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.

Is it Illegal to Walk Through Someone Else’s Campsite?

Does a person have a legal basis to charge you with violating their rights just because you walked through their campsite? Are there any laws that make it illegal to walk through someone else's campsite? Even if you didn't...

Does the Army Corps of Engineers Allow You Camp Anywhere You Want?

No, the Army Corps of Engineers does not allow you to camp anywhere you want. They instead require you to camp in areas they have designated specifically for camping. Most of these areas are developed campgrounds with numbered spaces...

Is Nude Camping in California Legal?

No, nude camping in California is not legal. The Golden State has a statewide law that makes being nude outdoors illegal, even if no one can see you. However, enforcement of this law has been very lenient in recent years. Generally speaking, nude camping in California remains...

Can You Sleep in a Church Parking Lot Overnight?

If you received permission from the church, then yes, you can sleep in a church parking lot overnight. Church parking lots are owned by the church and are therefore private property. Thus, you should ask permission from the church...

Can You Wash an RV While Camping at an Army Corps of Engineers Campground?

Generally speaking, no, you cannot wash an RV while camping at an Army Corps of Engineers campground. This is because the Army Corps of Enginees (ACOE) prohibits dumping of pollutants and sewage on to its land and waters.

Is Dispersed Camping Allowed in Massachusetts State Forests?

No, dispersed camping is not allowed in Massachusetts State Forests. However, "backcountry camping" is allowed within the state forest system, but is restricted to designated camping sites along hiking trails and by the presence...

Is it Legal to Live in a Camper?

Yes, in the United States, is it legal to live in a camper. In fact, there are perhaps a million Americans that already do this full time. The real question is, where. There are no laws at the federal, state, or local level against...

How Long Can You Camp at an Army Corps of Engineers Campground?

You can camp at an Army Corps of Engineers campground for up fourteen (14) days per 30 day period at campgrounds per "project". A project is defined as all grounds and facilities belonging to a particular reservoir. After fourteen days...

Is Camping Allowed on Michigan State Land?

Yes, camping is allowed on Michigan state land. Michigan state lands are managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Existing state laws and regulations in the Great Lakes State allows people to disperse camp...

Finger Lakes National Forest Camping Rules

Rules for camping at Finger Lakes National Forest were established by the U.S Forest Service published in Forest Orders, the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, and documents issued by Finger Lakes National Forest...