The Bureau of Land Management in the Department of Interior can be described as a federal agency. It is responsible for managing public lands. The agency's mission is to protect and sustain the nation's natural and cultural resources. It regulates logging as well as grazing and mineral rights. It is responsible for nearly one eighth the U.S. Landmass, which totals approximately 245 millions acres.
Washington, DC serves as the agency's capital. The majority of its public land are located 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 has two types of land to manage: undeveloped open land and developed campgrounds. Developed campgrounds usually have pit toilets and fee collection boxes. They also include picnic tables, benches, and other amenities.
Some developed campgrounds charge a nightly fee, while others are free. Depending on the state, you may need to pay a fee for a night or a permit per day. You can also camp in certain state-run wildlife management zones. While the rules are not set in stone for camping, they can be used to fish, hunt, or do other recreational activities. It doesn't matter what type of land you wish to camp on; it is a good idea check with the local BLM field offices to get current information.
Outdoor enthusiasts find undeveloped BLM public land a huge draw. These lands offer a wide variety of camping options, including backcountry camping, where you can sleep in a tent or RV. Some sites can only be used by hikers, others can only be used for those who are more adventurous. You'll find many dispersed BLM campgrounds throughout southern California, for example. Many of these campsites are found along rough roads. It is a good idea to find a spot for RVers in most OHV areas.
Although there are several BLM campgrounds, many are primitive and do not have basic amenities. Many of these sites lack potable water and toilets. The BLM's website has more information. BLM also provides 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. In the west, the agency is most heavily involved in preserving and managing wilderness areas, national monuments, historic landmarks, and other protected land. It is also the owner or many of the largest inland and coastline recreation areas in the country, as well hundreds of campgrounds. Although BLM land can sometimes be difficult to locate, it's worth taking the time to explore.
Whether you're in the west or the Midwest, there is likely a Bureau of Land Management land that's right for you. Most of these lands are secluded and less touristy than other parts of the country. They are great for hiking, skiing, and wildlife viewing. Some campgrounds come with fire rings and picnic tables. Others are more primitive.