The Bureau of Land Management (Federal Agency) is part of the Department of Interior. It is responsible for administering public lands. Its mission is to preserve and sustain the nation’s natural and cultural heritage. The agency also regulates logging rights, grazing rights and mineral rights. It is responsible for nearly one eighth the U.S. Landmass, which totals approximately 245 millions acres.
Washington, DC is the headquarters of the agency. Most of its public lands can be found in the west. BLM does manage land in 12 US states, including Alaska. Geographically separate land districts are formed by the agency. The Bureau of Land Management oversees both developed campgrounds as well as undeveloped open lands. Developed campgrounds typically have pit toilets with fee collection boxes, picnic tables, and other amenities.
While some campgrounds have a nightly charge, others are completely free. A permit may be required for day-use in some states. It all depends on the region. There are also some state-run wildlife management areas that allow camping. The rules for campers are different in these instances, but most of them can be used for hunting, fishing, or other recreational activities. No matter where you are planning to camp, it is best to contact the BLM field office nearest to you to find out current conditions.
Outdoor enthusiasts find undeveloped BLM public land a huge draw. These lands provide a variety of camping options including backcountry camping where you can stay in a tent and RV. Some sites are for hikers only, while others are remote and rugged. For example, you'll find plenty of dispersed BLM campsites in southern California. Most of these sites can be found on rough roads. It is a good idea to find a spot for RVers in most OHV areas.
Although there are numerous BLM campsites, they are all primitive and lack basic amenities. Some of these sites don't have restrooms or potable water sources. BLM's website provides more information. The agency also offers maps of its lands. This map is useful for planning your trip and many campgrounds can also be found online.
The Bureau of Land Management controls over 245,000,000 acres of federal land in the United States. The Bureau of land Management is most involved in the management and preservation of wilderness areas and national monuments. It also owns many of the country's most popular inland and coast recreation areas as well as hundreds upon thousands of campgrounds. Although it can be difficult to find BLM land, it is well worth the effort.
No matter where in the United States you are, there will be a Bureau of Land Management site that is right for you. Many of these lands tend to be more isolated and less touristy than the rest of the country. These areas are great for skiing, hiking, or wildlife viewing. Some campgrounds include fire rings and tables while others have more primitive camping facilities.