US Forest Service
Learn about camping and boondocking in national forests and grasslands.
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...
USFS: Rules for Boondocking on USFS Lands
The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) manages all of the United States' National Forests and National Grasslands. They also manage several National Recreation Areas. What are their rules for boondocking on USFS lands?
