HOW TO FIND AMAZING CAMPSITES: Campgrounds vs Dispersed Camping (free camping!)

HOW TO FIND AMAZING CAMPSITES: Campgrounds vs Dispersed Camping (free camping!)

Today I’m sharing exactly how I find the amazing campsites you see in my other camping vlogs! I get asked all the time where I’m car camping and how I find free camping without lots of other people. This video gives you all the details! Check the description below for more info and related camping tips. Subscribe to my channel here (it’s free!): http://bit.ly/2kI28gq

Related Resources:
https://amandaoutside.com/blog/campgrounds-vs-dispersed-camping
https://www.fs.fed.us/ivm/index.html
https://www.blm.gov/visit

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► OTHER VIDEOS YOU MIGHT LIKE:
◦ Car Camping Basic Gear You Need: https://youtu.be/3myF6HvAOA8
◦ How I Stay Organized While Camping: https://youtu.be/B0t_YObYMa8
◦ Car Camping Kitchen Essentials: https://youtu.be/zFYLO0klOmk
◦ Camping Food Ideas: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbx8XuE8XsFVyu7iyGq79wtwzKAynp4Da
◦ 7 Brilliant Car Camping Hacks: https://youtu.be/4WIcKkMhgv0

► MY CAMERA EQUIPMENT:
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Editing: Final Cut Pro

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THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WATCHING!

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Amanda Outside: Sharing camping and hiking tips and food ideas so you can get outside more… and eat great food while you’re at it!

48 Comments

  1. Jeremy Loera on July 1, 2021 at 2:27 am

    Hello!! Great video ! Can you please recommend some camp sites on SoCal ??

  2. Betheny Slater on July 1, 2021 at 2:28 am

    Thank you for the information! I am new to camping and need to find myself again.

  3. Ramon Acosta on July 1, 2021 at 2:29 am

    Great information, thank you sharing your knowledge.

  4. john checketts on July 1, 2021 at 2:31 am

    Morning Amanda love all your videos whot part of the country is it ware you are from it looks like a lovely place to camp take care and stay safe xx

  5. Sykez Adventures on July 1, 2021 at 2:32 am

    Thanks for all your tips!

  6. Julian Settle on July 1, 2021 at 2:33 am

    Amanda love your videos they are so informing! You do such a good job explaining things. The meal plans are very good. Thanks keep up the good work! God Bless!

  7. Ron Alvey on July 1, 2021 at 2:34 am

    A little light on the “how to find” part…..

  8. cg2020ify on July 1, 2021 at 2:36 am

    Great review of each! Waste removal is really key. If you are the type of person who wants to get rid of your trash in a dumpster before you leave, instead of packing it out with you, then a campground would be for you. Some dispersed camping (in the desert, for example) even encourages or requires that you even pack out your own human waste – I think you’ve touched on this in some of your backpacking videos. Regardless of where you’re camping…make sure you leave it better than you found it so we can all enjoy it! 🙂

  9. Richard Saner on July 1, 2021 at 2:37 am

    Peanut butter cookies and chocolate with coconut and marshmallows Hope you give it a try

  10. Matthew Caron on July 1, 2021 at 2:38 am

    There is a form of camping in most states across America that you dont habe to pay for but you have a list of guidelines to a cheat to. In the area I’m at currently in Vermont it is called primitive camping.

  11. R. M. on July 1, 2021 at 2:38 am

    Stop coming here with your RVs and loud generators parking right on top of other people trying to actually camp. That actually want to hear the birds, not your generator, want to see the wildlife, not have them be scared by your generator to not even come in the area. And at least don’t use a cheap poorly constructed contractor grade generators designed for loud construction sites. Disgusting. You are universally hated everywhere you go and it’s only a matter of time until someone confronts you perhaps violently.

  12. Rob - K8BCR on July 1, 2021 at 2:38 am

    Great tips on dispersed camping 👍 more often than not, I have bad experiences at campgrounds.

