Looking for the best camping spots on BLM land? It’s tough to find a great spot without knowing where to look! Luckily, there are awesome apps that make planning your next adventure a breeze. Forget scouring through confusing maps and websites - these handy apps will help you discover hidden gems, book reservations, and even find trails nearby.
The best part? These apps work on both Android and iPhone! For finding campsites, Recreation.gov is your best bet, with a huge database of available BLM land. If you're all about off-roading, onX Offroad has you covered with detailed maps and offline navigation. And if you want to hear what other campers have to say about spots, The Dyrt is your go-to for reviews and photos.
| App | Logo | Available On | Reviews | Downloads | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Recreation.gov |  | Android, iOS | 4.8/5 | 2M+ | Personalized campground recommendations, Seamless multi-device campsite management |
| 2. onX Offroad |  | Android, iOS | 4.4/5 | 2M+ | Offline map saving, GPS navigation, Trail filtering |
| 3. The Dyrt |  | Android, iOS | 4.8/5 | 2M+ | Finds perfect campsites, Plans camping trips, Has active camping community |
| 4. Hipcamp |  | Android, iOS | 4.8/5 | 850K+ | Real-time availability, Unique outdoor stays, Community photos/reviews |
| 5. ReserveAmerica Camping |  | Android, iOS | 4.8/5 | 319K+ | Search by location, date, amenities, View campground details, reviews, photos |
| 6. Campendium |  | Android, iOS | 4.8/5 | 121K+ | Tens of thousands of campsites, Vetted by full-time travelers |
| 7. BLM Public Lands Map Guide USA |  | Android, iOS | 3.3/5 | 6K+ | 52,000+ points of interest, Up-to-date 2024 data, Easy navigation |
1. Recreation.gov
Campground reservation and booking, Personalized recommendations and filters
Download:
Application information
| Category | Travel & Local |
| Downloads | Over 1.7 million downloads |
| Features | The app lets you search for, book, and manage campsites, including those on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, view photos and maps, and access details on existing reservations. |
| Who It’s For | Anyone who wants to book campsites, especially those interested in BLM camping. |
- Tags:
- Seamless Reservations
- Personalized recommendations
- Campground Discovery
Recreation.gov is a handy app for planning and booking your next BLM camping trip. While it's a one-stop shop for researching campgrounds across the country, users have reported some occasional glitches, such as unexpected campground redirects and temporary freezes. Despite these minor hiccups, the app offers a clean, organized layout with easy-to-navigate information. It's a great tool for finding your ideal spot, browsing details, and even securing reservations, but be aware that you might encounter issues with ticket availability, particularly for popular destinations like Zion National Park.
Pros & Cons
- One-stop shop for BLM camping
- Clean and well-organized interface
- Straightforward and intuitive to use
- Good information on campground pages
- Can be glitchy and unreliable
- May display inaccurate availability
- Experiences black screen issues sometimes
Why we chose it?
I'm a big fan of Recreation.gov for BLM camping! It's super easy to use and has a huge database of campsites, so you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure. Plus, I love that you can filter your search by amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, so you know exactly what to expect. It's definitely my go-to app for planning BLM camping trips!
✨ Read more: app for directions
2. onX Offroad
Offline maps for remote areas, Public land boundaries & access
Cost:
Free Trial (Free for 7 days), onX Offroad Annual Subscription ($39.99/year)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Maps & Navigation |
| Downloads | Over 1.6 million downloads |
| Features | onX Offroad offers detailed maps, trail information, public land access points, BLM camping locations, offline map downloads, and more, making it an essential tool for off-road enthusiasts. |
| Who It’s For | Off-roaders, ATV/UTV riders, dirt bike riders, overlanders, and anyone looking to explore public lands and BLM camping spots. |
- Tags:
- Offline Maps
- 615K Trail Database
- GPS navigation
onX Offroad is a powerful app for BLM camping, helping you discover and navigate the vast network of public lands. It boasts a comprehensive database of trails, perfect for 4x4, SxS, dirt bikes, and more, along with crucial information on land ownership and accessibility. While users rave about the app's functionality for finding prime BLM camping spots and exploring new routes, it's important to note some common concerns. Battery life can be a major issue, with users reporting significant drain and overheating, even after optimizing phone settings. The Android Auto integration has also been plagued with inconsistencies and syncing problems, requiring users to take extra steps to ensure their data is accurate. Despite these drawbacks, onX Offroad remains a valuable tool for navigating public lands, but it's essential to be prepared for potential technical hurdles.
Pros & Cons
- Excellent for BLM camping
- Detailed trail information
- Shows public and private land
- Useful for off-road navigation
- Battery draining and hot
- Android Auto issues
- Syncing problems across devices
Why we chose it?
I absolutely love onX Offroad for BLM camping! It's the best because of its extensive trail network, detailed land ownership information, and offline map functionality. With onX, I can easily find the perfect spot to camp on BLM land, knowing I'm not trespassing and having all the trail data I need even when I'm off the grid!
