Camping regulations will vary according to area and land designation (wilderness, travel restricted, winter closures, etc...). Always check with the local Ranger District to get the details.

That being said, there are a few general principles:

Vehicle Camping:

For the most part, you are allowed to "dispersed camp" in any United States National Forest unless there is a specific regulation prohibiting it (special use area, conservation area, etc.)

What this means is, you can pull your car off a forest service wherever there is an established turn-out and camp. You can not, however, drive off into an undisturbed area and set up camp.

Camping is usually limited to 14 days, after which you are required to move at least 2 miles away.

Dispersed camping is free.

Back-country (foot) Camping

If you are hiking in, you have even more options. Again, in general, you are free to set up wherever you like, however some areas might have regulations in effect encouraging visitors to practice "Leave No Trace". For example, while it is ALWAYS a bad idea to camp within 100 feet of a stream or lake, in some forests it may be illegal.

Also, as good practice, it is better to camp in areas that already impacted -- unless that impact is minor, and stands a chance of full recovery if you do not camp there. See this discussion for more information.

For more discussion about the different public lands and what is allowed, see this question.

Camping regulations will vary according to area and land designation (wilderness, travel restricted, winter closures, etc...). Always check with the local Ranger District to get the details.

That being said, there are a few general principles:

Vehicle Camping:

For the most part, you are allowed to "dispersed camp" in any United States National Forest unless there is a specific regulation prohibiting it (special use area, conservation area, etc.)

What this means is, you can pull your car off a forest service wherever there is an established turn-out and camp. You can not, however, drive off into an undisturbed area and set up camp.

Camping is usually limited to 14 days, after which you are required to move at least 2 miles away.

Dispersed camping is free.

Back-country (foot) Camping

If you are hiking in, you have even more options. Again, in general, you are free to set up wherever you like, however some areas might have regulations in effect encouraging visitors to practice "Leave No Trace". For example, while it is ALWAYS a bad idea to camp within 100 feet of a stream or lake, in some forests it may be illegal.

Also, as good practice, it is better to camp in areas that already impacted -- unless that impact is minor, and stands a chance of full recovery if you do not camp there. See this discussion for more information.

For more discussion about the different public lands and what is allowed, see this question.