Dispersed Camping on Public Lands Explained! (Finding Free & Cheap Campsites)

In this video I talk about the various types of public lands in the US (national forest, BLM, national park, national monument, national recreation area, national wildlife refuge, national preserve, wilderness area, wildlife management area, state park lands, etc.) and how friendly they are to dispersed camping.
PUBLIC LAND MAPS ONLINE
** PublicLands.org: publiclands.org/
** CalTopo (select the "Land Management" option from the top-right corner drop-down menu): caltopo.com/
** USGS Survey Map: maps.usgs.gov/padus/
► My online store (SUV camping/vandwelling/overlanding accessories & SUV RVing merch): KamchatkaGear.com
OTHER LINKS
** Gear I use: suvrving.com/gear
** SUV RVing the Book: amzn.to/2SUrtme (Affiliate link)
** The blog: suvrving.com
** Instagram: / suvrving
** My other KZbin channel: / tenkaraaddict
#camping #publiclands #dispersedcamping

[@jkneeshaw]

A comprehensive list of the public land areas and their associated dispersed camping rules would be super helpful.

[@SUVRVing]

Good to know. Thanks!

[@tinepick6175]

@@SUVRVing A list seems almost impossible with all the variables, and with rule changes That would most certainly happen. But commendable for offering. Maybe commenting on freecampsites.net with links to your post there. Just a thought. Thanks for the videos.

[@user-bh3ew6ii4g]

yes please, a list would be a great help!

[@deomeslives]

99cent app, UC public campgrounds. Over 43000 sites, it's pretty badass.

[@BrakerOfStones]

boondockinglife Fremont national forest in SE OR is a great place. Beware of cougars, bears, wolves, cows, and horny bulls....seriously. Graze land.

[@whitney5130]

love how ur explaining this while hiking. great vid!

[@coochykilla]

0:01 Introduction 1:10 National Forests 3:45 BLM Land 6:05 National Parks 8:25 National Monuments 9:55 National Recreation Areas 11:30 National Wildlife Refuge 12:30 National Preserves 13:20 Wilderness Areas 14:15 Wildlife Management Areas 15:30 State Parks 16:10 Outro

[@WildernessGrandpa]

Thank you for that!!! I wish I would have found this before I slogged through 12 1/2 minutes of the video.

[@Sewspcl]

I love how you can hike and talk! Very informative! Thanks.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks!

[@judichristopher4604]

YES... in the Film business, we call this "Show don't Tell"... he is showing and telling at the same time... less boring... great video.

[@Larrythe11th]

YES, make that big list, please!! That would be so helpful!! Thanks!!

[@stalin1909]

Man . I gotta thank u . I’m a big fan of camping exactly your way . I’m actually camped now in Lassen national forest . You pointed the national forest fact before . And it’s excellent. I bought your guide as well . So again best of luck and never stop .

[@peghu71]

Oh yes! A comprehensive list of public lands that are camping friendly would be great! Thank you!

[@davidwhite7789]

Hey Tristan,bought your book a while back because I'm getting ready to head out in my Expedition pretty soon. To me it's definitely a must have and have read it from cover to cover twice already. I'll be leaving Boise,Idaho in May 2020 but seeing as how you're from the Gem State too,maybe we'll run into each at some point and you can give me some extra pointers. Thanks again Tristan for your amazing videos and the confidence you've given to myself and others to give the life on the road a chance....and the freedom we're all after.

[@davidgodley521]

This is a big help to me because I'll be heading west this year. My home is Charleston SC. I'll be in a Ford Transit van.

[@bobdemichele1542]

Thanks for your help. We are so lucky to have so many places to go.:-)

[@SUVRVing]

I agree!

[@connievantravels]

Thank you so much. This is exactly what I need to know. I will be starting my journeys next month.

[@SUVRVing]

Happy to help! Thanks for watching.

[@adavell]

excellent information!!! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion for hiking and disperse camping! You are very kind :)

[@stevewalcott9546]

Very helpful information! Thank you for sharing!

[@gailbutler483]

A list is a great idea! I'd buy it!

[@divinaflamingarrow9556]

Yes please do make that dispersed camping 🏕 list!! I have been enjoying your videos all year!

[@abbymoser8996]

That was a great explanation of all the different areas/designations.

[@jasonbishop3988]

Yes, a list would be amazing!

[@emeryrowand2903]

great information and a fabulous view! I like that you trekked to the top with the drone so you could share the views with us!

