>>430Where do you live, OP?
State park: Usually have to camp at specified sites, and get a permit for the area to stay overnight. Some have toilets (outhouses), fire pits, and locations to hang a bear bag.
National park: Same deal, but often more restrictive. Many have more 'improved' sites with toilets, fire pits, and even showers.
National forest/BLM: Where much of the 'innawoods' goes on. Very few amenities (no toilets, maybe a rock fire ring). You can camp anywhere except for certain wildlife rehab areas, and you have to be away from water sources by 100 yards IIRC. Some are very peaceful, others have lots of dirt-bikes or ATVs making noise. A post on each trail tells what vehicles are allowed. You can walk anywhere, though.
Wilderness: The most open to backpacking, but also restricted. You can basically camp anywhere, away from water as above. You can have no wheels (bikes, carts, etc.) or motors (chainsaws, ATVs). You can stay as long as 14 days.
Go to an outdoors store and get a good map of your area. Good ones will break down the various types of land around you, and even list what is allowed, where trails are, etc.
