Dispersed Camping 101: How to Find Free Campsites Near the Bay Area

It’s a problem familiar to many Californians: You love camping — especially how low-cost it can be — but reservations for the campsites you want are never available. And when you do strike it lucky, rather than feeling you’re “getting away from it all,” you instead find yourself surrounded by crowds of fellow campers in fully-booked campgrounds.

You might have heard of “dispersed camping” as an alternative to reserving a traditional campground site: When campers find a spot, they can drive right up to — usually for free — outside of a developed campground, where there aren’t any facilities or services.

But even if you’re curious and willing to do a little work to find these spots, it can be hard to know where to begin with making dispersed camping work for you. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to getting started near the Bay Area.

Everything you need to know about dispersed camping

When it comes to dispersed camping, “even with 40 million people in the state, you can absolutely find locations where you won’t see a neighbor around you — if you know where to look,” said Ben Easley, founder of Overland Trail Guides.

Easley’s company provides information about traveling “overland” all over the country, he said, with guides that have detailed driving routes to get you into the wilderness.

“Everybody’s heard about safaris in Africa,” he said. “It’s that same kind of vehicle-assisted adventure where the vehicle is the tool to do extensive backcountry exploration.”

Overland Trail Guides offers paid downloadable guides with GPS waypoints and suggestions for remote camping spots across the U.S. But as Easley notes, anyone wanting to get into dispersed camping closer to home can also put their trip together using a wealth of information available online — often for free.

The fact of the matter is this, he said: Dispersed camping may sound intimidating, but if you’re a regular camper, you probably already have most of the skills and gear you need, and it’s easy to get started.

So read on for what you need to know before you go on your first dispersed camping adventure, or jump straight to:

• How to actually find a place to dispersed camp legally
• Recommended spots for dispersed camping near the Bay Area
• What extra camping equipment you might need to bring

What dispersed camping actually is (and why people do it)

Dispersed camping is practically the same as regular camping, but it’s outside of a developed (and typically reservable) campground. In the United States, it means you can camp on most federal land — like U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management lands — for free.

There is a catch: Because you’re camping outside of a campground, there typically aren’t any real facilities nearby — so no bathrooms, sinks, or potable water at all, in many cases. And there may not be cell phone service, either. That means you’re more or less on your own.

Easley grew up exploring Marin County’s vast network of trails, and said his “love of exploring and wondering what’s around the corner never really died.”

But he didn’t really get into dispersed camping until his 40s, when he felt the pull of getting into nature grow even stronger.

“I had a friend that was into off-roading, had a built-out Tacoma, and I was, like, ‘Wait, so you mean rather than going on foot or my mountain bike, I could easily reach all these awesome places that I’ve seen photos of that I read about that I wanted to go to?’”

Since the COVID-19 pandemic in particular, Easley said he’s seen an explosion in popularity of dispersed camping, with more and more people attracted by the lack of reservations amid an often hyper-competitive booking environment online and the fact that these sites are very often free. (That popularity doesn’t mean dispersed sites are all filled up all the time, though — more on that below.)

And like other dispersed campers, he too is drawn to it for the quieter, more rugged experience it can offer.

“There’s still some amazing campgrounds out there, don’t get me wrong,” he said. “But I think once you get turned on to dispersed camping, you can make better educated decisions on where to camp that are gonna meet your criteria.”

Here’s another catch about dispersed camping: If you live in San Francisco or the greater Bay Area, “you’re probably gonna have to do a little bit of driving,” Easley said.

That’s because the Forest Service or BLM land where dispersed camping is typically allowed tends to be in more remote areas.

So if you like the idea of being more remote, don’t mind a more rustic site (and bringing your own water) and are prepared to do a little research to find a potentially free campsite, dispersed camping could be for you.

As for how to actually try it …

How to find a place to dispersed camp

First, decide (roughly) on the region you want to visit:

If you’re not sure where you want to go, start exploring online to zone in on an area of federal land you could visit.

A big thing you’re looking for: Which agency manages the land you’d like to dispersed camp on, whether that’s the Forest Service or BLM.

From online forums to YouTube channels to guidebooks, there are tons of resources out there on the wealth of federal land here in Northern California, and all it has to offer.

You could try:

• Backcountry discussion forums like on Reddit, OverlandBound and various other social media groups (a tip: If you aren’t finding anything specific enough on these forums, try joining hiking or camping groups for the region you’re hoping to go to and pose your questions directly there.)
• YouTube channels like Dispersed Camper Man, Dirt Lifestyle, and Independence Overland, which discuss all the gear, planning and adventuring of overlanding
• Guidebooks like Overlanding 101 or Camp for Free — these are often freely available at your local library.

You’ll find there are lots of people online willing to share their wisdom about dispersed camping: both on how to find sites and what to do from there. Just remember to make sure the dispersed sites you’re looking at aren’t backpacking camping spots way out in the wilderness that you can’t drive up to.

Once you’ve decided where you want to go generally, there are tools and apps — some free, some paid — you can use to find out what’s public, private and who owns what and where specifically you might find legal places to camp.

