Boondocking Basics: How to Camp on Public Land

One of the best parts about having a Four Wheel Camper is the ability to camp in remote regions, far from maintained campgrounds and RV parks. Our campers are built for those magical, off-the-grid adventures where you must rely on your own equipment & expertise.

Many times, these adventures include camping on public lands, such as national forests, national recreation areas, or BLM land. 

The term ‘boondocking’ is also referred to as ‘dispersed camping,’ which is a term given to camping on public lands outside of designated campsites. Boondocking campsites have no facilities such as water hookups, electricity, bathrooms, showers, fire rings, or picnic tables. This means that one must be fully self-sufficient when camping on these lands and, most importantly, follow leave-no-trace principles to help protect the surrounding environment. 

Where Can You Camp on Public Land for Free?

National Forests & Grasslands – Most national forests allow dispersed camping outside of designated campgrounds, typically at least 200 feet from water sources and away from developed areas. You can use the forest service website to find a forest or grassland to explore.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land – Much of the land in the western U.S. is BLM-managed, allowing free camping for up to 14 days in most areas. This is perfect for overlanders and off-road enthusiasts. Check out the BLM’s camping page to learn more about camping on BLM-managed public lands.

Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) – These are public lands managed primarily for habitat conservation and hunting access. Some WMAs allow free camping, though rules vary by state, so always check with the local wildlife or natural resources department before heading out.

State Trust Lands & Some County Lands – Publicly owned but managed different from federal lands. These lands are held in trust to generate revenue – often through leases for grazing, mining, or recreation to benefit public institutions like schools. Certain states permit dispersed camping on trust lands with minimal regulations.

Camping vs. Boondocking 

Traditional camping often takes place in designated campgrounds with facilities like restrooms, picnic tables, fire rings, and sometimes even electricity and water hookups. These sites provide convenience and accessibility, making them a great choice for families, beginner campers, or those who prefer a bit of comfort while out on their adventure. 

Boondocking is a bit more adventurous. It’s all about off-grid camping with no hookups, no designated sites, and often no nearby facilities. Typically done on public lands such as BLM or National Forest areas, boondocking requires self-sufficiency—bringing your own water, power, and waste disposal solutions. It offers more solitude and freedom than traditional camping, making it a favorite for those who own a Four Wheel Camper. 

What You Need for Boondocking?

When boondocking, you must be completely self-sufficient. The comforts of camping in an established campground are no longer available. Here are a few things to be prepared for: 

1. Power sources: There will be no electrical hookups when camping on the public lands. Just you, your truck camper, and the surrounding wilderness. Lucky for you, Four Wheel Campers come with a wide range of power solutions, including prewiring for power, 135Ah Lithium Battery, 750 Watt Power Inverter, and optional solar attachments. Test your power sources before your adventure begins to know exactly how long you can camp off-grid on your current power supply. If you plan to work remotely, gadgets like Starlink will require heavier power output and may require additional planning for power sources. 
2. Water: Similar to electricity, there will be no water hookups when camping on public lands. It is incredibly important to ensure you have enough water when boondocking, especially in the desert. Ensure your water tank within your pop up camper is completely full, and have backup water solutions if needed. 
3. Additional camping tools: When camping on public lands, more camping tools are needed than on a regular camping trip.
   1. Chainsaw: A small, handheld chainsaw is highly recommended to help harvest wood or clear downed trees when needed. 
   2. Shovel: A small, compact shovel will have many uses when boondocking. They can be used for everything from digging bathroom waste holes to helping you or another vehicle that may be stuck. 
   3. Air Compressor: A small tool that can make a big difference when camping on public lands. If you plan to adventure on 4×4 roads with your truck camper, your tires may need to be deflated and inflated depending on the varying terrain, making an air compressor an essential boondocking tool. 
   4. Traction mats: These can easily be stored using exterior gear tracks on your Four Wheel Camper and are a must-have boondocking tool. No one ever plans to get stuck, but it happens, and traction mats can be the difference between a very expensive tow and a funny camping story. 
4. Garmin inReach: Many times, camping on public lands means little-to-no access to cell phone service. An emergency GPS beacon is highly recommended for this reason. It is one of those gadgets that hopefully you will never have to use, but it could be the difference between life and death if something ever happens while camping in remote, desolate locations. 

Public Land Rules & Leave No Trace Principles 

In order to keep boondocking accessible for generations to come, we must follow & abide by local rules and regulations. Here are some of the most important: 

1. Local Regulations – It is imperative to research local regulations for each specific camping area. For example, different national forests have varying rules on where to camp, length of stay, fire restrictions, and more. 
2. Fire Restrictions – Check wilderness & county fire restrictions, especially during dry seasons. If fire restrictions are in place, you may not be able to have a fire outside of established fire rings in camping areas, or perhaps not at all. 
3. Stay Within Time Limits – Most BLM and National Forest lands allow camping for up to 14 days in a 28-day period before you must move at least 25 miles. Some camping areas allow stays up to 16 days. Ensure you know your stay limits before you arrive. 
4. Pack Out Trash & Waste – You will not find dumpsters, trash cans, or waste disposal when boondocking. Come prepared to manage your waste and transport it out with you when you leave. Remember, leave no trace! 
5. Don’t Disturb Untouched Wilderness – Only camp in designated or previously used areas and avoid creating new campsites that will disturb untouched vegetation. When collecting firewood, only use wood from dead or downed trees, and never cut down healthy, living trees for firewood. 

We have an entire piece dedicated to the important rules of camping on public lands, which we encourage you to read before your boondocking adventure. 

Leave No Trace Principles 

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare: Research your destination, understand the rules of camping on public land, and be prepared for weather and emergencies.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stick to established trails and campsites to minimize environmental impact.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter. Use designated restroom facilities or follow proper guidelines for human waste disposal.
4. Leave What You Find: Preserve the past by leaving rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them.
5. Minimize Campfire Impact: Use a camp stove for cooking and keep campfires small. Only use established fire rings and ensure your fire is completely out before leaving.
6. Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance and avoid disturbing their natural behaviors.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Maintain quiet, respect other campers’ space, and follow campground rules.

For those who love off-grid adventures, boondocking is one of life’s great experiences—free, remote, and deeply disconnected in all the right ways. Four Wheel Campers are purpose-built for this exact kind of travel, offering fully self-sufficient systems that can carry you deep into the vast, far-reaching campsites of the wilderness. And with that freedom comes a quiet responsibility. Every time we venture into wild spaces, we’re not just exploring – we’re participating in a legacy of public land access. By treading lightly, following local guidelines, and leaving each spot better than we found it, we help ensure these places remain healthy and wild for generations of overlanders to come.

Ready to start building your boondocking camper? Explore our Four Wheel Campers here.

Read all the rules for camping on public land here.