Dispersed Camping 101
Little Ashley cooking dogs on a camping trip with Poppy.
What will your camping origin story be?
For me, it started as a baby. Summers at Detroit Lake with my family, or quick drives to the coast to camp at a nearby campground, were just the beginning of my love affair with the outdoors. Maybe your story looks different. Maybe you started backpacking in your twenties, or you’re just now thinking about spending your first night outside. Wherever you are on that journey, know this: nature doesn’t judge. There is no right way or right time to begin.
What makes dispersed camping different?
Dispersed camping means camping on public lands outside of developed campgrounds. Think of it as a mix between the self-sufficiency of backpacking and the convenience of car camping. It’s usually free, and it often means more solitude — but it also requires you to be ready to rough it. There are no bathrooms, picnic tables, or trash cans. You pack it in and pack it out.
Leave No Trace: the framework that matters most
When we camp outside designated areas, we become stewards of the land in a more direct way. The Leave No Trace principles are a guide to help us do that.
Plan ahead and prepare.
Travel and camp on durable surfaces
Dispose of waste properly
Leave what you find
Minimize campfire impacts
Respect wildlife
Respect others
It may not be possible to leave absolutely no trace of our presence, but it is possible to leave a place better than we found it. That could mean picking up litter, fully extinguishing a fire, or choosing not to stack rocks in a stream. Also, it can mean being present in nature, signing a song to the river, and giving a tree a sweet hug.
Planning and preparation
Before you go:
Check Forest Service or BLM websites for road closures, fire restrictions, or other alerts. BLM maps of Oregon-Washington
Know the regulations: most areas allow a maximum 14-day stay and groups smaller than 20
Bring the right gear: extra water, a first aid kit, backup food, and a rain layer
Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back
Use mapping tools like Gaia GPS (free version), On X Offroad , and iOverlander to find campsites and track your route
Pro tip: weekdays are often less crowded on public lands, which makes for a quieter experience!
Finding a campsite
The golden rule: good campsites are found, not made. Look for durable surfaces like gravel, sand, dry grass, or snow. Camp at least 200 feet from lakes and streams. In popular areas, stick to established spots. In pristine areas, spread out so you don’t create new impact.
Some favorite dispersed camping spots in Oregon:
East Fork Hood River (Wy’East/Mt. Hood) multiple spots, near river
Pocket Creek (Wy’East/Mt. Hood) deep forest, partial mountain views
Willow Creek Hot Springs (Eastern Oregon) large hot springs, expect other visitors
South Fork Trask River (Tillamook State Forest) designated free sites along river
Oak Grove Fork Clackamas River (Wy’East/Mt. Hood) designated free sites
Threemile Lake (Oregon Coast) hike in sites near lake a few miles from ocean
Washington:
Butte Camp (Loowit/Mt. St Helens) large group camping, flat, mountain views
Skamania, WA (Gifford Pinchot National Forest) lush greenery with nearby creek
Little Niagara Falls (Gifford Pinchot National Forest) forested, waterfall
Cora Lake (Tahoma/Mt. Rainier) camping with views of Tahoma, or hike in to lake
Nevada:Smith Ranch Hot Springs wide open desert, multiple hot springs
Austin Hot Springs open desert, multiple hot springs
Sacramento Pass high desert forest near Grand Basin National Park
Utah:
Grand Escalante-Staircase red sand and views of Bryce Canyon in the distance
Silver Island Mountains BLM land near Bonneville salt flats
Waste and water
Pack out everything you bring in. That includes food wrappers, cans, and yes, toilet paper. If nature calls, dig a cathole 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water sources and trails. Carry a small trowel and a bag for used TP. Wash dishes 200 feet from water with a little biodegradable soap, and scatter the strained water.
Fires and safety
Always check for burn bans. If fires are allowed, use an existing ring or create a small one with rocks. Keep it small, and when you’re done, burn everything to ash, drown it, stir it, and scatter it. When in doubt, bring a stove or lantern instead.
Wildlife and neighbors
Observe animals from a distance and store food securely. Avoid camping right next to trails, and keep noise down — the woods are shared space. Research the wildlife in your area. In bear country, bring a canister. If you’re fishing, know the local rules about bait and species.
Essentials for dispersed camping
Here are a few things I never camp without:
Water and a way to filter it
Food and a stove
Tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad
Light (headlamp or lantern)
First aid kit
Map and a compass, or GPS
Multi-tool or knife
A plan for the bathroom
Patience and flexibility — a good attitude is essential.
