By:
Submission
Tips and rules on dispersed camping: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sequoia/maps-pubs/?cid=fseprd883625
Dispersed camping is camping outside of a designated campground. It is allowed in many areas of the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument.
There are certain areas where dispersed camping is prohibited and these areas are posted.
Dispersed camping is free but you must have a CAMPFIRE PERMIT. These can be obtained fore free at Readyforwildfire.org. Be aware of fire restrictions, typically enforced by mid-summer, banning open fires outside of designated campgrounds. More on campfire rules here.
The maximum length of time you may camp in dispersed areas is 14 DAYS at a time and 30 DAYS in a year.
Each year the number of people taking advantage of dispersed recreation opportunities has increased, making it more essential that these areas be left clean and undamaged.
The following acts are PROHIBITED on the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument and are subject to a fine:
1. Driving off designated roads inside the Monument.
2. Leaving campfire unattended.
3. Leaving trash buried, stashed or left in campfire ring. Abandoning or leaving personal property. PACK IT IN-PACK IT OUT.
4. Cutting or otherwise damaging trees for use as a lean-to or a horse corral. Do not leave anything tied to trees.
5. Destruction of government property such as signs, posters, gates, etc.
6. Removing forest products without a permit.
7. Discharging any firearm within 150 yards of any building, occupied area, across forest development roads, or body of water
Here are some tips to appropriate dispersed camping: More information on dispersed camping here.
1. Protect standing trees from nails and scars from axes, knives and hatchets. Use only dead and down trees for firewood.
2. Bury human waste at least six inches deep and 200 feet from any waterway or trail. DO NOT bury toilet paper–PACK IT OUT
3. Wash at least 200 feet away from any water source using biodegradable soap.
4. Set up camp more than 200 feet from any waterway or trail.
5. Take a litterbag to carry out all refuse. Do not leave trash in fire rings. Do not bury trash.
6. A campfire permits is required to have a campfire, charcoal barbeque, or camp stove. Use existig fire grates or fire rings. Gather only dead and down firewood. Firewood may not be transported off of the Forest without a permit.
7. Avoid leveling or digging trenches around tents. Place tent on bare ground and not on vegetation.
8. Protect your food from the bears and other animals. Keep your food and anything with a scent stored in an airtight container in your car truck. If your vehicle has no truck, put everything on the floor, cover it well and close the windows. Always, Keep a clean campsite.
9. LEAVE YOUR CAMPSITE BETTER THAN WHEN YOU ARRIVED!