Paid apps to find dispersed camping sites:

Remember, you can always try out more than one of the apps with their free trials before committing. Premium apps like this can be especially helpful for discovering new places to camp or getting into the nitty-gritty for backcountry travel.

• OnX: This one is paid (typically $100 a year for full membership, but often goes on sale) and allows navigation with overlays that show public and private land — plus offline maps, road conditions information and other layers for fire and avalanche information.
• Gaia GPS: This app is most useful if you’re looking for detailed and comprehensive maps with information like topography, fire history and avalanche terrain. A premium subscription is $90 per year.
• Trails Offroad: Mostly useful for road reports, this app is $40 per year.
• The Dyrt: Also a good resource for finding ideas for dispersed camping, The Dyrt is $60 per year.
• Overland Trail Guides: This is Easley’s site, which offers curated routes and downloadable map files to go with them for $65 per year.

Free apps to find dispersed campsites:

• CalTopo: Its 3D mapping and recent satellite imagery are a draw to this app, as is its offline feature to help you find dispersed sites. You can also build limited routes in its free version, but the more you pay, the more offline features and layers you get.
• Avenza Maps: A repository of downloadable maps, most of them free — although Reddit users warn many of their free features may be going away soon.
• iOverlander: Free and crowdsourced information on free campsites, including reviews and information about cell service and other tips from people who have been to the site.
• Freecampsites.net: Similar to iOverlander, this is a free repository of user-submitted campsites with a 5-star rating system.
• U.S. Public Lands App: OK, this one’s not actually free — but it is only $4, with tons of information about public lands and who is in charge of what, in one place.

Remember: you don’t need these apps, paid or otherwise, to actually do your dispersed camping. In fact, many people get into dispersed camping in the first place out of pure curiosity, simply by driving down a dirt road near their neighborhood or on vacation and finding an empty space to camp.

The main key is to figure out the land manager for where you want to go — at which point you can go to their website to find all the information you need.

For dispersed camping on Forest Service land:

You’ll find general information on dispersed camping on U.S. Forest Service land in Northern California online here.

From there, you can look up the local district office and a Motor Vehicle Use Map that shows the road systems available to get you where you’re going. Check the website for the forest you’re visiting for information on closures, fire restrictions and information on camping.

For dispersed camping on BLM land:

The BLM California homepage has a wealth of information, where you can find regional pages that have detailed maps, safety information and local regulations and closures.

And if you get confused or simply want advice, your best bet is to give the district office of either the Forest Service or BLM a call, Easley said.

“You’d be amazed how much information you can simply get by just picking up a phone,” he said. “And sometimes the people that you talk to will tell you their secret spots to go check out as well.”

Can I just use ChatGPT or other AI to find dispersed camping?

Easley cautioned against taking information only directly from AI tools without double-checking it, as there are many different regulations across different forests, and they can have unique rules.

“It’s so easy to just punch something in there, but they hallucinate,” he said. “Always go to the source.”

Do I need to pay or get a permit to dispersed camp?

Dispersed camping is almost always free. There are some exceptions, though: With the post-COVID spike in national park visitation, some parks that used to allow dispersed camping anywhere no longer do — and now have designated dispersed spots to concentrate campers in one area and leave the rest of the wilderness alone.

Others require permits to enter the wilderness at all. Even so, these permits and fees are typically low, around $10.

And everyone who is planning to camp and use a stove, make a campfire or use other cooking equipment needs to have an up-to-date California campfire permit, which is free and available online.

That’s why it’s so important to do your research ahead of time — checking the regional websites or calling the local ranger station — so you know all the regulations in effect and what to expect, Easley said.

Just don’t overstay your welcome on a longer trip: Two weeks is the usual limit for staying in a dispersed campsite.

How can I be sure my dispersed campsite is legal — and safe?

Before you head out, make a phone call to the local land manager, pop onto their website and double-check your app, guidebook or map with public lands layers to make sure the spot you’ve chosen is actually on public land. But in Easley’s experience, “if somebody has private property, they’re absolutely going to let you know.”

“If you encounter a gate that’s locked and says ‘private property,’ don’t go through it,” he said.

It can sometimes get confusing, Easley said: For example, the road itself will be public while the land around it is private. That’s why it’s good practice to have a backup option or two (also, in case someone is already in your spot — more on that later).

But in general, look for signs and don’t assume you’re on federal land just because it’s remote. “Just because you’re on a dirt road does not mean you can just pull over anywhere and set up camp,” he said. “If you’re unsure, I would just say don’t go through.”

When you arrive at what you believe to be a dispersed camping spot, look for signs someone has used that site before, such as a fire ring or pit, flattened ground and tire tracks.

Be extra cautious if dispersed camping alone. You may be a confident, experienced camper when staying in developed campgrounds, but remote dispersed camping carries a few more risks, Easley said.

“I think if you’re going solo, the risk-taking decision needs to be a lot more risk-averse,” he said. “You don’t want to put yourself in a situation where you’re getting stuck.”

People go out into the wilderness to do all sorts of weird stuff, he said, but Easley’s rule of thumb is this: “If you feel uncomfortable and absolutely if you’re feeling safe, you should get up and move.” Listen to your gut.

