Trying to learn the lingo? We have your back! Check out some meanings and definitions behind key words highlighted in the lifestyle!

DNH is the acremen used for Destination Now Here! Let’s be real, Destination Now Here is hard to type out all the time!

The National Forest Service is public lands protected by the government that encompasses 193 million acres across the United States, which includes Grasslands. This land is mostly wooded or forest land and is host of all different outdoor activities. This is land is usually free or low cost to use. More information can be found here!  https://www.fs.usda.gov/

The Bureau of Land Management is public land protected by the government that encompasses 245 million acres of the United States. Most of this land is in desert regions, but BLM also manages many other small areas throughout the US. This land is also usually free or low cost to use. Check out more information here!  https://www.blm.gov/

National Parks are areas the government selected to preserve places of either scenic or historical importance. Not to be confused with a national monument, these areas are home to some of the most beautiful sights the U.S. has to offer. All but few require entrance fees and each location has their own set of rules and regulations that need to be followed. 

Grasslands are public lands protected by the government. This land is mostly flat and as you have probably guessed-  GRASS!!! These areas are maintained by the National Forest Service.

National monuments are a historic or geographical area protected by the government. These are essentially a National Park, but are of their own category and have their own set of rules and regulations that need to be followed. 

Districts are an area of National Forest or BLM and are maintained by that specific ranger station.

Rangers are officers in charge of patrolling and guarding a specific area in National Parks, National Forests and BLM.

Dispersed camping is camping outside a designated campground. Dispersed camping offers no facilities including bathrooms, showers and trash service. Depending on the area, firepits are not allowed on National Forest or BLM. You can typically stay up to 14 days in “dispersed” locations, but be sure to double check the rules of the location you’re staying. 

Dispersed tent camping on National Forest and BLM is allowed in most areas. Hiking is typically needed to get to location. 

Dispersed vehicle camping on National Forest and BLM are generally found on secondary roads and are distinguished by their clearings. They look different from their surroundings and occasionally offer firepits.

Campgrounds are private or public pieces of land designated for campers in tents, RV’s, vans, cars and trailers. While campgrounds typically have facilities, some could have as little as a pit toilet. 

Private campgrounds are lands owned by a person or company directed towards camping. Generally, these come with a plethora of amenities like bathrooms, showers, trash service and sometimes even pools, playgrounds and arcades. 

These are designated areas within the National Forest and BLM that provide minimal services. These are generally low overnight cost, and sometimes only a pit toilet will be available. Camp hosts typically volunteer and work within these campgrounds.

Washboard roads are secondary roads that have been groomed by a grader that gain a “rumple strip road” texture over time. They are typically a mix of dirt and gravel!

Utilizing your cellphone, you can turn your phone into a wifi hotspot allowing you to use internet on other devices like your laptop or tablet. Other nearby devices can then use the shared hotspot to connect to the internet.

A mobile hotspot is an external mobile device that is battery powered and rechargeable, not to be confused with a cell phone hotspot. These are generally more reliable and offer larger data plans then cell hotspot plans. Can also be called a mobile router.

Hotspot data is the amount of data that can be transferred. As you use the internet, data is being used. Hotspot plans usually come with data restrictions, and it’s uncommon to find one that is unlimited. 

Starlink is a network of satellites in low orbit, that provide internet in remote locations beyond typical cell reception areas. 

Data speeds are the speed at which data is transferred. For a video call, you need at least 8-10 MBPS upload and download speeds. 

MIMO antenna stands for “multiple in, multiple out”. It’s an antenna you would use to get better reception with your mobile hotspot. 

A cell booster is a device that amplifies a weak cell signal. 

A pit toilet is an enclosed public toilet that is above a large hole dug into the ground. It’s essentially a heavier duty porta-potty.

Leave No Trace is an organization directed towards not disturbing the land besides its intended use. The goal is to leave the land better than you found it, leaving only footprints behind. The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace can be found at  https://lnt.org/.

Pack in, pack out is the mindset that everything that you bring, leaves with you. NO EXCEPTIONS. 

Similar to dispersed camping, boondocking is when you are not connected to water, electricity or sewage. This can be done anywhere it’s allowed- even a parking lot!

A trailhead is the start of a hiking trail. These generally have parking lots, but not always.