How Long Can You Boondock in the Same Location?

Like everything else, it varies.  But in general, you can stay on the same federal land (that allows dispersed camping) for 14 consecutive days.  After that, you usually have to move at least 25 miles away.  This is a good idea as it inhibits squatters.

Exceptions include super popular areas that are trying to give all of us a shot at these free camping opportunities, like in Bridger-Teton National Forest in WY, near Grand Teton National Park.  Here you can only boondock for three days.

However, some other exceptions allow you to stay longer than 14 days, like the INYO National Forest in the eastern Sierra Nevada in CA.  You can stay here for up to 42 days!

The lesson is, is to ASK the forest rangers!  Find out what the rules are before you head out, either by calling, googling or stopping by the ranger’s office when you get out there.

In addition, on some BLM land, you can also get a long term visitor permit known as a LTVA for a nominal fee, which allows you to stay for several months.  In many cases, you will have to have your own self-contained, permanently affixed wastewater holding tank with at least a 10 gallon capacity.  So my 5 gallon bucket doesn’t qualify.  But I could use the BLM land at Mule Mountain, Imperial, and La Posa LTVAs.  

Even if you have a National Park or Senior Pass of any kind, you will still need to pay the fee.  The LTVA’s have a few other rules you can find here.

While not free, some states allow you to backcountry camp in their state parks or state lands for a nominal fee as well.  For example Arizona lets you camp at a private hike-in site in the Sonoita Creek State Natural Area (there’s a six person limit and two niught maximum stay).

14 Tips and Recommendations for Safe Boondocking

Now let’s talk a bit more about boondocking etiquette and some other helpful tips:

1. Naturally you want to follow the stated time frame restrictions of a particular place.
2. Pick up a permit or pass, as required.  I think it’s a good idea to let the ranger know where you intend to be and for how long.  Even if its just a verbal mention.
3. Leave No Trace.  You want to disturb the landscape minimally and leave the place, ideally, better than you found it.  This means not building new camp fire rings when one is alrady there.  That also means not “burning” unburnables like metal, glass and plastic.  You may have to clean out an existing campfire ring.  You’ll need to pack out all of your trash, and be nice, and pick up any trash left b y others.  Try to make your catholes spread out.  I like to also poke a stick vertically to tell the next camper.  Do NOT bury your TP – pack it out.  Animals will dig it up.  You may not be able to build a campfire.  Ask and also find out the rules of wood collection. Naturally, make sure the fire is 100% completely out befire leaving the site.  We have all seen the devastation wild fires have caused.  An ember can travel a mile. 
4. Try to choose a campsite that has been previously used so as not to mash the grounds unnecessarily or areas where your vehicle will not hurt the grounds just getting there.  Don’t choose a site where people would naturally walk through.  You don’t want to be driving over anything more than grassy areas if at all possible – note that some places they tell you the opposite, to allow the land to regenerate .  Again, ask the ranger.  Each forest may have different rules.  Check and follow them.
5. Usually you have to camp at least 200’ – sometimes 300’ from a water source.  There may be rules about how far off the road you need to be. Usually this is to prevent contamination of the water, but also because the water is important resource for wildlife and we don’t want to distrub them.  But there are exceptions:  in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, where I rafted the middle forl of the salmon river in Idaho, because they get so little rain, we were told that for there, you actually peed direclty IN the river (and we packed out all, and I do mean all of our solid wste, if you know what I mean).  So it’s super important to ask what the guidelines are for the area you wll be visiting.  We want to keep things pristine for generations to come so all must do our part.
6. Try to figure out how you will deal with the lack of utilities.  Here are some tips:

If you have an RV, flush with your grey water instead of your potable water.  Consider getting a composting toilet.  Don’t dump your grey water on the ground.  Wait until you get back to civilization.  If you bring additional water tanks, don’t forget that you may not have the grey water capacity, so keep that in mind.  You don’t want your system backing up – stinky!!!  Be super stingy with water usage.  You can usually pay a private RV park or campground to dump your waste. 

If you happen to have neighbors, be considerate of the noise if you use a generator.  Please for us non-generator folks sleeping outside in our tents, allow us some quiet hours.  Again, please!

Consider getting or adding a solar panel or two to your rig.  My two panels give me about two days without sun, if I am modest in my usage.  My main concern is to keep my frig running and happy.  It’s a good idea to test your rig at home before you head out to see how long you can go on your battery.  I also bought a portable solar panel for car camping.

7. Don’t forget that in addition to figuring out how you’ll deal without utilities, you need to also plan for your daily needs, like food and water.  There isn’t going to be anywhere to buy anything, so plan on bringing it.

8. If you have a pet, don’t allow it to roam freely in the woods where it can harass the wildlife.  Keep a close eye on Fluffy.

9. While it’s not likely, it’s still best not to temp a potential thief by leaving out anything valuable.  Store such things out of sight and lock them up, if possible.  If you are worried about personal safety, consider a can of wasp spray !  It can shoot 30’ and would no doubt deter a bad guy if sprayed in his eyes.  Or consider pepper spray, which I often carry on a solo hike.  If you are into firearms, be aware of the different state rules, as infringements can be costly or troublesome.

10. If you really like getting far off the grid, consider a satellite phone or Spot service that allows you to reach help even if you don’t have cell service.  They are expensive, but if you are in the boonies a lot, may be worth it.

11. Don’t leave home without your Emergency Kit.  

12. Does your vehicle have basic tools to fix the kinds of things that can go wrong?

13. Make sure you’ve got PLENTY of gas.  My camper heater runs of the engine diesel, but has a shut off so I can’tr drain the tank.  Fill up before you head into the woods.  Consider a small gas can of fuel, just in case, if you have reason to worry.  I keep an empty can in my van in case I get worried about this.

14. Let’s talk about maps.  Yes, phone apps are great, but please please please bring a hard copy map in case you lose your phone, your charge or you drop it in a river.  Some of these forests are vast and you won’t be able to leave breadcrumbs to find your way out.  You can pick one up at the Ranger’s Office, ideally a topograhical one.