101: Dispersed Camping

Go to guide when planning to go open space or dispersed camping

If you are anything like we are and like a good hearty adventure dispersed or open space camping is for you! If you have never heard of open space camping then you will soon want to try it for yourself. In this blog you will learn what dispersed camping is and how to enjoy properly.

Commonly asked questions: What is open space camping? Is it legal? Can you have a fire?

Open Space camping is also referred to as dispersed camping and it may be done legally in any national forest, national grasslands, and BLM land. Dispersed campers can only stay in a single spot for 14 days in a 30-day period. Generally, campers must move at least three miles from the original campsite before setting up camp again. After two 14-day periods of camping, campers must leave the national forest or grassland (This varies depending on the local regulations refer to their government websites). Fires are generally okay unless there is a fire ban or there are signs specifically stating otherwise and of course you use care when creating a fire. Now let's jump into finding a spot!

"In a cool solitude of tree, where leaves and birds a music spin, mind that was weary is at ease, new rhythms in the soul begin." - William Kean Seymour

Adventure guide:

1.Locating BLM, national forests, and national grasslands

If you are fortunate enough to live in Colorado you know we are surrounded by 11 national forests, 2 national grasslands, and 8.3 million acres of BLM land to go dispersed camping on. That means it gets tricky to finding the right spot within all this land to choose. There are many apps we personally use to help locating good spots such as Dyrt, OnxOffroad, Gaia, and the Recreation.gov for information and ideas. Now warning some of these apps say some spots are dispersed, open space, or free but do your research because they could be state parks and those charge.

Pawnee Buttes March 2021~SCEB Adventure Bros

2. Preparing for dispersed camping

Many of these spots require a vehicle that has high clearance because the roads are not very maintained especially in BLM land. Another thing to take into account is that some of these locations require you to hike in and out. So do your research on the specifics of the areas you want to go. There also 750 species of animals in Colorado to look our for and some of those want you to become their meal so prepare for your safety. In BLM land specifically you may find yourself surrounded by cows, sheep, or horses if the section you are staying in is in use. Also if you come across a gate with no signs of trespassing, ranger use only signs, or locks within these areas its to keep animals in not you out so please shut these after you enter. Another good tip is everyone loves the sounds of running water or having a spot next to a river, creek or lake but camping to close to these water sources could prove dangerous in the occurrences of flashfloods or heavy rain fall so make sure you are either taller than the water or at least 200 feet away from the waters edge.

White River National Forest May 2021~SCEB Adventure Bros

3.Camp responsibly

These public lands are only available so long as we can take care of them make sure you are safe when choosing a fire spot, carry out what you carried in and please enjoy responsibly.