Bureau of Land Management
Learn about camping and boondocking on BLM land
Nellis Dunes Recreation Area, Las Vegas, NV
Nellis Dunes Recreation Area, Las Vegas, Nevada Locals have used the sand dunes north of Nellis Air Force Base for OHV recreation since the 1970s. But it wasn’t until 2009 that the State of Nevada recognized its commercial potential as an OHV Recreation Area, and officially designated it as, “Nellis Dunes Recreation Area”. Most of it is managed by the BLM, including the camping areas and the vast majority of its trails and dunes. A smaller portion of former BLM lands was conveyed to Clark County for future construction of a motorsports park. Much of the camping and staging area ... Read more
Lowry Bridge Campground, Sun River, MT
Lowry Bridge, Sun River, Montana, Camping Sun River drains from the Sawtooth Range of mountains in Montana and flows east towards Great Falls. It roughly parallels State Highways 21 and 200, meandering past small hamlets with vintage gas stations and burger shacks of a bygone era. About a mile from the town of Simms, the river flows underneath an old bridge along Lowry Road. Started construction in 1916, Lowry Bridge was commissioned by Cascade County officials to provide a thoroughfare connecting communities on both sides of the Sun River. The bridge itself has only a 20,000 lbs limit. If your ... Read more
Joshua Tree BLM South, Chiriaco, CA
Joshua Tree BLM South, Chiriaco, California Chiriaco Summit is the name of a gasoline station stop along I-10, about 5 miles east of Cottonwood Springs Rd, right where it crosses Interstate 10. It happens to be the closest place name associated with Joshua Tree BLM South. This area of BLM land had long been used by Joshua Tree National Park as an overflow camping site. The campgrounds inside Joshua Tree NP get booked up very quickly, and as a result, many campers hoping for a starry-night weekend amidst boulders and joshua trees, get sent to this place. But it turns out, it’s ... Read more
Joe Skeen Campground
Joe Skeen Campground, El Malpais NCA This high desert campground is set back from highway 117. Each of the 10 free campsites (no reservation system/first come, first served basis) has a covered picnic table, fire grill, and tent space. There are two vault toilets. Some of the sites have pull through parking ideal for total lengths up to 50 feet. There is a steep arroyo at the entrance and drivers should inspect it before entering. The road is graveled and passable in most conditions, though visitors should wait for water in the arroyo to dissipate before attempting to cross. There ... Read more
Hot Springs LTVA, Holtville, CA
Hot Springs LTVA, Holtville, California While technically not free camping, Hot Springs LTVA offers “dirt cheap” boondocking in the California desert for the entire snow bird season. We’re talking $180.00 for 7 months (that’s roughly $0.85 per day). That’s good from September 15 through April 15. The rest of the year, it actually is free. However, it has the normal 14-day maximum stay. But, at this time of the year, the weather gets really hot, like up into the 100s. And you don’t have to spend all that time at this location. That price is good for all of the Long Term ... Read more
High North Campground, Grand Junction, CO
Rabbit Valley, High North Camping Area Rabbit Valley, Colorado is part of the greater McInnis Canyon National Conservation Area. Because it’s designated for use as an OHV (off-highway vehicle) area, you can expect to hear dirt bikes, quads, and side-by-sides running past your campsite all day long. Weekends are the heaviest times of the week, while weekdays tend to be quieter. High North Camping Area is located on the north side of I-70, accessed by Rabbit Valley Rd, the first (or last) exit along the freeway just a few miles from the Utah border. A dirt road turns left and runs ... Read more
Hayfield Rocks BLM
Hayfield Rocks, BLM Camping Note: Hayfield Road is hard packed gravel, though the access road into the campsite can get soft at times. We recommend 4WD vehicles only. How Crowded: Usually no one here during the week, but it does become occupied on the weekends with off-road enthusiasts. How Noisy or Peaceful: Mostly peaceful and serene during the week, but road noise from off-road enthusiasts is common on weekends. Cellular Phone Signal: AT&T comes in well, with Verizon and T-Mobile coming in average. Road Conditions: Gravel road, but soft in some places. 4WD vehicles only. Amenities Within Campground: No amenities. Cost of Camping: Completely free.
Gold Park Road
Gold Park Road, BLM Camping Note: Gold Park Road has areas of soft sand, and it’s easy to get stuck here. Only bring 4WD vehicles here. Also note, this area is located in a wash, avoid camping here when rain is in the forecast. How Crowded: Usually no one here due to being a lesser-known camping area. How Noisy or Peaceful: Mostly peaceful and serene here, though sometimes off-road riders will come through here. Cellular Phone Signal: Verizon, T-Mobile, comes in fairly well. AT&T is weaker, though still usable. Road Conditions: Gravel road, but soft in many places. 4WD vehicles only. Amenities Within Campground: No ... Read more
South Loop Trailhead, Sprague, WA
If you’re looking a place to camp with your RV for free, Fishtrap Recreation Area does NOT offer much. The few parking lots it offers are the only places to set up an RV or trailer. Although, if you want to pitch a tent, there are plenty of nice areas with great views. You just have to deal with the ticks.
