{"id":7118,"date":"2022-07-27T20:18:10","date_gmt":"2022-07-27T20:18:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/escapecampusa.wpenginepowered.com\/?p=7118"},"modified":"2024-07-11T19:44:03","modified_gmt":"2024-07-11T19:44:03","slug":"dispersed-camping","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/de\/blog\/dispersed-camping\/","title":{"rendered":"Dispersed Camping 101: Free Camping in the US"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The key to a cheap road trip in the US by campervan: dispersed camping! Read our guide on how to find the best campsites.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":53,"featured_media":7125,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,8,9],"tags":[],"blog_locations":[],"class_list":["post-7118","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general","category-how-to-resources","category-renter-guest-posts"],"acf":{"title":"","background_image":{"ID":23665,"id":23665,"title":"Dispersed Camping Canada","filename":"Dispersed-Camping-Canada.jpg","filesize":116025,"url":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Dispersed-Camping-Canada.jpg","link":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/de\/dispersed-camping-canada-2\/","alt":"Dispersed Camping Canada","author":"53","description":"","caption":"","name":"dispersed-camping-canada-2","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":0,"date":"2019-08-21 19:58:36","modified":"2024-07-11 19:43:10","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":3992,"height":2992,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Dispersed-Camping-Canada-150x150.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Dispersed-Camping-Canada-300x225.jpg","medium-width":300,"medium-height":225,"medium_large":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Dispersed-Camping-Canada-768x576.jpg","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":576,"large":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Dispersed-Camping-Canada-1024x767.jpg","large-width":1024,"large-height":767,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Dispersed-Camping-Canada.jpg","1536x1536-width":1536,"1536x1536-height":1151,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Dispersed-Camping-Canada.jpg","2048x2048-width":2048,"2048x2048-height":1535,"blog-preview":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Dispersed-Camping-Canada-600x353.jpg","blog-preview-width":600,"blog-preview-height":353,"post-thumbnail":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Dispersed-Camping-Canada-1200x899.jpg","post-thumbnail-width":1200,"post-thumbnail-height":899,"gform-image-choice-sm":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Dispersed-Camping-Canada.jpg","gform-image-choice-sm-width":300,"gform-image-choice-sm-height":225,"gform-image-choice-md":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Dispersed-Camping-Canada.jpg","gform-image-choice-md-width":400,"gform-image-choice-md-height":300,"gform-image-choice-lg":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Dispersed-Camping-Canada.jpg","gform-image-choice-lg-width":600,"gform-image-choice-lg-height":450}},"title_color":"dark","add_overlay":[],"content_sections":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<p>We once had a lovely German couple rent a campervan for 110 nights and they (legally) didn\u2019t pay for a single campsite. True story. How? Dispersed camping! <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re looking for a free, one-of-a-kind wilderness experience away from other people, dispersed camping is for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Continue reading to learn what dispersed camping is all about, how it works, and how to find dispersed camping sites:<\/span><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":{"ID":11808,"id":11808,"title":"Mt Hood National Forest Sign Oregon","filename":"Mt._Hood_National_Forest_Sign_Oregon.jpg","filesize":223454,"url":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Mt._Hood_National_Forest_Sign_Oregon.jpg","link":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/de\/mt-_hood_national_forest_sign_oregon-2\/","alt":"Mt. Hood National Forest Sign Oregon","author":"53","description":"","caption":"","name":"mt-_hood_national_forest_sign_oregon-2","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":0,"date":"2018-12-11 21:01:10","modified":"2024-05-20 12:27:18","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":984,"height":650,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Mt._Hood_National_Forest_Sign_Oregon-150x150.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Mt._Hood_National_Forest_Sign_Oregon-300x198.jpg","medium-width":300,"medium-height":198,"medium_large":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Mt._Hood_National_Forest_Sign_Oregon-768x508.jpg","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":508,"large":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Mt._Hood_National_Forest_Sign_Oregon-1024x677.jpg","large-width":1024,"large-height":677,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Mt._Hood_National_Forest_Sign_Oregon.jpg","1536x1536-width":984,"1536x1536-height":650,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Mt._Hood_National_Forest_Sign_Oregon.jpg","2048x2048-width":984,"2048x2048-height":650,"blog-preview":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Mt._Hood_National_Forest_Sign_Oregon-600x353.jpg","blog-preview-width":600,"blog-preview-height":353,"post-thumbnail":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Mt._Hood_National_Forest_Sign_Oregon-1200x793.jpg","post-thumbnail-width":1200,"post-thumbnail-height":793,"gform-image-choice-sm":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Mt._Hood_National_Forest_Sign_Oregon.jpg","gform-image-choice-sm-width":300,"gform-image-choice-sm-height":198,"gform-image-choice-md":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Mt._Hood_National_Forest_Sign_Oregon.jpg","gform-image-choice-md-width":400,"gform-image-choice-md-height":264,"gform-image-choice-lg":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Mt._Hood_National_Forest_Sign_Oregon.jpg","gform-image-choice-lg-width":600,"gform-image-choice-lg-height":396}},"image_link":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h2>What is dispersed camping?