Last Updated on July 28, 2021 by Nikole

Intro to Free Camping

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are ‘affiliate links’. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Check out our disclaimer for more info.

First of all, what is Free Camping? The official term is dispersed camping. It means there aren’t any luxuries such as toilets, showers, electric, or water hookups. It’s just you out in the middle of the wilderness with nothing but your pack and the trail ahead of you.

Anyone’s first time free camping can be daunting, especially if you haven’t done your research first. I’ve been camping a few times in a hammock and a tent. My first time free camping was in Uwharrie National Forest, and here is what My husband, Clark, and I learned.

Where in the U.S. can You Free Camp?

Most national forests will allow non-permit, free camping. This means you will not need to acquire a permit to camp anywhere in the forest.

Some national parks allow free camping as well, but you WILL need to purchase a permit in most cases. In order to make sure free camping is available always call the area you are wanting to visit.

There are also campgrounds that will have you reserve a parking spot and then you hike out to free camp.

Free Camping Gear that’s Forgotten About

Other than your typical food, water, shelter, and clothes here are some things that will make your free camping experience less frustrating.

Female Urination Device

Okay, my adventurous ladies, you know what I’m talking about when I say peeing in the woods can be pretty rough. Also, men have it good when it comes to this. That’s why I use a urination cup. It makes using the bathroom ten times easier and you can Whip it out anywhere. The reason I am bringing this up is that I literally peed all over my leg on my first camping trip, and it was nasty…..so yeah, you are welcome!

Sleeping Pads/Pillows

If you want to get anywhere while free camping, a good night’s sleep is a MUST. Two sleeping pads stacked seemed to do the trick for both of us.

We both have wise owl pillows, which is a great brand and I love it. I’m used to sleeping with two pillows, so sleeping was unbearable. I ended up stacking my clothes and using my pillow, which seemed to work okay.

Also, a little tip, don’t blow up the sleeping pads all the way, if there is a little give it’s more comfortable.

The Right Sleeping bag

There is hot and cold weather sleeping bags. We slept in 40-degree weather and I had a zero-degree sleeping bag. Needless to say, I was hot with it zipped all the way up and cold when I had it unzipped. So bring along the appropriate temperature sleeping bag.

Water Filtration

We use the life straw water bottle and Sawyer water filters to filter water from streams. I would do some extensive research on this, however, as it can be extremely dangerous to drink unfiltered water.

Where Can You find Free Camping on the Trail?

You can free camp in any designated area (As I went over above) with some acceptations. Pay attention to signs that may be posted where camping is prohibited. More of these regulations can be checked on at the USDA website or check the website of the place you are purchasing a permit from or renting a site from.

Packing Your Bag for Free Camping

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to adjust and readjust my pack because things just weren’t feeling comfortable. Check out the diagram below to see how to properly store things in your bag.

The idea is to have easy access to things you will need throughout the day, so you would put those on the top.

In the middle, you should have your heaviest items. The heaviest items should also be as close to your back as possible (try padding it with some clothes so it doesn’t poke your back).

The items that take up the most space will go on the very bottom.

You may have noticed that the outside of your pack has some tie-down areas. You can use that for your tent (bottom area) and sleeping pads (top area).

Hammock or Tent Camping?

I am a true believer in hammock camping, mainly because of the comfort. I’ve never had a bad night’s sleep in a hammock. it’s also easier to find two trees for a hammock than it is to find level ground for a tent.

Tent camping, to me, is perfect for the winter. I personally just can’t get into sleeping on the ground, it is extremely uncomfortable. My husband, however, prefers laying on the ground to hammocking.

try out both to see what you like, everyone prefers something different.

How to Spot a Perfect Free Camping Campsite

Some National Forests will restrict you from creating a new camp area, so try and find an already made camp. We all want to do our part in leaving the forests as untouched as possible while still enjoying them.

Look out for a cleared area with a fire ring, that usually indicates it’s a designated free camp area.

Notice the trees around you if you are deep in the woods. Make sure there aren’t any dead trees hanging over your tent, you may not make it until morning. You never know when a tree is going to fall.

Rules and Regulations for Free Camping

We had no idea that we had to be at least 200 feet away from trails, roadways, and bodies of water. The area we set up our camp for the first time was maybe 25 feet away from a stream. Oops!

Fire bans are common all around the states. Make sure there are no fire bans in the area you are camping in. We actually got this regulation right the first time, because a message was sent to our phones through a weather app.

Visit the USDA website before planning your Camping trip to find out rules and regulations for that specific national forest. Check out the website for the Deschutes National forest just as an example.

Check the Weather Before Free Camping

Always be aware of the weather especially if you are camping near a river that could flood. Always be prepared for rain or storms. If you are in a hammock bring a rainfly, if you are in a tent bring a tarp. Even if your weather app says it’s going to be a clear night, there is always a possibility of rain.

We were caught in a rainstorm our first night when it wasn’t supposed to rain. Thankfully we were prepared and brought the tarp for the tent. We were nice and dry through the night.

Always Expect the Unexpected

Like the weather, nature can be harsh at times. You may twist your ankle on a rock, get bitten by a snake, or get lost. Always pack a first aid kit, and make sure you have a backup plan.

It’s always good to do some research before you go out into the wilderness, especially when you are alone. Rei offers some good classes to help you with various outdoor activities.

I’m not saying that every Youtuber knows what they are saying when it comes to camping and hiking, but that is a good way to do some research. Make sure the person you are following advice from has actually been camping (yes there are a ton of frauds out there).

After you have done some research as we did, you will feel more comfortable and more confident in overcoming obstacles on the trail.