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.
Arizona Camping Laws
The State of Arizona itself has adopted only a handful of laws with respect to recreational camping. These laws apply to much of the state, with exception of indian reservations and national parks. There are also other federal agencies, such as U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management...
Is it Legal to Leave Your RV Unattended While Boondocking?
Yes, it is. It is totally legal to leave your RV unattended while boondocking on all federally managed lands, and even most state managed lands. But for how long can you leave a motorhome, camper, or trailer by itself on public lands...
Can I Dump Gray Water on the Ground in Arizona?
No, you cannot legally dump gray water on the ground in Arizona, unless you hold a permit. The State has laws under the Environmental Code that prohibit anyone from "discharging" waste water and sewage on to the ground.
Can You Drive on Forest Service Roads?
Yes, you can drive on Forest Service roads. The U.S. Forest Service allows everyone to drive their vehicle on all Forest Service roads as long as the roads are not closed off with a locked gate. However, it also depends...
Is Overnight Parking Allowed in National Forests?
Yes, overnight parking is allowed in national forests. However, there are certain places where it is not allowed. As long as you park well away from the flow of traffic, and do not park overnight in areas intended for day-use only...
Do State and Local Laws Apply to Federally Managed Lands?
No, they do not. State and local laws do not apply to federally managed lands. The U.S. Constitution actually states this. Technically, state and local laws do not apply to national parks, national forests, national grasslands...
Can You Sleep On the Side of the Road in California?
This article is specific to roads, highways, and Interstates in the unincorporated areas of California (not inside city limits), presuming outside of civilized areas, such as in the desert, mountains, forests, coastlines, etc. Can you sleep...
LTVA Rules for Camping
Long Term Visitor Areas (LTVA) Rules for camping are established by the Bureau of Land Management for specific primitive camping areas located throughout Southern California and Arizona. LTVAs are popular camping locations...
Can You Run a Generator While Boondocking?
Yes, you can run a generator while boondocking. Some federal and state land management agencies do not prohibit the use of generators while boondocking or dispersed camping. There are some that do, however, but only when it becomes...
Is Collecting Dead Wood Legal?
Yes, collecting dead wood is legal depending on how you use the wood, and whether or not you plan to remove the wood from the area. As long as you use the wood for your own campfire purposes, it's legal. Problems generally occur...
