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 Dispersed Camping Allowed in the New York State Forest System?

Dispersed camping is allowed in the New York state forest system if you're a hiker with a tent. But if your goal is to boondock in your vehicle on state forest lands, it's practically impossible to do while adhering to laws...

Is Nude Camping Illegal in Washington?

No, in general terms, nude camping is not illegal in Washington State. In fact, it is not illegal to be naked at all in public places. Washington State has some of the more liberal laws when it comes to public nudity. However, there...

Is Boondocking Allowed on Indian Reservations?

Generally speaking, no, boondocking is not allowed on Indian reservations. Lands designated as "Indian reservation" were set aside for Native American tribes, and not for non-natives. Even though non-natives are allowed...

Is it Legal to Camp Overnight at an Abandoned Building?

Legally speaking, no it is not legal to camp overnight at an abandoned building, whether inside or outside. But that hasn't deterred many full time RVers and vehicle dwellers to park overnight at an abandoned gas station along the...

Are RVs Required to Use Truck Parking at Rest Areas?

From a legal standpoint, no, RVs are not required to use truck parking at rest areas. Even though most rest areas do have signs directing trucks, RVs, and cars towards different parking areas, these are only meant to aid visitors, not to require them. However...

Olympic National Forest, Camping Rules

These official rules and regulations for camping at Olympic National Forest were gathered from Orders issued by the Supervisor of Olympic National Forest, along with information published by the U.S. Forest Service, and from...

Cherokee National Forest, Camping Rules

These official camping rules and regulations for Cherokee National Forest were gathered from Orders and documents issued by the Supervisor of Cherokee National Forest, along with information published U.S. Forest Service website...

Can I Ride a Gas-Powered Mini Bike on BLM Land?

Yes, you can ride a gas-powered mini bike on BLM land. You will, however, be required to keep that mini bike on established roads, trails, and clearings. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) does not allow you ride...

Is Nudity Permitted on BLM Land?

Yes, nudity is permitted on BLM Land. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) does not have any rules "in general" addressing nudity on their lands. However, each BLM state office, or field office, may at their discretion prohibit...

Is Overnight Parking Allowed at a Shopping Mall?

Generally speaking no, overnight parking is not really allowed at a shopping mall. Shopping malls tend to have large security forces to the large acreage they cover and the need for malls to be a major retail and entertainment...