Overnight hiking |

wildatheart
New Member

Posts: 2

Overnight hiking Oct 8, 2015 4:52:10 GMT -5 via mobile

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Post by wildatheart on Oct 8, 2015 4:52:10 GMT -5

I'm new to backpacking. In fact working on trek number 1... My question is how do you know where you can go overnight? Is it a matter of just finding a good place for your vehicle and then hike in? Obviously there are park regulations, and state parks close at dark usually. Obviously not looking to get hooked up for trespassing. But besides the Appalachian trail, I'm not finding any documented answers. I'm in Laurel, MD, Northeast of DC so I'm not trying to go to far just getting started.

Thanks

paulboi Full Member Posts: 40	Overnight hiking Oct 8, 2015 7:00:57 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by paulboi on Oct 8, 2015 7:00:57 GMT -5 try GW national forest or a bit longer drive Dolly Sods,Spruce Knob in WVA,the hiking guides are a great resource,and Hiking Upward.see ya on the trail

ki0eh
Forum Elder

Posts: 196

Overnight hiking Oct 8, 2015 7:32:38 GMT -5

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Post by ki0eh on Oct 8, 2015 7:32:38 GMT -5

Welcome to the woods!

I believe what the original poster is asking about is "stealth camping". If one searches on that term you see many opinions. To many if not most hiker backpackers, the term is not only low impact unnoticeable campsites (often in hammocks), but also means or strongly implies at illegal locations.

There are not many places close to the Eastern cities where dispersed camping (i.e. not in pay-to-stay sites with picnic tables and fire rings arranged chock-a-block style) is legal. It does not help that the mid-Atlantic woods are broken up into numerous jurisdictions.

Road-based dispersed camping is perhaps nearest legal in National Forests (such as the George Washington-Jefferson National Forest). Since it's possible to get to the forum directly, I'll take the chance to point out what might already be obvious - the resources on this forum's parent webpage: www.midatlantichikes.com/

If you park and walk or paddle into the woods, Pennsylvania's State Forests allow dispersed camping, without permits but with a one-night limit per location. www.pacode.com/secure/data/017/chapter21/s21.61.html The nearest one of these to Laurel, MD would be Michaux State Forest, a venue well covered on midatlantichikes and in these forums.

I do not know what the specific chapter-and-verse rules are for Maryland's State Forests and Parks are with respect to dispersed camping.

vdeal
Forum Elder

Posts: 616

Overnight hiking Oct 8, 2015 8:16:47 GMT -5

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Post by vdeal on Oct 8, 2015 8:16:47 GMT -5

ki0eh,

I'm going to strongly disagree with your assertion that stealth camping strongly implies illegality. I've been familiar with the term for at least a decade and while it can imply camping illegally for the most part the term is used to imply camping in an area or in a way that means that you aren't seen or heard by others. Now, we could go around on this so I'll leave it at that.

You also stated that "Road-based dispersed camping is perhaps nearest legal in National Forests". I'm going to call a foul on that sentence. With minor exceptions dispersed camping is allowed anywhere in National Forests. From the USDA's website on dispersed camping:

Dispersed Camping Guidelines
What is Dispersed Camping?
Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no services; such as trash removal, and little or no facilities; such as tables and fire pits, are provided. Some popular dispersed camping areas may have toilets.
There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It is your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers.
Rules for Dispersed Camping
Groups of over 75 people who wish to use the forest, need to obtain a special use permit. There is no fee and permits can be obtained at the nearest District Office.
You need to be self-contained. No amenities are provided; such as water, restrooms or trash cans.
You may camp in a dispersed area for up to 16 days. After 16 days, you must move at least 5 road miles for camping in another dispersed area. Campers may not return to the same campsite within the calendar year.
Please place your campsite at least 100 feet from any stream or other water source.
Keep a Pack-In Pack-Out camp. Follow Leave No Trace guidelines.
Contact the local Forest Service office to see if any restrictions, especially fire restrictions are in place.
Be Bear Aware. There are bears on the National Forest, so camp accordingly.
Where Can I Disperse Camp?
The best way to find out what areas are open to dispersed camping is to contact the nearest Forest Service office to the area you wish to visit. Typically, dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. Many people drive out on Forest Service roads into the woods and find a clearing or a spot near a stream or with a view of the mountains. Do not drive on meadows to access your camping site. Drive on existing roads to prevent resource damage. Dispersed camping is allowed in a one-mile perimeter away from campgrounds and 100 feet from any stream. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway.

