Re: Where to camp

MTB416 -
I suggest you read through Leave No Trace principles (http://www.lnt.org and here on Trailspace). Basically what you describe is in line with Leave No Trace principles. The only thing missing is that some areas have requirements that are a bit different than the general guidelines that LNT provides. For example, some require that you stay in designated campsites. Another example is that the distance from trails and/or water sources (lakes, creeks, etc) may be given as 50, 100, 200, or 300 feet, and some areas may have designated "no camping" zones. There are also some specific LNT guidelines on disposal of waste (including human waste), campfires (generally discouraged, but there are methods that leave no sign that a fire was ever lit in that location), not disturbing others who might be in the area (e.g., no boom-boxes or loud playing of instruments - amazing how well sound carries across a lake), and others.