[@Rebeccamyst]

Excellent video breaking it all down! My SUV and I are currently off the road the last 3 months to replenish funds and replace tires. Just needed a break from full time tent camping. I call my place Basecamp. I am surrounded by 2 national forests in the Colorado Rockies. Going to winter here and catchy breath. Great video as always, Tristan.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks, I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@gloria5873]

very nice and informative video. A list of public land areas for camping would be very helpful. Thanks for another very nice video.

[@deborahsofia4732]

Thank you for explaining this. Yes, a list of all would be very helpful.

[@alanaugust8853]

Yes for the list!! Thank you for a very informative video. Here in northeast Wisconsin (Door County), among the various state parks, we have Newport State Park. It is the only ‘wilderness-designated’ state park in Wisconsin. It is a walk-in/hike-in only area, thus restricting it to no vehicle/mechanical access. By standards for most of the people visiting this area, this nearly 2400 acre ‘parcel’ represents the ‘wildest’ area they will ever visit or encounter. Of course there is a fee structure to enter this park.

[@maggiej.8425]

Ayyyy a fellow Wisconsinite 😁

[@alanaugust8853]

Maggie J. Indeed I am. While being a transplant from, ehhem... south of the border..., doing my best to blend in as I am enjoying my retirement.

[@rowanmulvey8632]

Yes, I agree that a list would be spectacularly helpful!

[@threedogsandacamper503]

Thanks, very thorough. I’ll need to do some research and see if I can take some of those forest roads I see leading off from the main road.

[@teslah2997]

another great vid.....much beauty and useful info you shared......thanks so much, Tristan!

[@ruthtretter2628]

Yes please, for the list!

[@krisstuff8681]

Thank you! This video was very helpful.

[@SpiritualGrowthGuy]

So dense with info and specific details. Thanks bud, great stuff.

[@lareekline8232]

Very helpful video! Thank you and a list would be fantastic.

[@mimitravels710]

Yes on big list!

[@safaabarakat9535]

Lots of good information. Thank you! Would love a list for free camping. I love what you do!

[@henryi9738]

I found this very informative, thank you !

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching!

[@davidwellen830]

I am new to your channel but I really enjoyed this video. It was very informative and like you I prefer to camp for free away from the crowds. I live in Utah and Travel all over the state but Idaho is my favorite place to visit in the summer. I ride four wheelers a lot but I am not the guy who tears things up. I just like to explore different places. I love all the National Forests in Idaho and they all have excellent facilities (pit toilets) and free campgrounds and sites. Ice Hole and Fir Creek are two of my favorites. I mention them because it seems to me that you would probably be familiar with both. You covered several of the places I have visited and I agree with your assessment of each of them. Thanks for a great video. I will be looking forward to more of your videos.

[@Serf_dumb]

Thanks for the excellent tips and resources!

[@sissy6159]

Great informative video, thanks for sharing.

[@TheBeowulf55]

Great Video wish I saw this before my first strip out to big sur but definitely a big YES to the comprehensive list 😁

[@christymerks5479]

Thank you so much for the info... We started our journey but having trouble finding free spots in Colorado a list would be ideal and a god send 💕 happy travels and may peace and safety follow you always.

[@benwells2338]

Great summarization of the types of public land available and their general requirements, thank you!! What’s funny is towards the end when you brought up State Parks as not generally being good for dispersed camping I was thinking to myself, well wait, I literally just found that capability near me at…you guessed it, Anza Borego State Park 🤣

[@bigmac3006]

Fantastic information, thank you!

[@badams63adams48]

I think a list would be absolutely great as I have problem finding a lot of these places. I'm new to the van life.

[@kizzy8685]

How r u doing now

[@benmittleman7990]

Thanks for all the info, very helpful!

[@benjaminhowell9270]

You know your stuff! First time leaving a comment on KZbin, but I had to say thanks for the wealth of information. A comprehensive list would be great, but I think it would be difficult to maintain with updating for changes. Thanks again!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Benjamin!

[@emilygibson9248]

I've read a lot about BLM's and National Forests, but this is the best comprehensive description! Thank you.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Emily!

[@-fuk57]

Thank you for this bit of information. I’m just starting out so, this video helps.

[@freedomdove]

Yes, please, on the list--though that would be a lot of work for you, so only if you have time for it.

[@chelsearschulz]

This was extremely helpful!

[@premix929]

Great info, thanks for taking the time to video and talk about. Hope you get to hit all your check marks

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Craig!

