Boondocking Laws and Regulations

Camping on public lands requires you to understand state laws on camping, boondocking, and overnight parking. These articles were carefully researched through state codes and administrative rules, including popular practices. But you also need to know how to look up these laws and regulations to stay up to date on recent changes.

Texas Rest Area Rules

Does Texas allow you to park overnight at their rest areas? Is sleeping in your car permitted at Texas Rest Areas? How many hours can you stay at a Texas Rest Area? Is camping allowed at Texas Rest Areas?

New Mexico Rest Area Rules

Is overnight parking permitted at New Mexico rest areas? Are you allowed to sleep in your vehicle at a New Mexico rest area? How many hours can you stay at a New Mexico rest area? Is camping allowed at New Mexico rest areas?

Colorado Rest Area Rules

Are you allowed to park overnight at Colorado Rest Areas? Is sleeping in your vehicle permitted at a Colorado Rest Area? How long can you stay at a Colorado Rest Area? Is camping allowed at Colorado Rest Areas?

Is Harvest Hosts Legitimate?

Harvest Hosts is a legitimate way to camp overnight on private property while escaping the confines of Walmarts and rest areas. It is very expensive, however...

Can You Stay Overnight in California Rest Areas?

Yes you can. The official rules in California state that you can stay for a maximum of eight (8) hours at a rest area. Thus, if you happen to stay from late night to morning, then you have effectively stayed overnight in a California Rest Area.

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...

Wyoming Rest Area Rules

Is overnight parking allowed at Wyoming Rest Areas? Can you sleep in your vehicle at a Wyoming Rest Area? How many hours can you stay at a Wyoming Rest Area? Is camping permitted at Wyoming Rest Areas?

Utah Rest Area Rules

Is overnight parking permitted at Utah Rest Areas? Can you sleep in your car at a Utah Rest Area? How many hours can you stay at a Utah Rest Area? Is camping permitted at Utah Rest Areas?

Can You Sleep in Your Car at a Rest Area?

Yes, all states allow you to sleep in your car at a rest area. The question is for how long, and can you do so overnight? Some states have specific time limits on stay, but many have no limits at all. Some states prohibit...

Camping on Alaska State Trust Land

Camping is permitted on all Alaska State Trust lands, but only through the purchase of a "Land Permit". Permits are issued for single day, week, month, or an entire year. Note that camping is limited to just 14 days per site, even if you purchased a month or year permit. You must move your camp at least 2 miles from your previous site.