly as you found it. Dispersed camping is popular because it offers more privacy and a true outdoor experience, away from the crowds of traditional campgrounds.
Research and Planning Your Dispersed Camping Trip
Planning a dispersed camping trip is exciting, but it takes some research to make sure everything goes smoothly. Here are some important steps to help you prepare.
Researching a Location
Start by looking for wilderness areas and public lands that allow dispersed camping, such as forests or BLM Land (land managed by the Bureau of Land Management). Make a list of a few places you’d like to explore, and consider factors like how far you want to travel and the type of environment you prefer, such as mountains, forests, or lakes.
We chose Carrizo Plains National Monument, a large enclosed grassland plain, because it was a relatively close drive (about 2.5 hours). We wanted an area with a lot of open land where we could hangout with no crowds around, cook and eat good food, and play Spikeball.
Checking for Permits or Restrictions
Once you’ve chosen a location, check if you need any permits to camp there. Some areas require you to fill out forms or pay fees, while others might have restrictions on campfires or the number of people allowed. Knowing the rules ahead of time will help you avoid surprises when you arrive. Do your research!
Carrizo Plains has areas designated for dispersed camping, so we made sure to check the map provided by the Bureau of Land Management before we set up camp. They also have a restriction on length of stay, which is limited to 14 days within any 30 day period, for a total of no more than 28 days within any one year period.
Many areas designate areas for dispersed camping to minimize damage to ecosystems. It’s better to reuse a site that someone has already set up camp at than to camp on new land and potentially harm the environment.
What to Pack for Dispersed Camping
Typically for dispersed camping you’ll pack the same things you would at an established campsite. You can either keep things simple, or you have the luxury of bringing as much as you can fit in your car. You might need extra water if you’re not camping near a water source, or a toilet (if you prefer) since there are usually no facilities. Here’s a rundown of essential items you’ll need.
- Tent: We use our Marmot Tungsten 2-Person Tent.
- Sleeping pads
- Sleeping bags/bedding: We use these sleeping bags but when we’re feeling bougie we pack a ton of soft blankets and nice pillows 🙂
- Camp chairs
- Lighting
- Camp stove and fuel: We sometimes bring our charcoal grill if we have enough space in the car, but mostly love cooking with our Blackstone Grill.
- Cooler: Yeti, always! unless we bring our Dometic
- Water jug
- Human Waste Bags: Protect the environment and just pack out your poop and toilet paper!
- Trash Bags: Bring out all your trash!
Check out our post on our 10 essentials for hiking and camping.
Food and Water Considerations When Dispersed Camping
When planning a camping trip at a dispersed site, making sure you have enough food and water is super important. Here are some key things to think about when it comes to what to eat and how to stay hydrated.
Water
- Bring Enough Water: You need to drink a lot of water, especially if you’re hiking or spending time in the sun. A good rule is to have at least two liters of water per person each day.
- Water Purification: If you’re planning to use natural water sources, make sure to bring a way to purify it. You can use water filters, purification tablets, or boil the water to kill any germs.
- Plan for Emergencies: Always have extra water in case something goes wrong. You never know when you might get lost or have to stay longer than planned.
Food
- Store Food Properly: Animals might be curious about your food, so keep it in a sturdy container. Hanging food from a tree can help keep it safe from wildlife. Bring a bear canister or bag and store food in there away from your campsite.
Setting Up Camp at a Dispersed Site
The beauty of a dispersed site is that you have much more camping space than at a traditional campsite! You can set up your tents further away from your friends, and most likely won’t have camping neighbors nearby. Just make sure to be mindful of the environment around you and follow the leave no trace principles.
Choosing the Right Campsite Location
- Distance from Water: When selecting a campsite, set up at least 200 feet (about 70 steps) away from any water source like rivers, lakes, or streams. This helps protect the water quality and safety of the water supply.
- Look for Flat Ground: Find a flat area to set up your tent or sleeping gear. Avoid spots with rocks, roots, or debris that could be uncomfortable to sleep on. A clear, level surface also helps with rain runoff.
- Consider Wildlife: Think about local animals when choosing your site. Look for signs of wildlife, like tracks or droppings. Avoid areas where animals might travel or feed. It’s also smart to keep your food away from your sleeping area to avoid attracting critters.
- Check for Wind and Sun: Pay attention to the wind and sun. If it’s windy, try to find natural barriers like trees or hills that can block the wind. If it’s sunny, look for shade to keep your campsite cool during the day.
- Protect the Environment: Always practice Leave No Trace principles. Choose a campsite on durable surfaces like rocks, gravel, or dry grass. Avoid setting up on delicate plants or in places that show signs of overuse. This helps preserve the area for future campers.
Leave No Trace
Always remember to practice the principals of Leave No Trace! These 7 principals include:
- Plan Ahead & Prepare
- Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Others
Check out the Leave No Trace program for more information.
Happy Camping!
In the end, dispersed camping is all about enjoying the outdoors in a simple, natural way. Just remember to plan ahead, bring what you need, and follow the “leave no trace” rules to keep nature wild and clean. Dispersed camping offers the chance to find quieter, more private spots and really experience the beauty of nature. So grab your gear, find a good spot, and have fun exploring! Whether you’re hiking, cooking over a fire, or just relaxing, dispersed camping can be a rewarding adventure. Happy camping!
