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.
The Six Types of Federal Public Lands
There are actually six types of federal public lands that you can camp on. These are broken out into six different federal land management agencies. Despite people saying there are only two, or three, or even four, there are...
Is Boondocking Illegal?
Boondocking is not illegal on public lands. It's actually encouraged by local, state, and federal agencies as a way to relieve crowding at developed campgrounds. These agencies, however, do have rules for boondocking, just like...
Can You Park an RV Overnight at Home Depot?
Yes, you can park an RV overnight at Home Depot. Most Home Depots don't mind you using their lots for overnight parking. However, the cities they are located in may have laws against sleeping in vehicles. Even though...
Can You Legally Live in an RV on Your Own Land?
Yes, it is possible to legally live in an RV on your own land, but only depending on the city or county you live in. Most larger cities have enacted ordinances that require your RV to adhere to the same building codes...
Can I Live in a Motorhome On My Own Land?
Maybe, or maybe not. It depends on the city or county. Most cities have laws against camping within their borders, with exceptions for RV parks and campgrounds. Anti-camping laws were created to help them deal with homeless sleeping...
Is Camping on Your Own Land Illegal?
It depends on the city and county. Most medium to large cities have enacted laws to prevent home owners from creating eye sores within their neighborhood. They are particularly concerned about property owners using their land to...
Is Stealth Camping Illegal?
Yes, stealth camping is illegal in most cities. It has nothing to do with being stealthy, but just the fact that you're camping within city limits, or sleeping in a vehicle overnight...
Can You Park at Costco Overnight?
Yes, you can park at Costco overnight. Generally, Costco stores want you to park furthest away from the store so that shoppers can park closer. But not all cities and not all Costco's allow overnight parking.
Is it Illegal to Live in a Tent in Your Backyard?
Surprisingly, the answer is "yes" in most cities. Most cities have ordinances that prohibit camping within city limits, even on private property. However, even though it is illegal, many cities have instructed police officers not to...
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...