[@estherstephens1858]

Hi Tristan, first let me begin by saying I had to “replay” this several times. At several points during your recording (@7:12-8:51 and @10:17-12:11) the view was so beautiful (you probably weren’t aware of this). I stopped paying attention to what you were saying to enjoy the views as well. That sucks because this is information that is very important to me. Thank you for sharing great info.

[@SUVRVing]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! I figure it's more enjoyable to watch a video like this than to watch one of me sitting a desk in my office.

[@lynngelpi6839]

Thanks for the information.

[@paulacampbell2064]

Very informative Thank you

[@BWZ420]

I knew this was Pebble Creek! Hope you enjoyed your time in our neck of the woods.

[@sandeedobberstine5591]

If you have time, a list would be awesome. Thanks!

[@kristyst.germaine2018]

Thanks! Never understood the difference between those parks and areas. Great videography-You’ve proven one of Snyder’s theories, keep moving and you can tell us as much as you want. Love the inspiring scenery and destination. I am really to go out and find our high point this weekend! Unfortunately, I think its just the 2nd floor of the local library! Happy Thanksgiving.🦃

[@brianw4brian]

people litter the parks dont bury their poop. dont know how to make a fire pit clear the fire pit 50 feet away from debris leaves twigs brush grass. some people dont think at all.

[@patsikora5169]

Thank you Tristen !!!!! Great info !!!!!!

[@DGILtv]

Very helpful dude thanks!!

[@fromred2black436]

Great info. Appreciate you!!

[@jeffsten1]

Thank you for this info very helpful a list would be helpful too!

[@Yukonjackman1]

Great information, thank you.

[@nursekt90660]

Great video and info thanks for posting

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching!

[@rvlucky2909]

Thank you for sharing I really appreciate it I always watch your channel I very seldom comment but this video is extra ordinary

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it!

[@marthafilkins8085]

very helpful information, thank you

[@keefercaid-loos5742]

Superb video! Subbed

[@slimpickins9124]

Very helpful indeed. Thanks.

[@maabsuavyaaj6530]

Yes, please make the list of various camping rules at various parks

[@robandnell4305]

That would be quite a task as rules can vary within every region. I'm in central Idaho.

[@cherylseefeldt1952]

Thanks for the info. That’s a good goal to hike to the highest peak in the county. 👍✌️

[@SUVRVing]

I think so 😁

[@rastus666]

Inside the boundaries of the Grand Canyon National Park, there is a National Forest Road that has dispersed(free) camping with good road, and is about 10 miles from the main village at the GCNP. Close access to the south rim. Long Term Visitor’s Areas are not quite free, usually around $40/14 days, but are often in scenic areas. My favorite website to find free camping is Campendium.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Alan!

[@erikawoods8975]

This is super helpful. I am new to the backpacking world and I have asked around about where is safe to disperse camp and people look at me like I have three heads, especially experienced hikers.

[@dougoverhoff7568]

Thank for the informative video. I was kinda hoping to hear you mention what the elevation was at the top, on the peak where you ended up.

[@judichristopher4604]

Have you made a list yet? Thank you if you have... it would be great to know. Thank you for this great video.

[@jessewright4336]

Good info! Thank you.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching

[@pru6er]

Yes! Create a list!

[@kathleendeane4252]

yes, that would be so helpful, a map of dispersed campsites

[@denaarenz9012]

Thank you for this video - I would also appreciate a list! Do you have much experience in the Southeastern part of the country that you can share?

[@SUVRVing]

Nope, I have zero experience camping in that part of the country. Sorry!

[@howardbethyname9773]

Great info!!! It’s wonderful you share your tips and tricks. I just found your channel. We just arrived home from a 16 day trip from Michigan to Oregon sleeping in our truck with topper with 3 KIDS (7 month old, 5yr old and 7yr old) Make shift bunk, and screen. We utilized the BLM and NF land as well! Question, I was watching another video of you backpacking with a friend…while I was cleaning so didn’t catch it all, but you had a fishing pole, could you please share which one that was? Our next adventure is to try backpacking and I didn’t know they made such a thing as lightweight backpacking fishing poles. Thanks, and happy travels!!!

[@rastus666]

The first three days of camping at the city park in Lander, Wyoming, are free. Good grass for tent camping, sinks and flush toilets. Same for the fairgrounds in Roundup, Montana.

[@SUVRVing]

Good to know 👍

[@walkabout29]

Very thorough..........thank you

[@susanmboudreau]

Of course I would love to see a list but it sounds like a lot of work for you thanks for your video

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Susan 👍

[@alexanderweaver7066]

That list would be a tremendous help, Tristan.