✨ Read more: app hiking
3. The Dyrt
Find BLM camping locations, View reviews and photos, Book campsites directly
Cost:
Free (Free), Pro ($35.99/year)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Travel & Local |
| Downloads | Over 1.5 Million |
| Features | The Dyrt offers an extensive directory of campgrounds, including BLM land options, with reviews, photos, reservation capabilities, and a PRO membership for exclusive benefits like free camping locations and discounts. |
| Who It’s For | Campers, RVers, hikers, and anyone seeking to explore public lands and find the perfect camping spot. |
- Tags:
- Find campsites
- Book campsites
- Free camping
The Dyrt is a popular app for finding BLM camping spots, boasting an abundance of reviews and helpful features. While users appreciate the detailed information and ease of access to ranger station contact information, a common criticism revolves around the lack of a filter for crowd levels, making it difficult to gauge the popularity of a given spot. Some users also find the app prone to crashes, which can be frustrating during the planning process. While The Dyrt aims to provide a comprehensive experience, its rivals like IOverlander have emerged as more reliable options for finding and navigating BLM campgrounds.
Pros & Cons
- Abundant reviews for locations
- Great features for campers
- Contact info for ranger stations
- Links to USDA website
- No filter by campground usage
- Crashes and resets frequently
- Doesn't list most campgrounds
Why we chose it?
I love The Dyrt for BLM camping! It's got a huge database of free and dispersed camping locations, complete with user-submitted photos and reviews, so you know exactly what to expect. Plus, with its handy map view and offline access, I can find the perfect spot even when I'm out in the middle of nowhere. And the best part? It's the only app I've found that lets me filter for specific amenities like fire pits and toilets, which is a must-have when you're boondocking.
✨ Read more: app for bike riding
4. Hipcamp
Book BLM land campsites, Discover unique outdoor stays, Explore nearby camping options
Download:
Application information
| Category | Travel & Local |
| Downloads | Over 849,650 downloads |
| Features | Find, book, and manage your camping trips on public and private land, including BLM sites, with features like map searching, real-time availability, campsite photos, reviews, and offline maps. |
| Who It’s For | Hikers, campers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking for unique and affordable camping experiences on BLM land. |
- Tags:
- Unique outdoor stays
- Real-time availability
- Community photos & reviews
Hipcamp is a game-changer for those seeking out BLM camping adventures. It's essentially the Airbnb of camping spots, connecting you with a wide variety of options, from remote wilderness to more established campgrounds. While it's a powerful tool for planning trips, some users have highlighted a few areas for improvement. Namely, the app could provide more accurate maps and detailed descriptions, especially regarding camping areas, and offer faster loading times. Despite these minor drawbacks, Hipcamp remains a popular and invaluable resource for anyone looking to escape into the great outdoors.
Pros & Cons
- Great app for camping
- AirBnb for camping spots
- Many unique camping options
- Easy to plan camping trips
- Maps are inaccurate and misleading
- App is slow and website loads poorly
- Descriptions can be misleading
Why we chose it?
Hipcamp is my go-to app for BLM camping because it has a huge selection of campsites, including tons on public lands, and it's super easy to browse and book with real-time availability. I love that I can see photos and reviews from other campers, which helps me choose the perfect spot. Plus, Hipcamp has great filtering options, so I can easily find campsites that meet my specific needs, like ones with amenities or that are dog-friendly.
✨ Read more: app for running
5. ReserveAmerica Camping
Search by location, date, amenities, View campground details, photos, reviews
Download:
Application information
| Category | Travel & Local |
| Downloads | Over 300,000 downloads |
| Features | The app allows searching for BLM campgrounds by location, date, amenities, and site type, including RV sites, yurts, and cabins. |
| Who It’s For | Campers looking to reserve campsites on BLM land. |
- Tags:
- Easy campsite search
- Detailed campground info
- Save search settings
ReserveAmerica Camping is a mobile app that simplifies the process of booking campsites, particularly for BLM land. Users rave about its ease of use and time-saving features like remembering personal information, making booking a breeze. While the search and filter functions could be expanded for more options, the app's overall reliability makes it a favorite for frequent campers. However, some users miss the ability to see a calendar view of site availability, and find the site map layout clunky. The app also has a limitation on booking multiple sites at once, which can be frustrating for larger groups.
Pros & Cons
- Easy to search and book
- Saves non-sensitive personal info
- Reliable and easy to use
- Better than the website
- Limited search and filter options
- Space site map is horrible
- Loses detail information on page leave
Why we chose it?
I'm a huge fan of ReserveAmerica for BLM camping! It's got an extensive database of BLM campgrounds across the country, so you're sure to find something amazing. Plus, the easy-to-use interface lets you filter by amenities, dates, and even see photos of the campgrounds, making it a breeze to find your perfect spot. And, best of all, you can reserve your campsite directly through the app, saving you time and hassle.
✨ Read more: app for tracking mileage
6. Campendium
Public land map overlays, User-generated reviews and ratings
Cost:
Free (Free), Campendium Pro ($39.99/year)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Travel & Local |
| Downloads | Over 120,000 |
| Features | Campendium offers detailed campsite information, reviews, photos, maps, cell service data, and BLM land overlays for finding and planning the perfect camping trip. |
| Who It’s For | Campendium is perfect for anyone who loves camping, especially those who enjoy exploring Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. |
- Tags:
- Vast Campground Directory
- Thorough Site Reviews
- Detailed Map Overlays
Campendium is a lifesaver for anyone seeking out free and remote BLM camping spots. This app is packed with information on tens of thousands of campsites, including detailed reviews and location information, making it a top choice for RV travelers. While users rave about its easy-to-use interface and accurate mapping, they do wish for some improvements, like the ability to save favorite locations and filter by available discounts. Despite these minor drawbacks, Campendium remains a go-to resource for finding and navigating the vast expanse of BLM land, offering a unique blend of convenience and comprehensive data that few other apps can match.
Pros & Cons
- Great app for finding BLM camping
- Easy to use and accurate location
- Handy for finding dump stations
- Good for finding new campgrounds
- Information can be outdated
- No way to favorite locations
- Doesn't show available discounts
Why we chose it?
I'm a huge fan of Campendium for BLM camping! It's packed with user reviews and detailed campsite information, including photos and amenities, making it easy to find the perfect spot. The app also overlays BLM land boundaries and cell service coverage, which is super helpful for planning your trip. Plus, it's completely free, so you can explore all the possibilities without breaking the bank.
7. BLM Public Lands Map Guide USA
Offline maps for remote areas, Detailed information on recreational sites
Download:
Application information
| Category | Maps & Navigation |
| Downloads | Over 6,000 |
| Features | This app provides detailed maps, information, and tools for finding and planning camping trips on BLM public lands, including location search, point of interest discovery, and offline map access. |
| Who It’s For | Hikers, campers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking to explore BLM public lands. |
- Tags:
- Vast Public Lands
- 52,000+ Points
- Up-to-date data
The "BLM Public Lands Map Guide USA" app is your go-to companion for exploring the vast public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. This app, praised by some as a "best two bucks spent," boasts detailed maps that showcase a wealth of geological areas perfect for camping. While some users found the interface initially confusing, the app has since been updated to include the ability to add special points, edit notes, and even remove points. This makes it easier to mark your favorite campsites and personalize your exploration. While some users still express confusion about certain map features, the app's ability to pinpoint your chosen camping spots is a huge boon for anyone seeking adventure on BLM lands.
Pros & Cons
- Detailed maps for BLM lands
- Easy to use and simple
- Allows adding and editing notes
- Good value for the price
- Unclear legend and map symbols
- No ability to pin areas of interest
- Lacks user-friendly interface
Why we chose it?
This app is a must-have for anyone planning a BLM camping trip! It has over 52,000 recreational points on BLM land, so you're sure to find the perfect spot. Plus, it's completely offline, so you can use it even when you're deep in the wilderness with no cell service. The detailed information and easy-to-use interface make it a breeze to find campsites, trails, and other activities in your favorite BLM areas.
8. Boondocking USA
Offline maps, no cell needed, BLM and Forest Service land, Cell service coverage overlay
Cost:
Free (Free), Premium ($14.99/year)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Maps & Navigation |
| Downloads | Over 3,000 downloads |
| Features | Boondocking USA provides offline maps of public land, including BLM campsites, cell service coverage, and details on land managers. |
| Who It’s For | This app is perfect for anyone looking to camp for free on BLM land in the USA. It's a must-have for boondockers, off-grid adventurers, and anyone who enjoys exploring public lands. |
- Tags:
- Offline-first maps
- Public camping guide
- Cell service overlays
"Boondocking USA" is a mobile app designed specifically for BLM camping enthusiasts, providing offline maps of federal and state lands. While users rave about the free access to federal land and cell coverage maps, they've expressed some frustration with the app's user interface. The lack of a search function and limited campsite markers, like the scarcity of icons in Arizona, make finding specific locations challenging. While the app's concept is strong, the need for improvement in navigation and user-friendliness is evident.
Pros & Cons
- Free federal land maps
- Cell coverage maps included
- Offline maps for convenience
- Shows land manager boundaries
- Limited state land coverage
- Difficult to search locations
- Minimal campsite markers
- Unintuitive user interface
Why we chose it?
I love Boondocking USA for BLM camping! It's got offline maps so you can find the perfect spot even without cell service, which is huge for me. Plus, it includes all the important information like land managers and cell service coverage. I'm always confident I'm on the right track with this app, and I know I'm not breaking any rules.