What Does Dispersed Camping Mean?

Last Updated on April 15, 2023 by Jessica Lauren Vine

There are so many different terms that come up, and you might be asking, “What does dispersed camping mean?”

You’ve heard of other types of camping, but dispersed camping is a new one for you. I get that because my first time seeing dispersed camping was when I was in Cottonwood, Arizona.

Visiting downtown Cottonwood, Arizona. Not too far from the dispersed camping spot.

There were a bunch of RVs spread out in random places, and I didn’t know what they were doing until I learned that it was a dispersed camping spot outside of the RV park in which we stayed.

Table of Contents

What Dispersed Camping Means

Dispersed camping means you’re camping in a spot that doesn’t have any service. No trash pickup is on the way, you can’t request a fire pit, and you don’t have anything provided to you. You just get to stay there with your RV without getting run off.

Dispersed camping doesn’t mean other people won’t be there. There might be over people hanging out there and enjoying the beauty of nature.

Keep in mind that people can’t just live there. You do have to move your RV after some time, or the authorities will come and make you leave.

What I’ve seen in the various spots was that you can stay in these places for up to 14-16 days before you have to move your RV to another place. And from what I saw, it seems like there were people staying there that took advantage of those long stays.

Dispersed Camping Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between dispersed camping and boondocking?

Dispersed camping and boondocking are the same things. Some people do use them as different terms, but those people are mistaken.

Can you dispersed camp in California?

Yes. There is some public land that allows you to dispersed camp in California.

Can I have a campfire while dispersed camping?

Yes. You can have a campfire while dispersed camping, but always make sure to be careful.

What Does Dispersed Camping Mean? – Conclusion

Now you know the answer to “What does dispersed camping mean?” You might not have even known there were free camping options, but these can be some of the collect spots available.

If you go dispersed camping, check back and let us know where you went.

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Jessica Lauren Vine

Head RV Idiot at RV Idiots

Jessica Lauren Vine first hit the road for full-time RV life when she was 5 years old. She and her parents traveled in multiple RVs for around 7 years before they took up permanent residence.

When Jessica was older and had a family, she took her crew on the road for 2.5 years. They lived in 2 different RVs during that time. One 18 foot long and one 28 foot long. Both pull-behind RVs.

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