Dispersed camping, or camping outside of established campgrounds, is a popular choice for van lifers seeking overnight parking. It offers freedom, solitude, and unique ways to connect with nature, making it a perfect fit for the van life lifestyle. If you’re still on the fence about dispersed camping, here are twelve reasons why you should give it a try.
Graced with a rainbow while posting up in dispersed camping while road tripping in a van to Moab, UT. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Pros
Privacy and Seclusion – Enjoy quiet, uncrowded campsites for a peaceful retreat.
Cost Savings – Most dispersed camping areas are free, helping you save on campground fees.
Stunning Natural Views – Often located in scenic, untouched areas with breathtaking landscapes.
Flexibility and Freedom – No need to reserve a site; you can camp in any designated area.
Adventure and Skill-Building – Develop self-sufficiency and outdoor skills by going off-grid.
Cons
No Amenities – Dispersed sites lack toilets, water, and other facilities, requiring more self-reliance.
Waste Management – You’re responsible for packing out all waste, including human waste.
Safety Risks – Remote locations mean limited access to help in case of emergencies.
Rough Terrain – Some sites require a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle to access.
Limited Connectivity – Many dispersed sites have poor or no cell reception, limiting connectivity.
1) Unparalleled Privacy
Dispersed camping offers a level of solitude and seclusion that’s nearly impossible to achieve in designated campgrounds. In traditional campgrounds, you're often surrounded by other campers, and the bustle can take away from the peaceful experience of being in nature. By choosing dispersed camping, you can escape the crowd, settle into a quiet spot, and connect deeply with the environment around you. This privacy also lets you enjoy activities like outdoor cooking, stargazing, or unwinding without interruptions, creating a truly personal experience.
2) Cost-Effective
Dispersed camping is typically free or requires a minimal permit fee, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers. Many paid campgrounds have nightly fees that can add up quickly, especially over a long trip. By opting for dispersed camping, you free up funds that can go toward travel essentials like food, fuel, or gear. This cost-effectiveness allows van lifers to extend their journeys and explore more places without worrying as much about the financial toll of nightly campsite fees.
Some quick math for you all:
If you spend $35 a night on a campsite, the average cost across the US in 2024, each night of the month, that is $1,050 a month. In other words, you could rent a bedroom for the rate. So, do yourself a favor and find dispersed camping to save yourself money!
RELATED READ: VAN LIFE ON A BUDGET: TIPS AND TRICKS FOR TRAVELING CHEAPLY
3) Freedom to Explore
Dispersed camping frees you from the restrictions of designated campgrounds, opening up a world of unique and less-traveled locations. You can choose campsites that suit your preferences, like a mountaintop with sunrise views, a secluded forest spot, or a riverside perch. This flexibility allows you to find off-the-beaten-path areas that feel like hidden gems, making each stay a new experience. Whether you crave scenic landscapes or intimate wooded retreats, dispersed camping lets you tailor your journey and explore nature on your own terms.
Taking some downtime to read while camping on BLM along Highway 395. Photo by Dalton Johnson
4) Closer Connection to Nature
Without the structures and amenities of traditional campsites, dispersed camping puts you in close contact with nature. You’ll wake up to natural sights and sounds, from chirping birds to rustling leaves, without the distractions of RV hookups, busy restrooms, or campground lights. This immersion can lead to a greater appreciation for the environment and a chance to unplug from everyday routines, giving you a rejuvenating experience. Many dispersed camping areas are in ecologically rich areas, offering incredible wildlife viewing and natural beauty right outside your door.
This makes for great photography and outdoor adventures, like rock climbing, but without facilities you need to make sure your van is self-sustaining. Meaning, you need to have a toilet of some kind, a place to hold trash, a gray water tank, a fresh water tank, and a power source. Heat is also nice during winter van life.
5) Scenic Views at No Extra Cost
Dispersed camping often provides spectacular views without the added fees associated with scenic campgrounds. Whether you’re parked along a lake, high up on a mountain ridge, or nestled in a quiet forest, you’ll have access to stunning landscapes. The quiet solitude means you can enjoy these views in peace, free from the crowds typically found at designated campsites. You’ll wake up to unparalleled sunrises, sip your coffee with a view, and watch breathtaking sunsets—all in a place that feels like your own private paradise.
6) Flexible Length of Stay
Dispersed camping often allows for longer stays, typically up to 14 days, especially on public lands like Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and National Forest lands. This flexibility means you can take your time exploring a region, allowing you to fully relax without the pressure of moving every day or two. Staying longer in one place also reduces the travel-related costs of fuel and minimizes your environmental impact by cutting down on driving.
7) Adventure and Exploration
Dispersed camping often involves exploring unmarked roads, following forest trails, and discovering less-traveled areas. These journeys not only reveal hidden natural treasures, like hot springs, but also heighten the sense of adventure and discovery, adding thrill to your trip. The roads may be bumpy, and the locations might be harder to reach, but that’s part of the joy. Every dispersed camping trip can lead to new and memorable discoveries.
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8) Minimalist Living Experience
Dispersed camping takes the simplicity of van life a step further, offering a minimalist experience without the usual campground amenities. This setup encourages you to embrace your van’s self-sufficiency and experience what it's like to live with only the essentials. It’s a refreshing break from modern conveniences, helping you gain a new perspective on the luxuries you may not really need while deepening your appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.
9) Environmentally Friendly Camping
Dispersed camping supports a low-impact lifestyle by encouraging Leave No Trace principles. By carrying out all trash, minimizing resource use, and respecting the land, dispersed campers play an active role in protecting these natural spaces. This sustainable approach ensures that future generations can also enjoy these areas, fostering a sense of responsibility toward the environment.
Feeling a bit goofy while camping on dispersed lands in Alabama Hills of California. Photo by Dalton Johnson
10) Self-Sufficiency and Skill Building
Dispersed camping enhances your survival and self-reliance skills, from finding safe, level spots to managing water, food storage, and power without hookups. Each trip builds your confidence and helps you learn valuable skills that apply to remote travel. As you adapt to self-sufficient van life, you’ll gain insights into making life off-grid not only feasible but comfortable, giving you more freedom to explore.
11) Better Star Gazing Opportunities
With dispersed camping locations away from city lights, you’ll enjoy some of the best stargazing experiences imaginable. These areas provide unobstructed views of the night sky, making constellations, planets, and the Milky Way vividly visible. This kind of stargazing adds to the magic of dispersed camping, giving you quiet nights under an expansive sky and making each evening unforgettable.
Related Read: Stargazing for Beginners
12) Sense of Accomplishment
Dispersed camping requires a degree of self-sufficiency and adaptability. From navigating to remote areas to managing your setup and ensuring you’re prepared for various conditions, dispersed camping fosters a sense of achievement. Each night spent comfortably in a remote location is a testament to your ability to live independently on the road, making every journey a rewarding accomplishment.
The Milky Way over the van while parked on dispersed camping in California. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Dispersed camping offers van lifers the freedom, adventure, and connection to nature that few other camping options can. From spectacular scenery to self-reliant living, it’s a choice that aligns with the spirit of van life—exploring without boundaries. So the next time you’re looking for a place to park, consider going off the grid and experiencing the joy of dispersed camping.