  13. Unpaved Explorer on July 1, 2021 at 2:41 am

    Hello Amanda, great information. Take Care and Keep Exploring The Outdoors.

  14. Michael Vowell on July 1, 2021 at 2:42 am

    My wife is inspired after watching your videos. Her only question is safety being alone without me. Any tips?

  15. Brian Hansen on July 1, 2021 at 2:43 am

    Thanks for yet another great information video. Keep em coming 🤗

  16. Betty Jo Rodgers on July 1, 2021 at 2:43 am

    Great information. Thank you so much. Blessings

  17. Nenne Effe on July 1, 2021 at 2:43 am

    Thanks for answering my question!

  18. David Savage on July 1, 2021 at 2:47 am

    Your channel is one of my favorites! Lot’s of beautiful scenery and loads of useful information! Keep up the great work!

  19. Lil Boy Butters on July 1, 2021 at 2:49 am

    I disagree with you on not being able to camp anywhere in the national forest. It’s the opposite, you’re able to camp anywhere in the national park. I have been doing so for years. Camping in a non campsites is so much better anyways, plus you don’t hear anyone around. Go outside and try it out!

  20. Just Sunshïne on July 1, 2021 at 2:49 am

    Such a great video!!

  21. Jessy S on July 1, 2021 at 2:49 am

    I really enjoy your videos! I. usually get at least one and often many great camping tips.

  22. McKenzie Nutter on July 1, 2021 at 2:50 am

    This was SUCH a helpful video!! Thanks for making it! You should do a video of how you plan your camping trips like how far in advance you plan, what you look for as far as routes to get to the forest, what hikes you plan, etc!! 🙂

  23. John Dunn on July 1, 2021 at 2:51 am

    Hello, I keep coming back to your channel because it is so informative. I was wondering , for dispersed camping, what aps would you recommend? I live in California, and want to plan a trip for probably February. I am a poler bear guy, so I like cold, and don’t mind rainy at all. LOL. I am looking for the away from camp grounds outing. I have been camping on and off every year for about 10 years, and have grown tired of having neighbors at camp. Lol I work in retail so I get enough of people and when I want to get away, well I want to get away. I love nature, it has a revitalizing effect on me, and would love to find more nature and less distractions. I have a few very close friends who are looking to try this as well, and I don’t want to make them miserable by looking in all the wrong places for good info. any help would be greatly appreciated. I love your food ideas to. you really got this stuff into an art.

  24. N kakarla on July 1, 2021 at 2:52 am

    Love your shirt

  25. Hello Britt on July 1, 2021 at 2:53 am

    I have been wondering how to find spots like you do with no ppl around. Great video

  26. Lisa Butler on July 1, 2021 at 2:54 am

    Great tips! Beautiful scenery behind you!! 🌲🌲🌲

  27. Hannah Henshall on July 1, 2021 at 2:55 am

    I have been wondering how you find these spots for so long! Thank you for making this video!!!💕

  28. Rob Aldridge on July 1, 2021 at 2:55 am

    simple .. campground = TOILETS…. remote/dispersed = poop in the bushes……

  29. Carol Jahnke on July 1, 2021 at 2:58 am

    What is BLM land?

  30. enkor2113 on July 1, 2021 at 2:59 am

    i wish i had access to dispersed campsites. in south texas we have a few state parks that are overpriced and kind of undermaintained, and with all the hubbub going on the parks are very limited capacity and fill up way too quick. i havent had my fix all year ;-;. also just found your channel and you make great content! sorry for the like spam (and possible comment spam?) i’m binging your stufff ;P

  31. IamPaulToweh on July 1, 2021 at 3:00 am

    You’re so beautiful Amanda! thanks for the vid, I think Dispersed camping is the way for me

  32. Kelsey Skeers on July 1, 2021 at 3:01 am

    Where do you camp where it’s only five to $30?