State and National Parks usually have strict guidelines and State Forests can vary. In Maryland for example the Garrett State Forest allows Backpack camping. Their website states:

Backpack camping is also permitted throughout the forest. Backpackers must register at one of the five self-registration areas on the forest by filling out an envelope, enclosing the appropriate payment ($10/night) and including itinerary with names of all campers. Campers can also obtain a permit by mail. Campfires are permitted except during drought conditions. Leave No Trace guidelines apply to backpack camping as well. Camping is NOT allowed within 200 feet of any trail or stream.

To the OP, you really have to do your research. Use this website and the homepages of the various forests and parks to gather info.

"Wild country has the power to remind civilized people that out there is a different world, older and greater and deeper by far than ours, a world which surrounds and sustains the little world of men." - Edward Abbey

vdeal Forum Elder Posts: 616	Overnight hiking Oct 8, 2015 8:18:49 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by vdeal on Oct 8, 2015 8:18:49 GMT -5 I just saw the question associated with the poll and it does appears that the OP may be asking about camping illegally on state park land so I'll give that to you ki0eh.
	"Wild country has the power to remind civilized people that out there is a different world, older and greater and deeper by far than ours, a world which surrounds and sustains the little world of men." - Edward Abbey

ki0eh Forum Elder Posts: 196	Overnight hiking Oct 8, 2015 10:33:21 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by ki0eh on Oct 8, 2015 10:33:21 GMT -5 I'm not seeing a disagreement, perhaps a misinterpretation. The nearest legal dispersed camping location to Laurel, MD likely is the GWJNF, or Michaux SF if not road camping. Not that I'm aware of everywhere, though.

wildatheart
New Member

Posts: 2

Overnight hiking Oct 8, 2015 11:18:24 GMT -5 via mobile

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Post by wildatheart on Oct 8, 2015 11:18:24 GMT -5

Thanks everyone. Ki0eh thank you specially for your answer.

Look my question arose out of this thought "Most of these trails on theseveral websites are on state park lands, so how are all these people finding places to disperse/stealth hike? They must either know something I don't know (special permits) or risk a trepassing." I didn't think the latter wise so I could only ask.

It is just frustrating that all these lands that are preserved are not available for true enjoyment. I believe God made creation for us and we are to live and seek adventure in him and in His creation as much as possible. I like to do that in the woods, and I have respect for the law, so I'm just trying to accomplish both and in a budget/time friendly manner.

I will be doing further research but getting out for small "test runs" ASAP. Gents do yourself a favor and read Bush Craft 101 by Dave Canterbury for your backpacking.

Please read the book "Wild At Heart" by John Eldredge, if you want to truly live. If I knew you I would buy it for you all.

Thanks for responding. Go out and find your adventure.

Overnight hiking

Post by wildatheart on Oct 8, 2015 4:52:10 GMT -5

Post by paulboi on Oct 8, 2015 7:00:57 GMT -5

Post by ki0eh on Oct 8, 2015 7:32:38 GMT -5

Post by vdeal on Oct 8, 2015 8:16:47 GMT -5

Post by vdeal on Oct 8, 2015 8:18:49 GMT -5

Post by ki0eh on Oct 8, 2015 10:33:21 GMT -5

Post by wildatheart on Oct 8, 2015 11:18:24 GMT -5