![\"Dispersed](\"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/dispersed-camping-vs-boondocking-1024x677.jpg\")
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What Is Dispersed Camping?<\/h2>\n
As defined by the United States Forest Service, dispersed camping:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cBoondocking\u201d is a term most commonly used in the RV community.<\/strong> Boondocking is a type of dispersed camping, but it usually refers to dispersed camping in places accessible to RVs and vehicles pulling travel trailers. Boondocking sites are accessed by wider roads that are in good shape, and they have enough space for big rigs to turn around.<\/p>\n However, the overwhelming majority of dispersed camping sites lie down dirt roads that are narrow and rougher, some requiring high clearance and AWD\/4WD. These roads are not suitable for most RVs and travel trailers, especially the larger ones.<\/p>\n To summarize…<\/p>\n Dispersed camping is the more general term<\/strong>, the one that encompasses all potential situations of camping for free on public lands, whereas boondocking refers to RVs camping for free on those public lands that they can reach with their much larger vehicles.<\/p>\n Buy it on Amazon<\/a> Especially with the term boondocking. Lots of people use the term boondocking, even though they are actually using a van to camp in places where an RV could never go, which I (and many others) call dispersed camping.<\/p>\n Overall, far more people have heard of “boondocking” than have heard of “dispersed camping,” so be prepared to see the first used more frequently in online articles, Youtube, and elsewhere.<\/p>\n There are several terms you\u2019ll frequently see that are related to dispersed camping.<\/p>\n This means exactly what it says: you pay nothing to camp. This includes dispersed camping, of course, but it also includes a number of actual campgrounds in more remote places that don\u2019t charge. These campgrounds often have tables, toilets, fire pits, and water, and they can be quite enjoyable, as long as others using the campground are good neighbors.<\/p>\n The term \u201cprimitive camping\u201d can mean the same thing as dispersed camping, but the term can also refer to campgrounds with few amenities: for example, sites may have a table and a fire pit, but there is no potable water and no toilets. These campgrounds may or may not charge a fee.<\/p>\n Another term with multiple definitions, remote camping basically means camping far away from organized campgrounds. It\u2019s a broad term that can include dispersed camping and primitive camping.<\/p>\n At its most basic, dry camping means no supplied water. This describes virtually all dispersed camping sites, plus many of the primitive\/remote sites.<\/p>\n Wild camping is a term used almost exclusively in Europe. It refers to camping outside of organized campgrounds, usually for free. I did this quite a bit back in my twenties when I spent two summers hitchhiking throughout Europe.<\/p>\n I put a lot of thought into it. There are all those terms above, some of which have different meanings to different people. Fundamentally, though, this book is about how to find and enjoy dispersed campsites that are free. And, as explained above, boondocking is a very common term that many people know that is essentially a restricted type of dispersed camping. Thus the title:<\/p>\n Camp for Free: Dispersed Camping & Boondocking on America\u2019s Public Lands<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n I use the term \u201cdispersed camping\u201d throughout the book, although much of what I say also applies to RV folks who \u201cboondock.\u201d<\/p>\n My book shows you everything you need to know to find and enjoy secluded dispersed camping (boondocking) spots in the backcountry:<\/strong><\/p>\n Buy it on Amazon<\/a>\n
What Is Boondocking?<\/h2>\n
![\"Boondocking](\"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/rv-boondocking-versus-dispersed-camping.jpg\")
Photo by Roadpass<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nDispersed Camping Versus Boondocking<\/h2>\n
Camp for Free in the Backcountry<\/h4>\n
![\"Camp](\"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/dispersed-camping-boondocking-camp-free-300.jpg\")
My book shows you everything you need to know to find and enjoy secluded dispersed camping (boondocking) spots in the backcountry:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\nBuy it on Apple, Kobo, and Nook<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\nNot Everyone Agrees with These Definitions!<\/h2>\n
Other Commonly Used Terms for Dispersed Camping\/Boondocking<\/h2>\n
Free Camping<\/h3>\n
Primitive Camping<\/h3>\n
Remote Camping<\/h3>\n
Dry Camping<\/h3>\n
Wild Camping<\/h3>\n
How I Chose the Title of My Book<\/h2>\n
Find Solitude through Dispersed Camping<\/h4>\n
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\nBuy it on Apple, Kobo, and Nook<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\nSubscribe to the Northern California Hiking Trails Blog<\/h2>\n