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In Washington, Oregon, California, and Arizona I have gotten into trouble for not having the right passes. They vary by state, area, and the time of year.

The first time in an area, I'll play dumb, and ask the ranger if I can purchase one from him. Sometimes you can, sometimes not. If you can problem solved. If you can't, but get directions on where you can go immediately to purchase one, so far I have avoided ever getting a ticket.

Sometimes it can be very confusing about which pass/permit you need, especially if you don't know exactly where you're going to be ahead of time. The lengths of the passes/permits can vary wildly too, sometimes all that might be available is a 3 day pass, other times, you may be able to get an annual pass.

I have several lifetime passes as well, but it's a guessing game where they're valid and where they're not. It might also depend on the particular ranger you run into. Where my national pass was accepted once, the next time a state pass might be required.

As near as I can tell, all this free camping only applies if you're somewhere where the rangers never find you. I have stayed many places and never seen a ranger, but it seems like any time I do, some sort of a pass/permit is required.
 
I've spent thousands of nights dispersed camping in National Forests and I can count on one hand the times a pass or permit was required.

Now in State Parks, I guess it's a different story. I wouldn't know, I've never spent a night in a State Park to find out. Never had a need or desire to do so.
Bob
 
State Forests (in PA and NY) are run differently than the SP's. DIspersed camping is allowed and free in SF, no sticker or pass required.

I would check SF before SP to see what is available.

-Wayne
 
The only times I stay at a NATIONAL PARK/CAMPGROUND it's 5 dollars with the pass. NATIONAL FOREST LAND have never had an issue. Most have dispersed land just outside the entrance.
 
Just a little tid bit, If for example you wanted to camp in the Sequoia National Forest dispersed area you would still be paying the State park fee ($20.00) as you can not get to the SF without passing through the SP. Kind of a gotcha ya unless you had a season pass that allowed entrance to the SP.
 
State Parks & State Forests are two totally different things with different rules.
National Parks & National Forests are two totally different things with different rules.

Learn the difference and learn what is needed to stay on both. Not that difficult. You are reading this post on the internet, then you apparently know how to use the internet. A simple phrase in the search engine (Ixquick, Google, or whatever you use) with turn up the website. You are looking for the Official website.

Some places, like Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) allow camping WITH A PERMIT (low cost or free) at certain times of the year. They are usually closed for camping during hunting season (when the hunters use them).

It's real easy to do a search (replace XX with the two letter abbreviation for the state you are interested in):
XX State Park
XX State Forest


National Park: www.nps.gov
National Forest: www.fs.fed.us/recreation/map/state_list.shtml
 
thanks compassrose It seems to me that some are getting their designations all confused.. BLM, FS, NP, SP, SF. highdesertranger
 
MikeRuth said:
Just a little tid bit, If for example you wanted to camp in the Sequoia National Forest dispersed area you would still be paying the State park fee ($20.00) as you can not get to the SF without passing through the SP. Kind of a gotcha ya unless you had a season pass that allowed entrance to the SP.

There are plenty of ways into Sequoia National Forest without paying anything. There may be a few parts that the only way to drive to is through the National Park, but not most of it. (I know there are private residences that the only road to is through the NP.) I'm not aware of any state parks or forests in the area.
 
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