What to bring dispersed camping

If you’re used to camping at a developed campsite, dispersed camping is not so different.

Bring all the usual things — a shelter, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and enough food for however long you’re spending in the wilderness.

But because of the lack of services, there are some extras you’ll need to remember:

Water

Dispersed campsites won’t have a spigot, so you need to be prepared. Either bring all the water you’ll need (plus some extra just in case) or plan to camp next to a water source that you can filter. Double-check that any water source you’re relying on isn’t seasonal or contaminated in any way.

Firewood

Be sure to check if you’re allowed to build a campfire in the first place. Then, check if you’re allowed to collect firewood at your site, or if there are any regulations around bringing wood into the area. Because of disease-spreading beetles, many wilderness areas prohibit you from bringing your own firewood. If you’re allowed to collect wood onsite, only collect dead wood that’s on the ground.

Tools to put your fire out

This includes enough water to smother the fire and a shovel to stir it until it’s fully out. Unlike at a developed campsite, there won’t be a camp host or ranger around to make sure all fires are fully out, so it’s on you.

Extra food 

Because you might be truly out on your own, Easley said he always brings extra nonperishable food, “whether that’s chili in a can, beans in a can, stuff that isn’t gonna go bad in five days,” he said. “And I kind of have a surplus of that stuff that I just carry with me, and it always stays in my food bins.”

Emergency devices

You might be dispersed camping in a place with zero cellphone signal. Many iPhones have satellite messaging now, but if yours doesn’t (because it’s older than the iPhone 14) or if you’re worried about being completely out of cell service and alone, consider bringing a satellite messaging device.

A trash receptacle

There won’t be anywhere to dump your waste while you’re dispersed camping, so don’t forget to bring something to put your trash in. In some wilderness areas, that might also include your human waste. Make sure you know local regulations ahead of time and, if required by the land manager, come prepared with W.A.G. bags: Waste Alleviation and Gelling bags, which are smell-proof ziplocks that you poop in in highly impacted wilderness areas (and which rangers will often provide if you ask).

The right vehicle

Most dispersed campsites are located off paved roads, so be sure to look up road conditions ahead of time and bring a car that can handle a few bumps and potholes. Be aware that if it’s rained recently, roads might be muddy or impassable. Have a plan B or C if your spot isn’t reachable, and always be prepared to turn around if it gets too dicey.

Food storage 

In some forests, your vehicle might be enough to keep food away from animals. In other places, you might have to bring specific bear-safe food storage. Be sure to check beforehand.

In general, remember to Leave No Trace. That means:

• Planning ahead
• Camping where others have before to minimize disturbance
• Packing out your trash and burying your waste, if allowed, at least 200 feet away from water
• Not collecting anything from nature that you shouldn’t
• Putting out your fire fully and safely
• Respecting wildlife
• And respecting other people

And because you might be really out there when dispersed camping, don’t forget to tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to be back, Easley said.

What to do if you arrive at a dispersed campsite but other people are already there

First-timers should know: There is an important etiquette to dispersed camping, Easley said, and “it’s easy to break if you’re not familiar with it.”

If you’re arriving at your chosen campsite and someone is already there, slow down and pull over on the side of the road. Don’t pull into the campsite itself.

“Leave some room,” he said. “You want to be friendly, you want to wave.”

Easley advised that you get out of your car, approach the campers and talk if you’d like, he said — to try to find out if there’s another spot nearby you can camp at.

“When there’s other room around you, the expectation is that you should respect that somebody got to that site before you,” he said, “and you should try to find somewhere else.”

That’s why it’s always good to have a few backup campsite options if your first choice is already taken. Once all the sites are full at more popular destinations or during peak visitor times, then sharing of sites may start to happen, Easley said.

And if you ever feel uncomfortable or unwelcome, again: listen to your gut. “If you pick up on signals that you’re not welcome there, I would just leave,” Easley said.

Finally … embrace the dispersed camping adventure

Being prepared and cautious enough to dispersed camp beyond the likes of famous national parks or developed campgrounds is well worth the effort, Easley insists. With so much land and so many options, you can truly personalize your camping experience — whether you want to be next to a river, have excellent views or be as far away from other people as possible.

“It’s not that Yosemite and Sequoia National Park aren’t awesome,” he said.

“There’s still some amazing campgrounds out there, don’t get me wrong. But I think once you get turned on to dispersed camping, you can make better-educated decisions on where to camp that are gonna meet your criteria.”

Areas with dispersed camping within a few hours’ drive of the Bay Area

While it’s not technically dispersed camping, for first-timers, Easley especially recommends Jackson Demonstration State Forest in Mendocino County.

Managed by CalFire, all these first-come, first-served campsites are spread apart and have outhouses — although not potable water — so it’s a great transition option for people curious about dispersed camping who’ve been nervous to take the leap until now, he said.

Or, try these federal lands within a few hours of the Bay Area:

• Mendocino National Forest
• Knoxville Management Area
• Tahoe National Forest
• Plumas National Forest
• Eldorado National Forest
• Stanislaus National Forest 
• Los Padres National Forest
• Sierra National Forest

KQED’s Sarah Mohamad contributed reporting to this guide.