The Two Worlds of Camping

When most people think of camping, they picture a developed campground: numbered sites, fire rings, pit toilets, and maybe a camp host. But there's a whole other world of camping out there — dispersed camping on public lands — that offers more solitude, more flexibility, and often more stunning scenery. Understanding both options (and how to pick a great site in either context) will transform your camping experience.

Developed (Car) Camping: What to Expect

Developed campgrounds are managed by agencies like the National Park Service, Forest Service, or state parks. They offer:

  • Designated sites with fire rings and picnic tables
  • Parking for vehicles directly at or near the site
  • Restrooms (vault toilets or flush toilets)
  • Sometimes: running water, electrical hookups, dump stations
  • Reservation systems (book early for popular sites)

Developed camping is perfect for families, beginners, and anyone who wants a base camp with amenities. The trade-off is cost (typically $15–$40/night) and proximity to other campers.

Dispersed Camping: Freedom on Public Lands

Dispersed camping means camping outside of designated campgrounds, typically on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or National Forest land. It's usually free and allows you to set up camp in places that feel truly remote. Rules vary by location, but general guidelines include:

  • Camp at least 200 feet (about 70 adult paces) from water sources, trails, and roads
  • Use existing fire rings if present; follow any fire restrictions
  • Pack out all trash — leave no trace
  • Stay limits typically apply (often 14 days in one spot)
  • No permanent structures or ditching around tents

Check the specific land management agency's website for rules before heading out. BLM's website and the app Campendium are great resources for finding dispersed camping areas.

How to Evaluate Any Campsite

Whether you're in a developed campground or searching for a dispersed spot in the wilderness, look for these qualities:

1. Level Ground

Even a slight slope turns into an uncomfortable night's sleep. Look for naturally flat areas. Sleep with your head uphill if you can't find perfectly level ground.

2. Natural Windbreaks

Trees, boulders, or terrain features that block prevailing winds make camp dramatically more comfortable — especially when cooking or staying warm at night.

3. Drainage

Avoid low-lying areas, dry creek beds, and depressions. A "perfect" flat spot in a bowl can collect rainwater fast. Look for sites with slight natural drainage away from your tent.

4. Widow Makers

Look up. Dead branches or leaning trees ("widow makers") directly above your tent pose a real hazard, especially in wind. Choose a site clear of overhead hazards.

5. Distance from Water

Camp 200 feet from lakes and streams to protect riparian ecosystems and reduce wildlife encounters. Being near water sounds romantic until a bear shows up for its nightly drink.

Leave No Trace Basics

No matter where you camp, leave the site better than you found it. Pack out all garbage, scatter any fire ashes after they're fully cold, and avoid creating new fire rings or clearing vegetation. The goal is that the next camper — or a wild animal — can't tell you were ever there.

Final Thought

The best campsite is the one that fits your trip's goals. Sometimes that's a developed site with a clean bathroom and a fire ring. Sometimes it's a remote dispersed spot with a view of nothing but stars. Know your options, do a little research, and you'll sleep well wherever you land.