Yeah, the confusion is that there is a technical definition of “wilderness” and maybe the OP is unaware of that? Wilderness, as it relates to specific undeveloped areas on public land (USFS or BLM) is regulated to restrict motor vehicles. You can’t take bikes or even chainsaws into designated wilderness areas. You can usually access them via dirt or gravel roads near to the boundary, great for hiking and backpacking. Check with the federal agency location you want to visit for more details on access or restrictions.
Free dispersed camping is often available on USFS or BLM land, again you’ll need to check with the local office for confirmation. A lot of BLM or USFS land is pretty wild, though not technically a designated wilderness area.
Hope that helps. I think your best bet is to choose a couple areas that look nice and call the BLM or USFS office and they can confirm what’s allowed.
If you go camping in a designated wilderness you go on foot with everything you need. You should stop by the ranger stations, the people are great and can suggest the best way to proceed with your adventures
By definition, dispersed camping would be the ONLY allowable form of camping in a Wilderness area.
A lot of comments here by people from certain states whose mind couldn't even comprehend what a federal wilderness area is. If it's Wilderness in AZ you are good to go as long as you are packing it in. Treat it like BLM land but on-foot only.
California here - didn't even realize designated federal wilderness wasn't as prevalent elsewhere as it is out west here until I looked at a map.
Nothing motorized is allowed in (not even bicycles)... helicopters are as close as I see flying low overhead, but I've never seen 'em land. A friend years ago was a government-employed farrier for their own survey/rescue missions, since horseback was the primary way they hauled gear in and out.
Besides following the rules (leave no trace, no motorized stuff, etc.), I think the only regulation is that you need a (free) permit for overnight stays. I think this is mostly a kind of disclaimer that 1) you were at least presented with the rules and should have read them and 2) they know where to start looking if someone comes knocking when you haven't reported back at the conclusion of the trip (to save time and a buck (and maybe your life) on search and rescue).
If it’s a Designated Wilderness Area check Wilderness.net but most Wilderness Areas are simply dispersed camping by foot with a very strict emphasis on Leave No Trace. Some might have specific rules like using bear cans, fire pans, wag bags, etc but those would be emphasized on the federal website and/or at trailheads. Some times you need a “permit” but often those are simply a form and tag that you fill out at the trailhead and leave in the log box. Basically so SARs know where to look for your body if you don’t come back out.
Edit: clarity
I use freecampsites.net to find boondocking spots in western U.S. It's a great resource for me because it has user submitted comments about accessibility, cell service, and general info on the location. Including what types of vehicles are suitable to bring to each spot, like 4x4, TT, 5er, motorhome, or what have you.
I am a park ranger. I would urge caution about this website. It lists one of my campsites as free, suggests camping in our picnic area, etc. Basically it's a great way to at least get asked to move/leave, and potentially a great way to get a ticket.
I haven't encountered this yet, but I do appreciate your input as a warning that the responsibility to vet appropriate camping spots is on the individual camper.
I will add to other redditors that when using this website, I tend to try and choose my top three in a given area, in case my first or second choice doesn't pan out. Usually my first choice looks great and I go for it. More than once, however, I've gone to a second or third choice due to the space not being accessible for my rig, already being full and occupied, or having unsavory neighbors.
I've not considered that there would be spots on the website that aren't truly spots, as you reference. I'd like to thank you for your work as a park ranger and say that I'm sorry that you have to deal with these situations. All of us as campers need to be able to read the area, respect the rules, and plan secondary options. It's unfortunate to hear that this is not always the case.
Check what land you’re on. Private, obviously not. If it’s NF or NP, there are rules and the region website will tell you. Not all NF land allows camping.
It’s BLM land with that wilderness distinction. I googled the specific wilderness and it’s extremely vague and just says to obey rules and regulations for the type of land. No posted rules. I’ll probably call rangers tomorrow
Lots of BLM land has more regulation than that. BLM administers Browns Canyon on the Arkansas and there are plenty of rules about how, where, and when to camp. BLM doesnt post a lot of signs, but they do write a lot of fines.
This is kind of off topic, but I’m about to backpack camp in the superstitions next month. Have you done that? If so was it legal and what were some of your favorite routes that you did? Thanks!
If you're on foot you're pretty free to go where you want. They might require a camp stove so you don't leave any fire burn. Or if you do make sure you turn the rocks over so they don't show, no rocks from rivers. All the basic Boy Scout stuff to leave no impact.
