skippingbrooksWhat if I told you that some of the most scenic campsites in the U.S. are free? Are you seeking more natural and remote camping? Then you should try BLM camping.
Camping in traditional campgrounds has become expensive over the last several years. Thankfully many places across the United States offer free camping, mostly BLM camping aka dispersed camping which is owned by the federal government.
If you are looking for a new experience in boondocking, unfamiliar with BLM camping, dispersed camping, don’t know where to start looking, or just looking for a new way to camp for free then you’ll find this guide to BLM camping has it all.
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Why Choose BLM Land?
First, because it’s free! Second, there is so much flexibility when traveling from one place to another or staying for a short period of time. Also, the seclusion and beauty of many BLM camping sites are some of the most incredible sites we have ever camped. Two of our favorites include just outside the entrance of Badlands National Park near Wall, SD, and Goose Bay near Townsend, MT.
First, what is BLM Land ?
Typically I think of BLM (Bureau of Land Management) as FREE camping which gets you as close to Mother Nature as possible. The official term used by the National Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to describe free camping is dispersed camping.
BLM oversees more than 247.3 million acres of federal land. Much of it is available to the public for camping.
However, it has other purposes. According to the BLM mission the land is used “to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations”. It’s not just for camping. It’s used for ranching, mining, hiking, climbing, hunting, fishing, shooting, mountain biking, and off-highway vehicle usage.
How to Find BLM Land
Most BLM land can be found in the western half of the US and Alaska and varies from forest to desert land.
Apps for BLM Camping
Campendium
Campendium is the easiest way to find BLM camping. Download the app for your smartphone or device. Search for nearby free camping, overnight camping, RV parks, public land, or dump stations.
Step by Step Searching for BLM Land On Campendium
First, search by the location of your destination on the top search bar. Click location when it populates down below.
Now use the filter tab to choose free camping. Click search.
Next, a map will display show green tree circle icons locating free campsites.
Now, to get driving directions to the exact location, click on a green tree icon. The app will ask to create a free account with Roadpass. Once your email has been verified the sky is the limit to finding amazing free BLM camping! Once you find the desired location click open in maps.
Freeroam
Freeroam is another free app that offers a quick and easy search for all types of camping. However, filtering makes it easy to search for BLM camping and overnight locations like Walmart. It also includes a trip planning feature.
Step by Step Searching for BLM Land On Freeroam
Here I will show you how to filter-free campgrounds as well as overnight locations.
Once you have downloaded the Freeroam app, click on the filter tab on the upper left-hand corner, and click view all filters. You can filter from this tab or filter from the dropdowns along the top of the page. First, choose to filter campground type to public and then enter zero for the price amount. Free campgrounds will display orange icons while green icons are paid locations.
Other filter options for example include campground type, price, cell signal, fullness, weather, elevation, facilities nearby, features and amenities, reviews, road difficulty, shade, safety, etc.
In fact, you can also filter by BLM land only by clicking on the layers icon in the upper right-hand corner. Within layers, you can choose many different filter options such as elevation or cell phone providers overlay.
After that, choose the exact location you want to camp. Once you find your location click on the orange icon. Within the icon, you will find information about the campground including directions, reviews, photos, and search what is nearby (for example, dump stations).
Overnight Locations Within Freeroam
In addition to finding BLM camping, the Freeroam app also includes searching for overnight locations. Overnight locations include Walmart, Cracker Barrels, Cabelas, truck stops, rest areas, casinos, and more. I find this feature to be very useful as we have found when traveling not every Walmart for example allows overnight sleeping.
Once again, click the overlay icon to change from the campground to the overnights. From here locations will populate. Clicking on the information tab will give additional information on the location including directions.
Another great feature to the overnight locations is the verification of other travelers who have stayed and can verify if overnight parking is allowed.
What To Expect When Utilizing BLM Camping
So now that you have found locations to camp, now maybe you are wondering what to expect when utilizing BLM camping.
“Boondocking” can be intimidating especially if you have never experienced it before. Don’t worry, come prepared, you got this!
Be Prepared
Research the BLM camping areas before arriving. Depending on the size of your camper, some locations do not accommodate larger rigs. I find reading reviews to be most helpful. In addition, reviews can help with tips and clues to things not mentioned on the apps.
In fact, some BLM camping includes difficult access roads and some are quite a distance to reach from the main road. It’s helpful to know what type of roads you will be pulling your camper down to know if you are willing to take the risk as turning around may not be an option for larger campers.
Arrive early to reserve your spot as BLM camping is first-come, first-serve, and can fill up quickly on peak season.
Pack accordingly with enough supplies to sustain your stay. Water, propane, and a generator are a must if traveling in a camper. I mean, you can get by without it if needed just be sure to have enough supplies for other ways to cook and haul water if needed.
No amenities when BLM camping.
- No showers
- No running water
- No picinic tables
- No toilets
- No trash cans
- No dump facilities
- No fire rings
- No electric
While it “sounds” rough, it’s the best type of camping in my opinion because it’s the way camping should be! Besides, if you have a camper you have all you need with the right equipment.
Maybe you have a tent but would love to try a camper out. We found Outdoorsy.com to be the perfect place to rent campers. Use my code to get $50 off an RV rental of $200 or more on your first trip! Woohoo!!
Leave No Trace
Be sure to dispose of all waste appropriately. Leave what you find like rocks and plants, minimize campfire impacts by using a fire ring and when fires are safe to use, respect wildlife and be respectful of others.
Enjoy your stay while BLM camping!
Safe adventures,
Brooke
