• Home
  • About
  • Campsites
  • Knowledge Base
  • Blog
  • Ask a Question
  • Home
  • About
  • Campsites
  • Knowledge Base
  • Blog
  • Ask a Question
home/Knowledge Base/Boondocking and Off-Road Vehicles/Can I Drive My RV Off-Road on BLM Land?
Popular Search:Solar Panels, Battery Banks, Joshua Tree

Can I Drive My RV Off-Road on BLM Land?

1591 views 5 August 18, 2019 Updated on July 5, 2020

driving rv off-road on blm landGenerally speaking, no. You are required to remain on established roads and vehicle trails, except when pulling into a clearing or previously used campsite. This is true on all BLM lands, including “open lands” and “developed recreation areas”.

However, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) does operate off-highway vehicle areas where you can drive an RV, or any other vehicle, and just go willy-nilly across the landscape.

Can I Drive My RV Off-Road on BLM Land?

Rules and regulations for BLM land generally do not permit vehicles of any kind to drive off of established roads and trails, with the exception of entering a campground or previously used campsite.

This rule is defined under BLM Rule § 8341.1 “Regulations governing use”…

(a) The operation of off-road vehicles is permitted on those areas and trails designated as open to off-road vehicle use.

(c) The operation of off-road vehicles is prohibited on those areas and trails closed to off-road vehicle use.

Click here to read full text of this rule.

If you find a campsite with no established road or trail leading to it, you are not allowed to drive over plants, shrubs, animal habitats, or other natural features, to get there. Instead, you will have to park your RV elsewhere, and hike your camping equipment in.

This is not just a BLM rule either. Most states do not allow vehicles to drive off of established roads and trails, with few exceptions.

It Depends on the Field Office

Each BLM field office sets its own policies for off-road vehicle use. Some field offices permit off-road use throughout its jurisdiction, and some field offices restrict use to certain areas. Most field offices, however, generally do not allow it anywhere. The exception, however, is with OHV areas.

Each field office can be visited in person to obtain road maps of where vehicles can be driven. You can also call a field office on the phone and they can explain their policies.

Click here for a directory of field offices

Is My RV Considered an Off-Road Vehicle?

Yes it is.

The BLM has a pretty broad definition of what constitutes an “off-road vehicle”. BLM Rule § 8340.0-5 “Definitions” says that an off-road vehicle is not just limited to vehicles designed for off-road use, but also “capable of” travel over land or other natural terrain.

As long as your RV is capable of leaving an established road or trail, and driving over plants and mouse burrows, you effectively have an off-road vehicle.

Click here to read the full text of this rule.

OHV Areas

The BLM has designated numerous areas specifically for OHV use. Here, you can drive a vehicle pretty much anywhere. However, some OHV areas have signs posted restricting you to established OHV trails.

All OHV areas offer some kind of RV camping, either on a dispersed basis, or have developed campgrounds.

Was this helpful?

5 Yes  No
Related Articles
  • Cherokee National Forest, Camping Rules
  • Can I Ride a Gas-Powered Mini Bike on BLM Land?
  • Is Nudity Permitted on BLM Land?
  • Is it Illegal to Camp On Private Property Without Getting Permission?
  • Can Canadians Purchase an LTVA Permit?
  • Can I Have a Firearm In My Camper While Traveling Through Different States?
Leave A Comment Cancel reply

Boondocking and Off-Road Vehicles
  • Can I Drive My RV Off-Road on BLM Land?
  • Do I Need Four-Wheel Drive for Boondocking?
  • Can I Drive Anywhere on BLM Land?
  • Can You Drive UTVs on Forest Service Roads
  • Can I Ride a Gas-Powered Mini Bike on BLM Land?
Popular Articles
  • Is it Illegal to Live in a Tent in Your Backyard?
  • What Do the Different Colors Mean on Google Maps?
  • Can I Run My RV Air Conditioner on Battery Power?
  • How Many Solar Panels Do I Need for Boondocking?
  • Camping on Arizona State Trust Lands
KB Categories
  • Getting Started With Boondocking
  • Costs
  • How to Find Boondocking Sites
  • Outfitting Your RV
  • Boondocking Safety
  • Boondocking Myths
  • Boondocking in National Forests
  • Boondocking in National Parks
  • Boondocking Etiquette
  • Boondocking Rules
  • Boondocking on BLM Land
  • Boondocking on National Wildlife Refuges
  • Boondocking on Bureau of Reclamation Lands
  • Boondocking and Off-Road Vehicles
  • Boondocking Water and Sewage
  • Overnight Parking
  • Boondocking Electrical
  • Boondocking Tips
  • Army Corps of Engineers
  • Idaho Department of Transportation
  • Where to Find Boondocking

boondocking trailers

boondockers bible logo

We answer your questions about Boondocking, Free Camping, and Overnight Parking using facts and actual experiences. Dispell the myths of boondocking and arm yourself with the laws and truths. Elevate your RVing and car-camping and become a boondocker!

Useful Help Links
  • Weekly Boondocking Series
  • About Us
  • Ask a Question
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • © 2019-2022 Too Much Tina. All Rights Reserved.

Popular Search:Solar Panels, Battery Banks, Joshua Tree