Choctaw Ranger District

Rules for Dispersed Camping:
Groups of over 75 people who wish to use the forest, need to obtain a special use permit. Permits can be obtained at the nearest District Office.
There is privately owned land within the forest boundaries so be sure to not encroach on private land.
You need to be self-contained. No amenities are provided; such as water, restrooms or trash cans.
You may camp in a dispersed area for up to 30 days. After 30 days, you must move at least 5 road miles for camping in another dispersed area. Campers may not return to the same campsite within the calendar year.
Please place your campsite at least 100 feet from any stream or other water source. Showers can be locally heavy and occasionally have been known to produce 5 to 10 inches of rain in a few hours. Such storms will cause flooding in the rivers and tributaries within the forest. These same streams will usually be dry in the late summer and early fall. Carry water or a water filtration device with you.
Keep a Pack-In Pack-Out camp. Follow Leave No Trace guidelines.
Contact the local Forest Service office to see if any restrictions, especially fire restrictions are in place.
Be Bear Aware. There are bears on the National Forest, so camp accordingly.
Where Can I Disperse Camp?
Typically, dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. Many people drive out on Forest Service roads into the woods and find a clearing or a spot near a stream or with a view of the mountains. Do not drive on meadows to access your camping site. Drive on existing roads to prevent resource damage. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway.