Slightly OT: Camping laws?

Camp where you like but watch out for Mr. Ranger and be
respectfull,campfire,trash,ect. Clean up like no one was ever there.

x1134x said:

Are there laws about where you can or cannot camp?

Other than national forests (and parks of course), its going to vary from
state to state. I can think of a few cases where I've seen people camp in
places that obviously weren't campgrounds - in the Tillamook State Forest
(western Oregon) and in Gifford Pinchot National Forest (western
Washington, somewhat near Mount St Helens). GPNF has some very nice
campsites that are a few miles from the nearest trailhead, but I'm not
sure if they're "authorized" campsites. They get little use, probably
because of their inaccessibility.

--
-BB-
To e-mail me, unmunge my address

BB said:

x1134x said:

Are there laws about where you can or cannot camp?

Other than national forests (and parks of course), its going to vary
from state to state. I can think of a few cases where I've seen
people camp in places that obviously weren't campgrounds - in the
Tillamook State Forest (western Oregon) and in Gifford Pinchot
National Forest (western Washington, somewhat near Mount St Helens).
GPNF has some very nice campsites that are a few miles from the
nearest trailhead, but I'm not sure if they're "authorized"
campsites. They get little use, probably because of their
inaccessibility.

Lots of western public lands allow "dispersed" camping outside of
campgrounds BUT you have to know where you can and cannot go. This would be
BLM and Forest Service, primarily. Not so for most state parks, National
Parks. It's always best to call the manager for the area you are
interested.

We rarely camp in official campgrounds, for the most part HATE them.
Dispersed camping requires that you know where it's permitted or not, carry
your own water, and understand LNT toilet practices.

ps

small change said:

BB said:

x1134x said:

Are there laws about where you can or cannot camp?

Other than national forests (and parks of course), its going to vary
from state to state. I can think of a few cases where I've seen
people camp in places that obviously weren't campgrounds - in the
Tillamook State Forest (western Oregon) and in Gifford Pinchot
National Forest (western Washington, somewhat near Mount St Helens).
GPNF has some very nice campsites that are a few miles from the
nearest trailhead, but I'm not sure if they're "authorized"
campsites. They get little use, probably because of their
inaccessibility.

Lots of western public lands allow "dispersed" camping outside of
campgrounds BUT you have to know where you can and cannot go. This would be
BLM and Forest Service, primarily. Not so for most state parks, National
Parks. It's always best to call the manager for the area you are
interested.

We rarely camp in official campgrounds, for the most part HATE them.
Dispersed camping requires that you know where it's permitted or not, carry
your own water, and understand LNT toilet practices.

I've done this plenty in Oregon. The major drawback is that fires are
generally restricted to established areas. Usually hike-in campgrounds,
where you can't car-camp - are not too bad.

cc

x1134x said:

Are there laws about where you can or cannot camp? I mean in forested

You're near Boise, right?
http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/boise/faq/index.shtml

FAQ #3
"Can I camp in areas outside of developed campgrounds?
Yes, the Forest Service calls it "dispersed camping." You are allowed to camp almost anywhere in
the forest unless it is posted otherwise. But you have a responsibility to leave the area as you
found it. Practice No-Trace camping guidelines and you will go a long way towards protecting
precious resources.

You may also discover areas that have historically been used as camping areas. These "dispersed
camping or undeveloped campgrounds" are campgrounds without any facilities and are generally found
along roads, rivers, and some popular trails. Try to refrain from impacting these areas any more
than is already done,that is by building additional fire rings, or by leveling more ground for
tent spaces. Also, there is no maintenance done on any of these "campgrounds" so please remember:
Pack it in, pack it out.

Additionally, in the Boise National Forest you may camp in one are for up to 14 days. After 14
days you must move to a new location at least 5 miles from your previous campsite."

Justen

x1134x said:

Are there laws about where you can or cannot camp?

<snip>

CFR's cover the federal lands.

These should get you started, although there are many more.

36CFR327.7 for CORPS OF ENGINEERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
36CFR2.10 for NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
36CFR261.58 for FOREST SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
43CFR8365.1-2 for BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

It is best to contact the land management agency where you are planning
to go. The management CFR's give a wide range of options for management
practices.

R

The fire restrictions are because the Forest service can monitor small areas
of known campfires (like the hated campgrounds), but not thousands of square
miles of isolated forest where even a very responsible camper may fall
asleep with a live fire.

Respect the restrictions about fires as well as LNT, and I expect you're
welcome to camp on almost all BLM and FS properties.

"cc" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

small change said:

BB said:

On 8 Jun 2006 00:20:44 -0700, x1134x wrote:

>Are there laws about where you can or cannot camp?

Lots of western public lands allow "dispersed" camping outside of
campgrounds BUT you have to know where you can and cannot go. This would

be

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

BLM and Forest Service, primarily. Not so for most state parks,

National

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Parks. It's always best to call the manager for the area you are
interested.

