Can You Camp On BLM Land? And Where to Camp on BLM Land?

Last Updated on September 19, 2023 by

The BLM is the Bureau of Land Management which is a federal agency that manages public land in the United States for a variety of purposes, including Natural resource recreation and development.

It is a division of the US Department of the Interior. It’s vital to remember that the BLM manages the land for everyone, but the land belongs to the people of the United States.

To give you an idea, the BLM is in charge of 10% (or one acre out of ten hectares) of the land. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees 22.9 million acres of public land in Utah or about 42% of the state. BLM manages the public property as part of a mixed-use purpose. Conservation, fishing, recreation, energy development, education, and the protection of natural, cultural, and historical resources are only a few of its applications.

BLM Land
Credit: blm.gov

Can You Camp On BLM Land?

Yes, BLM Camping includes several camping spots for the nights on these lands. The best way to understand if you can camp on public land is to simply read the signs that are publicly posted in those areas or check out the BLM websites for each area. It allows camping in different areas, but many people mistakenly think that it is fair to do what they want with BLM because BLM is simple.

When camping on public land, most people think that this place is in the middle of the road and has little or no facilities. Indeed, camping on farmed land can be anything from spending time in modern camping to camping in the suburbs with nothing more than what you bring with you. However, this method does not work due to the use and maintenance of the public land.

Every ten acres of land in the United States is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. While the majority of BLM land is located in the western states, you won’t have to drive far to find a suitable camping spot. Using interactive land management office maps is one of the simplest ways to locate BLM land. A fast search for public mountaineering terrain in California, for example, turns up a slew of natural areas, national monuments, and campgrounds.

Related Post:  Travel Trailers That Uses Azdel (Benefits and Problems)

Choose your destination, then filter the results for your favorite outdoor activity or enter a few keywords to refine your search. For the nearest BLM camping experience, use extensive explanations, a complete map, current limitations, costs, routes, and contact.

Where Can You Camp on BLM Land?

Provided the information, there are a few places where you can camp on BLM land without much of a worry.

1. Public Lands

The Public Lands account for up to 80% of the BLM’s total lands. There are no special names, customs procedures, or protective equipment for these lands. When most campers talk about BLM camping, they’re referring to these lands. Some of these lands have been leased by the BLM to mining corporations, oil drilling firms, and logging companies in the past.

Camping Gear SALE!

We have teamed up with Ape Survival to give you a huge 25% off EVERYTHING on their store! They have camping gear, hiking gear, survival gear and much more, all at 25% off when you click the link below.

SHOP NOW

Fences and/or roadways with construction workers will be visible in these circumstances.

There are also some conditions and restrictions on these lands, which include some of the things like you must be driving on current roads, as well as dirt roads and tracks. Off-road driving on these lands is not authorized. You can camp in regions that are devoid of trees, wildlife habitats, or archaeological sites, and camping is only permitted in areas where it was previously permitted.

The conditions are that you do not have to set up a tent within 60 meters near water like a river, stream, lake, or pond. You must also respect the privacy of other campers and the distance between them.

2. Dispersed BLM Camping

Free camping away from complex recreational activities and without amenities is commonly referred to as dispersed camping. Many different styles of camping on public land are referred to as dispersed camping.

Related Post:  What Size Generator for RV

In certain circumstances, public land extends all the way to the city borders. In most situations, city ordinances restrict camping anywhere other than RV parks and campsites. Such BLM sites do not allow camping.

You can check out some Dispersed Camping Spots here: https://camperadvise.com/category/dispersed-camping/

3. Developed Recreation Areas

In general, you are welcome to camp anywhere in the developed area. Only camp is approved in locations for large camps that are typically marked with picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, camp hosts, collection boxes, and so on. These regions have been developed to a considerable extent, primarily for recreational purposes.

Fees and reservations are accepted at only a handful of developed BLM campgrounds. Long-Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs) are one of the few developed areas where a fee is required. There is frequently a congested region where camping and toy vans are built up in an OHV area, and more room is made accessible for precision vehicle use.

4. Wilderness Areas

In wilderness areas, automobiles are not permitted, but camping is allowed. Wilderness locations are classified as nationally protected areas from a technical standpoint. These areas have harsher camping regulations. The majority of wildlife refuges have parking close outside the desert. You’ll need to park your car and get your camping supplies there.

Many RVs and Van lifers leave their rigs parked in the parking area and camp overnight in these spots. These parking places are frequently unguarded.

Camping Gear SALE!

We have teamed up with Ape Survival to give you a huge 25% off EVERYTHING on their store! They have camping gear, hiking gear, survival gear and much more, all at 25% off when you click the link below.

SHOP NOW

5. National Conservation Lands

This is a camping land spot with the Ancient Valley National Monument in Colorado, the Mohawk National Monument in California, the Grand Escalante National Monument in Utah, and many others are among them. Campers can stay on these lands to make a camp. National protected sites, national historic and scenic trails, rivers, and wildlife are all included in these locations.

Related Post:  How to Register a Bus as an RV or Motorhome

Each national monument, protected area, pathways, and river, on the other hand, are free for campers to make their camps and stay the nights. Dispersed camping and overnight stays are often permitted in these regions, which are frequently recognized as public lands. You may need camping permission which is normally free in some circumstances, or you may be able to camp in specific places. To get permission, you’ll need to get in touch with the visitor center.

How to Find BLM Land?

You can easily find a BLM land for camping through maps, travel blogs, and brochures, along with human interaction.

1. Using a map

The Utah Bureau of Land Management has an interactive web map that will help you plan your trip. You can download it through their website. The importance of maps (both physical and digital) cannot be overstated. It’s also a good thought to have a physical card because there’s a potential you won’t have phone service or access. For current maps, go to the BLM office (you may need to purchase them) or print them online.

2. Contact Service Department

On your way to the campsite, stop by an office or center if possible, and/or closed is one of the best ways to find BLM land. Chatting with someone who works in this field can provide a wealth of information, including suggestions, new advancements, weather forecasts, and more.

Conclusion

This was discussed on finding BLM lands and details for camping on them. We shared helpful information for new campers who are looking to find a spot in this area.

FAQ

Can you camp on BLM Lands?

Yes, you can camp on BLM lands, but only those which are specified by the BLM for camping.

Table of Contents

About Ted Mosby

I am Ted Mosby from Cleveland, Ohio. I am a Freelance Architect. I live in New Jersey, USA right now and I take my RV every alternate weekend. I own a Forest River Berkshire XLT Diesel 45A Class A Motorhome. As I am a Freelancer I can work anywhere so most of my work is done inside my camper remotely.