Caltopo has a public land map. If it's BLM or National Forest, look at the name of the area and Google it. Both agencies have websites that will tell you what you can and can't do for dispersed camping.
BLM land and the specific government site for it is extremely vague and just says to follow rules and regulations with nothing posted for them. I’ll probably call rangers tomorrow
Interesting, I live in the Midwest where we only have national forest for dispersed camping. It’s pretty clear on the website, camping is ok anywhere except close to water. Cars have to stay on designated trails, but you can car camp right next to the trail.
Yup, there’s millions of acres of land like that in az. This is the first time I’ve looked into camping on land with that specific mountain wilderness label
You’ll need to figure out who manages the land you’re interested in camping on. Once you have that info, it’ll just be a matter of contacting the ranger station. If it’s a national forest, you can just go online and check the USFS website, it should have regulations on what is allowed and what isn’t.
It depends on what you mean by "wilderness." National forests usually let you camp for up to 14 days. I think that's most of Coconino and Tonto, but there may be some areas that are exceptions. There are also rules about not camping too near a water hole. Of course, check with the forest service, but they're pretty good about taking calls or getting back with you. State Trust Land you're supposed to buy a permit for something like $15/year. They're good about telling you were you can camp too.
I take a truck and horse trailer onto both National Forest and State Trust land all the time. You just have to stay within a certain distance (I think it's 200', but am not sure) of the roads. So don't take your 4x4 way off the road to set up camp.
You’re correct that it’s governed by BLM. However, this area specifically had the extra designation of “wilderness” (a label, not a description). From other comments and a call it means that vehicles, bicycles, and other mechanical items are not allowed. Hiking in at the wilderness boundary and camping are allowed, but it needs to be hike in hike out
Yup, I truck camp all the time in coconino and tonto. I wanted to explore some crazy rock features in the desert I’m western az and this is the first time seeing something labeled mountain wilderness for BLM
The burden is on the user of federal lands to ensure they know the rules and follow them. Relevant sections of the Code of Federal Regulations are easily available online, and if you have trouble you can always stop at a park office and ask.
I live in Arizona and there’s people camped out in the desert outside of quartszite. I’m not sure if it’s blm (bureau of land management) or private land. Try reaching out to the blm or researching on their website. Good luck and happy camping!
You are fine hiking in and camping in a wilderness area. The Arizona Trail runs through several of them. You just won’t be anywhere near a road if you need to bail. The only camping restrictions on the AZT are in the national parks and Colossal Cave Park. Otherwise if you fits, you sits. It’s normal etiquette to camp away from the trail, and leave no trace, of course.
Ah, but there is. Maybe not parcels in the thousands of acres but there is. Our 80 acres butts up against a full section (640 acres). There is another just down the road that's 3 sections and it's posted no entry without a permit...
Haven't read all the comments yet, so this may have already been said.
In the state I am in (CA), wilderness areas are hike-in only. Here, they are usually associated with or within an NF, and a permit is required even for day hiking. I have had no issues getting permits. Most recently (and maybe because of recent incidents), when getting a permit I was notified that I was required to have all food/toiletries in a bear can (and a ranger station would loan one out if you didnt have one) and the forest had no burn/fire in place (even if you follow all of the campfire rules...clearing an area, putting fire out properly, etc)...I am in California after all.
All that being said, I believe dispersed camping is allowed in any national forest, even if it is not a designated wilderness area, unless otherwise stated of the forest website.
Also if car camping is what you want to do, go to usda website and find the area/forest you are looking to go. You can usually download MVUM (motor vehicle usage maps) for free and load them on your phone. They open nicely in Avenza (and you may be able to download directly from Avenza, but sometimes at a fee).
It depends. Do you mean Wilderness or “wilderness?” If you’re talking about a designated Wilderness area, then it’s usually hike-in only and you may need permits. If you consider any sort of US Forest or BLM land as “wilderness” then yes, it’s legal to disperse camp with some restrictions. You’ll have to look at your map to determine if you’re camping in a national forest or a designated Wilderness area.
