How to Camp in a National Forest 

Planning Your Trip 

Research the Forest

Start by choosing which national forest you’d like to visit. I went to the U.S. Forest Service website and found it to be a great resource. It has all the information on amenities, points of interest, and camping options. 

Reservations

It is important to check if you need reservations or a camping permit before your trip. Reservations may be required if you choose to stay in a national forest campground. I decided to camp at Red Canyon Campground, which does not offer reservations; it is a first-come, first-served campground. Many national forests also offer dispersed camping options that do not require a reservation. 

Check Accessibility

When traveling in a large Class A Motorhome, this is one of the most important steps in planning. National forests offer many spots large enough for Class A Motorhomes, but it is important to ensure all roads leading to and within the forest are suitable for your RV. Google Earth is an excellent tool to view all roads and camping areas before arriving. It is also helpful to read reviews about camping areas. 

Preparing Your Motorhome 

Supplies

Stock up on essentials such as food, propane, water, and any other supplies you’ll need. Many national forests are in beautiful, remote places, so they lack nearby stores' convenience. So, it is important to plan ahead. 

Water and Waste

Many national forests do not offer full hookups, so you will need to be self-contained. Plan to arrive with full water tanks and empty waste tanks. Make a plan ahead of time on how you will manage your water usage to ensure your water lasts and tanks do not fill before the end of your trip. 

Power

You will most likely be camping without electrical hookups. It is important to have a plan for power usage ahead of your trip. Here are some questions to ask yourself: Are your batteries working properly? Do you need solar? Is your generator working properly? Do you need any external power banks? Making sure you have options for power will ensure your trip runs smoothly. 

Choosing a Campsite 

Dispersed Camping

If you want to get away from it all, national forests provide an excellent opportunity to escape the crowds and boondock in a dispersed camping area. Ensure your motorhome can handle the terrain and make sure you adhere to the Leave No Trace principles. 

Campgrounds

Many national forests offer developed campgrounds. These campgrounds often offer amenities such as water, restrooms, and sometimes power. These can be ideal for Class A Motorhome owners who are not comfortable taking their RV off-road. 

Setting Up Camp 

Setup

Once you’ve chosen your campsite, carefully navigate your motorhome into position. Take extra precautions to look for low-hanging branches. Don’t forget the leveling blocks. Some camping areas can be unlevel; blocks will ensure your RV is stable. 

Outdoor Space

You came to enjoy the great outdoors, so make sure to set up a comfortable hang-out space. We bring an outdoor rug, comfy chairs, a portable table, and sometimes a shade tent—a great place for family meals and stargazing at night. 

Enjoying Your Trip 

Activities

National forests offer so many unique opportunities to connect with nature. My family’s favorite activity is hiking, but we also enjoy fishing, biking, paddleboarding, bird watching, sightseeing, and stargazing. Check the website ahead of time to see what activities are popular in the area. 

Respecting Nature

Follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment. Pack out all trash and waste, stay on designated trails, avoid damaging vegetation, and respect wildlife. 

Leave It Cleaner Thank You Found It 

Pack Up Thoroughly

Before leaving, ensure you’ve collected all your belongings and any trash. We like to walk around the area and clean up any trash left by other campers as well. Do a final walk-around before pulling out for any overlooked items. 

Dispose of Waste Properly

Dispose of your waste (black and gray tanks) only at designated dump stations. Before leaving, ensure your site is as clean, if not cleaner than when you arrived.