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GUIDE

BLM RV camping

Dispersed camping, stay limits and Long-Term Visitor Areas, with the differences that matter.

Educational guide. BLM limits vary by state and field office. Verify your exact area. Last checked October 15, 2026.

The Bureau of Land Management oversees roughly a tenth of U.S. land, most of it in the West, and much of it allows dispersed camping at no charge. The rules are simple in outline and local in detail.

📋 The core rules BLM publishes

  • Stay limit: dispersed camping is generally limited to 14 days within any 28-day period, though limits vary by state and field office.
  • Move: after the limit, relocate often at least 25 to 30 miles away.
  • Purpose: short-term recreation, not long-term living.
  • Roads: stay on designated roads and trails unless the area is designated for off-road use.
  • Unattended property: do not leave personal property more than 10 days; Idaho and Alaska differ.
  • Where to camp: use already disturbed spots within 150 feet of designated routes, stay at least 200 feet from lakes, rivers and streams, and do not camp within 1 mile of campgrounds, trailheads or picnic areas.
  • Fire: use existing fire rings or a fire pan and check current restrictions. Some regions require a campfire permit; California requires one for all campfires and gas stove fires.

Source: BLM camping overview, checked October 15, 2026.

🏜️ Long-Term Visitor Areas

Fees as listed by BLM when checked.
ItemDetail (La Posa LTVA, Quartzsite, AZ)
SeasonSept. 15 to April 15
Long-term permit$180
Short-visit permit$40, covers 14 consecutive days, renewable
Off-season (Apr. 16 to Sept. 14)$10 day use, $15 overnight, $75 annual per vehicle; 14 days in 28
AmenitiesVault toilets, water faucets, dump stations, trash service

BLM lists LTVAs in California and Arizona (Hot Spring, Tamarisk, Pilot Knob, Mule Mountain, Midland, La Posa and Imperial Dam). Permits are valid at all BLM LTVAs. Contact the Yuma, El Centro or Palm Springs-South Coast field office.

🧭 State differences

Rules vary even inside BLM. Nevada, New Mexico and California use 14 days in 28 with a 25-mile move; the Grand Junction, Colorado office uses 14 in any 30 days with a 30 air-mile move; Utah requires previously disturbed sites and 300 feet from range improvements. See the state pages for each.

✅ Before you go

  1. Find the field office for your exact parcel and read its camping page.
  2. Check closures, fire restrictions and permit requirements for your dates.
  3. Check road conditions and your RV's clearance.
  4. Confirm water and an authorized dump nearby.

📚 Official sources

Checked October 15, 2026. Rules, closures and local orders change; confirm with the land manager before you travel.

Choose a state for its rules.

State-by-state rulesBeginner guide