I've done this plenty in Oregon. The major drawback is that fires are
generally restricted to established areas. Usually hike-in campgrounds,
where you can't car-camp - are not too bad.

cc said:

small change said:

BB said:

On 8 Jun 2006 00:20:44 -0700, x1134x wrote:

> Are there laws about where you can or cannot camp?

Other than national forests (and parks of course), its going to vary
from state to state. I can think of a few cases where I've seen
people camp in places that obviously weren't campgrounds - in the
Tillamook State Forest (western Oregon) and in Gifford Pinchot
National Forest (western Washington, somewhat near Mount St Helens).
GPNF has some very nice campsites that are a few miles from the
nearest trailhead, but I'm not sure if they're "authorized"
campsites. They get little use, probably because of their
inaccessibility.

Lots of western public lands allow "dispersed" camping outside of
campgrounds BUT you have to know where you can and cannot go. This
would be BLM and Forest Service, primarily. Not so for most state
parks, National Parks. It's always best to call the manager for
the area you are interested.

We rarely camp in official campgrounds, for the most part HATE them.
Dispersed camping requires that you know where it's permitted or not,
carry your own water, and understand LNT toilet practices.

I've done this plenty in Oregon. The major drawback is that fires are
generally restricted to established areas. Usually hike-in
campgrounds, where you can't car-camp - are not too bad.

cc

There have been lots of widespread fire restrictions due to drought and
this is when you run into "fires in established campgrounds only". We rarely
make fires anyway. It stays light very late, you can't see the stars, and
I'm generally offended by fire rings.

penny

cc said:

small change said:

BB said:

On 8 Jun 2006 00:20:44 -0700, x1134x wrote:

> Are there laws about where you can or cannot camp?

Other than national forests (and parks of course), its going to vary
from state to state. I can think of a few cases where I've seen
people camp in places that obviously weren't campgrounds - in the
Tillamook State Forest (western Oregon) and in Gifford Pinchot
National Forest (western Washington, somewhat near Mount St Helens).
GPNF has some very nice campsites that are a few miles from the
nearest trailhead, but I'm not sure if they're "authorized"
campsites. They get little use, probably because of their
inaccessibility.

Lots of western public lands allow "dispersed" camping outside of
campgrounds BUT you have to know where you can and cannot go. This
would be BLM and Forest Service, primarily. Not so for most state
parks, National Parks. It's always best to call the manager for
the area you are interested.

We rarely camp in official campgrounds, for the most part HATE them.
Dispersed camping requires that you know where it's permitted or not,
carry your own water, and understand LNT toilet practices.

I've done this plenty in Oregon. The major drawback is that fires are
generally restricted to established areas. Usually hike-in
campgrounds, where you can't car-camp - are not too bad.

cc

There have been lots of widespread fire restrictions due to drought and
this is when you run into "fires in established campgrounds only". We rarely
make fires anyway. It stays light very late, you can't see the stars, and
I'm generally offended by fire rings.

penny

small change said:

cc said:

small change said:

BB wrote:

> On 8 Jun 2006 00:20:44 -0700, x1134x wrote:
>
>> Are there laws about where you can or cannot camp?
> Other than national forests (and parks of course), its going to vary
> from state to state. I can think of a few cases where I've seen
> people camp in places that obviously weren't campgrounds - in the
> Tillamook State Forest (western Oregon) and in Gifford Pinchot
> National Forest (western Washington, somewhat near Mount St Helens).
> GPNF has some very nice campsites that are a few miles from the
> nearest trailhead, but I'm not sure if they're "authorized"
> campsites. They get little use, probably because of their
> inaccessibility.
>

Lots of western public lands allow "dispersed" camping outside of
campgrounds BUT you have to know where you can and cannot go. This
would be BLM and Forest Service, primarily. Not so for most state
parks, National Parks. It's always best to call the manager for
the area you are interested.

We rarely camp in official campgrounds, for the most part HATE them.
Dispersed camping requires that you know where it's permitted or not,
carry your own water, and understand LNT toilet practices.

I've done this plenty in Oregon. The major drawback is that fires are
generally restricted to established areas. Usually hike-in
campgrounds, where you can't car-camp - are not too bad.

cc

There have been lots of widespread fire restrictions due to drought and
this is when you run into "fires in established campgrounds only". We rarely
make fires anyway. It stays light very late, you can't see the stars, and
I'm generally offended by fire rings.

I echo your sentiments, but I really love a good campfire, especially
when it's cold. I know three seasons of camping in the NW don't require
it, but it sure is nice.

small change said:

cc said:

small change said:

BB wrote:

> On 8 Jun 2006 00:20:44 -0700, x1134x wrote:
>
>> Are there laws about where you can or cannot camp?
>
Lots of western public lands allow "dispersed" camping outside of
campgrounds BUT you have to know where you can and cannot go. This
would be BLM and Forest Service, primarily. Not so for most state
parks, National Parks. It's always best to call the manager for
the area you are interested.

We rarely camp in official campgrounds, for the most part HATE them.
Dispersed camping requires that you know where it's permitted or not,
carry your own water, and understand LNT toilet practices.

