What are the rules for camping in national forests?

I know that it is acceptable to go backpacking / camping in the Hoosier National Forest with very few limitations. (one area there is a limit to the size of group) There is no charge and yes, always practice the leave no trace line of thought. Listed is the site for the Hoosier National, I'm sure whever you are will have information as well.

every national foret has it's own website..........check which one you are interested in hey Schnurrb you emailed me asking me a question but you don't allow emails............how can I reply if you won't let me

each national forest has its owen rules and reg. you need to stop by a ranger station or write to the supertendent of the forest or check the web site for the forest.

The NPS are sticklers about designated campsites. USFS and BLM Wilderness are a bit more lax. Some National Forests/Ranger Districts use what's called the Fee Demonstration Program, which basically means you will be charged a nominal fee to recreate. Group size is usually the only thing anyone is worried about. Be aware of when fire danger is high and there are restrictions. There is a 14 day limit for camping in most National Forests. As long as you are practicing good LNT, no worries. Check out your Iocal NF's websit for more info, as different wilderness areas have different rules. I find it amusing that Schnurrbart thinks that National Forests aren't as high or pretty as National Parks. I'm pretty sure the highest point in the lower 48 is on the NF, and the lowest is in a NP. National Forest Wilderness can be every bit as good as National Park Wilderness, and quite often, USFS wilderness is much less visited. Schnurrbart has probably never seen the Gila Wilderness, or the Blue Range Primitive Area (the last federally designated primitive area in the US). I guess the Bob Marshall Wilderness is really a craphole. Maybe I shouldn't bother going to visit Mt. Whitney because it's located in the Inyo National Forest. I guess alpine wilderness is the only kind of wilderness there is. By Schnurrbart's rationale, I suppose The Grand Canyon, Joshua Tree, and Death Valley should really be administered by another public lands management agency, as they don't really qualify as "National Parks".

Yup...everyone else is correct about each NF having it's own regs. Permits are mostly free and the usually highly understaffed Law Enforcement division of the USFS does appreciate you using the permits rather than just going out into the forest. Since "Plan Ahead & Prepare" is the first point of LNT, I'm sure you don't need me telling you to check the webpages or get a guidebook for the area you will be camping in. Usually those sources list the areas a permit is needed and tell you how to obtain one. Have Fun!