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.

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.

Is Overnight Parking Allowed on Oklahoma Turnpikes?

Yes, overnight parking is allowed on Oklahoma turnpikes. But to be more precise, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority has not issued any rules or statements regarding overnight parking at service plazas along Oklahoma turnpikes...

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.

Ohio Rest Area Rules

How long can you stay at an Ohio rest area? Is overnight parking allowed at rest areas in Ohio? Is camping permitted at Ohio rest areas? What are the full Ohio rest area rules?

Can You Stay Overnight at a Rest Stop?

Yes, you can stay overnight at a rest stop in most states throughout the USA. Only a handful of states specifically ban overnight stays. However, all rest stops are still open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Thus, you can always...

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...

Is it Legal to Open RV Slide Outs at a Rest Area?

Yes, it is legal to open RV slide outs at a rest area. That is, none of the 50 states have laws or regulations against this. However, you should only do so with caution to due to narrow parking lanes at rest areas. This is because...

Can You Buy BLM Land?

Yes, you can buy BLM land. The Bureau of Land Management does sell off parcels of land, though not very often. But, when the BLM puts up parcels of land for sale, you are allowed to make bids on them. Should you end up with...

Is it Legal to Sleep in a Rooftop Tent While at a Rest Area?

Yes or no, depending on a state's specific laws and regulations concerning use of highway rest areas. Whether it is legal to sleep in a rooftop tent while at a rest area is often at the discretion of a law enforcement officer...

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...