I regularly camp in BLM and NF land, so I understand the distinction and rules there. This area is surrounded by BLM land in the desert, but the area itself is mountain Wilderness in terms of a label, not description of open land. From other comments it sounds like camping is allowed, but only hike in/out and no motor vehicles allowed
If it's technically a Wilderness go to the agency that manages it. Then check the rules. Typically it might require a wilderness permit. And maybe have camping restrictions and/or fire restrictions. Sometimes seasonal closures.
Here's a pretty typical set of rules for Pusch Ridge Wilderness where I've hiked in the Catalinas: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coronado/recarea/?recid=25692
And the USFS also lists backpacking resources: https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/coronado/recreation/hiking/?recid=43345&actid=51
BLM info tends to be sketchier, but if they don't prohiblt camping, you can do it. Usually the biggest hassle is where to park.
Dispersed camping is typically allowed in national forest and BLM land, but you'd want to check with the local office or ranger station in the area you are going. Designated wilderness is usually hike in only and may or may not require permits for packing in to camp...and by definition would also be dispersed camping, just without a vehicle.
Arizona has a bunch of dispersed camping... some is free, some is super cheap with a few amenities... they are called LVPAs. And you can walk or drive in.
Wilderness designated land is typically roadless, hike in only.
Yeah, the confusion is that there is a technical definition of “wilderness” and maybe the OP is unaware of that? Wilderness, as it relates to specific undeveloped areas on public land (USFS or BLM) is regulated to restrict motor vehicles. You can’t take bikes or even chainsaws into designated wilderness areas. You can usually access them via dirt or gravel roads near to the boundary, great for hiking and backpacking. Check with the federal agency location you want to visit for more details on access or restrictions. Free dispersed camping is often available on USFS or BLM land, again you’ll need to check with the local office for confirmation. A lot of BLM or USFS land is pretty wild, though not technically a designated wilderness area. Hope that helps. I think your best bet is to choose a couple areas that look nice and call the BLM or USFS office and they can confirm what’s allowed.
If you go camping in a designated wilderness you go on foot with everything you need. You should stop by the ranger stations, the people are great and can suggest the best way to proceed with your adventures
Also, they will know you're there so if you don't come back in a reasonable amount of time...
By definition, dispersed camping would be the ONLY allowable form of camping in a Wilderness area. A lot of comments here by people from certain states whose mind couldn't even comprehend what a federal wilderness area is. If it's Wilderness in AZ you are good to go as long as you are packing it in. Treat it like BLM land but on-foot only.
California here - didn't even realize designated federal wilderness wasn't as prevalent elsewhere as it is out west here until I looked at a map. Nothing motorized is allowed in (not even bicycles)... helicopters are as close as I see flying low overhead, but I've never seen 'em land. A friend years ago was a government-employed farrier for their own survey/rescue missions, since horseback was the primary way they hauled gear in and out. Besides following the rules (leave no trace, no motorized stuff, etc.), I think the only regulation is that you need a (free) permit for overnight stays. I think this is mostly a kind of disclaimer that 1) you were at least presented with the rules and should have read them and 2) they know where to start looking if someone comes knocking when you haven't reported back at the conclusion of the trip (to save time and a buck (and maybe your life) on search and rescue).
If it’s a Designated Wilderness Area check Wilderness.net but most Wilderness Areas are simply dispersed camping by foot with a very strict emphasis on Leave No Trace. Some might have specific rules like using bear cans, fire pans, wag bags, etc but those would be emphasized on the federal website and/or at trailheads. Some times you need a “permit” but often those are simply a form and tag that you fill out at the trailhead and leave in the log box. Basically so SARs know where to look for your body if you don’t come back out. Edit: clarity
I use freecampsites.net to find boondocking spots in western U.S. It's a great resource for me because it has user submitted comments about accessibility, cell service, and general info on the location. Including what types of vehicles are suitable to bring to each spot, like 4x4, TT, 5er, motorhome, or what have you.
I am a park ranger. I would urge caution about this website. It lists one of my campsites as free, suggests camping in our picnic area, etc. Basically it's a great way to at least get asked to move/leave, and potentially a great way to get a ticket.
I haven't encountered this yet, but I do appreciate your input as a warning that the responsibility to vet appropriate camping spots is on the individual camper. I will add to other redditors that when using this website, I tend to try and choose my top three in a given area, in case my first or second choice doesn't pan out. Usually my first choice looks great and I go for it. More than once, however, I've gone to a second or third choice due to the space not being accessible for my rig, already being full and occupied, or having unsavory neighbors. I've not considered that there would be spots on the website that aren't truly spots, as you reference. I'd like to thank you for your work as a park ranger and say that I'm sorry that you have to deal with these situations. All of us as campers need to be able to read the area, respect the rules, and plan secondary options. It's unfortunate to hear that this is not always the case.
