Question: National forests and dispersed camping

Question: National forests and dispersed camping

Can anyone help me understand where you can and can't dispersed camp in national forests. I've never been able to be sure from the info they have online.

Using Stanislaus as an example, the Stansilaus website itself has the following list of dispersed camping areas: https://www.fs.usda.gov/…/stani…/recreation/camping-cabins/…

On the other hand, a PDF on dispersed camping in Stansislaus has a short list of places you're not allowed to dispersed camp: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Inte…/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd522360.pdf

Are you allowed to dispersed camp anywhere except where explicitly disallowed? Or are you not allowed to dispersed camp anywhere except where explicitly allow? Or is it more complicated than that?

 

Call the office(s)/ranger stations in the ranger district of where you want to go. Each forest may have their own rules due to number of visitors, seasons, usage, et al.

That’s the best I can tell you.

 

It's allowed unless posted or otherwise indicated. Sometimes the MVUMs indicate which roads are open to dispersed camping, but also check the forest website as well as look for signs along the roads.

 

Not true, the opposite actually, not allowed unless posted otherwise. Every National Forest is different; some only have campgrounds

 

Go read the CFR on this topic
https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-i...8bb184e5&mc=true&node=se36.2.251_150&rgn=div8

Specifically this section

So unless it's specifically required that it's authorized, it's allowed.

 

This has been my general experience as well (OK unless posted as prohibited) but its best to call or check in person at a district station. I prefer direct contact if possible as in many cases the staff can recommend some awesome spots that you might otherwise not find.

 

Thanks all Asking in a few different forums, the default of "anywhere there's not a sign forbidding it" works in a pinch, but the best option seems to be "ask the ranger station" for the reasons huachuca mentioned.

Camped at Bowman Lake in Tahoe NF last weekend. Opted for a campground to have bear boxes for friends. Will definitely be back for more secluded options.