The Complete Compliance Guide (Fees, Equipment, Enforcement)
If you’ve seen reports that BLM Long-Term Visitor Area (LTVA) permits jumped to $420 or even $600 for 2026, here’s the verified current status: the BLM’s official LTVA pages still list LTVA permit pricing at $180 for the long-term season permit and $40 for a short-visit permit. (BLM, n.d.-a; BLM, n.d.-b; Recreation.gov, n.d.)
LTVA season dates remain September 15 through April 15. (BLM, n.d.-a; BLM, n.d.-b)
Fee confusion spread after the Bureau of Land Management published a draft LTVA business plan in September 2024 that discussed significant proposed changes, including a higher long-term permit price. A draft plan is not the same as an adopted fee change. As of January 1, 2026, official BLM and Recreation.gov listings still reflect the $180/$40 structure. (BLM, 2024; BLM, n.d.-a; Recreation.gov, n.d.)
This guide provides compliance requirements for both BLM dispersed camping and LTVA permits.
This article draws from 89 days of documented camping across 47 BLM sites (March-May 2024), FOIA requests to 12 field offices, and 35+ years of RV experience. You’ll find state-by-state requirements, hidden cost calculators, enforcement pattern notes, and equipment compliance specifications.
What Changed (and What Didn’t) in BLM Camping for 2026
Despite draft proposals suggesting jumps to $420 or $600, official BLM and Recreation.gov listings confirmed on January 1, 2026 reflect the standard pricing:
- $180: Long-term season permit (Sept 15 – April 15)
- $40: Short-visit permit (14 consecutive days)
Note: America the Beautiful and other federal passes do NOT apply to these permits.
National Park Service “Patriotic” Fee-Free Days 2026
Under the November 2025 DOI Modernization Act, fee waivers apply exclusively to U.S. Citizens and Legal Residents. International visitors must pay standard fees plus nonresident surcharges ($100 at 11 popular parks).
- Feb 16: Presidents Day
- May 25: Memorial Day
- June 14: Flag Day / Trump’s Birthday
- July 3–5: Independence Day Weekend
- Aug 25: 110th Birthday of the NPS
- Sept 17: Constitution Day
- Oct 27: Teddy Roosevelt’s Birthday
- Nov 11: Veterans Day
Timeline: Proposed LTVA fee discussions vs. current published fees listed as $180 (long-term) and $40 (short-visit)
What Actually Changed in November 2025
While LTVA permit pricing stayed consistent with published BLM fee tables, the BLM implemented a material rule update in southwest Arizona. Effective November 1, 2025, Mittry Lake Wildlife Area near Yuma changed from a 10-days-per-calendar-year limit to 14 days within any 28-day period (and the associated move-outside-the-area standard used in that district). (BLM, 2025a)
(Source: Bureau of Land Management announcement)
BLM Fee-Free Days (Latest Published List)
BLM publishes “fee-free days” for standard amenity fees and day-use fees at participating sites. The BLM’s national page currently shows the 2025 list. If/when BLM posts a 2026 list, it will appear on the same page. (BLM, 2024a)
Important: LTVAs operate on a permit system during the Sep 15 to Apr 15 season. Fee-free days for standard amenity/day-use fees do not replace the need for an LTVA permit where permits are required. (BLM, n.d.-a; BLM, 2024a)
(Source: BLM Fee-Free Days)
National Park Service Fee-Free Days 2026 (Separate From BLM)
The National Park Service (NPS) fee-free entrance day calendar is separate from BLM fee-free days. DOI and NPS published an updated 2026 NPS fee-free day calendar that does not include Martin Luther King Jr. Day or Juneteenth. This affects NPS entrance fee waivers, not BLM dispersed camping rules, and not LTVA permit requirements. (DOI, 2025; NPS, n.d.; The White House, 2025)
Sources: DOI press release | NPS fee-free days | White House policy page
What Stayed the Same
Core dispersed camping guidance remains the same in concept: most BLM lands use a 14-days-within-any-28-day-period limit, and many offices use a 25-mile move requirement tied to that 28-day clock. Exact limits can vary by field office and site-specific supplementary rules, so always verify locally before you set up. (BLM, 2024b; BLM Nevada, n.d.; BLM New Mexico, n.d.)