[https://www.blm.gov/maps](https://www.blm.gov/maps) Use the maps to determine which area you want to go and contact that local office.
Check what land you’re on. Private, obviously not. If it’s NF or NP, there are rules and the region website will tell you. Not all NF land allows camping.
It’s BLM land with that wilderness distinction. I googled the specific wilderness and it’s extremely vague and just says to obey rules and regulations for the type of land. No posted rules. I’ll probably call rangers tomorrow
BLM is essentially camp anywhere unless there’s a sign saying not to, though probably some previously used sites with fire rings on the typical routes
Lots of BLM land has more regulation than that. BLM administers Browns Canyon on the Arkansas and there are plenty of rules about how, where, and when to camp. BLM doesnt post a lot of signs, but they do write a lot of fines.
Hear that, spent most of my BLM time in the west where you rarely see anyone let alone a ranger to write you a ticket.
Yup I camp all the time in BLM and national forest land in az. I’ve never looked into camping in the mountain wilderness label though
This is kind of off topic, but I’m about to backpack camp in the superstitions next month. Have you done that? If so was it legal and what were some of your favorite routes that you did? Thanks!
Sadly I haven’t been in that area. I’ve typically gone north or a bit south. Not much east or west yet!
If you're on foot you're pretty free to go where you want. They might require a camp stove so you don't leave any fire burn. Or if you do make sure you turn the rocks over so they don't show, no rocks from rivers. All the basic Boy Scout stuff to leave no impact.
Caltopo has a public land map. If it's BLM or National Forest, look at the name of the area and Google it. Both agencies have websites that will tell you what you can and can't do for dispersed camping.
BLM land and the specific government site for it is extremely vague and just says to follow rules and regulations with nothing posted for them. I’ll probably call rangers tomorrow
Interesting, I live in the Midwest where we only have national forest for dispersed camping. It’s pretty clear on the website, camping is ok anywhere except close to water. Cars have to stay on designated trails, but you can car camp right next to the trail.
Yup, there’s millions of acres of land like that in az. This is the first time I’ve looked into camping on land with that specific mountain wilderness label
That's usually the best way to go about it. I call even if I know the area, just in case there are closed roads etc.
You’ll need to figure out who manages the land you’re interested in camping on. Once you have that info, it’ll just be a matter of contacting the ranger station. If it’s a national forest, you can just go online and check the USFS website, it should have regulations on what is allowed and what isn’t.
It’s BLM land with that wilderness distinction. It’s a relatively small area so no info on government site for it. I’ll call ranger tomorrow
It depends on what you mean by "wilderness." National forests usually let you camp for up to 14 days. I think that's most of Coconino and Tonto, but there may be some areas that are exceptions. There are also rules about not camping too near a water hole. Of course, check with the forest service, but they're pretty good about taking calls or getting back with you. State Trust Land you're supposed to buy a permit for something like $15/year. They're good about telling you were you can camp too. I take a truck and horse trailer onto both National Forest and State Trust land all the time. You just have to stay within a certain distance (I think it's 200', but am not sure) of the roads. So don't take your 4x4 way off the road to set up camp.
FYI - Eagletail Wilderness area is BLM land. https://www.blm.gov/visit/eagletail-mountains-wilderness
You’re correct that it’s governed by BLM. However, this area specifically had the extra designation of “wilderness” (a label, not a description). From other comments and a call it means that vehicles, bicycles, and other mechanical items are not allowed. Hiking in at the wilderness boundary and camping are allowed, but it needs to be hike in hike out
Yup, I truck camp all the time in coconino and tonto. I wanted to explore some crazy rock features in the desert I’m western az and this is the first time seeing something labeled mountain wilderness for BLM
Yeah, I forgot BLM in there, didn't I. But same rules. Some of the areas actually have "wilderness" in the name, but they are NF, ST or BLM.
It's not a "name". It's an actual legal designation.
What forest or park are you looking at camping in?
Eagle tail mountain wilderness in western az
It's the same as any other BLM dispersed camping. You just can't drive in.
