BLM Boondocking Rules for 2026: Dispersed Camping, Length Limits, and What's Changed

Bureau of Land Management dispersed camping rules by region, current stay limits, and the recent changes affecting popular boondocking areas.

Bureau of Land Management dispersed camping remains the largest and most flexible boondocking resource in the United States, but the rules have shifted in popular areas over the last several years. This is what's current for 2026.

The Basic Rules

14-day limit

Standard maximum stay is 14 days in any 28-day period per location. After 14 days, you must move at least 25 miles from the previous camp. This applies to dispersed camping across most BLM lands nationwide.

Set back from roads and water

Most BLM areas require camping at least 100 feet from any water source (stream, spring, lake). Some areas require camping only in previously-used sites; others allow full dispersed camping subject to setback rules.

Motorized use restrictions

Camping is legal only in areas designated for motor vehicle use — check the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for the specific field office. Off-road driving to reach a camp is often prohibited in wilderness study areas and sensitive habitat zones.

Leave no trace

Pack out all trash including gray water (though catholes for personal waste are typically legal outside designated zones). Fire pans required in some areas; check locally. Human waste rules vary by area but most require 200 feet from water and 6-inch-deep cathole burial where allowed.

Regional Variations

Desert Southwest (AZ, CA, NV, UT)

The classic boondocking region. Vast public land, generally flexible rules, LTVA program in specific areas. Popular areas near Sedona, Moab, and Alabama Hills have added permits or shorter stay limits in the last few years.

Long-Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs)

Specific BLM-designated zones in Arizona and California (Quartzsite AZ region, Imperial Sand Dunes CA area, and others) that allow extended stays with a paid LTVA permit. Winter LTVA permit runs September 15 through April 15; short-term permits available for two-week stays.

LTVA amenities vary but typically include dump stations, potable water, and trash service. Popular winter destination for snowbirds — expect community energy at large LTVAs.

Northern Nevada and Idaho

Vast BLM tracts with minimal regulation. Standard 14-day limit, no permits typically required for dispersed camping, wide-open access. Weather is the limiting factor for much of the year.

Colorado and New Mexico

Mixed federal ownership; BLM parcels are common but often interspersed with National Forest, state land, and private inholdings. Verify land ownership carefully before setting up — motor vehicle use maps are essential.

Northwest (OR, WA, MT)

Substantial BLM holdings, mostly in eastern portions of these states. Rules similar to Nevada/Idaho. Fire restrictions frequent in summer.

Popular Areas With Recent Changes

Alabama Hills, CA

Now requires a permit for camping in many areas. Established campgrounds available; dispersed camping restricted to designated zones.

Sedona, AZ area

Federal parking pass required at many trailheads. Camping restrictions expanded in Coconino National Forest (adjacent to BLM) and some BLM areas near town.

Moab, UT area

Popular dispersed sites near Sand Flats and near Arches have added permit requirements. Established BLM campgrounds now the primary legal option for many visitors.

Anza-Borrego and Borrego Springs, CA

State park rules apply within the state park itself; BLM land outside has standard rules but with additional fire and vehicle-use restrictions. Winter camping fills popular areas.

Practical Planning

Before the trip

• Verify current field office rules — call ahead or check the specific field office website.
• Download MVUM for the area to know legal roads and camping zones.
• Check InciWeb for current fire restrictions.
• Verify cell coverage or download offline maps in advance.

During the trip

• Camp only in previously-used sites when possible.
• Pack out everything — including gray water where required.
• Follow the 14-day rule and move to a different area for extended stays.
• Respect closures posted on-site; they usually exist for reasons that matter (nesting birds, cultural resources, fire risk).

Fees and Permits Growing

The trend is toward more fee-based access in high-visitation areas. LTVA permits, day-use fees at popular trailheads, and camping-specific permits (Sedona's Pass Program, for example) have all expanded. Free dispersed camping still exists on the vast majority of BLM land, just less so at the most Instagram-friendly locations.

Bottom Line

BLM boondocking remains one of the great American RV freedoms. Standard 14-day dispersed camping is still legal, still free, and still expansive across the West. Popular areas have added regulations; remote areas remain open. Check field-office-specific rules before every new area, download the MVUM, and respect fire restrictions religiously.

Maps, Apps, and Planning Resources

Finding legal BLM camping requires the right resources:

• BLM Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM): Free downloads from the BLM website for each field office. Show legal roads and camping designations. Essential and often overlooked.
• Benchmark Road & Recreation Atlases: State-specific atlases covering BLM, Forest Service, and other public land in remarkable detail. Print resource for planning; more reliable than apps when offline.
• Apps: The Dyrt, Campendium, iOverlander: User-contributed dispersed site listings with GPS, reviews, and photos. Cross-reference with official BLM data — some entries are outdated.
• Gaia GPS or OnX: Offline mapping apps with BLM/Forest Service overlays. Essential for remote navigation where cell coverage disappears.

Ethics That Keep BLM Open

Every closure at a popular BLM area traces to abuse: trash left behind, human waste in the open, campfires during bans, driving off designated roads. Owners who follow Leave No Trace principles keep areas open for future visitors. The rules are simple: pack it in, pack it out, camp on durable surfaces, respect fire restrictions, and leave sites better than you found them.