USFS Camping Terms

A few terms you may hear referring to camping on public lands:

Improved camping: Maintained campgrounds with several campsites. They are usually easily accessible by passenger car or RV and suitable for base camping. Invariably there is a fee to help maintain the toilets, running water, and other improvements. These campgrounds are more suitable for family camping or base camping where you camp for a few days and pursue a variety of activities in our area. There may be a campground host in summer months. Some of these campgrounds close for winter in autumn so, it bears repeating - - check with THE TRAILHEAD or the ranger district office when planning!

Primitive camping: Established campgrounds with few amenities. Accessible by passenger car during good weather; 4WD required at other times. Usually have metal fire rings with grates; perhaps picnic tables, little else. Like Improved Campgrounds, these campgrounds are more suitable for family camping or base camping where you camp for a few days and pursue a variety of activities in our area. Plan on no trash containers, toilets, or running water. You pack it in, you pack it out (see the Leave No Trace pulldown.)

Dispersed camping: camping anywhere else not prohibited, i.e. undesignated campgrounds, in the backcountry. Generally not accessible by motorized transport. Because a good backcountry campsite for one skilled backpacker is a good campsite for another, these areas are often noticeable. There may be a fire ring (although fires are not encouraged), the grass might be tamped down, or there may be other signs of brief habitation. Pack out what you pack in. See the Wilderness Conduct and the Leave No Trace pulldowns.