US Forest Service
Learn about camping and boondocking in national forests and grasslands.
Coconino National Forest, Camping Rules
These official rules and regulations for camping at Coconino National Forest were gathered from Orders issued by the Supervisor of Coconino National Forest, along with information published U.S. Forest Service website, and from...
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Camping Rules
Official rules and regulations for camping at Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, as gathered from Orders issued by the Supervisor of Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, along with information published U.S. Forest Service website, and from the Code of Federal Regulations
Where Can You Camp for Free in the Grand Canyon?
You can boondock just about anywhere in Grand Canyon National Park, as long as you have obtained a "backcountry camping permit". Unfortunately, backcountry camping is largely restricted to hikers who carry their camping gear deep into the...
Is it Legal to Camp Anywhere in a National Forest?
Generally speaking, yes it is legal to camp anywhere in a national forest. However, there are certain exceptions. Some of these exceptions apply to all national forests across the United States, and others apply to specific forests...
Is It Illegal to Live in a National Forest?
Yes and no. If you are a camper or RVer, it is illegal to live in a national forest or grassland. The U.S. Forest Service has rules prohibiting using forests as a residence. However, it is possible, and legal, to move to another...
How Long Can You Camp in a National Forest?
Fourteen (14) days is the most popular answer to how long can you camp in a national forest. But it's not always the correct answer. Some forests limit you to just 5 days, while others offers as much as 30 days. Each national forest and grassland creates...
Is Boondocking Allowed in Yellowstone?
Yes, boondocking is allowed in Yellowstone National Park. However, boondocking is limited to just tent camping only, and only in specific areas of the park. Yellowstone also requires campers to obtain permits. These boondocking...
How Much Does it Cost to Camp in a National Forest?
The cost to camp in a national forest can range from $0.00 up to about $80.00 a night, depending on a couple factors. If you want to camp outside of developed areas, it's free. But if you want to camp in a developed campground...
How to Use Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) to Find Free Camping
Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) are published by the U.S. Forest Service and apply only to national forests and national grasslands. These maps are meant to illustrate where visitors are allowed to drive their vehicles, both street legal...
Why Is There Private Property Inside National Forests and Parks?
Not all land inside a national forest or national park is public. A lot of this land is privately owned by residents, businesses, and organizations. Some national forests and grasslands are so heavily filled with private property, their boundaries have...
