Dispersed camping on BLM land is generally limited to 14 days within any 28-day period, per the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Then you must move, often at least 25 to 30 miles away. Colorado allows 14 days in any 30-day period under its statewide BLM rules.
Last updated: September 27, 2026
Chuck Price has 35+ years of RV camping experience and owns a 2018 Hymer Aktiv Class B.
Land access, permits, road conditions, and site availability change. Verify all information with the relevant land management agency before your trip. Conditions on remote public land can be hazardous, so assess your skills and equipment before you go.
- Must-know: BLM generally limits dispersed camping to 14 days within any 28-day period, then you move, often 25 to 30 miles (BLM).
- Trip killers: Colorado allows 14 days in any 30, then a 30-air-mile move (BLM Colorado). Entering an area closed by a fire prevention order is prohibited under 43 CFR 9212.1.
- Best for: RVers and tent campers planning dispersed stays outside developed campgrounds.
- Confirm before you go: Rules vary by state and local area, so check posted signs and your local BLM office (BLM).
BLM land camping rules at a glance
BLM manages 245 million acres, one-tenth of America’s land base, according to BLM. If your state is not listed, check with its BLM state office.
| Rule | National default | Where it differs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stay limit | Generally 14 days within any 28-day period | Colorado: 14 days in any 30-day period at one location | BLM camping page, BLM Colorado |
| Permit | Not required in most areas | California: free campfire permit for all campfires and gas stove fires | BLM camping page, BLM California |
| Unattended property | 10 days (12 months in Alaska) | Colorado: 48 hours. Idaho: BLM says the limit differs | 43 CFR 8365.1-2, BLM Colorado, BLM camping page |
| Fire | Never leave a fire without extinguishing it. Fire prevention orders can close or restrict areas | New Mexico: campfires must be attended at all times | 43 CFR 9212, BLM New Mexico |
| Penalty | Fine up to $1,000 and/or up to 12 months of imprisonment | Some supplementary rules also cite fines under 18 U.S.C. 3571 | 43 CFR 8360.0-7, 89 FR, Nov. 14, 2024 |
How long can you camp on BLM land?
BLM’s national camping page says: “Dispersed camping is generally limited to 14 days within any 28-day period, though specific stay limits vary by state and field office.” BLM calls camping away from developed recreation facilities dispersed camping. BLM also says dispersed camping is for short-term recreation, not long-term living.
Federal regulation 43 CFR 8365.1-2 sets no fixed number of days and bars camping longer than the period the authorized officer permits (eCFR, current as of September 24, 2026). An authorized officer is a BLM employee delegated that authority, per 43 CFR 8360.0-5. For the basics of camping without hookups, see our guide to boondocking for beginners.
How the 28-day clock works
- California: the 28-day period “begins when a camper initially occupies a specific location”, per BLM California. Separate visits count toward the 14 days.
- Nevada: the period starts when you first occupy a specific site, per BLM Nevada. Staying longer requires written permission from an authorized officer.
- New Mexico: you reach the limit through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation, per BLM New Mexico.
Colorado uses 14 days in any 30
BLM Colorado’s statewide supplementary rules say you must not camp longer than 14 days in any 30-day period at any one location (BLM Colorado fact sheet, January 28, 2025). The rules took effect July 12, 2010, under 75 FR 32968.
How far do you have to move after 14 days?
After reaching the stay limit, you must move to a new location, often at least 25 to 30 miles away, per the BLM camping page. The distance differs by state, as the table shows.
| Jurisdiction | Stay limit | Move after the limit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BLM national guidance | Generally 14 days within any 28-day period, varies by state and field office | Often at least 25 to 30 miles | BLM camping page |
| California | 14 days within any 28 consecutive days, unless otherwise identified | Outside a 25-mile radius of the previous location until the 29th day | BLM California |
| Nevada | Up to 14 days in a 28-day period, unless otherwise noted | At least 25 miles away | BLM Nevada |
| New Mexico | 14 days within any 28 consecutive days | At least 25 miles away | BLM New Mexico |
| Colorado (statewide, effective July 12, 2010) | 14 days in any 30-day period at one location | At least 30 air miles away | 75 FR 32968 |
| Mittry Lake Wildlife Area, Arizona (effective Nov. 1, 2025) | 14 days within a 28-day period | At least 25 miles away | BLM announcement, Sept. 25, 2025 |
Do you need a permit to camp on BLM land?
Most dispersed camping on BLM land needs no permit. BLM’s camping page says: “Most areas don’t require permits or reservations.” Some regions may require permits for large groups or campfires, per the same page. In California, all campfires and gas stove fires on public lands require a California Campfire Permit, which is free and available online (BLM California).