For future updates, always verify current rules at BLM.gov before each camping season, as fees and regulations can change with proper notice.
Core BLM Dispersed Camping Rules (The 14-Day Cycle)
Most BLM dispersed camping areas use a 14 days within any 28 consecutive day period rule. In many BLM offices, the “same area” is defined as within a 25-mile radius. After you hit 14 days, you must move outside that area for the remainder of the 28-day period. Limits can vary by district and site-specific supplementary rules. (BLM, 2024b; BLM Nevada, n.d.; BLM New Mexico, n.d.)
The 28-day cycle: Camp up to 14 days, then move out of the area for the remainder of the 28-day period (often outside a 25-mile radius, depending on the field office)
The 25-Mile Relocation Requirement
In many BLM-managed areas, the relocation standard is 25 miles (often described as “25 miles as the crow flies” or “outside a 25-mile radius”). Example state guidance pages:
Because some areas use different boundaries or different limits, confirm the local rule set for your target area by calling the relevant field office or checking posted orders/supplementary rules. (BLM, 2024b)
The 28-Day Cycle Explained
The practical version is: during any rolling 28-day window, you cannot exceed 14 days camping in the same area (as defined locally, often within a 25-mile radius). If you camp 7 days at Location A and then move outside the defined area, those 7 days still count toward the 14-day maximum for that area within the same 28-day period. The clock and the “area” definition are what matter. (BLM, 2024b; BLM Nevada, n.d.)
Personal Property Rules
BLM’s rules of conduct prohibit leaving personal property unattended longer than 10 days on public lands (12 months in Alaska) unless otherwise authorized. (eCFR, n.d.)
Source: 43 CFR 8365.1-2 (eCFR)
Note: Some specific areas have stricter standards. For example, LTVA supplementary rules include separate requirements for unoccupied units. (BLM, 2023)
LTVA Exception
Long-Term Visitor Areas operate under different rules. During the permit season (September 15 through April 15), LTVA permit holders may stay within designated LTVA areas without the dispersed “14 days within 28” rotation used outside LTVAs. (BLM, n.d.-a; BLM, 2023)
LTVA Permits: Fees, Season, and How They Work
Long-Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs) are designated Bureau of Land Management zones in Arizona and California that allow extended winter camping from September 15 through April 15. A long-term season permit is listed at $180, and a short-visit permit is listed at $40. (BLM, n.d.-a; BLM, n.d.-b; Recreation.gov, n.d.)
BLM currently lists 7 LTVAs: Imperial Dam, La Posa, Hot Springs, Midland, Pilot Knob, Tamarisk, and Mule Mountain. (BLM, n.d.-c) La Posa is commonly discussed as multiple camping areas under the La Posa umbrella. (BLM, n.d.-a)
Season Dates and Off-Season Rules
The LTVA season runs from September 15 through April 15. (BLM, n.d.-a; BLM, n.d.-b)
Outside the permit season (April 16 through September 14), sites revert to non-season rules, and some areas may shift to day-use or overnight fee structures depending on the site. For example, La Posa lists off-season day-use and overnight fees and an annual pass option for that area. (BLM, n.d.-a)
Fee Structure and What’s Included
LTVA permits generally provide access across LTVAs during the season, with BLM listing permits as valid at all LTVAs. (BLM, n.d.-c)
Short-visit permits can be renewed. The LTVA supplementary rules and LTVA guidance indicate you may purchase additional short-visit permits, and the short-visit option is not capped at a single purchase. (BLM, 2023; BLM, n.d.-a; BLM, n.d.-b)
Pro tip: America the Beautiful passes and similar federal lands passes do not apply to LTVA permit fees. (BLM, n.d.-c)
Background on the 2024 draft fee discussion: BLM published a draft LTVA business plan in September 2024 that included a proposed higher fee structure. Draft plans do not equal adopted fee changes, and as of January 1, 2026, the published LTVA fee tables still list $180 and $40. (BLM, 2024; BLM, n.d.-c)
Where to Purchase Permits
LTVA permits may be purchased online (where offered) and in person through local field offices or on-site options depending on the area. Recreation.gov lists an LTVA pass for the BLM Yuma Field Office. (Recreation.gov, n.d.)
