Is camping allowed on Forest Service lands?
Yes. Camping without developed facilities (dispersed camping)is allowed on most National Forest lands. However, some areas limit camping to designated areas and many areas have travel restrictions, limiting where you may drive and park your vehicle. For a specific area, be sure to check with the local Ranger District. Additional regulations are also posted at many locations, such as trailheads. Camping off Forest Service trails, both inside and outside of Wilderness, is also open with some localized restrictions. Some general guidelines are to camp at least one hundred feet from lakes, streams, roads and trails; some Forests require 200 feet. Do not drive more than three hundred feet off the roadway to park and camp, and you are not allowed to drive where you may do resource damage, especially to wet areas. There is usually a fourteen-day limit for camping on most forests. Always remember: PACK IT IN PACK IT OUT! and LEAVE NO TRACE!
