Free RV Camping: Why Pay? Try US Forest Service Dispersed Camping

Are you getting tired of exorbitant daily camping fees in crowded recreational vehicle campgrounds? You know the feeling of being stuck at a RV park, 20 feet away from your neighbor, with screaming kids and barking dogs. You know you'd like to move, but where? You've paid your money, and now you're stuck. It doesn't have to be that way. You can try a little known method of RV camping called Dispersed Camping. Electricity, toilet facilities, picnic tables and water won't be available. There are trade-offs. Many dispersed campers are quite happy to go without. Free camping, now that is great.

The US Forest Service allows you to camp in designated areas for free or for a minimal charge. These dispersed camping areas require that you have a method of purifying your own water. A fire permit is usually necessary. Check with the Ranger Station for this. You also are not supposed to camp within 100 feet of a natural water source. At a minimum, you are required to dig a hole at least 6 inches deep for human waste disposal. The idea is that you are on your own. You bring your own food and supplies. Not a bad trade-off to being away from the crowds. After all your RV has its own power. You have your own cooking facilities and food storage aboard. You have your own toilet facilities. All you need to do is find your own quiet little camping spot. The U.S. Forest Service encourages you to use our national treasures. So take them up on their offer. Just remember that there is no 24-hour store to run to. Make sure you have all you need before hand.