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dispersed camping, also known as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">free camping<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, pirate camping, boondocking, or just plain roughing it, is camping outside of designated campground areas on Forest Service Land. It\u2019s perfect for those looking to save on campground fees and enjoy nature without neighbors.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike pay campsites in national, state, and RV parks, dispersed campsites offer few of the amenities you\u2019d typically expect like toilets, showers, adjacent restaurants, etc (think middle of nowhere). What you do get in lieu of these luxuries are very few neighbors, a canopy of stars, the wind in the trees, and the satisfaction of knowing you\u2019ve finally made it off the beaten track.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>What is primitive camping? Is it the same as dispersed camping?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Primitive camping is backcountry free camping in remote areas without amenities like bathrooms, picnic tables, trash cans, or any other man-made structures. Dispersed camping and primitive camping are often used interchangeably but primitive campers usually leave the car behind in favor of hiking, biking, or some other non-gas powered mode of transportation. Both forms of camping offer similar benefits but one can be accessed by car (four wheel drive is recommended) while the other requires a little more effort.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Is dispersed camping free?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, dispersed camping is free and does not require reservations beforehand. Simply find a suitable spot and set up camp. Make sure to consult a map before heading out to make sure dispersed camping is allowed in the area would like to go to.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/blog\/free-camping\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">guide on how to find free camping<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to learn more about other types of free camping on public land and where to find them.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>How do I know what\u2019s legal?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Look at a Forest Service map specific to the state you want to stay in and you\u2019ll see areas designated as National Forest or Bureau of Land Management land. Within these areas, it\u2019s (usually) legal to car-camp for FREE! Remember this as it\u2019ll save you big $$$ during your road trip. The United States is peppered with federally-owned land, comprising roughly 28 percent of the entire country (and about half is in the West).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Look out for posted signage, such as \u201cno overnight parking\u201d and \u201cday use only.\u201d If you see one of those, we recommend you find another place to camp. Always check with a ranger to confirm which areas are and are not legal when you arrive. Know before you go!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Where you can camp:<\/h3>\n<p>Unless stated otherwise (always check with a ranger), it\u2019s legal to sleep in your vehicle within ANY federally designated lands. These include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>National Forests<\/li>\n<li>National Parks<\/li>\n<li>Bureau of Land Management (BLM)<\/li>\n<li>Wildlife Management Areas (WMA)<\/li>\n<li>Designated Campgrounds<\/li>\n<li>National Grasslands<\/li>\n<li>Some County Parks &amp; City Parks \u2013 Check signs<\/li>\n<li>Some trailheads \u2013 Check signs<\/li>\n<li>Closer to civilization: Parking lots and truck stops<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Look for the (usually) brown and yellow signs announcing your entrance to public land and you&#8217;ll know you&#8217;re in the right place. Be aware of wildfires during the warmer months in California and surrounding areas when planning your trip &#8211; camping is not permitted when there are active wildfires in the area.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":{"ID":11806,"id":11806,"title":"Dispersed Camping in the US campervan","filename":"dispersed-camping-us-campervan.jpg","filesize":115788,"url":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/dispersed-camping-us-campervan.jpg","link":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/de\/processed-with-vsco-with-hb2-preset-5\/","alt":"dispersed camping us campervan","author":"53","description":"","caption":"","name":"processed-with-vsco-with-hb2-preset-5","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":0,"date":"2018-12-11 20:57:26","modified":"2024-07-11 19:43:48","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":1043,"height":650,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/dispersed-camping-us-campervan-150x150.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/dispersed-camping-us-campervan-300x187.jpg","medium-width":300,"medium-height":187,"medium_large":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/dispersed-camping-us-campervan-768x478.jpg","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":478,"large":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/dispersed-camping-us-campervan-1024x638.jpg","large-width":1024,"large-height":638,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/dispersed-camping-us-campervan.jpg","1536x1536-width":1043,"1536x1536-height":650,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/dispersed-camping-us-campervan.jpg","2048x2048-width":1043,"2048x2048-height":650,"blog-preview":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/dispersed-camping-us-campervan-600x353.jpg","blog-preview-width":600,"blog-preview-height":353,"post-thumbnail":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/dispersed-camping-us-campervan-1200x748.jpg","post-thumbnail-width":1200,"post-thumbnail-height":748,"gform-image-choice-sm":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/dispersed-camping-us-campervan.jpg","gform-image-choice-sm-width":300,"gform-image-choice-sm-height":187,"gform-image-choice-md":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/dispersed-camping-us-campervan.jpg","gform-image-choice-md-width":400,"gform-image-choice-md-height":249,"gform-image-choice-lg":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/dispersed-camping-us-campervan.jpg","gform-image-choice-lg-width":600,"gform-image-choice-lg-height":374}},"image_link":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h2><b>How to find dispersed camping sites?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dispersed camping sites are definitely not all made equally. Sometimes the question isn\u2019t \u201cCan I camp here?