Looking for open spaces, fewer crowds, and a chance to truly disconnect this Labor Day? The Sierra Nevada holds more than 17,000 miles of free, legal, dispersed camping opportunities — and thanks to new tools from OnX Off-Road, finding your next hidden campsite just got a whole lot easier.

Discovering the Sierra’s Wild Side

In this episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, I sit down with Chris Cordes from OnX Off-Road to talk about the future of dispersed camping in the Sierra Nevada. Earlier this year, OnX launched a first-of-its-kind Motorized Dispersed Camping feature that helps outdoor enthusiasts pinpoint legal, vehicle-accessible campsites on National Forest roads and trails.

Tent on Ridge

The data behind this tool is equally groundbreaking: OnX, working with land management agencies, identified more than 17,710 miles of dispersed camping opportunities across the Sierra Nevada. That includes:

  • Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest – 5,905 miles
  • Plumas National Forest – 3,246 miles
  • Stanislaus National Forest – 1,903 miles
  • Inyo National Forest – 1,848 miles
  • Sierra National Forest – 1,666 miles
  • Tahoe National Forest – 1,642 miles
  • Eldorado National Forest – 1,500 miles

For anyone who has pulled into a packed campground on a busy holiday weekend, these numbers represent freedom. With the OnX Off-Road app, you can locate hidden roads and pullouts that are legally open for camping — meaning more solitude, more adventure, and less time circling for a site.

Why This Matters Now

With over 81 million Americans camping in 2024 and more than half of them struggling to find open campsites, the demand for outdoor space has never been higher. The Sierra Nevada, with its granite peaks, alpine lakes, and endless forests, is a prime destination — but it’s also one of the first places to feel crowded on popular weekends.

Chris and I dive into how OnX Off-Road’s new mapping tools are helping people:

  • Understand Forest Service regulations so you know exactly where camping is allowed
  • Explore lesser-known routes and dispersed areas away from crowded campgrounds
  • Check road conditions and terrain difficulty before you head out
  • Plan with confidence using verified information, not just word of mouth

Listen to the Full Conversation

🎧 Listen now on Spotify
🎧 Also available on Apple Podcasts

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Sierra Rec and Dispersed Camping
02:11 – Exploring the OnX Off-Road App
06:21 – Navigating Forest Service Regulations
12:27 – Understanding Dispersed Camping and Regulations
15:28 – The Importance of Validated Camping Information
19:38 – Exploring Features of the OnX App
26:00 – Personal Outdoor Experiences and Tips

Final Thoughts

The Sierra Nevada is one of the most beautiful and diverse mountain ranges in the country, and dispersed camping opens the door to exploring it in a deeper, more personal way. With OnX Off-Road’s new feature, you don’t have to guess where you can and can’t camp — you can plan your adventures with confidence, respect the land, and discover new favorite spots far from the crowds.

This Labor Day, if you’re looking for a true backcountry camping experience, tune into this episode and then start planning your trip with OnX.

xplore More of Our Dispersed Camping Adventures

This conversation with OnX Off-Road is part of our ongoing 2025 series on dispersed camping in the Sierra Nevada. All summer long, we’ve been exploring hidden corners of the Sierra — from alpine lakes to granite basins — and testing gear built for true backcountry comfort, including the complete Exped sleep system.

If today’s episode has you inspired to plan your own trip, check out some of our recent trail-tested dispersed camping stories:

Each trip dives into route details, backcountry conditions, and the gear that made it possible — with a special focus on how the Exped MegaMat, MegaSleep Duo, and Mega Pillow performed in real Sierra conditions.

Dispersed camping is all about finding solitude, traveling light, and experiencing the Sierra in its raw beauty. We hope these stories (and this episode with OnX Off-Road) help you discover new places to explore on your next adventure.