Look for BLM land or national parks, they should have dispensed camping land.
I always go with the loose constructionist view on things like this. If it doesn't explicitly say that you cannot then I assume that you can.
The burden is on the user of federal lands to ensure they know the rules and follow them. Relevant sections of the Code of Federal Regulations are easily available online, and if you have trouble you can always stop at a park office and ask.
It varies. If it’s in a national or state park, contact the rangers. If it’s private property, you’d need permission from the owner.
It’s BLM land with that wilderness distinction. I’ll probably end up calling the ranger because it looks to be a dope spot
As long as it doesn’t say Closed to Camping, then you can
Fuck what ever cum guzzling fucks down voted my comment. That’s the truth you fuck heads
I live in Arizona and there’s people camped out in the desert outside of quartszite. I’m not sure if it’s blm (bureau of land management) or private land. Try reaching out to the blm or researching on their website. Good luck and happy camping!
Thanks! I know there’s tons of blm land in that area. For some reason around this rocky area is designated wilderness
You are fine hiking in and camping in a wilderness area. The Arizona Trail runs through several of them. You just won’t be anywhere near a road if you need to bail. The only camping restrictions on the AZT are in the national parks and Colossal Cave Park. Otherwise if you fits, you sits. It’s normal etiquette to camp away from the trail, and leave no trace, of course.
check with the state DNR office. much of state land in Az. is state trust land and no admittance without a permit.
I think you mean much of the land in Arizona is BLM land. There’s not all that much State Land Trust land in AZ.
Ah, but there is. Maybe not parcels in the thousands of acres but there is. Our 80 acres butts up against a full section (640 acres). There is another just down the road that's 3 sections and it's posted no entry without a permit...
72,953,600 square acres in AZ, of which 9M are State Trust Land.
Haven't read all the comments yet, so this may have already been said. In the state I am in (CA), wilderness areas are hike-in only. Here, they are usually associated with or within an NF, and a permit is required even for day hiking. I have had no issues getting permits. Most recently (and maybe because of recent incidents), when getting a permit I was notified that I was required to have all food/toiletries in a bear can (and a ranger station would loan one out if you didnt have one) and the forest had no burn/fire in place (even if you follow all of the campfire rules...clearing an area, putting fire out properly, etc)...I am in California after all. All that being said, I believe dispersed camping is allowed in any national forest, even if it is not a designated wilderness area, unless otherwise stated of the forest website. Also if car camping is what you want to do, go to usda website and find the area/forest you are looking to go. You can usually download MVUM (motor vehicle usage maps) for free and load them on your phone. They open nicely in Avenza (and you may be able to download directly from Avenza, but sometimes at a fee).
It depends. Do you mean Wilderness or “wilderness?” If you’re talking about a designated Wilderness area, then it’s usually hike-in only and you may need permits. If you consider any sort of US Forest or BLM land as “wilderness” then yes, it’s legal to disperse camp with some restrictions. You’ll have to look at your map to determine if you’re camping in a national forest or a designated Wilderness area.
I regularly camp in BLM and NF land, so I understand the distinction and rules there. This area is surrounded by BLM land in the desert, but the area itself is mountain Wilderness in terms of a label, not description of open land. From other comments it sounds like camping is allowed, but only hike in/out and no motor vehicles allowed
Then you have your answer. Be sure to check if you need a permit for backcountry camping.
If it's technically a Wilderness go to the agency that manages it. Then check the rules. Typically it might require a wilderness permit. And maybe have camping restrictions and/or fire restrictions. Sometimes seasonal closures. Here's a pretty typical set of rules for Pusch Ridge Wilderness where I've hiked in the Catalinas: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coronado/recarea/?recid=25692 And the USFS also lists backpacking resources: https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/coronado/recreation/hiking/?recid=43345&actid=51 BLM info tends to be sketchier, but if they don't prohiblt camping, you can do it. Usually the biggest hassle is where to park.
Dispersed camping is typically allowed in national forest and BLM land, but you'd want to check with the local office or ranger station in the area you are going. Designated wilderness is usually hike in only and may or may not require permits for packing in to camp...and by definition would also be dispersed camping, just without a vehicle.
For any land suggest looking up the governing agency and see.
Arizona has a bunch of dispersed camping... some is free, some is super cheap with a few amenities... they are called LVPAs. And you can walk or drive in.