  33. Marcus Milner on July 1, 2021 at 3:03 am

    If private land is not marked then a warning or escort is sufficient not considered illegal, so no worries just be responsible and respectful.

  34. Manny taja on July 1, 2021 at 3:05 am

    Thank you amanda , im 54 and got me a instant 6 person cabin tent for myself, im 6”tall , and thinking about start doing some camping, im a rookie so thank you for the tip , it was vert helpful, mmmmmm you’re right I believe I’ll start on KOA camping site first before i do what you do lol , so i get more experience and not to be afraid of the wild life , been by yourself can be scary in the woods lol , thank you and happy thanksgiving, god bless, your new friend from Savannah Georgia, manny 🤗🤗🤗

  35. SundayRidesOver on July 1, 2021 at 3:11 am

    Great channel. You have a skill at instruction.

  36. Buster Beagle on July 1, 2021 at 3:14 am

    3:50 when she talks about dispersed camping

  37. Venkat Krisshna on July 1, 2021 at 3:17 am

    Thank you Amanda! Great quality of footage and content.

  38. Go Away Gina on July 1, 2021 at 3:18 am

    Thank you for sharing these tips

  39. Nick Anderson on July 1, 2021 at 3:19 am

    Great video I just started dispersed camping and love it.

  40. Richard Saner on July 1, 2021 at 3:22 am

    Wow thank you so much I am a 62 62 And now I love car camping I tried your desserts and I got one for you feed a butter cookies Chocolate

  41. Joe Parham on July 1, 2021 at 3:22 am

    I never knew you could camp out on public land. Thanks!

  42. Joe Burrr on July 1, 2021 at 3:22 am

    Great information

  43. James Payette on July 1, 2021 at 3:22 am

    Amanda…..I know you are out west, but, have you ever camped in the BWCA?

  44. Eric T on July 1, 2021 at 3:22 am

    What app do you use to find BLM land in whatever state you are in?

  45. Devin Braun on July 1, 2021 at 3:24 am

    Thanks Amanda. This seems to be a topic many people are curious about based on comments I’ve seen on your channel and others.

    I recommend people start by ordering the Benchmark (brand) recreational atlas for any area you plan on visiting. They show private vs public land by category (NPS, NFS, BLM as well as State Parks). They also show almost all designated public campgrounds, front and backcountry, but not all private (e.g. KoA). With this in hand you are equipped to further your research on-line (sat maps, forums, agency sites) as well as the many valuable apps for trails, overlanding and camping.

    Have a number of potential sites identified near your destination and be flexible upon arrival; sites may be occupied, roads/bridges/passes closed, the nice looking clearing on google earth is actually a bog, etc…

    Last recommendation: it’s usually worth stopping by the Natl Forest district office as you arrive in the area (you are usually driving right past it in the local “big town” you will almost certainly be visiting to stock up on supplies). The rangers can update you on all sorts of valuable info: fire restrictions or areas under threat of active fires, designated site status and dispersed site recommendations, road conditions, areas to avoid for various reasons, you get the idea. Also an opportunity to buy detailed 1:24,000 scale USGS maps of the area and use a flush toilet one last time before going off grid for a spell.

    Final note: be safe and responsible. In many places dispersed camping is in jeopardy for all because of bad behavior of a few. If you cannot follow leave no trace practices, you should stay at developed campsites that have dumpsters, restrooms, etc… (or home!)

  46. Cint Roberts on July 1, 2021 at 3:24 am

    Don’t tell anyone about these places. What the hell are you doing?

  47. Polina Kapchits on July 1, 2021 at 3:26 am

    Hi Amanda, thanks for doing what ya do and for being you! Can you do a video on camping cleanup? Washing dishes/utensils/pots/etc. Car camping (campgrounds and dispersed) and Backpacking? Please!

  48. Nathan Speare on July 1, 2021 at 3:26 am

    What maps are you looking at, and where do you get them for dispersed camping? Thanks.

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