BLM Boondocking

[Jim Ragsdale]

Never having done this, I have a simple question you are probably going to laugh at.  Can you camp anywhere on BLM land?  For example, you go down a dirt road and it ends.  Can you keep going (with a 4x4) and camp anywhere you want even miles from the nearest dirt road?
Thanks

 

[highdesertranger]

no you can't make your own roads. driving cross country is only permitted in a few OHV areas. now for the first question yes you can camp almost anywhere on BLM land there are a few exceptions but most are posted. believe me there are plenty of dirt roads that will get you miles from anywhere. highdesertranger

 

[Almost There]

Some BLM land is posted 'day use only', other areas are set aside for OHV use only. In most cases the entrance to a road will have a brown post that should show the acceptable uses.

It is generally a rule that one cannot make a new campsite (ie, buld a new firepit etc) but using one that is already established is acceptable.

BLM maps are available but it's not usually necessary to buy one...it's easier enough to find places without it.

 

[MrNoodly]

Here are some Forest Service dispersed camping rules. They're essentially the same as BLM rules.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5270139.pdf

The idea is you drive BLM and Forest Service roads and look for spots that have been used for camping before, which are usually apparent from some sort of fire ring and some tire tracks, and sometimes, unfortunately, by trash and other crap left by assholes.

 

[Vagabound]

I am sincerely not trying to nitpick. Rather I'd like to make a clear distinction. When HDR says you're not allowed to make your own road, my first thought is I'm not going to make any roads, but I'm just going to drive over here where nobody's been before and camp. However, I suspect that the phrase "make your own road", has nothing to do with creating a permanent path. I think your point is that you cannot leave established roads period, unless it is one of those OHV areas you mentioned.

Is that correct?

Tom

 

[Jim Ragsdale]

I read some of the rules on Daniel Boone National forest.  I got the impression we can and should go 300 feet off the road and we are expected to try to be as inconspicuous to other campers as possible.    It sort of sounds like we are supposed to hide. 

Here's the Red River Gorge rules where I got that idea: "Red River Gorge Geological Area: Supervisor’s Order 12-01-10
The following are prohibited: Camping within 300 feet of any developed road. 261.58(e

I had also thought I would carry a dirt bike so I could explore a bigger radius away from the campsite, especially in the BLM western lands, but I'm thinking that isn't allowed.

 

[highdesertranger]

you need to get out west. the dirt bike is a great way to expand your area. I have a quad/4wheeler/atv.

for sure bring your dirt bike just remember to stay on existing roads.
no cross country travel.
respect other campers, don't go screaming past their camp kicking up dust.
respect wildlife and domestic livestock, don't make them run
respect farm fields, don't kick up a bunch of dust next to cultivated fields, the dust settles on the plants stunting their growth.
BTW this goes for vehicles too.

I really can't speak for back east I have never been there. but in the west they are not real picky about where you camp within certain guidelines. come to the next RTR and bring your bike I will take you on a ride. highdesertranger

 

[wayne49]

The requirement to go X distance from the road means primitive camping (backpack and tent) only. Any parking will be for those campers.

They do not want someone to drive 300 feet off road and park.

 

[TMG51]

I really can't speak for back east I have never been there.  but in the west they are not real picky about where you camp within certain   guidelines.  come to the next RTR and bring your bike I will take you on a ride.  highdesertranger

On the East coast we don't have BLM! Or at least not enough to be worth talking about in a vandweller context. But there are plenty of forested, mountain, or dirt road areas where no one knows the difference.

 

[Almost There]

I read some of the rules on Daniel Boone National forest.  I got the impression we can and should go 300 feet off the road and we are expected to try to be as inconspicuous to other campers as possible.    It sort of sounds like we are supposed to hide. 

National Forest rules are similar but not exactly the same as BLM rules.

National Forest roads are clearly marked on both a map and on the entrance markers (markers take precedence over the maps btw). The maps will indicate which roads you're allowed to camp on and whether that applies to either one or both sides of the road. Any road that is marked permissible for camping on, you may park UP to 300' from the roadway.

Any road that is not specifically marked on the map as such, you can still camp on it, but the vehicle must stay within 30' of the roadway.

There are also restrictions on camping/parking within specific distances of water sources including animal feed tanks.

It should also be noted that just because the map or the sign says you can camp/park on that road, does NOT mean that any campsites actually exist on the road.

There was a problem last year near Cottonwood in both the Prescott and the Coconino NF with lots of campsites being closed off since the previous winter. NF staff came along and marked off the 300' foot mark and either clearly signed the areas beyond that or, in some cases, brought in big rocks to create barriers. The sites closed down had been used for years and were well established but the NF staff (or management) started enforcing the rules to the letter.

 

[DLTooley]

BLM land is usually signed as no off road access, if that is the case.  The Forest Service rule for both camping and activities such as firewood cutting is within 300' of an official road.  Do use existing sites when available, but don't be scared off of creating a new one if appropriate. I've followed that same distance on BLM land just as good practice.

There are lots of pre-existing campsites that are more than 300' from an official road, it is shame that Coconino is doing that in Cottonwood. 

The 14 day rule is also pretty universal though the days per month and minimum distance to move vary widely.  There is an exception to the 14 day rule for folks working on the forest, like herders, firewood cutters, etc.  I suspect a gathering permit, garnered from the local office for a nominal fee, would suffice.