Bureau of Land Management (BLM) campgrounds (there are 1,200 in 14 states) and dispersed sites (also known as boondocking or off-the-grid) may include facilities such as restrooms, potable water, electrical hookups, picnic areas, and group shelters. However, many sites lack these amenities and may offer only a picnic table and a fire ring.
Are the campgrounds free?
Most BLM campgrounds charge a fee to help maintain the facilities. Some campgrounds accept reservations through recreation.gov. BLM retains and expends 100% of collected recreation fees for maintenance, improvements, and visitor services at the sites or areas where fees are collected. Dispersed campsites are usually on a first-come, first-served basis.
Dispersed campsites
Dispersed campsites are located along most secondary roads and may not be marked. You can identify popular locations by the telltale signs of disturbed areas used as campsites. Unfortunately, not all sites are flat.
You can camp in BLM areas for 14 days before moving at least 25 miles to another spot. This is to minimize damage to sensitive areas due to prolonged human impact.
National Forests
National Forests can differ in dispersed camping rules, but a standard practice they all have is that you can camp everywhere besides developed campgrounds and
recreational areas.