BLM field offices in Yuma (928-317-3200) and El Centro (760-337-4400) are primary contacts for the AZ/CA LTVA region. (BLM, n.d.-d; BLM, n.d.-e)
LTVA vs. Dispersed Camping Comparison
| Feature | LTVA Camping | Dispersed Camping |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $180 (season permit) or $40 (short-visit permit) | Usually free (some developed sites have fees) |
| Stay Limit | Permit season: Sep 15-Apr 15 (site rules apply) | Often 14 days within a 28-day period (local rules vary) |
| Relocation Required | No dispersed rotation inside permitted LTVA areas during season | Often yes, including 25-mile radius standards (varies by office) |
| Amenities | Varies by site (toilets are common; water/dump access varies) | Typically none |
| Permit Required | Yes during Sep 15-Apr 15 season in designated LTVAs | No permit for most dispersed camping (check local exceptions) |
| Valid Locations | Designated LTVA sites (BLM lists 7) | BLM lands where camping is allowed (restrictions vary) |
Worked math check: $180 over a 7-month season averages about $25.71 per month. (This is math, not a BLM claim.)
State-by-State Equipment Requirements (Comparison Table)
Equipment requirements for BLM camping are set by federal conduct rules, local supplementary rules, and temporary fire orders. (BLM, 2024b; eCFR, n.d.)
State Comparison Table
| State | Sanitation | Fire Equipment | Shovel | Grey Water | Stay Limit | Relocation | Enforcement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | LTVAs: LTVA Rules; Others: Self-contained preferred | MANDATORY (2026 Order); 2.5lb ABC Extinguisher | Required (Fire Seasons) | LTVAs: No ground dumping; use dump sites | 14 Days/28-Day Cycle | 25 Miles | HIGH (Winter) |
| California | LTVAs: LTVA Rules; Midland: Self-contained ONLY | MANDATORY (2026 Order); Permit required | Required (Fire Seasons) | LTVAs: No ground dumping; authorized only | 14 Days/28-Day Cycle | 25 Miles | MEDIUM |
| Nevada | Varies; Pack out all waste | Required (Fire Seasons) | Recommended | Follow local rules | 14 Days/28-Day Cycle | 25 Miles | LOW |
| Utah | Varies; Strict in high-use corridors | Required (Fire Seasons) | Recommended | Follow local rules | 14 Days/28-Day Cycle | 25 Miles | MEDIUM (Moab) |
| Colorado | Varies by field office | Required (Fire Seasons) | Recommended | Follow local rules | 14 Days/28-Day Cycle | 25 Miles | LOW-MEDIUM |
| New Mexico | Varies by field office | Required (Fire Seasons) | Recommended | Follow local rules | 14 Days/28-Day Cycle | 25 Miles | LOW |
Note: Swipe left/right on mobile to view the full table. Data verified for 2026 camping season.
Portable Toilet and Sanitation Requirements
Sanitation requirements depend on the specific area and facility type. LTVAs are managed with their own supplementary rules and site-specific requirements. For example, Midland LTVA is listed as “self-contained only.” (BLM, n.d.-b) Always verify with the relevant LTVA page or the field office before assuming a portable toilet is required or optional in a specific zone.
Fire Equipment Specifications
Fire equipment requirements (such as carrying a shovel and a fire extinguisher) are commonly imposed through local fire restriction orders and closure/restriction notices. Requirements can change fast with conditions. Check BLM fire restriction updates for your area. (BLM, 2025b)
Source: Example BLM fire restriction announcement (Arizona)
The recommended specification remains a 2.5+ pound ABC-type fire extinguisher kept accessible near cooking/heating equipment.
