We are getting everything ready for our first trip to Wyoming for antelope hunt next weekend and was trying to make sure we have everything lined out. Anyone know where I could find camping guidlines/rules/regulations for camping on BLM land? Im sure this had been posted numerous times but Im having trouble finding anything. Thanks in advance!
BLM Camping?
- Thread starter outdoor-addict
- Start date
JimP
Administrator
You can pretty much camp anywhere on BLM land as long as it isn't posted. I believe that they restrict you to 200' off of a road but don't quote me on that one but it is close.
It isn't a regulation but try to stay 1/4 mile away from a water hole where livestock and wildlife might be watering.
It isn't a regulation but try to stay 1/4 mile away from a water hole where livestock and wildlife might be watering.
Here is a link to the BLM camping guidelines
https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/BLM%20Camping%20Guidelines.pdf
Here are the basic rules for an undeveloped camp site
- Whether in a developed campground or at a dispersed site, you may usually camp in an area for up to 14 days before having to move at least 25 miles from your original spot. You may not return to that area for 28 consecutive days.
- Choose sites that are already established.
- Camp at least 200 feet away from water sources.
- Use existing fire rings or camp stoves.
- Check current fire conditions.
- Dispose of human waste properly (away from water and in a 6? or deeper hole).
https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/BLM%20Camping%20Guidelines.pdf
Here are the basic rules for an undeveloped camp site
- Whether in a developed campground or at a dispersed site, you may usually camp in an area for up to 14 days before having to move at least 25 miles from your original spot. You may not return to that area for 28 consecutive days.
- Choose sites that are already established.
- Camp at least 200 feet away from water sources.
- Use existing fire rings or camp stoves.
- Check current fire conditions.
- Dispose of human waste properly (away from water and in a 6? or deeper hole).
wy-tex
Veteran member
BLM rarely if ever enforces those guidelines. Look for a spot that has been used before or leave no trace in your new spot. Try to stay close to an established road but do not block it.
We always try to leave our camping spot cleaner than we found it.
You will find spots on both BLM and FS lands that are close to or near a stream, no problems with camping there just take care of the waterway.
As long as you don't leave new or permanent tire tracks on the environment you should have no issues with authorities.
Enjoy your hunt!!
We always try to leave our camping spot cleaner than we found it.
You will find spots on both BLM and FS lands that are close to or near a stream, no problems with camping there just take care of the waterway.
As long as you don't leave new or permanent tire tracks on the environment you should have no issues with authorities.
Enjoy your hunt!!
I'm sure that the BLM publishes rules just so we can ignore them, besides, I'll bet that somebody on the forum will be happy to pay your fine if you get a ticket from the BLM after all it'll probably be no more than $250 plus a small fee for court costs for any single violation.
The BLM only has about 200 or so officers for the 250 million acres of public land so the situation is not that BLM doesn't enforce the rules, it's that there aren't very many enforcement officers in the BLM and it's rare that one will catch you if you violate the camping rules. I guess it all depends on how much integrity one has.
The BLM only has about 200 or so officers for the 250 million acres of public land so the situation is not that BLM doesn't enforce the rules, it's that there aren't very many enforcement officers in the BLM and it's rare that one will catch you if you violate the camping rules. I guess it all depends on how much integrity one has.
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
Usually the only time a BLM or Forest Service person shows up to check on things is when they get complaints. They are spread pretty this as mentioned, but if they get complaints about people breaking the rules, don't be surprised if they show up.
LCH
Very Active Member
If you're only coming in for a week or 2 and use common sense/ethics, it's really hard to break any of those rules. Just treat the land as if it were yours (it is) and you care about it (I hope you do) and you'll have no problems.
wy-tex
Veteran member
I never encouraged breaking the rules just saying, I have never seen a BLM truck in the field, in 29 years of hunting and camping on BLM.
That says to me we must be doing things right or they haven't had any complaints on us, or they do not have the manpower to check on camping.
You will find plenty of spots , some near streams so don't sweat it.
Like I said leave it cleaner than you found it, we pack out lots of others' trash every year. That speaks for my integrity.
That says to me we must be doing things right or they haven't had any complaints on us, or they do not have the manpower to check on camping.
You will find plenty of spots , some near streams so don't sweat it.
Like I said leave it cleaner than you found it, we pack out lots of others' trash every year. That speaks for my integrity.
ithunter
Member
wy-tex
Veteran member
Agreed ithunter. Sorry for my part. I had no intention of demeaning the BLM folks.
Their rules are set to help protect the environment.
Outdoor-addict if you see and spot that has been used you should be fine. If an area is closed due to resource damage they will have a sign posted. Most used spots will have a fire ring, ring of stones. We dig ours out then fill it in when leaving. Fire restrictions have been lifted in most all of Wyoming now.
We have personally camped with 1/4 mile of streams with no issues. Keep your trash out of the stream bed. Like I stated do not make new roads or tracks through the sage or flats. And yes bury your human waste.
There are literally spots to camp everywhere.
Watch the weather as a nice rain or snow could affect your plans to leave an area or get into it. Bentonite areas are as slick as the drilling mud it is used in.
Travel safe and have a great hunt.
Their rules are set to help protect the environment.
Outdoor-addict if you see and spot that has been used you should be fine. If an area is closed due to resource damage they will have a sign posted. Most used spots will have a fire ring, ring of stones. We dig ours out then fill it in when leaving. Fire restrictions have been lifted in most all of Wyoming now.
We have personally camped with 1/4 mile of streams with no issues. Keep your trash out of the stream bed. Like I stated do not make new roads or tracks through the sage or flats. And yes bury your human waste.
There are literally spots to camp everywhere.
Watch the weather as a nice rain or snow could affect your plans to leave an area or get into it. Bentonite areas are as slick as the drilling mud it is used in.
Travel safe and have a great hunt.