I've done this plenty in Oregon. The major drawback is that fires are
generally restricted to established areas. Usually hike-in
campgrounds, where you can't car-camp - are not too bad.

My wife isn't so "outdoorsy". She requires things like a portable
shower (and all the water necessary for that), an arsenal of cooking
gear, a large cooler full of stuff, the 8-person tent for 2 people,
and an awning. That pretty much makes it impossible to hike-in.

Quoted message said:

There have been lots of widespread fire restrictions due to drought and
this is when you run into "fires in established campgrounds only". We rarely
make fires anyway. It stays light very late, you can't see the stars, and
I'm generally offended by fire rings.

How do you cook your food? or do you not camp for very long? I can
only handle so much cold [censored] before I want something cooked.

x1134x

x1134x said:

How do you cook your food? or do you not camp for very long? I can
only handle so much cold [censored] before I want something cooked.

Usually the rule is "no open fires". You can use a micro-burner.

--
o-o-o-o Ride-A-Lot o-o-o-o
www.schnauzers.ws

Ride-A-Lot said:

x1134x said:

How do you cook your food? or do you not camp for very long? I can
only handle so much cold [censored] before I want something cooked.

Usually the rule is "no open fires". You can use a micro-burner.

we just bought one.

x1134x

x1134x said:

Are there laws about where you can or cannot camp? I mean in forested
areas not cities. I couldn't find any statutes in any state, and the
only stuff I could find on google was illegal camping such as like
homeless people in city limts.

On private land, forested or not, camping without permission of the
owner is trespassing; that's true in all 50 US states.

On public lands, the usage is governed by the controlling body, be it
the Forestry Service, the Park Service, or some other entity. For
such areas, consult the offices for the land in question; the policy
varies from place to place due to a number of considerations. For
instance, short-term camping may be legal and permitted anywhere in a
given National Forest, but not at all in an adjoining National Park.
Conversely, if there is active logging in progress, camping may be
prohibited in a National Forest but permitted for hikers anywhere in
an adjoining National Park. The mode of transportation often
determines the legality both of access to a given area and permission
to camp there; it is common for National Parks to prohibit wheeled
vehicles (including bikes) from using any but the officially
designated roads and to prohibit them to be present at campsites or
used as overnight habitation outside of officially designated
campgrounds, but to permit hikers to camp in backcountry areas.

Quoted message said:

When I go camping, I'm trying to get away from all the A-holes (people
I don't know), why would I go to a campground and camp with a bunch of
them? I don't want to see another human at all when I look out and
turn 360 degrees.

Looks like you'll want to head for the Western states, then. That
kind of isolation is easier to achieve there.

Quoted message said:

That's also how I know I'm in an area where Vandemann wouldn't want me.
I'll make sure to make footprints all over, and bike over some small
living creature.

Baiting MV isn't worth the effort.

--
Typoes are a feature, not a bug.
Some gardening required to reply via email.
Words processed in a facility that contains nuts.

x1134x said:

small change said:

There have been lots of widespread fire restrictions due to drought and
this is when you run into "fires in established campgrounds only". We rarely
make fires anyway. It stays light very late, you can't see the stars, and
I'm generally offended by fire rings.

How do you cook your food? or do you not camp for very long? I can
only handle so much cold [censored] before I want something cooked.

Ever heard of propane and/or gasoline-burning stoves? I've even got
an oven to use with one of those.
--
Typoes are a feature, not a bug.
Some gardening required to reply via email.
Words processed in a facility that contains nuts.

Werehatrack said:

I've even got
an oven to use with one of those.

I saw that in REI. Does it work well? I would figure it would blow
through a small propane canister pretty quickly.

--
o-o-o-o Ride-A-Lot o-o-o-o
www.schnauzers.ws

cc said:

...I really love a good campfire, especially
when it's cold. I know three seasons of camping in the NW don't require
it, but it sure is nice.

Those three seasons being Elk Mating, Bear Rummaging and Salmon?
(Though I'd think that Salmon season would be an excuse for a fire...)
--
Typoes are a feature, not a bug.
Some gardening required to reply via email.
Words processed in a facility that contains nuts.

Werehatrack said:

cc said:

...I really love a good campfire, especially
when it's cold. I know three seasons of camping in the NW don't require
it, but it sure is nice.

Those three seasons being Elk Mating, Bear Rummaging and Salmon?
(Though I'd think that Salmon season would be an excuse for a fire...)

I can't believe I almost forgot about that. Fire-cooked food -
especially fish - is second to none.

cc

cc said:

Werehatrack said:

cc said:

...I really love a good campfire, especially when it's cold. I know
three seasons of camping in the NW don't require it, but it sure is
nice.

Those three seasons being Elk Mating, Bear Rummaging and Salmon?
(Though I'd think that Salmon season would be an excuse for a fire...)

I can't believe I almost forgot about that. Fire-cooked food -
especially fish - is second to none.

cc

Even hot dogs are pretty good over a fire and I don't normally eat stuff
like that.

Matt