Dispersed camping on public lands (aka Boondocking) is any camping, which is not in a designated campground or in a "Closed to Camping" area. Most of Nevada’s public lands are open to dispersed camping, unless otherwise noted. Typically, dispersed camping is allowed in a location for up to 14 days, subject to local restrictions. In the early 2020s,  Covid created a huge increase in "Boondocking" to the detriment of Western public lands. To mitigate damaged inflicted by irresponsible users, many places that were once open for Dispersed Camping have now been restricted by new regulations. To help assure dispersed camping will always be part of exploring Nevada’s public lands, basic Backcountry Ethics should be observed.

Backcountry Ethics
“The more popular backcountry use becomes, the more important backcountry ethics become.”

Drive only on designated routes.

Camp only in previously disturbed areas and on durable surfaces. This is particularly critical for Boondocking.

Do not build structures from wood (like shelters) or from stones (like fire rings). (See Campfire sidebar on the left.)

Camp and walk on durable surfaces. If hiking cross-country (not following a trail), it's important to hike on areas where your footsteps will have the least impact. Trampling of vegetation, fragile soil crusts, and animal burrows should be avoided. Walking in canyons with flowing water can have damaging effects on riparian habitats. Avoid walking in the water if possible. Other low impact areas include desert pavement and dry, gravelly washes. When hiking in large groups cross-country, disperse into smaller groups of 3 or 4 and do not walk single file as this creates trails that can last for years.