What are CA Camping Laws?

Question

What are the laws in California regarding camping in places other than campgrounds? I mean, is it legal to pitch a tent in other places without reservations or explicit permission? What about fires? I want to go camping tonight with my kids but don't want to use crowded, noisy campgrounds (they're all booked up anyway). Any ideas about where near the South Bay area would also be very welcome. Thanks.

Answer 1

You can camp, within reason, almost anywhere in National Forest land and often Bureau Of Land Management (BLM) land, but in order to have a fire there or use a camp stove you have to have a "camp fire permit" obtained from a ranger station, but even then, if there's fire danger in the area you still won't be allowed to build a camp fire outside of a designated camp ground site. State and County Parks are much more strict and only permit camping in designated pay camp grounds.

The most practical way to avoid camping in camp grounds is to go backpacking in designated Wilderness areas or National Forests, and there aren't too many of those in the Bay Area; you have to venture into the Sierra or north to the Shasta/Trinity area. But obviously that's beyond your scope for this afternoon.

Answer 2

Definitely no fires! Isn't half the state still burning, and the conditions are the driest in decades.

Answer 3

not sure. most places have to be in a designated campground or state park.

Answer 4

Don't get caught