Special Recreation Permits cover commercial use, competitive events, group activities, recreation events and vending services, per BLM permits and fees. BLM’s camping page says that some BLM campgrounds charge a fee, and that fees and stay limits differ by campground (BLM).
For national park land, see our guide to boondocking in national parks. For the costs that come with free camping, read about the hidden costs of free RV parking.
Leaving your RV or gear unattended
Under 43 CFR 8365.1-2(b), current as of September 24, 2026, no person shall “Leave personal property unattended longer than 10 days (12 months in Alaska)”. Unauthorized property may be disposed of under the same regulation. In developed BLM campgrounds, BLM’s camping page says not to leave personal property unattended for more than 72 hours, or as posted at the site. Colorado sets a 48-hour limit (BLM Colorado).
BLM’s national camping page says Idaho differs. Ask the Idaho BLM office for its limit before you leave property unattended there.
Campfires and fire restrictions
Fire restrictions on BLM land can vary throughout the year, so check current regulations and posted guidance before you go (BLM). BLM initiates restrictions or temporary public land closures to reduce the risk of wildfires, per its fire restrictions page. BLM says its preventive measures focus on human-related activities such as campfires, off-road driving, equipment use and recreational target shooting.
Under 43 CFR 9212.2, BLM officers may issue fire prevention orders that close entry to, or restrict uses of, designated public lands (eCFR, current as of September 24, 2026). Each order names the area, the time period and any exemptions, and is posted. Unless authorized in writing, 43 CFR 9212.1 prohibits these acts:
- Leaving a fire without extinguishing it.
- Building a campfire without removing all flammable material from around it.
- Entering an area closed by a fire prevention order.
- Doing anything a fire prevention order restricts.
New Mexico says campfires must be attended at all times (BLM New Mexico). At Canyons of the Ancients National Monument in Colorado, a 2024 rule requires a fire pan for campfires when no metal fire ring is provided (89 FR, Nov. 14, 2024).
Human waste, gray water and trash
Under 43 CFR 8365.1-1 (eCFR, current as of September 24, 2026), visitors shall pack their trash for disposal at home whenever practicable. The same section bars draining sewage or petroleum products, or dumping refuse or waste other than wash water, from any trailer or other vehicle except in places or receptacles provided for that purpose. It also bars disposing of household refuse brought from home and polluting water supplies.
BLM’s camping page recommends a portable toilet or packing out your waste if possible. In some locations, it recommends burying waste 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water and trails.
In New Mexico, camping is prohibited within 900 feet of any developed water source such as a guzzler or watering trough (BLM New Mexico).
Where you can camp and drive
Most BLM lands allow dispersed camping unless an area is posted “Closed to Camping” or has specific restrictions (BLM). Vehicles must stay on designated roads and trails unless the area is specifically designated for off-road vehicle use. BLM lists the following as best-practice recommendations, not rules:
- Camp in spots that are already disturbed.
- Stay within 150 feet of designated routes.
- Camp at least 200 feet from lakes, rivers and streams.
- Do not camp within 1 mile of campgrounds, trailheads or picnic areas.
- Use existing fire rings or a fire pan.
Local rules can close more ground. At Canyons of the Ancients, a rule effective December 16, 2024, bars camping in named special recreation management areas and within 300 feet of a developed recreation site or riparian area (89 FR, Nov. 14, 2024).
To locate sites, see how to find dispersed camping sites with Google Maps. For picking a spot once you arrive, see choosing a campsite for a Class B RV.
Bringing a UTV or side-by-side to camp
BLM treats a UTV as an off-road vehicle, so federal off-road rules apply before you unload it. You may ride only in areas and on routes the local office designates as open or limited. Closed areas bar off-road vehicles entirely. You also need a valid state operator’s license or learner’s permit where state or federal law requires one, and state rules on registration, equipment and operation still apply on BLM land (43 CFR 8341.1, eCFR, current as of September 29, 2026).
The machine has to meet the federal minimums in 43 CFR 8343.1:
- Brakes in good working condition.
- No muffler cutout, bypass or similar device.
- A spark arrester where the local office requires one.
- Headlights and a red taillight to ride from a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise.
Those rules cover BLM routes only. Riding from camp to a trailhead on a county road or highway is a state question. Check our street legal UTV laws by state before you drive off the trailer and onto pavement.
Local rules can override the general limit
A BLM State Director may set supplementary rules “for the protection of persons, property, and public lands and resources”, under 43 CFR 8365.1-6 (eCFR, current as of September 24, 2026). These rules must be available at the local office, posted on site, and published in the Federal Register and locally.