Grey Water and Waste Container Requirements
Do not dump wastewater in LTVAs or where local supplementary rules prohibit it. LTVA supplementary rules include explicit restrictions on dumping sewage and petroleum products and include enforcement authority. (BLM, 2023; Federal Register, 2004)
Waste containers for trash are required in practice because Leave No Trace standards require packing out all trash. Always secure trash against wind and wildlife.
Enforcement Level Explanation
Enforcement varies by district, season, staffing, and complaint volume. High-use winter regions (for example, the Quartzsite and Yuma area) typically see more patrol activity than remote basins. Use this section as planning guidance, not as permission to ignore rules.
Enforcement Patterns: Where and When Rangers Actually Patrol
BLM enforcement varies by location, season, staffing, and complaint volume. High-use winter regions (for example, Quartzsite and Yuma in Arizona) commonly have more visible patrol activity than remote areas with lower visitation. Use this section to understand real-world variability, not to rationalize non-compliance.
Note: The specific numeric enforcement metrics referenced in earlier drafts of this post were based on the author’s FOIA requests and field notes and are not published as a consolidated public dataset by BLM nationwide. The practical takeaway is still valid: enforcement intensity clusters in high-use corridors and peak seasons.
High Enforcement Zones
Arizona: Quartzsite and Yuma Areas
Peak season runs December through March, coinciding with snowbird migration to warm desert regions. Enforcement focus in high-use areas typically prioritizes waste issues, unsafe behavior, and obvious overstays.
Utah: Moab Corridor
Peak enforcement often occurs during tourist season. Rangers commonly prioritize resource damage, route compliance, and high-impact use areas.
Medium Enforcement Zones
California desert regions including Mojave and areas surrounding Anza-Borrego State Park often maintain moderate enforcement. Rangers patrol and respond to complaints but resources vary by district and season.
Low Enforcement Zones
Remote areas can see minimal ranger presence. Low enforcement does not indicate permission to violate regulations. Complaints still trigger ranger response, and serious violations can result in citations regardless of location remoteness.
Primary Enforcement Triggers
Waste Violations (Highest Priority): Improper disposal (trash, sewage, wastewater) and wildlife attractants commonly generate the fastest enforcement response.
Stay Limit Violations (Common Trigger): Overstays and repeated occupancy in the same area often generate complaints in high-use zones.
Fire Restriction Violations (High Risk): Fire restriction orders can carry serious penalties and change quickly with conditions.
Complaint-Driven Enforcement Reality
In many areas, enforcement is complaint-driven. Visible, disruptive, or high-impact behavior is more likely to draw attention. Quiet, compliant camping reduces both conflict and risk.
Violation Penalties: What Happens If You Break the Rules
Federal regulation authorizes penalties up to $1,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment for violations of BLM visitor services regulations and authorized supplementary rules. (eCFR, n.d.-penalties)
Source: 43 CFR 8360.0-7 (Penalties)
Real-world citation amounts vary by district, violation type, and circumstances. Use the tier examples below as general guidance, not as guaranteed fine schedules.
Tier 1: Common First-Time or Lower-Impact Issues
First-time overstays and minor rule violations may result in warnings or citations depending on local policy, resource impact, and cooperation. If contacted, depart promptly, show documentation, and correct issues immediately.
Tier 2: Waste and Environmental Violations
Waste-related violations are commonly treated seriously due to environmental and public health impacts. LTVA and other high-use areas may have explicit supplementary rules restricting sewage and wastewater dumping. (BLM, 2023; Federal Register, 2004)
Tier 3: Serious or Repeat Violations
Repeat offenses, significant environmental damage, or fire restriction violations during high-risk periods can escalate penalties. Temporary closure and fire restriction orders frequently reference 43 CFR 8360.0-7 penalty authority.
Citation Process and Appeals
Citations include violation description, fine amount, and instructions. Follow the instructions on the citation itself. Do not ignore federal citations.
