Forum Discussion

dgodinez's avatar
dgodinez
Explorer
Aug 08, 2014

BLM Camping

I have seen a few you tube videos including ones from the infamous Wynns where they pull up to a secluded BLM area and dry camp for up to 14 days. While I would not go for 14 days, these areas look awesome for visiting for a few days and nights. I have searched high and low and I cant find much information on them other then where they are.

My questions are the following.

1. Do you just drive into the area and pull over and set up anywhere within the BLM boundary?

2. Many of the listings I see on Allstays are campgrounds that are 30 feet or less and I have a 36 foot class A, are there usually empty spots to park for these size rigs, I dont need a campground just a area of land?

3. What is the best way to find places to camp ( I am in California) other then just driving and hoping not to get stuck!

Any help or pushes in the right direction would be helpful.
  • trailertraveler's avatar
    trailertraveler
    Explorer
    Aug 08, 2014
    dgodinez wrote:
    ...Do you just drive into the area and pull over and set up anywhere within the BLM boundary?...Any help or pushes in the right direction would be helpful...
    Some of the answers you have gotten mix Forest Service with BLM. The rules for the different agencies are not necessarily the same.

    Each National Forest has a travel management plan and has Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) that show the roads open to various types of vehicles and also show the restrictions on how far you can take an RV or other vehicle off the designated roadway. It varies from as little as 30' to 300' sometimes within the same Forest. The areas are not necessarily marked and just like traffic law it is the user's responsibility to know the rules.

    In my experience, BLM land boundaries are not always that well marked. BLM also has some restricted areas where camping is allowed only in designate campgrounds or sites. You are best to get maps and information on any restrictions from the District Office in the area you will be visiting.
  • amandasgramma's avatar
    amandasgramma
    Explorer
    Aug 08, 2014
    I'm with Executive....best BLM experience for a newbie is at Quartzsite.....but do not just "drive in and park"......learn what the difference between a "wash" and "hard pack" are. You'll get stuck in washes............especially when/if it rains. In Oregon, you DO need to look at Google Earth and check the area out. Most BLM is hard to get to. Around La Piine, you can find lots of boondocking areas (within a 50 mile radius)
  • Executive45's avatar
    Executive45
    Explorer III
    Aug 08, 2014
    Maiden voyage to Quartzsite...on BLM land....get your feel there....go in January and you won't be alone.....:B.....Dennis
  • ReneeG's avatar
    ReneeG
    Explorer
    Aug 08, 2014
    I've read a lot on blogs of full timers and what they do is visit other full timing blogs especially those that like to boondock. Then utilize Google Earth to visually check the area and if you have a tow car, park your RV, take your toad in and check out the sites. Another option is to call the nearest BLM office and talk to them, ask them access road condition for your rig. With RV.net, you can post questions up here for specific areas, also use the internet and Google "dispersed camping in Gila National Forest" (without the quotes) just as an example and you will be surprised at what comes up.
  • TexasShadow's avatar
    TexasShadow
    Explorer II
    Aug 08, 2014
    The problem with class As is the access road is often
    Rough, sometimes too rough.
    But you can first check the NF pages and
    When u find a campground or just the forest
    Itself. Then use google earth to scrutinize the
    Campground or search along the highways to
    Look for roads or small cleared places etc
    Or stop in the nf ranger stations and ask

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