Dispersed camping (which is camping outside official, designated campgrounds and primitive sites) seems like the best way to practice social distancing during the Coronavirus outbreak. However, there are still some important things to keep in mind to ensure that you camp safely and responsibly in order to protect yourself, stop the Covid-19 virus from spreading, and to minimize unnecessary strain on the workforce, park personnel and first responders who are outsourced to where they are needed the most.
If you haven’t done dispersed camping before, don’t worry, it’s not difficult to learn. Continue to read here and follow my dispersed camping quick start series and you will be well on your way.
Public Land restrictions During Covid-19 Challenge Dispersed Camping
The most important change to camping that we see right now during the Coronavirus outbreak is public land closures or restrictions. Most campgrounds and Sate Parks are opening again, but some of the busier places remain closed, including official campgrounds on BLM land and National Forests. Recreation areas and public facilities are also closed in many places to limit social interaction and risk of spreading the virus. Most BLM land and National Forest are still open to dispersed camping, but this means you have to know how to find your own spots (The marked dispersed sites are closed).
Land closures change daily so it can be hard to keep up. Check Campendium.com for specific park and land closures when you plan a camping trip and right before you leave.
How Do Public Land Closures Change Dispersed Camping?
The biggest challenge is that more people are now competing for dispersed unofficial sites. The areas with easy accessibility, say right off a good forest road, are now taken by full time RV campers or nomads as well as other campers who can’t access off-road spots.
So the more remote you can go the better. It doesn’t mean you have to have a 4X4 or off-road vehicle, but it definitely helps to have good clearance on your car. It just means you have to plan a little more and look to the less obvious and popular locations for potential spots.
How to Camp Responsibly and Safely During the Covid-19 Outbreak
Here is a list of the most important camping practices to remember during the Coronavirus outbreak. These changes are in place as of now, but this could also change daily, so research any additional restrictions for camping in your chosen area before you go.
Learn about scouting for dispersed sites and how to be self-sufficient (check out my post about this or stay tuned for more in this series about planning dispersed camping trip).
Know and practice the 7 principles of Leave No Trace
Avoid using any public facilities to minimize the risk of spreading the virus (even if they are still open).
Limit out-of-state movement which falls under the CDC recommendation of non-essential traveling. Stay local if possible to minimize the risk of spreading between cities and states.
Make sure you understand the self-quarantine requirements in your State. In NM, anyone leaving NM and reentering are required to self-quarantine for 14 days! (as of July 6 update).
Limit or avoid gas station errands, toilet visits and cash/card exchange. If you have a Jerry can for extra gas, bring it. If not, stay local or avoid stepping inside the gas station (and use hand sanitizer before and after pumping or use a glove).
Avoid group camping until social distancing is no longer a requirement.
Minimize your amount of trash you bring by packing it out from home (repack/reorganize) and pack it in at your campsite (bring it with you). This is something you should be doing already, but to be on the safe side, you should bring your trash bags all the way home with you and dispose of it in your own trash cans. Bins are emptied less frequently now which increases the risk of overflow of trash bins which means littering which is a danger to the wildlife and to campers being visited by wildlife.
Share the space with fellow campers (although maintain distance).
Bring a well stocked first aid kit and know how to use it for remote camping.
Don’t go too remotely or too far from a cell signal in case of an accident, especially if you are new to dispersed camping. Be mindful that first responders and rangers are stationed elsewhere to help with the outbreak, so you don’t want to risk your own health or add unncessary strain on the park personnel.
Public Land Visitor Centers are mostly closed so don’t rely on getting maps from there. Use online resources such as Caltopo.com, FreeRoam App, Gaia App, Public Land App, BLM Carry Maps (download) and the like.
If you don’t know how to find your own dispersed camping spot, call a local ranger and ask for advice. They are more than happy to suggest places for you to visit based on your setup, your car, what you wish to see and do and what your level of experience is.
Before you fall in love with an area, go to Campendium.com to get the latest update on your State’s closures and restrictions. You can also contact the local ranger directly on either https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/covid19-updates or https://www.blm.gov/.
Now Is the Time to Learn How to Plan Dispersed Camping
If you were hoping to go camping this spring, but haven’t done dispersed camping before, now is your chance to learn! It is really not difficult to learn - we did it with no prior experience to camping in the US.
Let me know in the comments below if you would like more help to take the mystery out of dispersed camping planning and get you on the road in no time.
RELATED: Developed vs. Dispersed Camping (what is the difference and what is right for you?)
RELATED: How to Find Dispersed Camping Spots Using Google Maps and Caltopo
Alternative, you can camp out on your backyard - kids love that! Watch the video below for our fun take on a backyard adventure.
Happy and healthy camping!