State and local laws also apply on BLM land, except as otherwise provided by federal law, under 43 CFR 8365.1-7.
Mittry Lake since November 2025
BLM announced on September 25, 2025, that Mittry Lake Wildlife Area in Arizona would move from 10 days per calendar year to 14 days within a 28-day period on November 1, 2025 (BLM announcement). BLM made the change with the Arizona Game and Fish Department and the Bureau of Reclamation. BLM said the change “aligns Mittry Lake with surrounding BLM-managed public lands”.
Long Term Visitor Areas: the winter exception
BLM calls Long Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs) a rare exception to short-term dispersed camping. At seven LTVAs in Arizona and California, winter visitors may camp up to seven consecutive months with a permit (BLM). The season runs September 15 to April 15, and one permit is valid at all seven, per Recreation.gov. For permit types, fees and site rules, see our guide to LTVA permits, fees and rules.
Penalties for breaking BLM camping rules
Under 43 CFR 8360.0-7 (eCFR, current as of September 24, 2026), violations of the regulations in 43 CFR Part 8360 by a member of the public are “punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or imprisonment not to exceed 12 months.” The same section says violations of supplementary rules are punishable in the same manner. Knowingly and willfully violating the fire rules in 43 CFR 9212.1 carries a fine of not more than $1,000, imprisonment of not more than 12 months, or both, under 43 CFR 9212.4.
Colorado’s 2010 rules refer to “enhanced fines provided for by 18 U.S.C. 3571” (75 FR 32968). The 2024 Canyons of the Ancients rule says violators may be “fined in accordance with 18 U.S.C. 3571” (89 FR, Nov. 14, 2024).
BLM fee-free days in 2026
As of September 27, 2026, BLM’s two remaining 2026 fee-free days are October 27 and November 11, per its fee-free days page. BLM says: “Beginning in 2026, free access on these days will be for U.S. citizens and residents only.”
Fee-free days waive standard amenity and day-use fees. They do not waive expanded amenity fees, developed camping, group day-use, cabin rentals or individual special recreation permits. For a full look at trip spending, see our boondocking cost breakdown.
Before you go
Before you camp, check posted signs and the BLM fire restrictions page for your state. In California, get the free campfire permit before you light a campfire or gas stove. Then call the field office that manages the area and confirm the stay limit and move distance for your trip dates.
Frequently asked questions
How long can you camp on BLM land?
BLM generally limits dispersed camping to 14 days within any 28-day period, and limits vary by state and field office. Colorado allows 14 days in any 30-day period, then requires a move of at least 30 air miles. These limits are current as of September 27, 2026, so check the local BLM office before you go.
Do you need a permit to camp on BLM land?
Most dispersed camping areas on BLM land do not require permits or reservations. BLM says some regions may require permits for large groups or campfires. California requires a free California Campfire Permit for all campfires and gas stove fires on public lands. This is current as of September 27, 2026, so check the local BLM office before you go.
How far do you have to move after 14 days on BLM land?
BLM’s national page says often at least 25 to 30 miles. California, Nevada and New Mexico say 25 miles, and California applies it as a radius from your previous location until the 29th day. Colorado requires at least 30 air miles. This is current as of September 27, 2026, so check the local BLM office before you go.
Can you leave your RV unattended on BLM land?
Federal rules bar leaving personal property unattended longer than 10 days, or 12 months in Alaska, under 43 CFR 8365.1-2. Colorado’s limit is 48 hours. BLM says Idaho differs. These limits are current as of September 27, 2026, so check the local BLM office before you go.
What is the penalty for breaking BLM camping rules?
Under 43 CFR 8360.0-7, a violation of the BLM visitor rules in 43 CFR Part 8360 is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to 12 months of imprisonment. The same penalty applies to violations of supplementary rules. Some supplementary rules, including Colorado’s 2010 rules, also cite fines under 18 U.S.C. 3571. This is current as of September 27, 2026.
Can you have a campfire on BLM land?
Campfires may be allowed unless a fire prevention order closes the area or restricts fire use under 43 CFR 9212. Check the BLM fire restrictions page for your state before you go. Never leave a fire without extinguishing it. California requires a free campfire permit, as of September 27, 2026.
Are LTVAs different from regular BLM dispersed camping?
Yes. At BLM’s seven Long Term Visitor Areas in Arizona and California, a permit lets winter visitors camp up to seven consecutive months, from September 15 to April 15, as of September 27, 2026. Our LTVA guide covers permits and site rules.