Compliance vs. Citation Avoidance Mindset
Focus compliance efforts on doing what’s right for the land and other campers, not on calculating citation probability. Rangers appreciate visible good-faith efforts to comply: equipment readily accessible, sites kept clean, documentation of arrival dates, polite cooperation when contacted.
November 2025 Updates
Effective November 1, 2025, Mittry Lake Wildlife Area near Yuma, Arizona changed camping rules from 10 days per calendar year to 14 days within 28-day period, aligning with standard BLM guidance used in that region. (BLM, 2025a)
Mittry Lake Rule Change Details
Mittry Lake Wildlife Area sits in the Yuma area adjacent to Imperial Dam LTVA. Before November 1, 2025, camping was restricted to 10 days per calendar year—a unique limitation different from surrounding BLM lands.
The new rule, announced September 26, 2025 and effective November 1, 2025, changes Mittry Lake to match standard BLM guidance: 14 days maximum within any 28-day period, and a move-outside-the-area requirement that is often described as outside a 25-mile radius in that district. (BLM, 2025a)
BLM & Federal Fee-Free Days 2026
The 2026 schedule has shifted significantly toward patriotic and historic observances. Note that fee waivers now apply to U.S. Residents only; international visitors are required to pay standard fees. (DOI, 2025)
- Feb 16: Presidents Day
- May 25: Memorial Day
- June 14: Flag Day / President Trump’s Birthday
- July 3–5: Independence Day Weekend
- Aug 25: 110th Birthday of the NPS
- Sept 17: Constitution Day
- Oct 27: Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday
- Nov 11: Veterans Day
Note: LTVA permits are still required during the season (Sept 15 – April 15) even on fee-free days.
Monitoring Future Changes
BLM regulations, fees, and policies change periodically. Always verify current rules before each camping trip rather than relying on information from previous seasons. Fire restrictions change quickly during fire season, with updates posted to BLM pages and through field office phone calls. (BLM, 2025b)
Future fee changes typically involve formal public processes and publication. Monitor the Federal Register for proposed BLM rules and notices.
Before You Go: Preparation Checklist
Verify Current Rules: Call your local BLM field office before departing. Find contact numbers at BLM.gov under your state’s page, then navigate to Contact Us. Confirm the area you plan to visit is open—seasonal closures for wildlife protection, fire danger, or weather can restrict access without advance warning posted online.
Download BLM Travel Management Maps: BLM uses travel management designations and maps to show legal routes and access. The national travel and transportation page is here: BLM Travel and Transportation. Not all BLM land allows cross-country travel or camping access—route compliance matters.
Check Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions can change quickly during fire season. Check BLM updates for your state/field office and confirm before you arrive. (BLM, 2025b)
Plan Fuel, Water, and Dump Locations: Map the nearest services before arriving at remote sites. Typical dispersed sites sit 50-100 miles from services, making supply runs time-consuming and fuel-expensive.
Equipment Verification: Confirm you have required and recommended equipment before departing. Fire extinguisher, shovel (especially during restriction periods), waste containers, and trash bags are essential. For LTVAs, verify sanitation requirements from the specific LTVA page. (BLM, n.d.-b; BLM, 2023)
At the Campsite: Daily Compliance Practices
Document Arrival Date: Take a photo with your phone showing the date and time immediately upon arrival. Include your RV or a recognizable campsite feature in the photo.
Keep Permits and Documents Accessible: Store LTVA permits (if applicable) in an easily accessible location inside your vehicle.
Follow Leave No Trace Principles: Pack out 100% of your trash. Use existing fire rings rather than creating new ones.
Wastewater Management: Follow local supplementary rules and LTVA rules for sewage and wastewater. Do not dump where prohibited and use authorized disposal. (BLM, 2023; Federal Register, 2004)
Managing the 14-Day Cycle
Set Phone Reminder for Day 12-13: Configure a reminder so you do not accidentally exceed local stay limits.
Mark Site on GPS: Record your campsite coordinates so you can verify relocation requirements (often tied to a 25-mile radius, depending on the field office). (BLM Nevada, n.d.; BLM New Mexico, n.d.)
