How to claim a campsite

[BobBski]

If I leave a spot on BLM land to go restock etc., I have no expectation of returning to the exact spot. If it's still available when I come back, great; if not I'll just find another. If it's too crowded to find another, I'd have never been camped there to begin with.

 

[DLTooley]

that sign will not work out west.  you cannot post a "No Trespassing" on public land.  anybody who is following the law can walk though and do any lawful activity on your campsite.  highdesertranger

It is definitely rude to walk into someone's camp without announcing yourself and at least implicitly request entry.  I find it threatening.  We should work on that one.  My setup is not secure, or stealthy, and my biggest concern is how far to lock it down before hiking.  The only problem I've had is a Swiss Army Knife getting stolen off my tailgate kitchen.  Most likely kids, whom I did see.

 

[DLTooley]

Big problem with this on Lake Havasu. Boating/campers will scout out a location the night before, set up a "Reserved Beach" sign and leave to return a few days later. Check with the LEOs there...there have been ugly incidents over this same concept. The "official answer" is a campsite is "occupied" when a tent and such is set up and has to be people there within 24 hours BUT "Occupation is 90% of the law". 

Is your world so small that you need to "reserve" a PUBLIC space just for you? There is a difference between camping and homesteading...........

That's definitely a problem, but the solution is likely worse than the problem itself.  Hunters do this as well, weeks in advance of hunting season, in order to 'claim' hunting grounds in limited access areas.  The fourteen day rule, at least when I researched it in Forest Service Law several years ago, has an exception for those making a living off the land.  Not sure if hunting would qualify, especially for an unoccupied camp.  A district specific gathering/foraging permit likely would.

The fourteen day rule also goes to the question of enforcement, they have to know you are not there and that can be a stretch unless they regularly visit, which they don't, save in problem areas.  Still, it is a good rule.

 

[highdesertranger]

I agree Douglas, even though it's legal to walk through a camp it's not the smartest thing to do. it is not only extremely rude to walk into someone's campsite but can be dangerous. some people view their camp like their house. I always stand back and ask for permission to enter. the exception to this is if you are at a gathering. highdesertranger

 

[Almost There]

  the exception to this is if you are at a gathering.  highdesertranger

Actually, it's still rather rude at a gathering IMO and could be somewhat dangerous if they've got a protective dog tied up outside.

It's no different than a campsite anywhere else except that most of us were parked closer than normal for us. Not near as close as in most RV parks but still closer!

We ended up having to string rope around the back of the our campsite area. People kept walking through the wash behind us and coming right between the two vehicles (they were only 15' apart). There was plenty of other places that were actually better for crossing the wash, one was only the length of my van away!!

If you're arriving to see someone, then holler at the 20 to 30' distance..."Hey, anyone home"! If no one answers, or says 'NOPE, no one home', then you have your answer....

 

[GotSmart]

Being at a gathering means that you have a better chance of not being run off.  Give people and rigs space... You would not want someone walking around your house and peeking in your windows. 

Approach from the road or open side, and, as Almost There said, call out to let the other camper know someone is there.  Knocking is usually not a good idea. 

HDR seems to run a more open camp, but then he has a four legged door bell with teeth.  

 

[highdesertranger]

while I agree you shouldn't do it at a gathering, it's almost impossible to stop. a roped of area for sure means keep out. it all boils down to respect for someone's privacy. highdesertranger

 

[OutdoorFT]

This wasnt boondocking, but at a campground with permanent campers. People, we would be familiar with, would come and go through our campsite. While they were friends, it just seemed rude to come through unannounced/uninvited. One reason I stopped going...as well as the obnoxious partying, even with a quiet time restrictions.

Maybe its just me. I like the isolation.

 

[highdesertranger]

I like isolation too. but for 2 weeks out of 52 I can handle it. in fact I kinda enjoy meeting up with everybody. highdesertranger

 

[Gunny]

It seems to me that it is just common sense. If someone has set up their camp, while they don't own the land they are entitled to a bit of privacy. Sitting outside having a cup of coffee before going in for the night and someone just decides to walk, unannounced, thru my space will get called on it. Not threateningly but asked to find another route.

I find it hard to believe this is even a discussion. Adults should know better. Passing thru someones area late at night could be dangerous or at the least humiliating when you are cursed at and told to "Git".

Rob

 

[rvpopeye]

A spool of razorwire.

Just kidding but the doorbell with teeth sounds like a good , workable method.

 

[Every Road Leads Home]

Here's how I set up my camp.  No one ever takes my site when I leave it for the day......or month and no one ever says hi to me when i'm there for some some reason.  Go figure.

 

[rvpopeye]

Oh My GOSHK !
Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh don't make any noise , just RUN !!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ZoNiE]

I had three people come to our camp one evening last year due to our firepit. It was a no burn day, but propane firepits were ok. They would whine, "Is that gas?" "Where did you get that? (Let me get a closer look so I can steal it later) nevertheless, we locked it up after it cooled down. We never ever felt the need to do that before.

It is amazing how jilted people get when they think you are getting away with something they cannot...

 

[jimindenver]

Just leave a note saying you will be right back. That you need more ammo and the last guy ran faster than you thought he would.

 

[GotSmart]

Here's how I set up my camp.  No one ever takes my site when I leave it for the day......or month and no one ever says hi to me when i'm there for some some reason.  Go figure.

My brothers kids would move right in.   :s

 

[DannyB1954]

If I believe something it is common sense. People who drive faster or slower than me are idiots. My Dad called me Sun, so the world must revolve around me.

People are basically lazy. Most all of us, and we have no problem inconveniencing others. When people are camped bumper to bumper do you really expect others to walk a half mile out of their way so that you can horde an area? If you camp anywhere in between here and there, expect people will want to take the most direct route. You being there first is irrelevant. You do not control public land, no matter when you got there.

Keep your expectations low and you won't be disappointed as often. As more people adopt the mobile lifestyle for whatever reason, Having an area to yourself will become harder.

 

[DrJean]

How about a stand-up cardboard porta let with paper hanging out it's "door"?

 

[AmieW]

I'm new here, but I tend to speak my mind, so just ignore me if you don't like what I have to say.

I, too, think that someone thinking they have a right to reserve public land is sort of arrogant. I'd also be ticked off if there were no marked spaces and someone wanted to run me off because I was too close to them. I'm not going to drive around for hours looking for a spot or even worse, not have a spot at all, so you can lord over your little piece of earth.

But then, I'm a loner, so even if I'm forced to park 5 feet from you, you will likely hardly see or hear me, and I sure wouldn't be knocking on your door unless your vehicle was on fire.

I love space as much as the next person, but I'm not going to tell a fellow taxpayer he can't have a piece of something he's paying for.