\u201d but more \u201cShould I camp here?\u201d. Some places you may be able to camp at could lead to a miserable time if they aren\u2019t suitable for how you like to camp. To make it easier to find a dispersed camping site, <\/span> follow these tips:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Ask a ranger.\u00a0<\/b>For an inside track into the best places to stay, keep an eye out for any BLM Ranger Station or visitor center and ask the true locals (Rangers) for their suggestions. We\u2019ve never been led astray and you\u2019ll be amazed at how much they\u2019ll go out of their way to help you out.<\/li>\n<li><b>Scour Google Maps.<\/b>\u00a0Again, look for the green areas that signify public lands. Use Google Earth to get an idea of roads and landscapes.<\/li>\n<li><b>Attempt to camp close by a paved road.<\/b> If not possible, camp near a bare, well-packed gravel track. Note that this is done at your own risk: if renting an Escape Campervan, you are NOT covered by insurance and are NOT covered in the Escape Roadside Assistance plan if you are OFF a paved road. Camping on a level area also makes sleeping more comfortable.<\/li>\n<li>If you\u2019re going to an area where others have camped before,\u00a0<b>pick a site that has been used before.<\/b>\u00a0Plants, soil, and wildlife are impacted by new campsites so using existing ones will minimize your impact on the forest. Always follow <a href=\"https:\/\/lnt.org\/learn\/seven-principles-overview\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Leave No Trace<\/a> principles.<\/li>\n<li><b>Check out these online resources and apps that make it easy to find places to camp:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/?post_type=specials&#038;p=34035\">The DyrtPRO<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1658958685611_383\" href=\"https:\/\/thevanlifeapp.page.link\/blogs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>S\u0113kr<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.boondocking.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.boondocking.org<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.campendium.com\/free-camping\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Campendium.com<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/freecampsites.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">freecampsites.net<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ioverlander.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">iOverlander<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>If all else fails, find a Walmart or a truck stop.\u00a0<\/b>Free camping isn\u2019t solely limited to Federal Lands. Walmart parking lots, truck stops, and rest areas can also make for serviceable and convenient places to park for the night. Remember to check the signs first to make sure you can stay there overnight.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":{"ID":23671,"id":23671,"title":"Dispersed camping in arizona","filename":"Dispersed-camping-in-arizona.jpeg","filesize":156936,"url":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Dispersed-camping-in-arizona.jpeg","link":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/de\/dispersed-camping-in-arizona-2\/","alt":"Dispersed camping in arizona","author":"53","description":"","caption":"","name":"dispersed-camping-in-arizona-2","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":0,"date":"2019-08-21 20:02:04","modified":"2024-07-11 19:43:56","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":6000,"height":4000,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Dispersed-camping-in-arizona-150x150.jpeg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Dispersed-camping-in-arizona-300x200.jpeg","medium-width":300,"medium-height":200,"medium_large":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Dispersed-camping-in-arizona-768x512.jpeg","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":512,"large":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Dispersed-camping-in-arizona-1024x683.jpeg","large-width":1024,"large-height":683,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Dispersed-camping-in-arizona.jpeg","1536x1536-width":1536,"1536x1536-height":1024,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Dispersed-camping-in-arizona.jpeg","2048x2048-width":2048,"2048x2048-height":1365,"blog-preview":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Dispersed-camping-in-arizona-600x353.jpeg","blog-preview-width":600,"blog-preview-height":353,"post-thumbnail":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Dispersed-camping-in-arizona-1200x800.jpeg","post-thumbnail-width":1200,"post-thumbnail-height":800,"gform-image-choice-sm":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Dispersed-camping-in-arizona.jpeg","gform-image-choice-sm-width":300,"gform-image-choice-sm-height":200,"gform-image-choice-md":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Dispersed-camping-in-arizona.jpeg","gform-image-choice-md-width":400,"gform-image-choice-md-height":267,"gform-image-choice-lg":"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Dispersed-camping-in-arizona.jpeg","gform-image-choice-lg-width":600,"gform-image-choice-lg-height":400}},"image_link":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h2>Dispersed camping rules of the road<\/h2>\n<p>There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It is your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Contact the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">local Forest Service office<\/a> to see if any restrictions (especially fire restrictions) are in place. This includes finding out if campfires and open stoves are permitted \u2013 in much of the West, drought conditions are severe and no flames of any sort are allowed. Ground tents are occasionally not allowed on federal lands or at rest stops (good thing you\u2019ll be in a campervan!). There is also usually a 14-day limit on staying at the same campsite within a 30-day period.<\/li>\n<li>Leave it better than you found it. Pack out everything you brought in, including trash. \u201c<b>LEAVE NO TRACE<\/b>\u201d is the official guideline. <a href=\"\/blog\/keeping-it-green\/\">Brush up on your LNT knowledge<\/a>. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dispersed camping means there are likely no bathrooms in the area. To dispose of urine, etc. while you wild camp, dig a hole six inches (15 cm) in the ground at least 100 feet away from any water source. When you are done, fill the hole with dirt and take toilet paper with you. Really. Used toilet paper can, and will, pollute local water sources. Or, just commit to nature and find a big soft leaf to use!