Document Departure with Clean Site Photo: Photograph your campsite showing it cleaned.
If Rangers Contact You
Be courteous and cooperative. Show permits and documentation if requested. Ask questions if you’re uncertain about requirements.
Good-Faith Compliance Philosophy
Rangers appreciate visible effort to comply with regulations. Perfection isn’t expected—mistakes happen. What matters is demonstrating respect for the rules and genuine effort to follow them.
FAQ: Your BLM Camping Questions Answered
How long can I camp on BLM land?
You can camp on Bureau of Land Management land for up to fourteen days within a twenty-eight day period in many areas, with some districts also using a twenty-five mile “same area” standard. Limits can vary by field office and site rules. Long-Term Visitor Areas in Arizona and California use a permit season from September fifteenth through April fifteenth. (BLM, 2024b; BLM Nevada, n.d.; BLM, n.d.-c)
Do I need a permit for BLM dispersed camping?
No permit required for dispersed camping on most BLM land. Exceptions: Long-Term Visitor Areas require permits from September fifteenth through April fifteenth in designated LTVAs. Some areas may have permits or fees due to local management. Always check with your local BLM field office. (BLM, 2024b; BLM, n.d.-c)
What are LTVA fees for 2025-2026?
LTVA permits are listed at one hundred eighty dollars for a long-term season permit and forty dollars for a short-visit permit, with the season running September fifteenth through April fifteenth. Check the current BLM LTVA pages or Recreation.gov for the latest published pricing. (BLM, n.d.-c; Recreation.gov, n.d.)
Do I need a portable toilet for BLM camping?
Sanitation requirements vary by area. LTVAs have their own supplementary rules and some sites may require self-contained waste systems. For example, Midland LTVA is listed as self-contained only. Dispersed camping sanitation rules vary by location. Verify with the local field office or the site page. (BLM, n.d.-b; BLM, 2023)
What equipment do I need for BLM camping?
Requirements vary by local rules and temporary orders. Many areas recommend a fire extinguisher, shovel (often required during fire restriction orders), adequate water, and secure trash storage. Confirm fire restrictions and local requirements before you go. (BLM, 2025b)
How far do I have to move after 14 days?
In many BLM areas, you must move outside a twenty-five mile radius after reaching the fourteen-day limit within a twenty-eight day period. Some areas use different definitions or limits. Check the local BLM office guidance for your destination. (BLM Nevada, n.d.; BLM New Mexico, n.d.)
Can I leave my RV unattended on BLM land?
Federal rules prohibit leaving personal property unattended longer than ten days (twelve months in Alaska) unless otherwise authorized. Some special areas have stricter rules. (eCFR, n.d.; BLM, 2023)
Resources and Official Contacts
Official BLM Resources
- BLM Camping Information – National camping regulations and guidance
- Recreation.gov (example LTVA pass listing) – Online pass listing
- BLM Travel and Transportation – Travel management and route info
- BLM Fee-Free Days – Fee-free day listings (latest published)
Key Field Office Contacts
- Yuma Field Office (Arizona): 928-317-3200 – Covers Quartzsite area, La Posa LTVAs, and surrounding dispersed sites
- El Centro Field Office (California): 760-337-4400 – Manages California LTVAs including Midland and Imperial Dam
- Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office (California): 760-833-7100 – Southern California desert regions
Conclusion: Camping Responsibly on Your Public Lands
BLM lands represent a massive public resource. The BLM states it manages about 245 million acres of public land. (BLM, n.d.-f)
LTVA permit pricing is still listed at $180 (season permit) and $40 (short-visit) on official pages as of January 1, 2026. Standard dispersed camping commonly uses a 14-days-within-28-days limit, often paired with a 25-mile area standard depending on the field office.
Always verify current rules at BLM.gov or through field office contact before trips.
Last Updated: January 1, 2026
For ongoing updates and detailed boondocking guidance, visit BoondockOrBust.com.
