Scott River Ranger District

Maximum stay limit for camping outside of a developed campground is 10 days per district/per calendar year. Please remove all your equipment and garbage when you leave.
Water Quality: It is best to bring your own water. Lake, stream or spring water may be contaminated.
Human Waste: Proper disposal of human waste is important. Leaving human waste in dispersed camping areas can spread disease, lead to contaminated water supplies, contaminate soils, a attract wildlife, and spoil a camping area. Portable eco-friendly human waste disposal systems which allow you to safely "Pack It Out" are commercially available and recommended. As a last resort, choose a spot at least 200' away from water sources and campsites, dig a small hole at least six inches deep, and cover it when you are through. Seal your toilet paper in a bag, pack it out, and dispose of it properly.
No Trash Service - Pack It In, Pack It Out
Campfire Permits - You may want a campfire for cooking, enjoying its warmth, and roasting marshmallows. For campfires, stoves, lanterns or barbeques used outside a campground or recreational vehicle and some developed campgrounds, you need a campfire permit. The permit is free, valid for a full year from January 1 to December 31. Visit the California Campfire Permit page at www.preventwildfiresca.org for information on how to obtain a campfire permit online! You must be 18 years of age or older to sign the permit. Your responsibilities for building and putting out your fire safely are explained on the campfire permit. 36 CFR 261.52(k) PRC 4433.
The beauty of the natural vegetation around your campsite is probably why you chose it. Keep it healthy and beautiful by not cutting anything down, not putting nails into trees, and treading carefully in meadow-like areas.

Keep your vehicle on designated roads and trails to prevent resource damage. Vehicles must be parked within one vehicle length of the edge of the surface of a designated road or trail.
When you pick your spot, make sure that it is at least 100 feet away from streams and lakes, to help protect streamside vegetation, and prevent pollution.
Dispersed campsites must be outside the boundary markings of developed campgrounds.
There are many fine camping spots you can reach on paved and well-graded dirt roads, but there are some rough, steep, or narrow roads that are dangerous for the family car or for bulky recreation vehicles.
Make sure the road you plan to take is safe for your kind of vehicle by first talking it over with Forest Service staff.