[@brentperez4700]

Just discovered this channel. Great find. Who knew Andy Samberg was so into camping?

[@Kudeghraw]

Good Vid. Plotted out a couple spots that have a bit of water I plan to investigate. I want to do some bushcrafting and test out some of these survival products to see if they actually work. Like my Sawyer water filter, Silky saw, this "survival" shovel I have a few doubts about, and see if I can start a fire with a ferro rod. My Estwing hatchet was a champion on my last trip. It would be nice to find a spot where I can blow up my Intex Mariner 4 for a float in the summer even on a small micro pond that might have some fish in it. While it would be enjoyable to rough it a bit, getting a couple of practice reps in before any SHTF situation would be beneficial.

[@multidimensionaltraveler806]

Thank you for sharing such useful informstion. I been scared to camp out at franconia notch to be woken up by rangers or someone other than Black Bears telling me to leave and have already spent about $600 just to stay at a campground this can help me save that money and i can spend it on gas,food and vehicle mantainance

[@crunchybuns5675]

Great video!

[@RoryVanucchi]

Good info simplified..

[@bryanbressem5026]

Our state forests you can camp in, MN, lots of them

[@babydollbuse9838]

Thank you for sharing

[@shemajragin4606]

Thanks for sharing 😎

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching!

[@Teri728]

Yes, list please! That would be so helpful. I’d pay for a good list.

[@SUVRVing]

Good to know. Thanks Teri!

[@terrycuyler1020]

A list would be an exhaustive undertaking. I think the videos suggestion of using Google Earth, along with Forest Service Maps and BLM maps for YOUR area would make sense. Also there are some “camp for free” websites where you can search for free campgrounds in your area. If SUV RV in wants to do the work for a list it would be awesome but a lot of work.

[@coniferousforests8030]

thank you for putting it in terms Im capable to understand. Otherwise it takes hours and hours of research. I always thought that wilderness is the most relaxed in terms of where you can camp and do things, turned out to be totally opposite.

[@robandnell4305]

Yes, wilderness is VERY specific about what you can and cannot do there!

[@mjbarran]

Great information!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks!

[@kristyst.germaine2018]

On a side note Anza Borego is an amazing place to camp and hike. You can see rams in action, rock jumping in their natural habitat.

[@kathrynarnold1966]

That list would be amazing.

[@SUVRVing]

Good to know. Thanks Kathryn!

[@kathrynarnold1966]

@@SUVRVing Make it interactive and keep it updated as some kind of subscription? Or maybe an online ebook? I don't how those things work.

[@micahandme8078]

Thanks for the info

[@kristophernekula5151]

I have always found it weird that while NPS and BLM are under the Department if the Interior, the USFS is under the USDA

[@wildmovement777]

Thanks!👍🏽

[@nancychao6850]

Yes please for the listing we are newbies camper

[@miguelinfante7238]

Thank you for all the great info. I'm thinking about doing some car camping the next time I go out west to Utah or whatever. I'm gonna look for more info on that in your other videos. I'm not sure it would work in a rental car though. I live in boring , flat Florida but my dream is to move out west so I can go on adventures like you do on a more regular basis instead of on a yearly trip. Florida is a beautiful state but most of the recreation here centers around water, like fishing , scuba diving, snorkeling, etc. It's so developed here there are very few places you can go exploring in and find some solitude. Are there any other Florida residents who feel like I do and wish they lived out west? Anyway, great video.

[@SUVRVing]

Yeah, Florida has some great points, but abundance of open public land isn't exactly one of em. Thanks Miguel.

[@charlie-obrien]

I left Florida for Northern Nevada, and it is too different worlds. The west had the most beautiful landscapes and mountain ranges. Camping, hiking and most importantly, solitude are plentiful. Just be respectful and clean your area when you leave and you are fine most of the time.

[@precisiont5188]

Very helpful.

[@billraleigh4529]

thank you tristan....

[@kimjohnson8573]

Hey Tristan! I appreciate your videos. ThAnk you for sharing! I'm considering car camping in my Rav 4 for a few months to save some money. I'm organizing the setup which will include the roof net you have inside your rig. What size net did you get? Thank you!

[@SUVRVing]

That's the Cargo Hammock. I make and sell those on my website KamchatkaGear.com.

[@gaypreator8547]

Pretty hike. Don’t overlook Mt. SunFlower in the great State of Kansas. Wallace County, 1/2 mi. East of Colorado State line. 🙂 ~ 4040’ How many mikes do you reckon you have hiked? 🤔