<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Dispersed camping is allowed in a one-mile perimeter away from campgrounds and 100 feet from any stream.<\/li>\n<li>Don\u2019t sleep on the side of the road \u2013 it\u2019s usually illegal. To prevent resource damage, keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway.<\/li>\n<li>Bring plenty of your own water, or have a way to treat it. Just because you found a campsite near a stream or river with seemingly nothing else around doesn\u2019t mean the water is safe to drink. Always treat the water you get from natural sources so that you don\u2019t have to end your trip early!<\/li>\n<li>Be prepared. Bring a good atlas and\/or GPS to help you find your way in\/out of the woods (try to arrive early with plenty of daylight to find a campsite for this reason). Check the weather for rain, which can create mud holes that you can\u2019t drive out of.<\/li>\n<li>Use your judgment \u2013 if the campsite feels unsafe, move on.<\/li>\n<li>Be bear aware. If you\u2019re in bear country (and we highly recommend finding this out prior to camping there), store food and other scented items in a bear canister or outside of your vehicle overnight. Read more about wildlife safety\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fws.gov\/news\/blog\/index.cfm\/2016\/7\/8\/Wildlife-Safety-Tips-for-Enjoying-the-Great-Outdoors\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>There are usually no fees for dispersed camping, but not always. If there are fees, it&#8217;ll probably be around $5-$10.<\/li>\n<li>Be sure to check for any signs that may prohibit overnight parking.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"escape_tip","tip_tip_title":"Dispersed camping on the East Coast","tip_tip_text":"<p>It can be a bit more difficult to find free camping on the East Coast compared to out West. Visit our blog on <a href=\"\/blog\/tips-for-dispersed-camping-on-the-east-coast\/\">dispersed camping on the East Coast<\/a> for tips.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h2><b>3 reasons why campervans are perfect for dispersed camping:<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019ve never tried out van life before, you may have concerns about how to find places to camp\u2013especially during the busy summer months when many public and private campsites have been booked since January. The beauty of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/campervans\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">traveling by camper van<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is that finding camping can actually be pretty easy (if you know where to look!). With a campervan, you can:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fit into most standard tent sites. These are significantly cheaper than RV sites and there are often more of them available. You always have the option to splurge for a utility site with an electric hook-up or a larger RV site with all the bells and whistles, but you don\u2019t have to. When in doubt, always double-check with the folks who run each individual campground. You can find out the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/campervans\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">length of each campervan model<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if required.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Easily navigate side roads. Scoping out the perfect campsite is easier in a campervan because you can drive down small, windy roads that RVs can\u2019t access. No stress! Just be aware that this is at your own risk\u2013<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/insurance\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">insurance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> only covers you on state- and county-maintained roads.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find FREE dispersed camping almost anywhere you go! Dispersed camping is one of America\u2019s best-kept secrets. There are a few important guidelines to follow, but once you get the hang of it you\u2019ll find that not only is it free, but it\u2019s also fun and easier than you might expect. You\u2019ll never look back!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Going to Canada? Dispersed camping regulations are different here than in the US. Check out our Guide to <a href=\"\/blog\/guide-to-dispersed-camping-in-canada\/\">Dispersed Camping in Canada<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Ready to try dispersed camping?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you follow the guidelines above, you can save a safe, low-impact, primitive camping experience away from all the crowds for FREE. Check out our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/blog\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">blog<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for more helpful guides and tips like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/blog\/book-national-park-campsites-summer\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">when to book national park campsites<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/blog\/waterfalls-in-yosemite\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the best time to see waterfalls in Yosemite<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re ready to try out free dispersed camping, don\u2019t forget to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/checkout\/#\/step1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">book your camper van rental<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at one of our many US or Canada locations. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/escapecampervans.com\/contact-us\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact us directly<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if you have any questions.<\/span><\/p>\n"}],"sub_title":"","title_tag":false,"override_global_post_advertising":"no"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v25.2 (Yoast SEO v25.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What is Dispersed Camping? - Escape Camper Vans<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The key to a cheap road trip in the US by campervan: dispersed camping! 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