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.
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...
Rules on Collecting Firewood for Camping
There are rules on collecting firewood for camping. In most cases, you are free to collect "dead and down" wood for your own personal camping uses. Most of the rules that exist with collecting firewood come into play when you...
The BLM 14-Day Rule for Camping Explained
The BLM 14-day rule for camping refers to the maximum number of days for camping on BLM land. It's a common rule found on most BLM lands. However, it's also confusing and a source for much discussion. Here is the full clarification...
Rules for Camping on Army Corps of Engineers Campgrounds
The rules for camping on Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds are pretty much consistent across all COE campgrounds in the United States. If you've camped at one, then you've camped at most of them. The differences generally...
Can You Have a Campfire While Boondocking?
Yes, you can have a campfire while boondocking on BLM and US Forest Service lands. Other federal land management agencies including National Park Service, Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, and...
What Uses Are Permitted in National Forests?
The kinds of uses that are permitted in national forests are long and varied. Almost all forms of recreation are allowed. It just depends to what extent and which parts of the forest you're interested in. It's easier to produce...
Can You Run a Generator at a Rest Area?
Yes, you can run a generator at a rest area in all 50 states. Only the State of Idaho has a regulation prohibiting you from running a generator in such a manner, and at such a time, that it disturbs other visitors. Otherwise...
Which States Allow Overnight Parking in Rest Areas?
Most states allow overnight parking in rest areas. Only a minority of them do not. But even in states that prohibit overnight parking in rest areas, those rest areas are still open 24 hours a day. This means it is still...
