The onX Offroad Dispersed Camping layer helps you find camping areas along roads and trails within National Forests in states with coverage.
Whether you're planning a weekend ride or a multi-day overland trip, this layer makes it easy to see which roads and trails allow dispersed camping so you can plan your route and find legal, accessible camping options along the way.
The Dispersed Camping Layer currently includes coverage for Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico, with additional states planned for release throughout 2025.
In this Article
How to turn on the Dispersed Camping Layer
Turn on the Dispersed Camping Layer from the Activity menu in the Offroad App or the Layers menu on the right side of your browser in the Web Map.
Dispersed camping is allowed on the highlighted side of the road or trail in question.
Zoom out on your map to see at a glance which National Forests allow dispersed camping.
Bear in mind that conditions on the ground can change rapidly, and consult the managing agency if you're uncertain whether or not dispersed camping is allowed on a given road or trail.
A road or trail highlighted as allowing dispersed camping doesn't imply that the terrain surrounding it is available or feasible for use as a campsite—it simply denotes that dispersed camping is allowed on that particular stretch of road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dispersed camping?
Dispersed camping, also known as "boondocking," is camping on public land outside of designated campgrounds. It offers a more remote and self-sufficient camping experience without amenities like restrooms, trash removal, or water hookups. Always remember to travel responsibly, respect the rights of others, educate yourself, avoid sensitive areas, and do your part by modeling responsible behavior and leaving every area better than you found it. Click here for more responsible recreation tips from our partners at Tread Lightly.
I have the Dispersed Camping Layer turned on, but I don't see trails highlighted.
Uninstall and reinstall the Offroad App—you won't lose any data, but you'll need to re-download your Offline Maps if you had any saved. If you still don't see the highlighted overlay, it's likely not available in your area.
Does a yellow highlight mean that I can camp anywhere on the road or trail in question?
No—the yellow highlight is applied to roads/trails where dispersed camping is legally allowed. It does not, in any way, imply that the area is available (ie. unoccupied) or necessarily suitable as a campsite.