Dispersed Camping Rules.docx

AG-4419-S-10-0564

Phase 2 TRACS Surveys on Various Forests

USFS (R9)

(CIM-0900-8T-473-0900-04)

National Forest System lands – Dispersed Camping http://www.fs.fed.us/

Huron-Manistee National Forest Dispersed Camping (for example along most trails outside developed recreation areas) Camping is allowed anywhere on National Forest land unless otherwise posted. A permit is not required to camp on National Forest land unless otherwise posted.

Camping in dispersed areas:

Prohibitions:

· Camping within two hundred (200) feet of any body of water, except at designated sites.

· Camping in an area which is posted closed and/or no camping.

· Camping within 450 feet of developed recreation areas.

· Camping within 150 feet of trails and roads.

Being publicly nude.

· Storing, mooring, or leaving a boat or raft over 24 hours.

Parking

· Parking in violation of posted instructions.

Special Areas Pere Marquette, Pine River, Au Sable and Manistee Rivers -

· Camping is allowed at designated campsites only.

Campfire Safety

· DO NOT leave fires unattended.

· Use the provided fire ring at designated campsites and within developed campgrounds -

· If using charcoal briquettes, soak them in water until they are cold to the touch before disposing of them.

· When camping in areas that do NOT have fire rings provided -

· Build fires away from branches and clear flammable vegetation, such as leaves and grass, away from the fire area.

· Have a supply of water on hand for extinguishing the fire.

· Completely extinguish fires before leaving. Fires should be cold to the touch all the way through. Pour water. Stir. Pour more water.

· Check to see if ashes are cool to touch. If the ashes are not cool to the touch, repeat the above until they are.

Allegheny National Forest Dispersed Camping Camping is permitted almost anywhere in the Allegheny National Forest. Camping restrictions are as follows:

· Camps may not be set up on the shores and within 1500 feet inland of the timberline around the Allegheny Reservoir, or the shore of Tionesta Lake, except in a developed campground area designated for such use.

· No camping is permitted within Jakes Rocks and Rimrock Overlooks, and in Old State Road Recreation Area (which has been closed);

· within 1500 feet either side of the center line of the Allegheny Reservoir Scenic Drive (includes Longhouse National Scenic Byway and portions of State Routes 59, 346 and 321) and the main access roads into Jakes Rocks and Rimrock Overlooks.

· Camping is also prohibited in Hearts Content Scenic Area and Tionesta Research Natural Area, along Loleta Grade between Loleta Recreation Area and Forest Road 592 from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and in the Duhring area near Spring Creek.

· Camping is not permitted within 1500 feet of either side of the main channel of Kinzua Creek from Red Bridge upstream to Mead Run.

Dispersed camps

· must be at least 200 feet from any stream,

· and you cannot camp in excess of 14 days at any site or

· relocate within 1500 feet of the site just occupied.

Hoosier National Forest

PRIMITIVE CAMPING

Primitive camping is allowed on NF land away from developed campgrounds, and anywhere your camping equipment and/or vehicle do not block developed trails or road rights-of-way. Camping is also NOT allowed within 100 yards of Grubb Ridge Trail Head and Blackwell Pond, or at the Hickory Ridge Fire Tower site. Bring enough drinking water for the duration of your stay. Leave a clean campsite by packing out all refuse. There is no charge for primitive camping, although a 14-day limitation is in effect. In the Deam Wilderness, group size is limited to 10 people. In other parts of the Forest, groups larger than 75 people require a permit. It is not necessary to check in with the Forest Service. Practice the Leave no Trace ethic

BACKPACKING

Backpacking or cross country hiking is permitted anywhere on National Forest (NF) lands. Take extra precautions during hunting seasons by wearing bright orange clothing. It is a good idea to carry a compass. Forest streams do not meet safety standards for drinking water. Take your water with you or treat it before drinking. Also, NF ownership is scattered with privately-owned lands interspersed. Respect the rights of these owners by staying on public lands.

BICYCLES/HORSES

Horses and non-motorized bicycles are permitted on most trails in the Hoosier NF. Please refer to specific trail information to ensure these uses are allowed. Mountain bikers and horse riders age 17 and older are required to have a permit and stay on trails designated for their use. Trail permits are available from our offices and several local stores. For more information on trail permits or to order a permit see the web page on Trail Permits. Wheeled or motorized vehicles are not allowed in the Deam Wilderness (wheelchairs for people with disabilities are an exception). In all other areas, use caution since horses and bicycles share the trails with hikers. To learn more about the trails on Hoosier National Forest, see the Trail Chart.

OFF-ROAD VEHICLES (ORVS)

ORVs are not permitted on trails in the Hoosier NF. Licensed ORVS and 4-wheel drive vehicles are confined to existing roads open to public use. All vehicles must therefore be properly licensed and drivers must abide by State laws.

CAMPFIRES

Small, open fires are permitted except during extremely high fire danger. No special permits are required. Please use extreme caution with campfires and make sure they are dead out before vacating the campsite. Use only dead and down materiel for firewood. Cutting or defacing live trees or shrubs is prohibited. Campfires are not allowed within rock shelters.

WAYNE NATIONAL FOREST

Dispersed Camping

Primitive Camping is allowed on NF land away from developed campgrounds and anywhere that your camping equipment and/or vehicle do not block developed trails or road right-of-ways.

· Plan to bring enough drinking water for the duration of your stay.

· Leave a clean campsite by packing out all refuse.

· There is no charge for primitive camping, although a 14 day limitation is in effect.

· It is not normally necessary to check in with the Forest Service. However, groups larger than 25 people require a permit and prior coordination is required.