US Forest Service
Learn about camping and boondocking in national forests and grasslands.
Big Bear Yellow Post Sites
Big Bear Yellow Post Sites, San Bernardino NF Note: At one time there were as many 50-60 of these yellow post sites, today only 13 to 15 still remain usable. All of these sites are accessible via car, van, or pickup truck, and 4WD is not necessary. Small trailers are okay, but nothing larger than 20 feet due to very narrow roads in places, and hairpin turns. Do not drive Class A or Class C motorhomes into here. How Crowded: Most of these sites get filled up during the weekend. Your best bet is to get to a site between Monday-Thursday, ... Read more
Apple Canyon Yellow Post Sites
Apple Canyon Yellow Post Sites, San Bernardino NF Site #1 – Suitable for large RVs, easy to get into, however offers the least seclusion. Site #2 – The site itself is large enough for any size RV, and the site offers the most seclusion of the three yellow post sites. However the access road has some tight turns that might make this difficult. Site #3 – Suitable for large RVs, easy to get into, yet offers a good deal of seclusion. How Crowded: These sites are extremely popular. Site #3 seems to be the most popular. If you arrive on a Friday or Saturday, ... Read more
Angel Valley Designated Camping Area, Sedona, AZ
Angel Valley Designated Camping Area, Sedona, AZ Angel Valley Designated Camping Area, situated west of Sedona, AZ, within Coconino National Forest, offers a varied camping experience based on the day of the week and the time of year. Crowdedness: The campground’s popularity is evident, with varying levels of congestion reported. Some campers enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, while others note crowded conditions, especially during peak times. The dispersed spots, particularly the first one along the road, seem to fill up quickly, influencing the overall sense of crowdedness. Noise and Peacefulness: The reviews suggest a mixed experience regarding noise levels. While one visitor found ... Read more
A Guide to Boondocking in National Forests
Boondocking in National Forests! Boondocking in national forests and grasslands are perhaps the most popular way dispersed campers get set up for free camping. The US Forest Service operates properties across the entire United States making it a sure-fire option for boondocking. The US Forest Service has some laws and regulations that you should be aware of first. National Forest Boondocking Map This National Forest Boondocking Map contains locations of free boondocking and free campgrounds where bloggers and YouTubers have produced detailed reviews. Click on a map marker to access their reviews… [AK] [AL] [AR] [AZ] [CA] [CO] [CT] [DE] ... Read more
Are e-Bikes Legal in National Forests?
Yes, e-bikes are legal in national forests. The U.S. Forest Service published its official policy on e-bikes, electric bikes, electric bicycles, electric mountain bike, and other types of electric-assisted bikes, on March 31, 2022 in a press release. In short, e-bikes are legal on all forest roads and trails that are designated for motorized vehicle use.
Are Fireworks Allowed on National Forest Lands?
No, fireworks are not allowed in any national forest or national grassland. Currently, each national forest and grassland is covered under one or more "forest orders" specifically banning fireworks and other types of explosives, and will continue to be covered for an indefinite period.
Dispersed Camping Near Sedona, AZ
Learn where all the dispersed camping is now legal surrounding Sedona, AZ after Coconino National Forest officials restricted dispersed camping as of September 1, 2022.
Is Off-Road Bicycle Riding Legal in National Forests?
Off-road bicycle riding is illegal in many national forests. Even if a specific national forest has not banned off-road or off-trail use of bicycles, there are still federal regulations that apply to all forests that make it difficult...
Can You Fly Drones in a National Forest?
Yes, you can fly drones in a national forest and national grassland. The U.S. Forest Service does not prohibit flying drones over much of its lands. There are a handful of exceptions which we have outlined below. But for the...
Can You Collect Firewood in a National Forest?
Yes, you can collect firewood in a national forest. In fact, every national forest allows visitors to collect firewood and burn it at their campsite. However, you are limited to picking up only "dead and down" wood, and not...
