I have been hearing a lot lately about overlanding, car camping, truck camping, and the list goes on. But what about dispersed camping? I only recently heard about this so I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. So, here is what I found.
Dispersed camping is the act of camping outside of an established campground or designated campsite. In dispersed camping, you will find a suitable place to set up your tent and camp.
Dispersed camping is a common activity on public lands, as it helps preserve natural areas. That is, dispersed camping reduces human impact and lowers the risk to sensitive habitats.
Camping in a non-established site can present challenges not typically found when staying at an established campground. You must be equipped with different skills and knowledge to make your camping safe and enjoyable.
The following information will help you know the best practices for dispersed camping to plan your next adventure.
More On Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping is also known as primitive camping. It is distinguished from established campgrounds in that no campsites or facilities are provided. It is an outdoor recreation activity where campers set up and sleep in tents, makeshift shelters, or self-contained vehicles.
Why Disperse Camp
These campers avoid sleeping in a hotel, motel, bed, breakfast, or cabin.
The location where the camper sleeps is not established or provided by the government agency managing the land. There are no designated sites or amenities, and nor do the campers get any services.
Who Is Allowed To Disperse Camp?
Any person may engage in dispersed camping on any lands that are under federal, state, and municipal government control. Dispersed Camping is in national forests, national parks, and other federal lands, state parks, state forests, and other state lands.
They could also be county and city parks or privately-owned land that is open to public use by permit.
Savoring Nature
Dispersed camping is great if you prefer to sleep under the stars and remain unhindered by the trappings of RVs, trailers, and vehicle facilities.
Most people who camp do it to avoid sleeping near others. Dispersed campers do not utilize amenities, attract crowds or create public safety concerns. That is because they rarely stay in one place for more than two days.
Significant Impact If We Are Not Careful
However, sites can become significantly impacted over time if too many individuals utilize them for extended periods.
When dispersed camping, make sure you have the right gear. It can be tough sleeping out without your sleeping bag or pillow.
How Do You Prepare for Dispersed Camping?
You should always check and see what kinds of camping your state allows. Some states do not allow dispersed camping in certain areas for liability reasons, etc. Never assume that you will be able to camp anywhere in the United States. Know the rules beforehand.
Here are a few rules of thumb during preparations:
Always Be Prepared
- Make sure you are prepared. Bring a map, compass, first aid kit, and plenty of food and water.
Let Someone Know Your Agenda
- Before setting out on a hike, please let someone know where you are going and when you will return. It is also a good idea to register with the park service. This way, if you don’t return by the time they expect, they will immediately dispatch people to look for you.
- Let someone know where you will camp out and ensure that it is not on private property. If it is an “unimproved” dirt road, then it is private property. If you are unsure, it is best to ask the locals for information. An older person will most likely know whether the land is private or public.
Avoid Overcrowding Camp Areas
- If possible, don’t set up camp in a heavily populated area or near anyone else that might see your fire. By that, you will avoid confrontation with people about them seeing your fire or coming into your camp area. You do not have to answer questions about what you are doing there or give out any information whatsoever. However, most of the time, people are just curious and don’t mean anything by it.
Don’t Be Mean To Others (I really shouldn’t have to tell adults this, sigh)
- Treat everyone with respect regardless of whether they were nice to you. Just because they weren’t nice doesn’t give you the right to be mean back.
Can You Disperse Camp in Colorado?
Disperse camping is allowed in Colorado. It is allowed for up to 14 days at any time of the year. However, you are required to have a Colorado Dispersed Camping Permit. You can get one at any ranger station between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
You can camp within 100 feet of a river for up to 14 days. However, you can’t camp near the BLM along the Green River and Arkansas River.
That is because of the hazards related to flash floods downstream that could harm the structures or roads.
Avoid camping in developed areas like towns or on BLM land that hasn’t been approved. The BLM or the Colorado State Park and Forest Office create the rules.
How To Disperse Camp in Colorado?
In the summer, you can apply for a Colorado Desperate Camping Permit at the ranger station or on their website. For the rest of the year, apply in person or thru the Colorado State Park and Forest Office or their website.
You can buy a Colorado State Park and Forest Pass, which includes entry into all national parks, national forests, and BLM lands within Colorado. They are good for day and overnight camping in state parks, forests, recreation areas, and wildlife areas.
Additionally, you can use your pass for fish hatchery sites, trails, and preserves that have been approved for camping by their respective agencies.
What Is Designated Dispersed Camping and Why Is It Becoming Popular?
Designated dispersed camping is a technique that allows campers to sleep in tents, hammocks, or any other type of tent that they like, strategically placed throughout a camping site. You can also sleep out under the stars, but you must have a place to hang your hammock or sleeping bag.
The beauty of this type of camping is that you can get as close to nature as possible without leaving the comfort of a warm air-conditioned car.
The modern way to do this is by using a lofty bed and breakfast. These are tents set up over several acres in some remote locations where the campsite is not crowded, and there is plenty of room for everyone.
Some places even allow you to bring your tent, so you don’t have to spend unnecessary money on one if you don’t want to. This is an option for people who want something more luxurious than just sitting outside on a ground mat.
Why Is Designated Dispersed Camping Popular?
Sleeping Under The Stars
There are several reasons why this type of camping is becoming all the rage. People love the idea of sleeping under the stars without having to spend money on a luxury tent. It is also a great way to save money when it comes to paying for camping.
Huge Cost Savings When Dispersed Camping
You can get everything you need for your stay at a fraction of the cost using mylar and thermal bags for campfires, ground mats instead of sleeping bags, and hammocks instead of tents. This way, you can enjoy camping, whether in a state park or at the local state park, especially if you like your own company.
This type of camping is also popular because there are plenty of sites that offer free access to dispersed camping. Few people would pay thousands of dollars per night to stay in a hotel when they have their place only a few feet away from their car.
People Want To Be In Tents and Have Access To Amenities (I know, huh)
The use of tents is one reason why this type of camping has become so popular. Campers nowadays want instant comfort at any time, whether it is the next day or the next second.
Sleeping under the stars gives them that opportunity, with amenities including cable television and internet WiFi signals that allow them access to their favorite social media sources. Even when they aren’t using those resources, everyone loves having access to such services whenever they want, regardless of where they are.
Final Thoughts
Dispersed camping is an ideal way to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life. It allows campers to enjoy nature while still accessing the comforts of home.
It is also a great way for people who want to save money on accommodations since they will just stay on a regular campsite when they can just lay down their tent and use their car for shelter.
Dispersed camping requires that campers have a good way of obtaining food, water, and other essentials during their stay. Campers should also have adequate knowledge of the subject to properly prepare and have everything they need for camping.
Dispersed camping is only expected to grow as more regulations are put in place to protect people from dangers such as stray animals or wildfires with greater frequency.
If you liked this, check out our free camping article here.
