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Free camping etiquette starts with having respect for the enviroment you are in and the people around you. I travel on a budget and want to keep this kind of camping option available to me and others. Knowing and respecting the rules of these areas is important.
I don’t often have fires, I keep my site clean, pack out my garbage and am friendly if I have neighbours. One of the best things of boondocking or dispersed camping is I am often alone with nature. These are massive areas and usually have many options to finding a spot to stay.
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My 7 Free Camping Etiquette Tips
1. Plan ahead and be Prepared
Pay attention to stay limits which are often posted at entrances or local ranger stations can help you with this kind of information. Consequently this can mean each spot has different regulations so check with the area you are planning to visit. In my experience the most common time frame is 14 days.
Some areas have rangers regularly driving by and taking photos of your license plate, whereas at other spots it appears there is no one checking on you. In fact in this day and age they can be checking on your from a distance so respecting time limits is important to keeping these free areas open to travellers.
Always be prepared and here are some basics you will need to be off grid for a few days.
- Have a full water tank and lots of drinking water.
- Have an empty wastewater tank, if you have this.
- Dispose of any garbage before you head out and have a plan to manage your garbage well camping.
- Have a way to charge your batteries. I use solar which is more common nowadays but in addition, generators are very popular especially for bigger rigs.
- Have food as free camping spots are often some distance away from any services.
- Be willing to have an adventure.
2. Camp in Designated Areas
Use existing roads and camping spots. Usually a well used area has clear roads or tracks and some have designated spots where you can find an exisitng fire pit. Try not to disturb the area by creating new campsites or going off the travelled areas. Moving rocks or harming vegetation is definitely something not to do.
How to Find a Free Camping Site
The Bureau of Land Management camping website is a good resource to provide places and information especially in the western states whereas in Florida I used the Water management website to find free camping.
Day to day I mainly use ioverlander and always read the reviews showing the accessibility, cell reception and size of potential sites before I head there.
3. Be Considerate to Others
Thinking about other people is important to keeping harmony among your fellow campers. Be respectful of your neighours privacy and solitude as that is why most of us camp this way.
Don’t cut through someones campsite and only approach if you know the person and they are okay with you knocking on their door or they are outside then you can start a conversation. Watch for body language and do not over stay with your first hello.
My quick free camping etiquette check list for being considerate:
Don’t block someone else’s view or park too close
The beauty of dispersed camping is there is usually wide open spaces so keep your distance from the next camper.
Repect quiet hours
Keep the noise level down. Some areas have quiet hours posted so respect these times. Remember your music may not be everyone’s taste and it can travel a great distance in an open area. Quiet hours also apply to generators, so please respect the others around you.
I have moved in the past because of generator and dune buggies noise. I realize everyone has the right to these and having the choice to move is one of the perks of living in a van.
Be mindful of night lights
You may like lots of fancy lights around your rig but is it important to turn things off after a certain hour. Lights can be seen from long distances in open spaces and can be disturbing to other people.
Consider your security
As a solo female traveller I am always aware of what is around me. If the area does not feel safe I will find another spot.
I try to be ready for any emergencies or bad weather. If there is a big wind expected I park facing the wind so my van does not shake as much. I have repositioned in the middle of the night when woken in a storm and it made a huge difference.
Offer assistance if needed
If someone needs assistance I try to offer help if I can. I can only hope someone helps me if I am needing it at sometime in the future.
4. Minimize Fire Impact
Be aware if a campfire is allowed and if you can bring in firewood. Some areas have restrictions regarding fires especially at certain times of the year so be prepared and check with the local area you are in. In states like California you cannot bring firewood over the state border. Be prepared if you want a campfire.
Be mindful of the size of your campfire and have a plan if it gets out of control. Forest and grass fires are real and can devastate areas, harm wildlife and people. Keeping it small is one of the best ways to be able to control a fire.
When leaving the area always make sure your fire is out, this means no embers, no smoke, and no heat. Put soil or sand on the fire to make sure is is out. One ranger told me your fire is out if you would let your child put their hand into the fire pit. In my opinion this something to think about before leaving a campfire.
5. Dispose of Waste Properly
I always feel sad when I drive into a free camping area and see garbage lying around. More and more reports are of BLM lands being trashed. Some places have shut down due to trash and misuse. It is important to me to keep these areas for future camping.
Maintaining a clean camper and campsite are important to ensure you are not attracting rodents and bugs to your home. My tip for garbage. I separate food waste, keeping it in old coffee cans with sealed lids, then separate paper products, cans and plastic. This keeps garbage from piling up, keeps smells down and easier to store until I can find a garbage container or transfer station.
Do not litter or dump tanks while bookdocking. Even dumping grey water at a remote campsite can smell and attach flies. When tanks are full it is time ot leave.
6 Respect Wildlife
Never feed or go near wildlife. They are wild and can be extremely dangerous. If you are camping in an area with bears be informed of the proper ways to store food.
It is fabulous to see a wild animal when travelling or camping, just remember keeping your distance is a must.
7. Leave What You Find
Some areas restrict taking rocks or any vegetation from the area so be informed before taking treasurers home. Be respectful of nature and the environment when choosing to free camp.
The best motto for free camping etiquette is “Pack it in and pack it out”. Happy Camping.
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