Farhatch home

Stage 03 · Last mile · Off the pavement

Settling in

Free sites on public land, the rules that apply, and a camp set off the side of the car.

10 pages3 groups

A blue-grey dome tent pitched on pine needles in an open ponderosa forest.
A tent in Kaibab National Forest, Arizona. Photo: Alex Moliski / Pexels

Where to stop

  1. T1 · GuideDispersed camping basicsWhat it is, and how to find a spot.Guide
  2. T2 · GuideBLM public land campingField offices, stay limits, and maps.Guide
  3. T3 · GuideNational forest campingRanger districts and road maps.Guide
  4. T5 · DecisionCampground or dispersed siteServices against space and quiet.Decision
  5. T6 · GuideNational park car campingReservations and park rules.Guide

Set up camp

  1. P4 · CompareCamp tables and chairsTables and chairs that pack flat.Compare
  2. X1 · GuideCar camping awningsShade off the side of the car.Guide

Water

  1. W1 · CompareWater jugs with a spigotJugs you can pour from.Compare
  2. W2 · Compare5-gallon water jugsA five-gallon jug and how to carry it.Compare
  3. W3 · ToolHow much water to bringPeople and days in; volume when the table is published.Tool

Next stage

After dark the car is still the base: a bed that is ready, light you can find, and a warm enough pad.

Go to Overnight