Yes, there is actually a, “National Forest Week”! It’s the effort of National Forest Foundation, an organization that was chartered by the United States Congress with a simple mission: bring people together to restore and enhance our country’s National Forests and Grasslands.

What is National Forest Week is an annual celebration of our National Forest and Grasslands System. It’s simply a time to appreciate the lands administered by the U.S. Forest Service and be grateful that we have public lands to enjoy for free.

Where Will You Plan to Go Boondocking for National Forest Week?

Here at Boondocker’s Bible, we have some resources for you to check out…

• Can You Camp For Free in National Forests? – of course you can! This knowledgebase article goes over the basics of dispersed camping in national forests and teaches you about Motor Vehicle Use Maps, the official road maps of the U.S. Forest Service.
• What Uses Are Permitted in National Forests? – you’re free to do just about anything in a national forest, but there are few things that are illegal, like fireworks, cutting trees, etc. Also learn about campfires, off-road driving, and more.

Our Boondocking Picks for National Forest Week!

Here are some national forest boondocking areas we loved camping at…

California, San Bernardino National Forest, Thomas Mountain Yellow Post Campsite #1 – Close to Lake Hemet and just 20 minutes from Idyllwild, this serene campsite offers lots of space and beautiful views.

California, Inyo National Forest, Owens River Road – About 20 minutes away from Mammoth Lakes, and about 30 minutes from Mono Lake, there are dozens of boondocking sites located off this road. With elevation at 8,000 feet and higher, you’ll stay cool in the summer.

Arizona, Coconino National Forest, Schnebly Hill Road – This road is mainly used as a staging area for OHV riders, but is very popular with full time RVers and boondockers. Just 20 minutes away from Flagstaff. The road also leads down into Sedona.

Idaho, Sawtooth National Forest, Cougar Dispersed Camping Area – Forest Road 146 leads north from the visitor center by Ketchum, ID, and will take you past several developed campgrounds. There are also numerous dispersed camping sites interspersed between. The cover photo at the top of the article is from this area.

Montana, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Homestake Pass Dispersed Area – The road leading to this dispersed camping area also takes you up to Delmoe Lake, where you will also find dozens more dispersed camping areas. High elevation and lots of tall pines keeps you cool in the summer.

Oregon, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Spring Creek Dispersed Area – Forest Road 21 takes you to a developed campground called Spring Creek Campground, but there are numerous dispersed campsites along this road, and even more beyond the campground. You’re about 30 minutes from La Grande, OR.

Wyoming, Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, Vedauwoo Dispersed Camping Area – Located between Cheyenne and Laramie, this area of Pole Mountain is known for its boulder croppings and OHV trails. It can be busy here on weekends, but trainquil during the week.